Home » Poems & Poetry » Blogs » Why Do I Write Poetry?

Why Do I Write Poetry? - Carole Duet's Blog

About Carole Duet

(Show Details...)

Home
Past Blogs
Poems
Photos
Fav Poems
Fav Poets

Why Do I Write Poetry?

Blog Posted:9/4/2017 5:41:00 PM

Why Do I Write Poetry?

First of all, I think writing should be fun or at least done from inspiration, not a chore. In addition, I write not only for myself but for the reader and let’s face it: ‘most’ people do not read poetry. Many people will even come right out and say, “I don’t like poetry”. Why? Well, to put it simply: because they don’t enjoy it. Now why don’t they enjoy it? That’s the question.

In my opinion, the reason many people don’t enjoy reading poetry is because most of them just don’t understand it and/or reading it is difficult. So, why is it so difficult to read for the average Joe? For one thing, I think it’s because many poets don’t even use punctuation which, let’s face it: punctuation makes it easier to read. That’s why it was ‘invented’. Right? So why not use it? Therefore, if our readers are not all other poets who can usually understand our poetry whether it is punctuated or not, then okay, but do you really want your poetry to be read and understood and liked by only other poets? Or, do you want anyone who may read it to understand and enjoy it? I, personally, want anyone and everyone to enjoy and understand what I write. If they don’t, then why write it? Sure, I write for myself but I write for ‘them’ too because I ‘want’ people to understand and enjoy or at least relate or learn from what I write. To me, that’s the whole point of writing. Otherwise, it’s just an exercise in flexing those ‘ego muscles’.

And, another thing: I like to use words that people understand. I’m not saying that the use of many varied and colorful words is not appropriate. I’m just saying I, personally, like to KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid!). But, that’s me. Everyone to their own cup of tea. But, again, you know and I know that if you want the average person to like your work/poetry then you have to admit that using language that people can easily understand promotes your poetry.

Perhaps it is because I taught reading and English and worked with children and even some adults for so long that I am so focused on how my poetry appeals and can be read by literally anyone, even people for whom English is a second language.

Well, that’s it. Your comments are welcome…if you dare! Just kidding. I meant to say: if you WISH. Thanks for reading.

Post Comments

Please Login to post a comment

Darren
White

Date: 9/6/2017 9:10:00 AM

You already brought up the subject of punctuation on another occasion :) I remember I then replied that I use punctuation sparsely. Only if needed to disambiguate. I use line breaks, spacing and shaping as well, those TOO are tools of the poet. It's even so that overly punctuated poetry is something I will avoid. We're all different.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 3:20:00 PM

And, remember the title of this blog is: Why Do "I" Write Poetry?....

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 2:52:00 PM

Again, MY desire is to spread the love of poetry. I believe that writing in a simpler way makes it easier to read and ENJOY. As a teacher, I’ve found that many kids reject poetry. Why? IMO it’s because SOME poems are overly wordy and without correct line breaks and punctuation which help the reader and the READER is my primary concern. But, as I said before, "everyone to their own cup of tea".

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 9/5/2017 8:35:00 PM

I feel it's ok to leave out punctuation if you have done really good line breaks to make the meaning perfectly clear. I like using wide spacing to SHOW meaning sometimes. I usually only do this when writing free verse. In rhyme I always punctuate. If I face a poem that is really wordy, overly eloquent or longggggg, I just don't want to read it. It's tedious to me. I am here to write (and read) poetry, not short stories or novels; however, a poem that is particularly interesting can make a good narrative or rhymed poem. Everyone is different. Some here prefer elusive things and surreal images. To each his own. I believe I am in the majority when it comes to what people enjoy in poetry!

