This past week was the first week of school for my kids, so I thought I’d post a poem I wrote about a high school memory: “Mr. Andolini.” I often wonder why certain things stick with us. I wrote “Mr. Andolini” about 15 years after the events occurred. All those years later, the memory stillContinueContinue reading “Mr. Andolini”
Category Archives: Modern poetry
The Root’s Lament
Reverse poetry is a form that can be read from top to bottom and from bottom to top. Usually, when the poem is read from bottom to top, it reverses the top to bottom meaning. I first became acquainted with reverse poetry a couple years ago. My wife shared one with me called “Pretty Ugly.”ContinueContinue reading “The Root’s Lament”
Poetry’s Bouquet
Often I have to remind myself there are many kinds of poets. When a poem dazzles me, it’s easy to throw shade on my own work, to feel drab next to their shine. Dylan Thomas is one of my favorite poets, if not my absolute favorite. That said, I doubt I’ve understood two of hisContinueContinue reading “Poetry’s Bouquet”
Metaphor
Metaphor, similes, imagery…these are the blood and guts of poetry. When discussing metaphor for the first time in school (third grade?), the teacher’s example was, “The room was an oven.” I remember feeling something like, “Wow! A lot more interesting than saying, ‘The room was really hot.’” Even at that age, there was a littleContinueContinue reading “Metaphor”
Lights Out
Like everything else, writing has its seasons. From what I gather, most writers try to write something every day. But sometimes there are lulls (we don’t call it writer’s block or even mention that 😉). But even lulls can be fruitful to the imagination. Below is poem I wrote about not having anything to writeContinueContinue reading “Lights Out”
As Summer Ages
Someone once said art is really about the observer, and that artists watch more than participate in life. (I believe Oscar Wilde said this but I’ve never been able to find the quote again!) Whoever said it, there’s some truth to it. To write, paint, make music, etc. requires that you step back to noticeContinueContinue reading “As Summer Ages”
These Are the Clouds
I’ve been reading through a book of poems by Yeats. So far, his work is marked by eclectic and contrasting elements. Many of his poems draw imagery from Irish mythology; the natural and supernatural worlds blur into something that is both yet not quite either. Other poems strike decidedly modern notes. This isn’t surprising sinceContinueContinue reading “These Are the Clouds”
Longing
At one time or another, most of us will feel longing in some way: a road not taken, a friend who moved, disappointment with work, wanting to have children…the list goes on. Sometimes, we can’t put our finger on what we’re longing for; everything is just permeated by a vacuum. I’ve come to think ofContinueContinue reading “Longing”
The Lost Wind
I don’t always grasp the full meaning of things I’ve written. That might sound odd. But sometimes, I’ll finish a poem, and it feels right but I don’t understand why. I might only realize later why a verse had to end a certain way or why an odd word choice is nevertheless exactly what’s calledContinueContinue reading “The Lost Wind”
Event Horizon—Now Available!
My second book of poetry, Event Horizon, is now available on Amazon.com! I hope readers will pick up a copy. You can find it by clicking here. Event Horizon is available in paperback and Kindle formats. I’ve mentioned before that in the year 2020 I was praying and felt moved to be more intentional aboutContinueContinue reading “Event Horizon—Now Available!”
A Wandering Minstrel 