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Another Exciting Poetry Anthology Project, but Now We Need Your Ideas!

Blog Posted:6/8/2025 10:49:00 AM

Our community is about to embark on another exciting Poetry Anthology project in a few months. This is a project we undertake annually, with the aim of showcasing the talent and creativity of our Soupers (member poets). In the past, we relied on member submissions and the PoetrySoup Staff's selection process. However, this time, we are looking to our community for new ideas. What kind of anthology should we create? How should we determine its content? How should poems be selected for inclusion? We need your input. Post your thoughts below...

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Josehf
Murchison

Date: 6/11/2025 4:29:00 PM

I think the editing of the books could use some work, the way the poems were crammed into the last two feels stressed when you read them. And turning the page to read a poem that would fit on one page breaks up the reading, it get worse when a poem that would fit on two pages is spread across three pages.

Edward
Ibeh

Date: 6/11/2025 3:58:00 PM

Some ideas for anthology titles: A Book of Clerihews, In Celebration of Life: Poems, 250 Poems of Inspiration.

Vanya
Evangeline

Date: 6/11/2025 12:37:00 AM

I think having dedicated sections to celebrate uncommon poetic forms from different cultures might be interesting. Aside from the usual submissions, maybe we can have particular form quotas for something like, I don't know, 5 for each: fibonacci, blitz, jueju, shape, than-bauk, pantoum, sijo, kimo, terza rima, etc.

Bj
Legros Kelley

Date: 6/10/2025 11:49:00 PM

I think that even though not all have the same faith as in a religion, we can probably all agree on the golden rule, as well as what the Bible refers to as the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. Any one of these sweet fruits are an uplifting and wonderful quality that I'm sure we can all agree on. Kindness, love and peace are so needed in this world today as much as ever. A unified attempt in poetic expressions to that end would be a wonderful theme.

Ximena Frias
Date: 6/11/2025 10:05:00 AM

I agree. A faith or spiritual book will be a beautiful thing to read through in those moments one needs it most.

BINNAZ
YILDIZ

Date: 6/10/2025 1:51:00 PM

What is meant by poetry? Is it the wing movements of a butterfly as it sways in the sky? And is it the change in the world that follows? Or is it the melting of our eyes and hearts in front of an icon, or the potential for our dreams in the dark to come true? A poem can be written about anything from a flower to a baby. In fact, what I look for in poetry is the images and rhythm falling into the sea like a spiritual night. While the rhythm echoes in our ears, our hearts should shout for freedom and rebuild the world. As an editor in my own country, such poems interest me. The surrealists did this very well. I respect everyone's opinion, the definition of poetry varies from person to person.

Arlo Parker
Date: 6/10/2025 6:22:00 PM

Poetry emerges when a heart and soul cannot contain mindfulness expression of an individual's moment of discovery. A universe awaits revelation. Sometimes people write them down. :o)

Frances
Schiavina

Date: 6/10/2025 9:33:00 AM

A Laughter Anthology Lighthearted poetry on animals or insects. Fun Rhymes For Everyone.

Linda Alice
Fowler

Date: 6/10/2025 8:57:00 AM

Smaller volumes with larger print and better grade of paper, highlighting 1-2 poems per page. Better quality, larger market.

Charlotte
Puddifoot

Date: 6/10/2025 3:56:00 AM

probably best to have a panel selecting the poems, and also ensure not too many are crammed into one volume

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/10/2025 3:47:00 PM

I prefer the term “jury”. I’ve had some experience with that. FYI…totally bogus charges.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/10/2025 7:36:00 AM

A "qualified" panel

Suzette
Richards

Date: 6/9/2025 11:20:00 PM

Whatever the method of selection, I also prefer one poem per page.

Josehf Murchison
Date: 6/11/2025 4:44:00 PM

It makes the books feel crammed doesn't it, let alone turning the page to finish a poem.

Lorraine
Peterson

Date: 6/9/2025 2:51:00 PM

Halloween or Spooky would make a great Anthology

David
Walker

Date: 6/9/2025 12:00:00 PM

Make an Audio Visual section for those of us who like to create poetry that includes audio and or visual effects.