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 4:01:00 AM

I believe you are too, Andrea. And, I agree that the line breaks are very important to conveying meaning. If I want to read a "longggggg" poem I'll read a book and if I want to read something really wordy, I'll read a dictionary.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 9/5/2017 6:57:00 PM

Hmmm... I have a poem that I was going to send to a journal, but I'm worried that it will be viewed as cultural appropriation, even though the inspiration is empathy, total and absolute empathy. Sooooo... how's about I post it and you can let me know. 1) Is it too 'wordy' for the average reader to understand 2) does it connect to you in any way whatsoever 3) Do the devices and intentional codes I've added ruin the clarity or add just enough mystery? You can be as brutally honest as you like... let's see if there's a place we can meet in the middle? I'll post shortly.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/8/2017 11:23:00 PM

Ok, Cyndi, I sent you the edited poem in 7 parts in the soup mail as you requested. I would have also sent this message by soup mail but the "sent" portion of soup mail is not working properly. Let me know if you got them.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 6:11:00 PM

Yes, I get that. I read the article and I understand your dilemma. My suggestion to you regarding your poem is: Pretend you are a journalist or reporter and interview some of your Mexican friends. Let them read it to see what they think and ask for suggestions or ideas they have to contribute. In other words, do the research. That way…

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 6:10:00 PM

…you will know if in an illegal immigrant Mexican's eyes, it might be construed as "cultural appropriation". Then you may have to do another rewrite or not! I certainly wouldn’t give up the idea of publishing the poem. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with it (culturally).

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 3:26:00 PM

The article is titled: Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation: Working Through Our Own Excuses as White Allies. There is a way of showing compassion while not speaking FOR a culture. I'm just trying to find my way... empathy takes over. I think you get that :)

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 3:23:00 PM

Though I feel for the world, feel deeply the need to write from ALL perspectives, I am trying to be respectful... the discussion on cultural appropriation and poetry really needs its own blog, its that significant. If interested, check out this article (and see why I feel so TORN) //thebodyisnotanapology.com/magazine/go-back-and-take-care-of-yourself-first-your-body-needs-you-jenny/

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 3:03:00 PM

Therefore, take your pick. Do what you feel like doing as a responsible human being. As long as it comes from your heart (which entails empathy), it is the RIGHT thing to do. Enjoy it and make your life count for something.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 2:59:00 PM

Cyndi, I believe we MUST and SHOULD stand with them, MARCH with them, CHEER them and WRITE FOR them. And, as writers and poets, I believe it is a CALLING to do so if you believe what is happening is wrong.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 8:32:00 AM

I am really torn about that. Quite confused and at odds with my natural instinct to march ALONGSIDE others who are marginalized. But it's like 'take back the night' marches. Men are encourage to cheer from the sidelines, NOT to walk with the women. (sorry this is off topic... but does deal with poetry.)

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 8:30:00 AM

I'm grappling with the perimeters of 'cultural appropriation.' I feel two ways. One, shouldn't empathy, understanding and outrage for injustice cross cultures, be 'colourless'? But, two, should those outside a culture nose into an area, stand in THEIR spotlight at a time that needs THEIR voice, not mine? How to balance!!!!!

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 8:26:00 AM

Hey Carole, thank you for taking the time to read my poem. Not sure why you can't soupmail me (weirdness!) as I checked my settings. You're welcome to leave any type of comment on my poems (editing included.)

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 4:20:00 AM

Also, Cyndi, since the subject matter of the poem is so very apropos for today and highly political as well as emotional I think you should try submitting it to The Nation Magazine. I have the address if you want it.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/6/2017 4:14:00 AM

Cyndi, I have edited your poem. I did not find it too wordy and it really did connect with me as far as meaning is concerned as I am very pro-Mexican immigrant and believe what Trump is doing in regard to DACA is just unconscionable. I tried to soup mail it to you but apparently you don't receive soup mail. So, I need your email address.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 11:14:00 PM

Yes, I'd be happy to do that for you, Cyndi. Just give me a little time. Sounds interesting...and fun! I really love proofreading and editing. I have done that for a couple of authors and a few poets.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 7:07:00 PM

Carole, I posted it. It's title is "The San Antonio Night Crossing." I'm curious of what you'd make of it.

