As we enter the new year, Every Day Poems editor Richard Maxson considers how we have persisted in a difficult year, and how we continue, if we want it.
Poet Laura: The Generosity of the Earth
As we leave 2020, our Poet Laura reflects on the generosity of the earth to her inhabitants, and considers ways to give back to the earth. Earth poetry included!
How J.R.R. Tolkien Met an Obligation – with Poetry
After his childhood friend Geoffrey Bache Smith died in World War I, J.R.R. Tolkien self-imposed an obligation to publish Smith’s poetry.
Fiction Prompt: Chapter Four, Into the Gray with Campfire Pies
Our fiction series continues as Carter moves deeper into the gray, with campfire pies. Join author Callie Feyen for chapter 4.
By Heart: ‘Everything Is Going To Be All Right’ + New W.H. Auden Challenge
A pandemic is a perfect time to learn a poem By Heart, especially Derek Mahon’s “Everything Is Going To Be All Right.”
Books on Writing: A Line of Words
Annie Dillard, Madeleine L’Engle, Charity Singleton Craig and Andrew Peterson guide Rebecca D. Martin on a wander through the writing books on her shelf.
Forgotten Classics: “Understood Betsy” by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
In “Understood Betsy,” Dorothy Canfield Fisher wrote a timeless children’s story about growing up and self-reliance.
Poetry Prompt: At Home Poems
This year might mean not being at home for the holidays. Join us and look for poetry in your (perhaps) altered plans with this prompt.
Children’s Book Club: ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
All the Grinch wanted for Christmas was singing. He just didn’t know it. We discuss the magic of song in our holiday Children’s Book Club.
The Poetry Club Tea Date ✨ First Fall
In this week’s Poetry Club Tea Date, enjoy a new poetry prompt started with a line from “First Fall” by Maggie Smith.
“How to Think Like Shakespeare” by Scott Newstok
In “How to Think Like Shakespeare,” Scott Newstok considers the purpose of education and what we can learn from Shakespeare.
Fiction Prompt: Chapter 3, Snowflake Lights, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, and Pumpkin-Spiced Whoopee Pies
Our fall into fiction series continues with snowflake lights, Shakespeare sonnets, and whoopee pies. Join author Callie Feyen for chapter 3.
A Ritual to Read to Each Other … Generously
As a boy Ebeneezer Scrooge was reading generously—so can we. Come along as we launch into 2021 with a new reading roundup column.
Poet Laura: The Generosity of a Poem
Can a poem be generous? Our Poet Laura, Laura Boggess, considers the generosity of gifting a poem, whether crafted or curated, to another.
The 7 Principles of Making Friendship Work-Part III: Love and a Little GPS
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
C.S. Lewis: World War I Poet
In 1919, C.S. Lewis published a volume of poetry under a pseudonym. The collection reflected his experiences in World War I.
Poetry Prompt: Beauty in a Pandemic
There is beauty — even in a pandemic. These days after Thanksgiving, follow a poetry prompt about the natural beauty you are grateful for.
By Heart: ‘A Noiseless Patient Spider’ + New Derek Mahon Challenge
Uncle Walt says spiders and souls have a lot in common. Our By Heart column considers Whitman’s ‘A Noiseless Patient Spider’ and Charlotte.
Poets and Poems: Arran James Grant and “Mania”
“Mania,” the first poetry volume published by Arran James Grant, could well be desscribed as a coming-of-age poetry collection.
Listening for Stories: Knitting Lessons
Through a poignant story about learning to knit, Callie Feyen reflects on beginnings, endings, and reminders of mortality.