Donna Falcone reflects on the ways that song has helped her find herself since childhood.
William Wordsworth and the Language of the Common Man
Influenced by the American and French revolutions, William Wordsworth wrote poetry that used common language and spoke to feelings and imagination.
Monster II: Halloween Prompt
Halloween is the perfect time to explore a little bit of the monster in all of us. Join us and write some Halloween-inspired poetry.
Why Read a Poem at a Time Like This?
Why read a poem? It can tell the truth slant with “superb surprise” and dazzle us, gradually or with swift and sudden force, into insight and action.
Don Paterson: Poet of Light and Dark in Life and in Ourselves
Don Paterson is an important voice in British poetry and letters. He writes of both the light and the dark in life and in ourselves.
Poetry Prompt: The Double Acrostic
One of the trickier types of acrostic poetry is the double acrostic, also known as shadow poetry. Join us as we stand up to the challenge and write some poetry.
What the Book Needs: Creating The Joy of Poetry – Part 4
Megan Willome ends her 4-part series about creating The Joy of Poetry with a simple admonition for writers: be open to what your book needs.
4 Spooky Tips for Writing a Halloween Poem
Get ready for the spookiest Halloween yet with these great tips for writing a Halloween poem from Tania Runyan.
In Search of The Best American Essays
Laura Brown goes on a tour of Pittsburgh’s independent bookstores in search of the 2016 edition of The Best American Essays.
Poets and Poems: Frank Stanford and “The Light the Dead See”
Frank Stanford (1948-1978) embodied William Wordsworth’s “The Child is father of the Man” in both his life and his poetry.
Poetry Prompt: A Hidden Acrostic
Some acrostic poems are meant to be mysterious. Come along with us as we unravel a hidden acrostic poem and create some of our own.
Culture and Society in The Odyssey
The culture and society that infuses Homer’s The Odyssey is similar to and different from modern Western culture and society. Here’s a clear analysis of how, with intriguing examples.
Tea Tastes Like Love
The fragrance of tea takes Donna Falcone back to another time, another place, stirring memories of illness, of family, of love.
Poets and Poems: Mohja Kahf and “Hagar Poems”
In “Hagar Poems, ” poet Mohja Kahf tells and retells the biblical story of Hagar, Abraham, and Sarah, weaving threads between ancient and contemporary times.
Poetry Prompt: 6 Steps to Writing the Polished Acrostic
One way to pay tribute to someone special in your life is by writing a poem with their name all over it. This week we learn six steps to writing the polished acrostic poem.
R Is for Rewriting: Creating The Joy of Poetry – Part 3
As Megan Willome approaches the task of rewriting The Joy of Poetry, she finds a different rhythm to her work.
Random Sample: A Wrap-Up of Random Acts of Poetry Day
Our celebration of Random Acts of Poetry Day was full of random poetic expressions popping up everywhere from cupcakes to the courthouse.
It’s Random Acts of Poetry Day!
It’s Random Acts of Poetry Day, a day devoted to painting poetry in the public square. Share some poetry with your world (and make it better).
Chaucer and The First Great English Poem
“The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer wasn’t the first poem in English, but it was the one to mark English becoming the official language of Britain.
Poetry Prompt: Acrostics
Acrostic poetry has its roots in classical antiquity yet still finds its way into modern verse. We’re learning a bit about this unique poetry style while we put our imaginations to work, writing some fun acrostics.