Agnes
Krampe

Date: 9/5/2017 7:21:00 AM

As for punctuation: often, the absence of punctuation opens multiple meanings. When I skip punctuation, I do so intentionally to leave different interpretations open to the reader. Poetry that spells out everything exactly is devoid of mystery; I like if a poem leaves the reader some room to imagine and think. Playing with punctuation can be one stylistic measure to accomplish this goal. I have never met anybody who dislikes poetry because of the lack of punctuation. They also dislike the Romantic poets who did use punctuation.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 8:13:00 PM

Agnes, Carole, check these out, seriously. FOURTEEN YEARS OLD! www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/oct/08/foyle-young-poets-winners-2015-poetry-day IMPRESSIVE!

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:22:00 PM

And again, I must add that my concern is for the reader although I have seen/read a FEW poems which have been totally void of punctuation and capitalization which have had a very effective impact. However, they have been very short poems.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:18:00 PM

Well, Agnes, since it is entirely acceptable to leave punctuation out when writing poetry, it is definitely left up to the poet to decide what to do. It is just MY OPINION based on my extensive experience that it makes it "easier" for "most" people to read and understand...especially when reading aloud.

Agnes
Krampe

Date: 9/5/2017 7:18:00 AM

I think one reason many people don't like poetry is that they have been taught in school that poetry is something to be analyzed, dissected, deciphered; that there is one right answer to the question "What did the poet mean by this?" and poetry is just for those with inside knowledge. If, instead, poetry were made FUN, I would imagine more people simply enjoyed it. I fell in love with the ballads of the great German poets as a child and was able to enjoy poetry before school could ruin it - and by gosh, school did try.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 8:42:00 AM

The poem has to have resonated in me to care about it enough to delve and dig. I don't ever feel this way about simple verse, like those found in a Hallmark card. There is nothing to explore... nothing to truly appreciate. If everything is easily understood, there is no reason to examine it after one read. If its all spelled out, if it provide no intrigue, no mystique at all, then I'm so disappointed by the write that I shrug, think 'meh' and I'm done and out of there. I collect birthday cards and if I want to read one, I can go to that lovely basket and reread the notes written below the verses. If I want to read poetry, then I want to read something that is built up, has dimension and even if written in simple language, shows me something different, fresh, makes me see the world in a strange, new way. Length doesn't matter to me. Four lines or four pages. But it has to do something amazing or I'm yawning...

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/6/2017 8:40:00 AM

:DD I like to read for fun, FIRST, then I dive in and SATURATE myself with a poem that has just taken hold of me and won't let go. I want to know why. I want to understand a bit more about the poem... how it ticks and all the tiny mechanics of the piece. I find it fun to put the jigsaw together, see how the pieces fit so perfectly...

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/5/2017 8:37:00 PM

So true, Agnes. I hate analyzing things!!

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:15:00 PM

P.S. There is rarely "one right answer".

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:12:00 PM

I totally agree, Agnes. That's why I always tried to make learning anything/poetry fun. And, interpretation is after all highly personal and I think teachers should concentrate on the positive rather than the negative when a student attempts to interpret. The main thing is that they are interested and actually trying which of course exercises their precious brains/emotions.

Lewis
Raynes

Date: 9/5/2017 4:28:00 AM

I love simple bouncy one syllable words that tell a quick story, not for huge numbers to read, but rather for me to read again as a fun journal. :)

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:07:00 PM

Me too, Lewis, and thanks. However, I also enjoy more intense/longer poems as well since I do like variety. I think it's all a very personal thing honestly.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 11:20:00 AM

Cool ideology!

