Writing

Residue

My alma mater has a group of us who are banding together for April to achieve a writing goal during National Poetry Month, yay! I just read the first email complete with a poem and writing prompts. As expected, a prompt led Word Raccoon WAY off topic, but the poems aren’t necessarily to be shared,Continue reading “Residue “

The Raccoon Always Gets Her Way

Word Raccoon keeps pouring Coke Zero and iced tea into me, begging me to submit to just a few more journals tonight. “We have submitted to nine already. Hells bells, what else do you want from me??” She’s determined as she perches on the after-storm porch at home. Herbert, that curmudgeon in my head thatContinue reading “The Raccoon Always Gets Her Way “

Chasing Poems Across Pavement

CW: cause of death Now Playing: Chasing Pavements by Adele Today I feel like I’ve been chasing poems across pages, shoving words rudely, cutting whole sections and only stopping to wonder later if I have a copy of the original. I mostly do. One poem was trying to have three centers. One was hyperfixating onContinue reading “Chasing Poems Across Pavement “

Gorl, You Better Fill that Canvas!

I’ve been thinking about white space. Not in the abstract, craft-book way, but in the very practical, slightly stubborn way that shows up when I’m reading. If a page looks too crowded, thick with description, heavy with detail, I can feel my attention flipping pages. It’s not that I don’t appreciate beautiful, lyrical sentences. IContinue reading “Gorl, You Better Fill that Canvas! “

Vincent in His Brother’s Arms

Now Playing: Moo by King Tuff, newly out First up, I’m delighted to share my poem “Vincent in His Brother’s Arms,” published in the inaugural issue of Two Children. I’m truly grateful to be included in this beautiful new publication alongside such thoughtful, talented writers. If you’re so inclined, I hope you’ll take a momentContinue reading “Vincent in His Brother’s Arms “

Filling the Well in March

Ah, being able to write on the porch of my favorite café on a MARCH morning! Even if I was distracted by construction equipment. My dad used to love watching that sort of thing, and I found myself taking photos as if I could show him. I did manage to write a couple of poems,Continue reading “Filling the Well in March”

The Optative Mood

It’s threatening to be warmer out today, but right now it’s very much not, and both of my pairs of slippers are on the porch. There is no strategic reason they are there. They ended up there, but to bring them in means introducing cold air into the house before 5 am. No, Herbert, IContinue reading “The Optative Mood “

Word Raccoon Enters Creative Witness Protection?

I am considering placing Word Raccoon into Creative Witness Protection. This is not a decision I make lightly. She has been a loyal, if unofficial, co-conspirator in my artistic life for some time now. She has assisted in poems, blog posts, chapbooks, and at least one emotional incident involving a grocery store parking lot andContinue reading “Word Raccoon Enters Creative Witness Protection?”

The Calendar Has Spikes In It Now

The calendar doesn’t move the way it used to. Now it has spikes embedded in it. Dates arrive with weight already attached. Birthdays. Death days. Anniversaries. Holidays that still show up but don’t bring everyone with them. I feel them coming sometimes before I remember them. The calendar remembers every damn thing. Today (Sunday) wouldContinue reading “The Calendar Has Spikes In It Now”

HelloFresh, Goodbye Heart

I admit it: I am breadcrumbing HelloFresh. I buy a box or two. I call it off. They email me. Text me. I leave them on read But also? I’m still thinking about them. I click on everything they post. Ah, mangoes this week. Wait, are they making One-Pan Mango Pork Salsa Tacos with someoneContinue reading “HelloFresh, Goodbye Heart”