Marilyn
Williams

Date: 6/9/2025 9:40:00 AM

Take the Best 3 poems a post has submitted to the poetry soup page. Title it the Best from our Best Poets. Then make the book. And give royalties for the book to the poets.

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 4:36:00 PM

If our poems are to be chosen, and obviously they have to be selected, please, please, let it be by the poet. As stated below, my acknowledged 'best' is not my acknowledged best. Please. CayCay

Tom Woody
Date: 6/9/2025 2:24:00 PM

Forget the selection process, just send me my share of the royalties, please

Mickey Grubb
Date: 6/9/2025 2:08:00 PM

I second that emotion...

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 2:06:00 PM

I like the idea, but how do you determine which are the top 3. My top 3 most read poems are certainly not my top 3 best writes, and if you use the top the three from every member which is pushing 40,000 it would be a huge book, (120,000 poems?)

David Walker
Date: 6/9/2025 12:01:00 PM

Great Idea

Tom Woody
Date: 6/9/2025 9:48:00 AM

Amen!

Crystol
Woods

Date: 6/9/2025 9:28:00 AM

The fruit of the Spirit, a Spiritual anthology: Poems about love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness,faith, meekness, or self control. (Galations 5:22-23) I believe i can say with conviction that all poets have written about one of those topics, so it's not only for people of faith. Humanity in general experiences these Spiritual emotions(?), character qualities. Or, again, Unity seems a good theme. ;)

Tom Woody
Date: 6/11/2025 4:27:00 PM

Personally, it doesn't matter to me anyway. Hey, I've got some spiritual poems I'd be happy to contribute. I just think some might find it controversial

Crystol Woods
Date: 6/11/2025 7:52:00 AM

I understand what your saying but I didn't intend it to be from a religious stand point but from a human one. All of those qualities are human qualities... with many perspectives on each. But as I said, I hear you. :) <3 xo

Tom Woody
Date: 6/9/2025 1:19:00 PM

I have to agree with Cay on this one. Religion is touchy and this is an international community with diverse beliefs, or even none, a growing trend here. Religious and/or political views should probably stay on our personal pages

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 12:43:00 PM

I'm with you, many others would be, too, but this would send many into states of ego-upsets and frets. I wish you were right about most writers 'all wearing gray shoes at one time or another' - but I can say with surety that many don't and won't wear gray shoes, except from satirical, critical, caustic, antagonistic or lets-be-argumentative positions. (I just erased some really good, relative, but not helpful stuff.) Backing out, going to my harmony-corner ... CayCay

Chanda
Katonga

Date: 6/9/2025 9:27:00 AM

Thank you for this opportunity. I suggest the theme “Voices of the Unheard”—a collection that reflects the struggles, hopes, and truths of ordinary people around the world. Let poems be chosen based on depth, originality, and message. A blend of staff selection, anonymous panel review, and a few community votes could create a powerful, balanced anthology. Poetry should not just rhyme—it should awaken, heal, and challenge. — Chanda Katonga

Aly Bahr
Date: 6/10/2025 10:07:00 PM

I love this idea Chanda I hope this is what will be chosen.

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 2:01:00 PM

This would be a great idea, Chanda. Voices from around the world. It might be difficult to decide which poem would be included.

Emily
Krauss

Date: 6/9/2025 9:22:00 AM

So I have some ideas for different poetry anthologies. One idea is holidays - Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Saint Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving. Another idea is Nature - Oceans, Environment, Earth. You could also do a poetry anthology on meditation. Or do one on just oceans. World Oceans Day just happened recently. You could do an anthology to do with the theme Mother's Day. Another idea is doing an anthology on the theme Father's Day.

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 1:58:00 PM

All lovely ideas Emily.