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 9/4/2017 7:59:00 PM

Makes sense. But isn't it also ego that wants one's poetry to be appreciated and enjoyed by absolutely everyone on the planet who can read English? I kinda think that Emily Dickinson was probably one of the most humble poets, ever. She explored language, played fast and hard with her beloved em-dash, and then off those poems went, into a desk. Does poetry need to be promoted? Like McDonalds with more than a billion people served? I write poetry because I love poetry, get earnestly excited about what one word can do, or the beauty of a perfect line break or the double meaning of one verb. I write for the joy of writing. If one reader enjoys my work, that's enough for me. Also, I have to say this, that many poets whose second language is English, are some of the most ASTUTE, observant and poetically minded readers. Some of my more complex poetry (which uses white space and less punctuation) has been better appreciated and understood by those whose first language ISN'T English. Poetry is extensive enough to allow readers and poets to find each other, enabling style and voice preferences. I think the important thing is that the poet follows inspiration and writes as she/he wishes to write.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 6:28:00 PM

This is so funny. I actually agree with MOST of what you've said, Cyndi.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 6:49:00 AM

I guess what I'm getting at is that if 20,000 readers really LOVE what someone has created, with or without punctuation, with some yummy words, than I don't see that as less or more than a more popular poet getting 200,000 reads. It's just different... ALL IS GOOD. Music lovers don't argue about the difference between pop music and opera. They just... enjoy what they enjoy, sing what they want to sing...

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 6:43:00 AM

Soup poems get read, but we're not talking a million reads, right? And I rarely post my poetry here.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/5/2017 6:43:00 AM

Words, punctuation, line breaks, stanza breaks, white space, formatting... we use these to paint, in a way. It's not about trying to confuse the reader or make it 'harder' to read. Poetry is about using all its components with purpose. I may admire Dickinson, but I have no interest in writing like her. I admire many poets and each has very distinctive styles.

Carole Duet
Date: 9/5/2017 1:10:00 AM

I love the expressiveness of English. However, why make it harder for the reader to understand? And, what's wrong with promoting the reading of poetry? I'm sure that most writers want others to read their work. However, if you admire humility so much why are you writing and publishing your poetry here on a website where "absolutely everyone on the planet" can read it?

My Past Blog Posts


For Jim Croce Fans Date Posted: 7/16/2019 4:59:00 PM
Labrinth Date Posted: 3/25/2019 10:05:00 PM
ANIMALS Date Posted: 3/19/2019 1:41:00 AM
CROWDED HOUSE Date Posted: 2/20/2019 11:58:00 AM
PINK Date Posted: 2/10/2019 4:25:00 PM
THE SUFFERING and Speech by Greta Thunberg Date Posted: 1/25/2019 9:35:00 PM
HELP Date Posted: 12/9/2018 12:49:00 PM
WARNING Date Posted: 12/9/2018 12:27:00 PM
Wolf Cries Date Posted: 12/4/2018 3:07:00 PM
The War on Drugs Date Posted: 11/6/2018 2:51:00 AM
You've Got a Friend Date Posted: 10/17/2018 3:08:00 PM
EVERYBODY HURTS Date Posted: 10/17/2018 2:37:00 PM
Music by Pink Floyd Added Date Posted: 7/3/2018 6:02:00 PM
10cc Date Posted: 6/26/2018 2:25:00 PM
Attention: STING LOVERS Date Posted: 6/15/2018 1:11:00 PM
Video Added Date Posted: 4/24/2018 2:52:00 PM
MUSIC ADDED Date Posted: 2/17/2018 10:08:00 PM
New Song Date Posted: 1/7/2018 10:05:00 PM
Come Listen: New/Old Music Added Date Posted: 12/1/2017 10:20:00 PM
More Music Date Posted: 11/29/2017 10:56:00 PM
In the Closet Date Posted: 11/29/2017 3:34:00 PM
Two More Songs Date Posted: 11/28/2017 9:54:00 PM
Valuable Eva Cassidy Video Date Posted: 11/28/2017 6:01:00 PM
My "Swan Song" Date Posted: 11/28/2017 3:26:00 PM
Starry, Starry Night of Peace Revised Date Posted: 10/18/2017 12:52:00 AM

