Visual Prompt: Jelly Dancer

We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up. In the visual prompt below, the tentacles reminded me of a skirt swishing. And the way a jelly fish moves in the water is like that of a graceful (although dangerous) dancer.

Continue reading

This and That Poem (Winter)

One fall day I went walking with a friend on a nearby trail. We were talking about the beauty of nature in autumn, pointing out this and that as we went along. The thought of a poem in the form of “This and That” played on my mind. So, I went home and wrote this fall poem in simple rhyme. Winter begins in just four days, so I thought it would be fun to write a poem in the same style to celebrate the season. Happy winter!

Continue reading

Welcoming spring with a poem & new book!

In the United States, spring began March 21st but depending on where you live, the bulbs may still be sleeping beneath the ground. For me, spring begins the moment I see my neighbor’s apricot tree blooming white popcorn blossoms.

Continue reading

Poem Parade

Remember the “old days” when you wanted to enjoy poetry? You’d find it in a book. These days, we often turn to the screen for our pop of poetry. This got me thinking that poetry in modern times is like a parade. Poems of every subject and tone march across the screen for all to see. And we, as readers, writers, and lovers of poetry, can join in the parade whenever we want (no shoes required). Of course, for me, random thoughts like this often turn into a poem. Cotton candy, anyone?

Continue reading

This and That (FALL)

The other day, I went walking with a friend on a nearby trail, the colorful leaves crunching beneath our sneakers. We were talking about the beauty of fall, pointing out this and that as we went along. The thought of a poem in the form of “This and That” played on my mind. So, I went home and wrote this poem in simple rhyme.

Continue reading

Visual Prompt: refuge in the library

We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up. The visual prompt below reminded me that we have many friends at the library on the shelves and those characters will always welcome us and give us a place to go when when we need it most.

Continue reading

Visual Prompt: Pick a Number Between 1 and 9

Let play a poetry game! Pick a number between one and nine then slide the cover to reveal the visual prompt that you can use to write a poem this week. The numbers are in random order in the lower right hand corner of each photo. If the image loads with the slider open, quickly close it without peeking. My visual prompt and poem are below.

Continue reading

Visual Poetry Prompt: Naked (a winter poem)

When I saw this picture, it reminded me of growing up in Utah. Watching the Wasatch mountains turn a brilliant shade of autumn, leaving naked trees to be blanketed by snow. We always had the most beautiful snowstorms! I now live in Northern California’s wine country and although I’m a summer girl, sometimes I like to take a drive up to the Sierra mountains and say hello to that old friend, snow. (Photo, with thanks, by Tim Gouw),

Continue reading

Writing a List Poem: A List with a Twist

A list poem is just that, a list of items, ideas, or people. The list is usually placed in the middle of the poem, and most end with a surprise, ” a list with a twist”.  But can a list be poetic? Of course!

Continue reading