Christine
Gallant

Date: 6/9/2025 8:40:00 AM

It would be nice to see different types of poems on emotions in different forms of poetry

Gerald
Dillenbeck

Date: 6/9/2025 7:23:00 AM

When I work with people in music/movement therapy, I ask them to choose songs that touch them emotionally, that have changed them in some way. Similarly, in music ministry selections for liturgy, I encourage liturgy planning teams to remember that there are thousands of possibilities, but only a few that singing them together will change us, open us to a deeper way of seeing, hearing, feeling something about ourselves, and/or about our world, our relationships, our good/bad faith about EarthTribe's future, about our journey together. So, putting all this together, I am drawn to poetry that, when I come to the end of the river, I realize I am not quite the same ripple in our stream.

David Walker
Date: 6/9/2025 12:01:00 PM

I second your idea

Hira
Fatima

Date: 6/9/2025 5:45:00 AM

As a poet, I find meaning in what many call “ordinary.” Even the smallest things carry a universe within — a mirror isn’t just glass, but a portal reflecting truth. Words aren’t just letters; they hold the power to create or destroy worlds. For this anthology, I’d love a theme that celebrates depth in simplicity — something like “The Hidden Universe,” “Between the Lines,” or “More Than Meets the Eye.” A collection that uncovers the extraordinary in the everyday. For selection, I believe it should focus not just on technique, but on emotional depth, originality, and perspective. Poems that make us pause, feel, and think — those truly belong in an anthology.

Arlo Parker
Date: 6/9/2025 3:49:00 PM

This insightful comment ascends to the importance of poet/poem as everyday life barometer. Love the possibilities. Thanks for offering this idea/concept. :o)

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 3:40:00 PM

I'm not a clown I'm a mime CayCay, that's why you can't hear what I'm saying. So this is how it is being in a blog....

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 1:01:00 PM

You beautifully expressed your feelings as a poet. I concur - EXCEPT -consider readers, who are they, poets who grasps all as you stated or a 'layperson' who needs/should be struck emotionally, mentally by simple topics, flowing lines of imagery so relatable they needn't furrow their brow and dig for meaning. I think some would-be poem readers need to walk before they'll want to 'run.' In my life, many who've asked to read my poems were clearly not willing to work for meanings and/or feelings. Some even avoid those reactions in life, but I digress. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Jerry T
Curtis

Date: 6/9/2025 5:38:00 AM

Less pop-ups pleases this is AI talking

Tom Woody
Date: 6/11/2025 4:28:00 PM

But you look so... so real.

CayCay
Jennings

Date: 6/9/2025 1:11:00 AM

My first thought after reading this hours ago (gmail), is still my favorite thought. I was off Soup the last time Soup published. Missing out was a bit of a bummer but I realized that going forward, it would be cool to have 3 major subjects, i.e., love, heartbreak, family, death, faith, nature, humor, etc. and to choose one of mine for each of them. I'm not sure I'd enjoy listening to the discussion about which three; maybe 'silent' votes could be submitted. CayCay

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 4:42:00 PM

Yes, James - Wouldn't that be one personality free, decisive silence? Sometimes 'discussions' on blogs are so noisy to me. CayCay

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 1:56:00 PM

Like the idea of a silent vote, CayCay.

Ricky Muse
Date: 6/9/2025 11:51:00 AM

Amen. Love, heartbreak, family, death, faith, nature, humor, etc. would bring forth that emotional, human connection we all need.

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 8:19:00 AM

I'm afraid of clowns. Earlier today I commented on a poem with a female Chucky icon - couldn't look around. Has soup become an un-home to wimps like me? But, Mr. Clown Curtis, I thank you despite the clown thing and the signing off as a freaky AI-thing above. I gotta go and take my issues w/ me; this isn't on anyone but me. Behave ... CayCay

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:35:00 AM

I like your categories CayCay. These are subjects that A I knows nothing about.