My Recent Poems

Date Posted	PoemTitle	Form	Categories
6/20/2020	It's Great To Be Alive	Rhyme	age,life,
6/19/2020	Americans	Political Verse	america,
6/18/2020	Killer	Free verse	evil,
3/1/2020	Buttercup	Free verse	love,
2/24/2020	The Politician	Free verse	political,
2/24/2020	Fight For Your Future	Free verse	earth,environment,future,
2/13/2020	The Climate Crisis	Free verse	future,
7/2/2019	July 4th Haiku	Haiku	dog,
5/23/2019	Bleep Trump	Couplet	anger,slam,
4/27/2019	Sacrifice	Free verse	love,
4/26/2019	Remember	Rhyme	children,
4/7/2019	Feel It Til You Real It	Free verse	cheer up,feelings,imagery
4/6/2019	The Heart	Free verse	heart,
4/6/2019	Poodles	Free verse	children,dog,fun,
3/15/2019	Denial	Free verse	love,
3/13/2019	Come Back	Couplet	lost love,
3/2/2019	Love Is	Sonnet	love,
3/2/2019	A New Day	Free verse	music,
2/16/2019	Lazy Minds	Couplet	love,wisdom,
2/15/2019	Crazy Valentine	Rhyme	love,
1/21/2019	Nuts	Lyric	crazy,love,
1/2/2019	Set Me Free	Lyric	lost love,prayer,
12/31/2018	Keep It Simple	Limerick	poetry,simple,
12/18/2018	Who Rules	Monoku	poets,
12/18/2018	The Quill	Monoku	writing,
12/5/2018	The Suffering	Rhyme	death,earth,grief,money,n
11/23/2018	Off To See the Wiz	Rhyme	flying,
11/19/2018	Apathy's Consequence	Rhyme	earth,environment,
11/18/2018	Lonely Wanderer	Couplet	child,father,lonely,
11/18/2018	My Last Love	Free verse	lost love,
11/15/2018	Hiding	Senryu	political,
11/15/2018	Circles	Free verse	space,
10/21/2018	Jealousy	Free verse	jealousy,lost love,
9/2/2018	My Wish	Rictameter	love,romance,roses are re
8/26/2018	Blocked	Concrete	slam,
8/10/2018	Through the Eyes of a Child	Couplet	children,remember,
7/21/2018	Friendship Vs Love	Free verse	friendship,love,
7/20/2018	Banished	Free verse	lost love,
7/14/2018	Suicide	Rhyme	death of a friend,depress
7/10/2018	Trump	Acrostic	political,
6/23/2018	Love and Hate	Couplet	hate,jealousy,love,love h
6/11/2018	On the Same Blessed Ground	Free verse	farewell,i love you,
6/8/2018	My Cup of Tea	Rhyme	friendship love,love,
6/6/2018	Moscow	Rhyme	home,travel,
6/5/2018	Chocolates	Rhyme	chocolate,
5/27/2018	Where Is Heaven	Free verse	death,heaven,life,
5/26/2018	Still	Couplet	lost love,
5/6/2018	Naughty Angels	Rhyme	poetry,writing,
5/6/2018	Not a Race	Lyric	writing,
4/29/2018	I'M Thinking of a Place	Concrete	dream,fantasy,flying,love
4/5/2018	My Word Diet	Couplet	poetry,words,
3/27/2018	Blessed	Blank verse	blessing,destiny,love,rom
