Finding Poetry in The Quiet Moments

| Danna Smith

A lot of times we think of poetry as something that requires a big event like a heartbreak or a revolution, but lately I’ve been finding that the most honest verses are hidden in the mundane. There is a certain kind of silence that exists just before a poem begins. It isn’t the absence of sound, but rather the gathering of it— the steam rising from a morning cup of tea, the weight of my granddaughter’s hand in mine, or how the light catches a stray thread on the rug.

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Capturing Love in a Photograph: A Nostalgic Senryu Moment

| Danna Smith

When my children were small, they made a rubber band ball. For years they gathered rubber bands from newspapers, the mail, and anywhere else they could find them, each one wrapped with such care into the growing ball. As they grew, so too did their project.

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Rhyme Hamster: A Smart, Free Rhyming Dictionary for Creatives

| Danna Smith

If you are a poet, songwriter, or just someone who loves the gymnastics of language, finding the right rhyme can feel like foraging through a maze. Enter Rhyme Hamster, your new favorite creative sidekick!

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🥾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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