Brian
Strand

Date: 6/9/2025 12:44:00 AM

Where PS is at ...so a 2025 posted poem...at least one from every form (on your 2025 new poems listing) with at least one from every country /state/ on that new poems list) to show the worldwide range of creativity represented here everyday.You Mark choose from a listing submission from a listing' of 'paidup member' submission.As Gary suggests have a 'cheap' kindle down load option (in additon to paper version)& create such a file available for 'lifetimers' to access on PS itself

Gary
Radice

Date: 6/9/2025 12:23:00 AM

I'm going a little off track here but I'd like to see Poetry Soup allow poets to publish their own E- mini anthologies of their own poems here on this platform and have a separate library section where they can be read by all. Each anthology could have its own front page design with title, author etc and consist of..dunno..maybe max 10 poems. Perhaps an upcharge for the privilege of publishing each anthology to offset PS costs ?? It would save on paper and would tick the 'no theme or person is excluded here' box. Cheers - Gary

Tom Woody
Date: 6/9/2025 7:28:00 AM

Nice idea but I suspect it would take a lot of programming

Gary Radice
Date: 6/9/2025 6:44:00 AM

We have Tom but our own pages are a bit limited in scope.. Most readers to our pages tend only to read our latest poem. I envisaged the e-anthology to give more context to our work perhaps arranging our own poems under one theme for example or showcasing our favourite poems. 6 - 10 poems. 1 poem per page. Each page linked to the next or previous. It's just an idea to compliment not substitute whats there already. Cheers - Gary

Tom Woody
Date: 6/9/2025 5:56:00 AM

In a sense, by having our own personal page we've already got anthologies. Think about it

Ricky
Muse

Date: 6/8/2025 11:33:00 PM

I would like the focus to be on love. All kinds. Self love, love of nature, love of another, a child, heartache.

Ricky Muse
Date: 6/9/2025 11:30:00 AM

Thank you my friends. My poets. The world can never get too much of this topic.

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 4:50:00 AM

You have my vote! Since all of us a familiar with the disease, it would be great to have another book focused on the cure.

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 1:11:00 AM

I could get behind that. CayCay

Christopher
Delegans

Date: 6/8/2025 11:12:00 PM

Something around the trials and tribulations of life in general would really open it up to a lot of poets. A consideration for abstract wording is always nice since some like to cloak stories and messages within the art of words.

Amitabh
Divakar

Date: 6/8/2025 8:47:00 PM

Seems like AI has dented the confidence of poets…and publishers too.

Niya
Mahale

Date: 6/8/2025 8:34:00 PM

Emoticons- each day should be given an emoji Poems can be composed based on the emotions representing emoji. These poems could range from free verse to limericks to a specific rhyming scheme Alternatively poems could be composed on a film or literary character representing that emotion As poetry is the science of emoting through words.

Arlo
Parker

Date: 6/8/2025 7:11:00 PM

Every PS Poet should be able to recommend three poems from their peers that they find to be absolutely essential for inclusion as pieces of quality, creativity, character, and delight. No one votes for themselves. Peers develop the Anthology sans prejudice or need for personal "judging". An oversight Board decides which of these submitted pieces deserves publication without initial consideration for the names of the "offered" Poets. $.02.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/10/2025 6:53:00 PM

Hey I like altruism. Heck, I'm the most altruistic guy I know. Fosho

Charlotte Puddifoot
Date: 6/10/2025 4:00:00 AM

altruistic idea sooo you :)

Arlo Parker
Date: 6/9/2025 9:27:00 PM

Emphasis: peers put forward three individual poems from three different poets. Out of all the millions of poems potentially in the pool, surely everyone can pick three pieces that moved them "in some direction". All roads lead to anonymity and poesy "value". CCJ, have you three poems from someone else that impacted you?? However you define that?? Rhetorical. $.02 spent.

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 5:19:00 PM

NO, not for me, my poems are mine. Only I'm honest about their quality. I have seen some of my best writes being dissed for many factors OTHER than quality. I've also seen 'crapola' I wrote for some contest or other, receive praise. I know that often, many select favs based on who wrote it, and other personal factors. I know contest winners are often based on sponsor's perspectives which are influenced by all things A-Z. If I'm going to live my life not profiting from my beloved craft, I will choose which 'babies' I don't get paid for and die knowing the zilch I made was for creations I'm GLAD to have loose in the world. This is Ms. Upbeat Gentle-One asserting herself, again, on this blog.

