Cat with a Mona Lisa Smile

Usually, I post Sunday morning but at 9:00 tonight I realized I forgot! Monday morning will have to do, I suppose. I was going to blame being tired because my cats woke me up at 5:30 this morning. Then I remembered I usually write my posts on Saturday and schedule them to post on Sunday.ContinueContinue reading “Cat with a Mona Lisa Smile”

Stare

In the late 19th century, the Symbolist poets began a movement against naturalism and realism in writing. The Symbolists preferred the power of imagination, dreams, visions, and the like. I’ve never subscribed to any school of poetry. As a writer, my interests are too diverse. I like traditional and experimental forms; I’m a fan ofContinueContinue reading “Stare”

Elegy in a Firelit Room

Nearly 20 years ago, I fell in love with a poem by Franz Wright called, “On the Death of a Cat.” I’ve shared it more than once with friends who have lost pets because of its affectionate vulnerability. Last fall, while meandering about the Poetry Foundation’s website, I became intrigued by a poet named JamesContinueContinue reading “Elegy in a Firelit Room”

Reading the Old Poets

I like all kinds of poetry—modern, medieval, formal, experimental, you name it. The only thing I haven’t read much of is epic poetry because I like shorter poems. Admittedly, I gravitate to free verse in my writing because of the immediacy of expression: I can focus on imagery and wording without considering whether something willContinueContinue reading “Reading the Old Poets”

Dream Sonnet III

Last year I decided to write some poems with biblical images whose connection was inward more than outward. I hoped they would have a dream-like quality. As I started writing, I decided to use a traditional form—the sonnet—to contrast with the unusual imagery. The result was four sonnets that I collectively titled, “Dream Sonnets.” IContinueContinue reading “Dream Sonnet III”