From the poems and songs of French troubadours of the 12th and 13th centuries, the Rondeau was born. Learn more about this poetry form and create a rondeau poem of your own.
Memoir Notebook: Waterfall of Sweet Dreams—Conclusion: Bird on a Wire
In this final installment of his Waterfall of Sweet Dreams Memoir series, Richard Maxson leaves Hollywood to pursue new dreams imparted by an English professor.
Poets & Writers Toolkit: Use Your Hands
Research shows a connection between what we do with our hands and brain function. Here’s how to make your hands a top tool in your Poets & Writers Toolkit.
Be Our Poetry Buddy: Amy Lowell’s “White Currants”
Extend the Joy of Poetry by being our Poetry Buddy. This week, we’re reading Amy Lowell’s “White Currants” together. Join us?
Poetic Voices: Teow Lim Goh and Marjorie Maddox
Teow Lim Goh seeks meaning in an immigration detention center, while Marjorie Maddox seeks spiritual understanding in the the study of literature.
Celebrity Jewels: Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor had a love affair with jewelry. Learn more about her famous glitzy collection and write some poetry about Dame Liz herself.
How to Write a College Application Essay: Choosing a Topic
Tania Runyan gives students an idea of the types of questions they may encounter when choosing a topic for their college application essay—including a list of the current Common App questions.
Indy 500: Poets, Start Your Engines
For the “track folk who just love the smell of Ethanol” and the “parade wavers” and “hot dog chompers, ” Hoosier poet Adam Henze becomes the first official poet of the Indy 500 on its 100th run.
Poets & Writers Toolkit: The Ultimate Website You Can Totally Make
We creative people don’t often think of a website as one of the tools in our poets and writers toolkit, but a good website is one of our best assets. Find out why, and the difference between available options.
Charles Sorley and the Poetry of World War I
Charles Sorley (1895-1915) was a poet whose “When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead” was one of the best-known poems of World War I.
Poetry Prompt: Rhymes With Silver
Silver holds its own among precious metals. Find out why it shines like no other and then write a little reflective poetry with us.
Memoir Notebook: Waterfall of Sweet Dreams—Part III: Disenchantment
The disenchantment of the acting life sends Richard Maxson toward the greater question of what will really bring him happiness.
Top 10 Best Night Poems
Poets have forever been writing about the night, both those things that go bump and the things that delight. Enjoy a sampling in this collection of 10 great night poems.
The Joy of Poetry Book Club: In Your Dreams
Like Kipling’s lullaby, a poem that acknowledges the terrors of the night can help disarm them. Our discussion of Megan Willome’s The Joy of Poetry continues, with a look at poetry and dreams.
Poetic Voices: Kelly Hansen Maher and Heather Derr-Smith
Poets Kelly Hansen Maher and Heather Derr-Smith write about lives as women, one on miscarriages and the other on relationships.
Silver, Gold, and Precious Stones: Shining Dawn
Battles have been fought over gold. Love has been expressed by its warm glow. Gold has changed the landscape of civilizations around the world. How do we best express humankind’s obsession with Gold? By writing poetry, of course!
How to Write a College Application Essay: A Closer Look at a Winning Application
This time, we’re going to take a look at how a young man made the most of my College Essay Yes-Yes’s in his own winning application.
Top 10 Dip Into Poetry Lines
We enjoy a daily sharing over Every Day Poems on Twitter, inviting you to dip into poetry with us. Check out our favorite 10 lines from the last few months.
The Joy of Poetry Book Club: Problem Poets
Go ahead, admit that sometimes poetry (and poets) can be a little weird. And then read a poem anyway. Our Joy of Poetry book club continues.
“Poetry: A Survivor’s Guide” by Mark Yakich
Poet and teacher Mark Yakich takes a serious and irreverent look at reading and writing poetry in “Poetry: A Survivor’s Guide.”