Arlo Parker
Date: 6/9/2025 3:30:00 PM

Anonymity is key, 2 b sure. Recommend the poem, not the poet.

Chetta Achara
Date: 6/9/2025 10:12:00 AM

A nice idea, but I'm afraid it would become a popularity contest.

Crystol Woods
Date: 6/9/2025 9:11:00 AM

I like it

Rena
Ong

Date: 6/8/2025 4:42:00 PM

I would like to know who are the judges and their poetic background. Poems using different poetic forms, and not just free forms and haiku, or white space ! that show the seriousness of the poets and their craft( even in whimsical writing) and of the anthology itself . Does it go on Amazon or similar? Would love a hard copy. Too many nature themed poems out there, tho i love writing them. No politics , we need an escape. Life lessons? The joys, mistakes , aging, hopes and fears or is that too cathartic?

Anthony
Blake

Date: 6/8/2025 4:35:00 PM

What Poetry looks like. Highlighting the poet and how emotions and instances turn into poetry

Diane
Perna

Date: 6/8/2025 4:05:00 PM

Poems that celebrates the individual self and its connection to the natural world. Capturing the relationship to the natural world and humanity. Like a condensed updated version of Song of Myself by Walt Whitman. Just a thought.

Amy Michelle
Mosier

Date: 6/8/2025 3:07:00 PM

Four Seasons .... I have so many spring time poems myself that I would love to put out there more often but nowhere to place them. Such a book could be enjoyed throughout the year. If you want to read winter poems in front of a fireplace, you could or if it was spring and you have a nice window to sit next to then enjoy the spring poems .....

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 6/8/2025 3:42:00 PM

Nice idea

Amy Michelle Mosier
Date: 6/8/2025 3:19:00 PM

.... And please include a credit for the artist this time. Did not see one in the last anthology.

Jesse
Mcdonald

Date: 6/8/2025 3:02:00 PM

Writing is all about saying what is in your heart and soul. How about having people submit poems to show who they are inside, if it's sad, happy, in love, mad. and as for judging the soup staff should still pick because i think if we picked we might fight of who gets in and who doesn't.

Daniella
Carter-wells

Date: 6/8/2025 3:01:00 PM

1. Themed Anthology: A specific theme, like love, nature, health or social justice. 2. Diverse Voices Anthology: Showcase poetry from diverse backgrounds, cultures/identities. Determining Content 1. Open Submissions: Allow poets to submit their work 2. Community Input: Engage poetry community social media/ events to get feedback/ideas. Selecting Poems Online 1. Submission Portal: Create a portal for poets to submit their work amd socal media 2. Online Community: Engage with online poetry communities to reach a wider audience Poem Selection Criteria 1. Quality: & relevant:Look for poems with strong imagery, language, and relevance 2. Diversity: A range of voices, styles.+perspectives

Aram
Sarian

Date: 6/8/2025 2:50:00 PM

How about taking it back to the old school, let's make it interesting. I'm thinking Shakesperean Poetry, like something that's out of the traditional way of writing and have it more High Minded, like instead of you writing the poem switch gears and write from the Greater You. As for judging I'd say a simple panel of judges on your end should work

Ray
Zottola

Date: 6/8/2025 2:23:00 PM

Poems of 50 words or less. A section on poetry as music or in music.

Rena Ong
Date: 6/8/2025 4:45:00 PM

Ekphrastic poems ? Inclusive of music as well as art?

Constance
La France

Date: 6/8/2025 2:18:00 PM

I like to write about nature and animals, especially birds. I write serious poems about emotions, life, love, coping, experiences and even about death, so these are the types of poems that would appeal to me, not a book of happy poems, for me that would be b o r i n g .... Constance

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 1:53:00 PM

Deep, Dark an Beautiful!!!

Amy Michelle Mosier
Date: 6/8/2025 3:15:00 PM

An anthology of poems concerning death would appeal to me too. But I may be biased as a Dickinson fan?