3/21/2018	Spilt Ink	Free verse	love,lust,writing,
3/19/2018	Out	Free verse	lost love,
3/7/2018	Fears and Tears	Lyric	fear,lost love,
2/12/2018	Hope For the Best	Carpe Diem	hope,lost love,
2/6/2018	Chasing the Blues Away	Rhyme	blue,encouraging,sad,
2/2/2018	Where Is the Brotherly Love	Rhyme	love,war,
1/31/2018	Blue Again	Lyric	lost love,
1/22/2018	A Feeling of Deja Vu	Free verse	art,beauty,destiny,fashio
1/20/2018	Our Weeping Willow Mourns	Rhyme	lost love,
1/11/2018	A Little Knowledge	Monorhyme	freedom,spoken word,truth
1/10/2018	Home Again	Rhyme	home,
1/7/2018	Breathe the Song Revised	Lyric	love,
12/29/2017	No Ceiling	Rhyme	freedom,history,love,myst
12/29/2017	Transfusion	Tanka	love,
12/23/2017	Tis the Season	Couplet	care,christmas,fear,lonel
12/15/2017	My Gift	Rhyme	christmas,husband,satire,
11/13/2017	It's Elemental	Free verse	creation,earth,fire,freed
10/15/2017	The Bit By Bit Song	Lyric	lost love,
9/26/2017	Poetry Soap	Couplet	abuse,conflict,jealousy,l
9/17/2017	My Warrior	Personification	mystery,wind,
8/9/2017	Why	Couplet	fantasy,life,
6/27/2017	Feel Me	Acrostic	feelings,love,
6/24/2017	Smoking	Rhyme	slavery,
6/7/2017	Starry, Starry Night of Peace	Lyric	art,god,music,pain,peace,
6/6/2017	Painting the Lighthouse	Couplet	art,boat,fear,light,sea,s
5/24/2017	Footloose and Fancy-Free	Monorhyme	freedom,
5/22/2017	Cave Dweller	Rhyme	depression,encouraging,
5/17/2017	Paw Paw's Shrimp Shed	Free verse	culture,fish,food,
5/12/2017	Mother	Quatrain	mother,
5/9/2017	Chasing the Moon and Stars	Sonnet	friend,moon,night,planet,
5/6/2017	When the Universe Shines	Sonnet	earth,love,stars,sunshine
5/1/2017	Who I Am - Revised	Free verse	love,
5/1/2017	The Bete	Quatrain	children,mythology,scary,
4/28/2017	Cats In Hats	Limerick	cat,
4/25/2017	Sweet Poet	Lanterne	longing,love,poetry,poets
4/17/2017	Angels and Lyres	Verse	death,evil,innocence,judg
4/10/2017	Whirlwind - Revised With Music	Lyric	love,
4/5/2017	Back Again	Free verse	cute,slam,
3/25/2017	More	Lyric	happiness,inspirational l
3/20/2017	Humpty Trumpty	Clerihew	political,
3/20/2017	Never Came Back	Free verse	grief,
3/20/2017	Waiting	Monorhyme	absence,pets,
3/10/2017	Holy Plans	Free verse	faith,life,love,
3/10/2017	God Bless	Rhyme	love,
2/24/2017	Joy	Free verse	love,
2/24/2017	The Voice	Rhyme	dream,mystery,
2/13/2017	The Clue	Monorhyme	lost love,
2/10/2017	Getting Real	Couplet	love hurts,truth,

