Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet who died in 1973. I became acquainted with his poetry through James Wright, who translated some of Neruda’s poems for his book, Collected Poems. Neruda’s surprising, sometimes surreal imagery resonated in my imagination so I picked up The Essential Neruda sometime last year. Reading Neruda was an experience. HisContinueContinue reading “Pablo Neruda: Sonnet XVII”
Tag Archives: love
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”
Fatherhood
Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there! This year, I received the gift of poetry. My wife has been known to write a poem when the mood takes her, and she wrote me a lovely haiku for Father’s Day ❤️ Haiku is a favorite form of mine, and in this sparse space, myContinueContinue reading “Fatherhood”
Goldenrod—Mary Oliver
At a yard sale, my wife picked up New and Selected Poems by Mary Oliver. I had heard of Oliver but hadn’t read much of her work. At some point between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I started reading. Oliver is quickly becoming a favorite poet. She is known for simple imagery, plain speaking, and a focus on nature. There isContinueContinue reading “Goldenrod—Mary Oliver”
Sun God
“Sun God” is the final poem in my new book, Shadow and Memory. It is a tanka, a Japanese poetic form of five lines. Similar to its three line cousin, haiku, each line has a set number of syllables. Before presenting this poem, I thought I’d say a few words about my approach to writingContinueContinue reading “Sun God”
Just Because
Since it’s nearly Valentine’s Day (or “Singles Awareness Day” as my daughter calls it), I thought it apropos to post a poem I wrote for my wife a few years ago. “Just Because” appeared in my second book, Event Horizon. And whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or Singles Awareness Day, I wish you a happyContinueContinue reading “Just Because”
The State of Mercury Now Available!
Last week, I said my first chapbook would be out in a week or so. I’m happy to announce that The State of Mercury is now available on Amazon! This chapbook has a nice sampling of poems from both my books and explores the many moods or states of mind people move through. In addition,ContinueContinue reading “The State of Mercury Now Available!”
The Devil’s Thesaurus
When Samuel Faulk said something about haiku at the Bible study we attended, I thought, “This guy either writes or reads poetry.” I asked him about it later, and he admitted to reading AND writing poetry. We got together to talk poetry, and he told me about a book he’d been working on for awhileContinueContinue reading “The Devil’s Thesaurus”
Valentine’s Day 2017
This May, I will have been married 23 years. Over the years, I’ve written a number of poems for my wife. (Can you really be a poet without a few love poems lurking about? LOL). When my wife and I were married, we chose to use the traditional vows. While these might seem hackneyed toContinueContinue reading “Valentine’s Day 2017”
Those Winter Sundays—Robert Hayden
It’s probably been 20 years since I first read “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden (1913-1980). I read it now through the lens of a 48 year old parent rather than a 20-something with no kids. But it’s impact is no less. If anything, it’s grown. The story of the poem is simple: Hayden isContinueContinue reading “Those Winter Sundays—Robert Hayden”
A Wandering Minstrel 