Rukhsana
Afridi

Date: 6/8/2025 12:40:00 PM

There are a large amount of people looking for ways to calm their troubled souls and guide them to a more spiritual sound place. Whether it be mentally, emotionally, or physically this is an important issue that always has plagued us as a society. Therefore, I think the new Anthology should focus more on making people feel happy about themselves, even by using humor and uplifting the reader spiritually. These poems should be source of inspiration and a pivotal way to combat loneliness in today’s technological AI age. Poems that are written by real poets and poetesses and not AI will always be a living, breathing, source of expressive writings that can never be silenced or erased.

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:09:00 AM

There's a lot of fear about A I. Does anyone who creates really believe that a computer program is serious composition, I read some, and found them cold and with the necessity of the heartfelt human experience to instill meaning to the reader. A I will NEVER be able to appreciate reading a poem and therefore write one. So, in essence I agree with you and Tom.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 1:21:00 PM

Dang that was good!

Fritz
Purdum

Date: 6/8/2025 12:26:00 PM

Pets, dogs and so forth, friendship, lost love, break ups... happy with whatever is decided, enjoy entering.

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:11:00 AM

I agree with Rena, thinner books, even if it means I don't make it in....

Rena Ong
Date: 6/8/2025 4:49:00 PM

Yes life lessons and happenings i. Our human condition. Not all happy clappy, but not misery for misery sake. Just real Life situations we all go through.might avoid AI this way. Judge us harshly:) . We need quality poems. Thinner book.

Rick
Parise

Date: 6/8/2025 12:23:00 PM

A Positive Message For The World ANTHOLOGY

David
Crandall

Date: 6/8/2025 12:06:00 PM

Humor?

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 5:26:00 PM

Mr. Mime, come to my pages when you're ready to laugh, I have humor. You used to have a different 'face', didn't you? Years ago, before I left in 2022? Sorry, all, my bad, I'm off script and outta here. Good night, Seattle ... CayCay

Mickey Grubb
Date: 6/9/2025 2:03:00 PM

Sure. Why not!!

Chetta Achara
Date: 6/9/2025 10:15:00 AM

Some poets (me) rarely (for Limmerick contests) write humorous poems. So....

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:21:00 AM

Humor is almost dead in this world today. It seems like society is so uptight it can't laugh at itself anymore without suffering verbal abuse.TV and movies....murder, murder...murder...and more murder, and totally void of humor. What's up with that!! I like your suggestion Dave, it may be a solution.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 5:11:00 PM

Don't I know it!

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 4:19:00 PM

I submit all poets whose names begin with T get a wildcard entry and a Get Out of Jail Free Card. They come in handy around here sometimes.

G. Jay
Date: 6/8/2025 3:10:00 PM

upvote

Ray Zottola
Date: 6/8/2025 2:24:00 PM

Like!

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 1:21:00 PM

I'm on it David!

Crystol
Woods

Date: 6/8/2025 11:46:00 AM

This is so exciting! Thank you for asking the community for input. I cast my vote in as well in regards to AI poetry either being excluded or at least identified as such. As far as themes?... How about UNITY? PS has members from all over the world! We are an eclectic group of poets but we have so many commonalities to highlight. Poetry is about sharing your experiences to reach out a hand to humanity and bridge a gap of misunderstandings, differences, and conflict with empathy and love.

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 5:37:00 PM

Glitch alert! Tommy, this comment must have jumped. I’m sure it was meant for me.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 1:22:00 PM

So glad you're here...

Crystol Woods
Date: 6/8/2025 11:53:00 AM

Oh! And i agree with my fellow members that highlighting forms would be interesting!