My Photos

Fav Poems

PoemTitle	Form	Categories
Rainy Morning	I do not know?	rain,
Unzipped Lips	Quatern	faith,family,philosophy,d
- I Tried To Say -	Light Verse	love,romantic,
Untitled	Free verse	america,truth,
Beausoleil	Light Verse	history,philosophy,
Forbidden Fruit	Quatrain	angst,heart,heartbreak,lo
Caress My Soul Sweet Poet	Sonnet	appreciation,love,poetry,
Finding Love:	Sonnet	analogy,joy,love,
Time Soldiers On	Free verse	age,image,time,
Poets	Rhyme	appreciation,encouraging,
When I Stop and Pray	Lyric	devotion,faith,inspiratio
Three Questions	Couplet	humor,humorous,
Vietnam Victim	Elegiac Lyric	daughter,father,war,
Come Hold His Hand	Sonnet	age,appreciation,dad,emot
The Stray	Narrative	abuse,child,dog,first lov
Happiness	Free verse	abuse,depression,happines
Homeless:	Sonnet	loneliness,
Bye Yesterday, Hello Today	Enclosed Rhyme	deep,freedom,how i feel,l
The Daydream	Free verse	autumn,beautiful,
Fly My Way:	Quatrain	love,romance,romantic,
Tenderly	Narrative	farewell,love,
I Believe:	Rhyme	analogy,universe,
Silent Hearts	Cinquain	lost love
Part 1 - Earthbound Angels Made of Stone - An Epic	Epic	angel,baby,birth,black af
Taming of the Shrew	Verse	girlfriend,
This Journey So Short:	Sonnet
Part 2 - Earthbound Angels Made of Stone - An Epic	Epic	abuse,angel,baby,black af
Soulmate Love	Free verse	best friend,blessing,devo
Finding Her Wings	I do not know?	angel,beautiful,butterfly
Small Potatoes	Free verse	age,allegory,food,
Words For Those With No Voice	Free verse	allah,death,evil,holocaus
Unshackle My Verse:	Couplet	humor,humorous,prison,
Sweet Ballet	Rhyme	dance,
Shattered	Villanelle	addiction,break up,farewe
Cardboard Boxes	Free verse	art,christian,humanity,li
Love of Nature	Couplet	nature,
The Great Web:	Couplet	analogy,death,flower,life
Secrets	Couplet	confidence,love,
As I Awoke:	Couplet	appreciation,blessing,mor
Yesterday's Fragile Truth	Rhyme	angst,betrayal,depression
Moonlight Serenade	Haibun	sensual,
One Old Hat	Free verse	life,
A Camping Morn	Rhyme	april,
Squirrels	Triolet	beautiful,imagery,imagina
When We Were Young	Sonnet	analogy,life,
Natures Gift	Sonnet	blessing,nature,
Beneath the Arbor	Rhyme	good morning,
Lonely Words	Sonnet	loneliness,poetry,sad,
Doors	Quatrain	appreciation,beautiful,ce
Bones Lament - Collaboration With Darren White	Rhyme	fun,humorous,
Fate and Destiny	Sonnet	destiny,dream,fate,
Self Pity	Rhyme	break up,loneliness,lost
Delusional Reality Check	Dramatic Monologue	anxiety,children,happines
Mythology of Celtic Circles	Rhyme	destiny,mythology,philoso
Real Men Wear Pink	Rhyme	character,funny,humor,per
Belles	Verse	beauty,
Lovers' Feast:	Sonnet	love,romance,
Remembered In Thy Full Bloom,Collaboration By Robert J Lindley, Teppo Gren and Michael P Clark	Rhyme	art,creation,deep,devotio
Fingertips and Spider Webs	Rhyme	love,
Tranquility	Couplet	children,god,granddaughte
Rule the World	Acrostic	power,
Shine On, Euterpe, Let There Be Light	Quatern	11th grade,
Building a Fantasy	Rhyme	fantasy,
Carry My Soul:	Etheree	allegory,music,universe,
Life - Is - Now	Quatrain	growth,happiness,life,wis
Penny For the Guy	Etheree	celebration,crush,england
Listen	Rhyme	abuse,
Cinder Girl	Rhyme
Earth's Guardians:	Haiku	earth,
Starry Starry Night - POTW	Dramatic Verse	anti bullying,art,beauty,
This Cowboy's Done	Cowboy Poetry
Summer Wine - An Erotic Romance	Rhyme	desire,love,lust,sensual,
This Thing Called Love - With Maria Williams	Rhyme	hope,love,
Just a Small Poem For a Friend	Quatrain	beach,beautiful,bird,flyi
Pass the Peace Pipe	Couplet	spiritual,star,sun,
One Silent Word	Free verse	how i feel,poets,tribute,
I Am More	Dramatic Monologue	poetry,
No More Worries For Tomorrow	Pantoum	faith,future,god,song,
Two Pairs of Shoes	Rhyme	humor,
Trust Me Baby This Is Love	Sonnet	longing,love,poems,
Blackbird Haiku	Haiku	beauty,bird,morning,natur
Glory of Her Magnificence	Free verse	change,longing,love,
Take My Advice	Rhyme	time,
Death Shroud	Quatrain	angst,anxiety,death,image
Teacher's Pet	Sonnet	crush,funny love,humorous
Too Late For Tears	Free verse	absence,angst,death,mum,
Confusion Confounds	Sonnet	anxiety,break up,emotions
Forever Together:	Verse	allegory,love,magic,
Please Be Quiet:	Quatrain	love,
What Happened To You	Dramatic Monologue	absence,poets,
A Smile Appeared	Free verse	wind,
Timeless Cave	Free verse	art,time,
Wading For You	Rhyme	memory,
My New Girlfriend	Free verse	beauty,dream,fantasy,girl
Promise Me Cowboys	Pantoum
A Hundred Springs	Rhyme	age,
Sam's Last Indiscretion	Rhyme
From My Lips To Santas Ears	Crown of Sonnets	christmas,humor,
As Fields Become Barren	Prose	analogy,death,
Rudolph's Stuck In Traffic	Rhyme	christmas,humor,

