Published in The POM·Pinned18 Poems Every Poet and Writer Should ReadEighteen Poets Who Have Influenced My Writing — From the thousands of poems and almost 200 books of poetry that I have read in the last fifty years, here are 18 poets I recommend that every creative person read. (I have provided a link that will take you to each poem mentioned.) All of these poets did most…Poetry8 min read
Published in ILLUMINATION·PinnedThe Anatomy of A PoetInsights into How My Writing Has Evolved — Haiku In the early years of my writing career, I focused solely on writing, reading and rewriting haiku. During a seven year period, I published over 125 haiku in more than 25 magazines including Modern Haiku, Dragonfly, and Cicada. …Poetry8 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·4 days agoSupper TimeA Story-PoemWork1 min readPhoto by Peter Hall on UnsplashSupper Time----
Published in The Torchbearer·Jun 5Hour of My BirthA Poem With Commentary — I eat peanuts and pray that I will find a way through the weeds and rubble. God nibbles on a tuna sandwich and laughs at my silly jokes. I do not want to fail Him in His time of great need. His memory is full of holes and His heart may give up. I sip water and remember the hour of my birth…Memories3 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·May 21BooksA Story-Poem with Commentary — My mother told me on multiple occasions that I shouldn’t hide in books. She said that books would be the ruin of me. I scoffed at her words and ignored her warnings. Books are my carriage into unknown worlds where I can become someone other than the person who I am, a seamstress for the rich. I have been a lover of kings and a…Books3 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·Apr 25A Thousand WorldsA Spiritual Poem with Commentary — God gave me a coat of rainbow colors to wear on my many travels through the lands of a thousand worlds. I thanked Him for His kindness and kissed Him on His cheek. He told me not to forget to share His name with the many creatures that I would meet. I asked for His blessing and disappeared into the darkness…Universe2 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·Apr 18Brother AlA Story Poem With Commentary — He was a little bit of a thing— knee-high to a grasshopper as pa used to say. But his hair was the funnier sight— white as the coverings women wear in church. Been that way since birth. He didn’t seem to mind it, though, until he met Ruthy Shonkwiler. She…Storytelling5 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·Apr 10Face To FaceA Poem With Commentary — I stand naked before God and His minions. Sometimes dreams are gifts that prepare us for our future. I have been here before, eye to eye, face to face with the Almighty. I have tasted His wrath on my lips and His desire in my heart. …Justice3 min read
Published in The Torchbearer·Apr 3Next MoveA Poem With Commentary — I hide my fear in a cup of coffee, taking sips now and then, hoping to avoid the anger in your eyes. You don’t approve of my silence or lack of words. The more you push, the more I withdraw. I nibble on a doughnut and wait your next move. Commentary …Relationships4 min read