Crystol Woods
Date: 6/8/2025 11:46:00 AM

When you read a poem and think, " yes! I know how this feels!" It unifies people all over the world. Sub themes or headings could be... "women unite", "brotherhood", " neighbors connect", "unity in nature", etc. Whatever you decide, I'm sure we will all look forward to the final product! Best of luck!~~ Crystol Woods xo

Jan
Allison

Date: 6/8/2025 11:34:00 AM

I was hoping that you would provide a section on our own poetry page so we can advertise our OWN poetry books and not have soup anthologies dominate my page - it is misleading as it looks like I had submitted to your book because it shows on my page. When i messaged about this you said it was a good idea and you would work on it after the last anthology was published. As a lifetime member I would prefer to advertise my own books rather than your anthology which I have not submitted to.

Jan Allison
Date: 6/9/2025 7:09:00 AM

Even if it was about poop I wouldn't be submitting to this or any other anthology Jerry lol:-)

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:26:00 AM

Oh Jan, I am so relieved, I thought you were going to suggest the new book be about poop. But since it's not I agree with you. LOL

James
Fraser

Date: 6/8/2025 11:33:00 AM

I know I'm not here, well, hardly at all, but for me. I'd like to see a Dark & Fantasy anthology, even one for Dark, and one for Fantasy, even possibly Sci-Fi. I also like Charlene Gibson-Hernes thoughts about an open anthology. We're all part of the Soup to an extent, and lifetime and premium members keep the till chinging, so how about one for the paying members, and one to attract future contributors monetary wise. Either way, I'll always be purchasing the Soup Anthologies, and hopefully in the near future I hope to be amidst this terrififc site, James :) x

CayCay Jennings
Date: 6/9/2025 5:28:00 PM

You are here now, but maybe 'new'? Welcome to the blog party and to Soup, may you be Soup-fulfilled, sincerely. I'll come read you soon. CayCay

Suzette
Richards

Date: 6/8/2025 11:29:00 AM

I agree with the suggestion made below that TPS should differentiate between human and AI generated poetry - how this will be achieved might pose a problem though as PS don't support a tool whereby poets can choose categories for themselves, eg on the submissions page. Maybe you might have a section in the new anthology highlighting the creativity of the poets as many (not only me) have, over the years, come up with some very innovative poetic forms. An independent panel of judges are as effective as the experienced poets on here (some with more years to their credit than the new poets at large). Maybe getting an editor from a reputable publication house on the panel, might do the trick.

Suzette Richards
Date: 6/8/2025 7:22:00 PM

Reading some of the comments above, set me thinking: Instead of the past categories, you might consider dividing the poems up into categories: Each honouring a period in the history of poetry, eg, Romanticism, Modernism (Imagism is a subset), Postmodern, Meta-modrrn, etc.

Rob
Carmack

Date: 6/8/2025 11:24:00 AM

Start including a featured form or two per year. This would be a special section in the anthology. Another suggestion, a featured poet/poetess. This would be a paid member who has been with and active in the site for years. This feature would have a bio and maybe a pic.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 11:46:00 AM

I choose you. I mean me. Wait....so confused

Melani
Udaeta

Date: 6/8/2025 11:22:00 AM

First and most importantly? NO A.I poetry!!! Period. It’s not poetry at all. Also, maybe showcase some poetry that is form driven? I also enjoy nature themes as well. I have enjoyed things thus far. I’d say keep going. :)

Charlene
Gibson-Hernes

Date: 6/8/2025 11:14:00 AM

I think that all members whether they have paid for the lifetime membership or not should be included.

James Inman
Date: 6/9/2025 1:50:00 PM

I agree, Charlene!!

Tom
Woody

Date: 6/8/2025 10:57:00 AM

Ooh ooh pick me! How about a two section book. First section - real, bonafide human poetry. Second section - AIAIO poetry. Just to be fair. Seriously though, the anthologies you've done so far are okay if your only market is PS members. If you want to create an anthology that goes beyond that, have some well respected poetry experts decide which poems should be included... and which shouldn't

Jerry T Curtis
Date: 6/9/2025 5:30:00 AM

gotta point !!!

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 5:47:00 PM

Another dreamboat!

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 5:40:00 PM

Not as dreamy as David Cassidy. He was the berries!

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 5:32:00 PM

He was dreamy!

