Curiosity may have killed that one cat, but it’s likely more vital than dangerous. Our new book club explores Ian Leslie’s Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends
on It.
Poetic Voices: Susan Lewis and Shanna Powlus Wheeler
Susan Lewis develops a theme of uncertainty in “Heisenberg’s Salon”; Shanna Powlus Wheeler interprets childhood and memory in “Lo & Behold.”
Love Knot: Poetry Prompt
A single strand of dark red ribbon winds its way around the ebony locks of Bess, the innkeeper’s daughter, creating a love knot. Entwine a poetic knot of love this week and write your own clove-hitch of the heart.
Life Notes: Tea is Necessary
With both hands wrapped around a steaming mug, Ann Kroeker recognizes that life needs pauses. And life needs tea.
Eating and Drinking Poems: Barbara Crooker’s “Ode to Olive Oil”
Laura Lynn Brown offers a reflection on Barbara Crooker’s “Ode to Olive Oil” and a tasty recipe of white beans with sage to go with it.
Dark Times Filled with Light: Crestfallen
In our final discussion of Dark Times Filled with Light, we look at Juan Gelman’s masterful manipulation of language and the challenges of translation.
Poets and Poems: Mark Doty and “Deep Lane”
“Deep Lane” by Mark Doty includes nine poems with the title of “Deep Lane, ” and creates a sense of emotional if not physical distance.
Horizon Line: Poetry Prompt
The simple string marking the space between earth and the sky is much more than it seems. It’s a line of possibility. Come with us on a journey along a horizon line and write some poetry exploring its potential.
Interview with an English Teacher, Pt 2: The Heroic in Literature
English teacher Diane Flint reflects on “the heroic” and “the hero’s journey” as a central theme taught in most English curricula.
Poets & Writers Toolkit: 10 Must-Know Website Tips & Tricks for Writers
Web designer LW Willingham has 10 great tips and tools to keep the sparkle (and security) in your WordPress website or blog.
Dark Times Filled with Light: The Art of Poetry
Juan Gelman’s poems express both the power and impotence to effect change, all the while making clear poetry is not for the faint of heart.
Poetic Voices: Sandee Gertz Umbach and Lori Lamothe
Collections by Sandee Gertz Umbach and Lori Lamothe demonstrate how poets shape their words and images to communicate what inspires them.
Form It: Horizons Poetry Prompt
“Form It” is a poetry prompt that focuses on exploring our topic through form poetry. The prompt includes recommendations for each form’s best use! This time, we’re going to “form” horizons.
Interview with an English Teacher, Pt 1: Texts and Teaching
Ann Kroeker interviews her high school English teacher, who reflects the heart of a guide—a mentor—for anyone who wants to help a student love literature.
Poetry at Work Day (Take 2)
The Poetry at Work Day celebration went on for days, from France to Finland. Here’s another round of delightful finds on Twitter and Instagram from hardworking poetic revelers.
Dark Times Filled with Light: Things They Don’t Know
In our first book club discussion of Juan Gelman’s Dark Times Filled with Light we consider our awakening to the world beyond our front door.
“David Copperfield”: Why Charles Dickens Has Endured
“Pickwick Papers” explains why Charles Dickens first became popular, but “David Copperfield” demonstrates why Dickens has endured.
Expanding Horizons: Poetry Prompt
Dream big and take a chance. It’s time to consider expanding horizons and make a difference in your life. Write a poem about possibilities, opportunities, or plans. You can make it happen.
Facing Ordeals, Learning Personal Qualities: How Odysseus’s Adventures Served Him Well
Through a series of adventures, Odysseus experiences an inner journey that teaches him prudence. By the end, peace brings his journey full circle.
Regional Tour: Marie Webster Quilts at Indianapolis Museum of Art
On her latest regional tour, Charity Singleton Craig takes in the exhibit of Marie Webster at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.