Fav Poets

Poet	Country
Stacy Stiles	United States	Read
Reason A. Poteet	United States	Read
Wendy Rycroft	United Kingdom	Read
Becca Teagan	United States	Read
Adarah Witherspoon	United States	Read
Agnes Krampe	United States	Read
Amaris Vazquez	United States	Read
Teresa Skyles	United States	Read
Kelsey Skabelund	United States	Read
Jaque Ro	United States	Read
Jeremiah Morgan	United States	Read
Ananya Mohit	India	Read
Edward Mccall	United States	Read
Heath Mason	Australia	Read
Daniel Martinez	United States	Read
Caycay Jennings	United States	Read
Jan Allison	Isle Of Man	Read
Daniel Turner	United States	Read
Charles Reese	United States	Read
Elizabeth Smith	United States	Read
Tom Larrow	United States	Read
Emile Pinet	Canada	Read
John Mudge	United States	Read
Diane Lefebvre	United States	Read
William Smith	United States	Read
Darren Watson	United Kingdom	Read
Kim Morrison	United States	Read
Gary Bateman	Germany	Read
Robert Pettit	United States	Read
John Hamilton	Canada	Read
Keith Logan	United Kingdom	Read
William Robinson	United States	Read
Lu Loo	United States	Read
Elaine George	Canada	Read
Gordon Wickstrom	Canada	Read
Connie Marcum Wong	United States	Read
Brendan Solomon	Australia	Read
Roy Pett	United Kingdom	Read
Debbie Guzzi	United States	Read
S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri	Tanzania	Read
Chuck Melugin	United States	Read
Frederic Parker	United States	Read
Charlie Smith	United States	Read
Robert Lindley	United States	Read
Larry Bradfield	United States	Read
Lenna Walker	United States	Read
Freddie Robinson Jr.	United States	Read
Maria Williams	Australia	Read
Joanna Daniel	India	Read
Gregory Richard Barden	United States	Read
Silent One	United Kingdom	Read
Viv Wigley	United Kingdom	Read
John Gondolf	United States	Read
Andrea Dietrich	United States	Read
Vijay Pandit	United States	Read
Amy Moreno	United States	Read
Charles Messina	United States	Read
Richard Lamoureux	Canada	Read
Anne-Lise Andresen	Norway	Read
Line Gauthier	Canada	Read
Vladislav Raven	United Kingdom	Read
Maureen Mcgreavy	Canada	Read
Caren Krutsinger	United States	Read
Paul Callus	Malta	Read
Abdul Malik	United States	Read