Poetry in Brief – a day in a life – by Jean-Jacques Fournier

I had been checking the mail awaiting a special arrival. Two days ago, I received the package that held the first edition of Jean-Jacques Fournier’s poetry book, Poetry in Brief – a day in a life -. I had already downloaded the e-book format, but there is something wonderful about feeling the pages turn andContinue reading “Poetry in Brief – a day in a life – by Jean-Jacques Fournier”

Autumn Plans & Winter Reads

“There are adventures of the spirit and one can travel in books and interest oneself in people and affairs. One need never be dull as long as one has friends to help, gardens to enjoy and books in the long winter evenings.” D. E. Stevenson, Listening Valley I read somewhere that the season of AutumnContinue reading “Autumn Plans & Winter Reads”

Jean-Jacques Fournier, LOVE by any Definition

In the first week of March, when Spring was awakening and the chill of winter was softening, enticing the earth to bring forth new growth, I received Jean-Jacques Fournier’s 16th book of poems, “Love – by any definition.” The timing of publishing in January welcomed a new year and a new decade of wonderful possibilities.Continue reading “Jean-Jacques Fournier, LOVE by any Definition”

There Will Come Soft Rains

The year was 1918. World War I was coming to an end when Sara Teasdale wrote “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Influenced by the unprecedented levels of destruction witnessed and precious lives lost during the war years, she used the soft and gentle voice of nature to lament the futility and horror of unspeakable violenceContinue reading “There Will Come Soft Rains”

Last Night by Mary Jo Malo

Spring is the time for new things. For me, the “newness” was moving from home into nature to recite poetry. My dear friend, Mary Jo Malo from This Shining Wound, Original Poetry by Mary Jo Malo, graciously gave permission for me to recite her poem, “Last Night.” The night brings darkness, stillness, solitude and sleep.Continue reading “Last Night by Mary Jo Malo”

Dancing with Daffodils

April 7, 2020. I am having tea with the poet, William Wordsworth. Today marks his 250th birthday and I’m inviting you to our celebration. English Breakfast tea is steeping nearby, a fitting choice for meeting up with an important Romantic English poet, who was destined to become the British Poet Laureate. Ah, English Breakfast blendsContinue reading “Dancing with Daffodils”

Quest by Carrie Williams Clifford

Sarah, my sister, shares my love of poetry. Every morning, I look forward to receiving her “good morning” e-mail that includes a poem. A few weeks ago, I received the poem, “Quest” by Carrie Williams Clifford. “My goal out-distances the utmost star,Yet is encompassed in my inmost Soul;I am my goal—my quest, to know myself.ToContinue reading “Quest by Carrie Williams Clifford”

Year End With Christina

Last year I celebrated Christmas with Christina.  Of all the poets, Christina Rossetti understands the inscrutability of the winter season. I thought it was fitting to end the year 2013, with her poetry.  There is much speculation and curiosity surrounding the “secret.”   My preference is to let Christina keep her secret hidden and let theContinue reading “Year End With Christina”