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 5:16:00 PM

I say judges should be old enough to remember when Bobby Sherman was on all the teenage gals bedroom walls

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 5:01:00 PM

Rena, how old? How about Samuel?

Rena Ong
Date: 6/8/2025 4:54:00 PM

Named Judges with a background in winning prizes , or being well published in serious poetic platforms over the years. Some older judges please in the mix. So much is youth centred. We all Have a voice

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 4:01:00 PM

You can find me at Cake Eaters Anonymous. Three more visits and I get a golden spatula.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 3:40:00 PM

Experts who demand bribes as compensation are out Keefer. That having been said, I have a pound cake I'm not really too invested in. Address? Oh, it will come c.o.d of course

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 6/8/2025 3:36:00 PM

I accept. I’ll be firm but fair. Money orders, cash, American Express, crypto, even a walnut cake on my doorstep is no guarantee you’ll be selected but you should know I do like cake!

Tom Woody
Date: 6/8/2025 11:43:00 AM

That's one...

Rob Carmack
Date: 6/8/2025 11:27:00 AM

Tommy, you have my vote for the first featured poet (mic drop).

My Past Blog Posts


Another Exciting Poetry Anthology Project, but Now We Need Your Ideas! Date Posted: 6/8/2025 10:49:00 AM
The New PoetrySoup Anthology is HERE!!! Date Posted: 11/24/2024 2:37:00 PM
Anthology Selection Process Update! Date Posted: 11/15/2024 7:04:00 AM
AI Poems and PoetrySoup. What are Your Thoughts on How Our Community Should Approach AI Poems? Date Posted: 10/9/2024 12:57:00 PM
AI Generated Poem Detection Date Posted: 10/2/2024 9:28:00 AM
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My Recent Poems

Date Posted	PoemTitle	Form	Categories
1/6/2025	Herbbhusn	Abecedarian	age,
1/28/2024	test	Free verse	america,
12/16/2020	Email Envy	Free verse	anger,angst,
10/21/2020	A Good Haiku	Haiku	funny,
7/21/2020	Fgadfgads	Chant Royal	aubade,
5/21/2020	Qweeebler Quip Num - a Vogon Poem	Vogon Poetry	science fiction,
11/13/2019	Nshdudu	Ballade	10th grade,
8/26/2019	Fjfkfmq	Carpe Diem	angst,
6/18/2019	Test	Chant Royal	absence,
4/14/2019	Fgadfgbbb!?	Cinquain	blue,boxing day ,
4/24/2018	School	Free verse	2nd grade,3rd grade,4th g
4/2/2018	Chunari	Free verse	red,
1/10/2018	Vogon Love	Vogon Poetry	i love you,love,
3/6/2017	Trumpty Dumpty	Rhyme	funny,political,
1/22/2016	Gfadga Grup	Haibun	art,
5/22/2015	Soup's Test	Blank verse	lost,
10/23/2014	Spicy Spicy	Dramatic Verse	food,

My Photos

Fav Poems

PoemTitle	Form	Categories
Hard Hat Heroes	Ballad	people,song-daughter,fire
A Weakness Among Us	Senryu	life,
The Enmity	Light Verse	feelings,history,identity
Workshop Poem Life With Its Obstacles	Alliteration	inspiration,inspirational
- Valentine Jewel -	Couplet	beautiful,boyfriend,girlf
Cupid Had An Arrow	Rhyme	beautiful,happiness,imagi
Comes, Spring	Diminished Hexaverse	appreciation,fun,imagery,
Fair Game	Political Verse	america,anger,betrayal,bi

Fav Poets

Poet	Country
Carol Sunshine Brown	United States	Read
Marycile Beer	United States	Read
Andrea Dietrich	United States	Read
Debbie Guzzi	United States	Read
Carolyn Devonshire	United States	Read
Demetrios Trifiatis	Greece	Read
Darren White	Netherlands	Read
Etienne Lariviere	France	Read
Davin Payne	United States	Read
Team Poetrysoup	United States	Read