mrteague

Her Face

Last weekend I started the process of self-publishing my next book, The Anonymity of Waiting. This will be my fourth full-length book of poems. Like my other books, it includes a mix of formal and free verse and explores all sides of human experience—from the comic to the grief-stricken. Below is a haiku that willContinueContinue reading “Her Face”

Election Day

Well, with elections happening this Tuesday in the United States, I suppose posting a poem about elections was inevitable 😆 Below is a poem from my second book, Event Horizon. I wrote “Election Day” on election day in 2020. At the risk of stating the obvious, elections are emotionally complicated affairs, regardless of your beliefsContinueContinue reading “Election Day”

The Practical Poet’s Guide to Love

Over the years, I’ve written my wife poems for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and just because. Today’s poem (which will be in my upcoming book, The Anonymity of Waiting) was written around the time of our 25th anniversary. It didn’t end up being an anniversary gift because I felt it lacked the gravitas equal to suchContinueContinue reading “The Practical Poet’s Guide to Love”

Fourth Horse and Seven Years to Go

Image by Nina Paley / apocalypseanimated.com With elections approaching and many other sources of dis-ease in the world, I thought I’d share “Fourth Horse and Seven Years to Go,” a poem I am (pretty much) finished with, which will be in a future book. ”Fourth Horse” is a work of whimsical angst, which has meContinueContinue reading “Fourth Horse and Seven Years to Go”

Dear Cat

Our orange tabby cat, Nilli, loves me. About the only time she’s calm is when she’s on my lap, purring, kneading, and (Lord knows why) licking my right arm. The *right* one, mind you, not the left. The anxiety meds we mix with her cat food take the edge off, but she’s still wound prettyContinueContinue reading “Dear Cat”

Grief

Yesterday, I sat down to pray because I’ve felt off and a little down all week. As I prayed, I realized I am grieving a number of things. One of my uncles passed away in September and other family members are dealing physical or mental health issues. The cumulative effect impacts my mood, sleep, andContinueContinue reading “Grief”

Rules for the Dance—Mary Oliver

Previously, I posted about Mary Oliver’s book, A Poetry Handbook. I read it twice, and also purchased her book Rules for the Dance: A Handbook for Writing and Reading Metrical Verse. This book, focused on more traditional forms of poetry, is just as excellent; since it’s short, I’m on my second read through. Just asContinueContinue reading “Rules for the Dance—Mary Oliver”

Break Time…

It’s time to take some time off from blogging. Friday, I got my COVID vaccine. Friday night, my arm got sore, but this was nothing new. As Saturday morning wore on, my temp hit 102.4 and stayed there until late afternoon (at which time it dropped to 101.0). I am in a feverish brain fogContinueContinue reading “Break Time…”

Checking Out

All of us (even the introverts) are curious about other people. It might not be far off the mark to say we’re intensely curious about other people. While that curiosity is reigned in by some serious socialization, it doesn’t go away. It’s one of those unspoken things we share but don’t talk about. Poetry canContinueContinue reading “Checking Out”

Hive

Probably six years ago, and much to my surprise, I was diagnosed with anxiety. While it’s normal to worry now and then, anxiety became pervasive enough that it disrupted my personal and work life. But with a little counseling and a lot of prayer, I have learned to manage it much better. Like most otherContinueContinue reading “Hive”