Author: Danna Smith

🥾Exploring Big Trees: Poetry from the Trail

| Danna Smith

My husband and I recently hiked around Arnold, CA, and Big Trees State Park. Instead of keeping a standard journal, I like to document my travels through poetry—much like the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho (1644–1694) did on his own journeys.

In his book, Narrow Road to the Interior, Basho combined travel notes, sketches, and poems. On one stop, a fellow poet gifted him straw sandals with iris-blue straps. Rather than writing a plain note about it (my friend gave me a pair of sandals), Basho captured the moment with this verse:

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Challenge Yourself: Write Your Own Word Play Poem

| Danna Smith

Word Wandering is a playful type of poetry inspired by Nikki Grimes. I’ve written a few of these poems, and they’re always fun! This might be my favorite style right now. My previous poems covered words like waves and rocks, and today I’m writing about the word “Bug.” Join me for some fun wordplay. If this poem inspires you, maybe you’ll challenge yourself (or me) to write one too.

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Guarding Inner Peace Amidst Anger

| Danna Smith

Periodically, on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level and giving you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.

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How to Write a Diamante Poem: A Step-by-Step Guide

| Danna Smith

Are you familiar with the Diamante poem? This poem is shaped like a “diamond” and illustrates the transition from one idea to its opposite in just seven lines. Writers can explore different themes and feelings, gaining insight into both sides of the spectrum. Its simplicity and charm make the Diamante poem a fun choice for poets of all levels.

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Create Hilarious Limericks: Tips and Worksheet

| Danna Smith

Limericks are the funny family member of poetic forms, known for their humorous and whimsical nature. They use a bouncy rhythm called anapestic meter that sounds like a galloping horse: da-da-DUM, da-da-DUM, making them fun to read aloud. Check out this downloadable worksheet I created complete with a brainstorming map to help you write your own funny limericks. Enjoy!

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Crafting Mask (Persona) Poems: A Step-by-Step Approach

| Danna Smith

Writing a mask poem (also called a persona poem) is like stepping into a literary disguise. Instead of expressing your own thoughts, you adopt the voice of someone or something else.

Have you ever considered what your coffee maker thinks of your morning routine, or how an ancient oak tree feels through the seasons? A mask poem allows you to explore and convey these unique perspectives.

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Mom-ories: A Poetic Tribute for Mother’s Day

| Danna Smith

Wishing a truly wonderful Mother’s Day to all the incredible women out there—whether you’re a mom, a grandma, an auntie, or a mother figure to someone lucky. Today is all about celebrating the heart and soul you pour into everything you do!

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A Complete Guide to Writing Skinny Poems (with Template)

| Danna Smith

Ever felt like your poems are a little too wordy or “bulky”? If you haven’t tried writing a Skinny Poem yet, you are honestly missing out on some serious fun!

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Zen Pop: The Earth We Borrow— Reflecting on Grief and Birthdays This Spring

| Danna Smith

“We walk the earth for the time we’re given, then we return to it.”

I’ve been sitting with these words from the movie “The Way Home” for a few weeks now. As the frost finally thaws and the first green shoots start poking through the dirt, the timing feels intentional. This spring marks the birthdays of my mom and dads, and as I have for the past few years, I am struggling with these dates without them here to blow out the candles.

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