“The Elegy Beta: Poems” by Mischa Willett utilize the idea of the elegy, reflecting seriously and somberly on life, faith, suffering, and beauty.
Poetry Review: Birthright by George Abraham
In this review of George Abraham’s poetry collection, Birthright, guest author Ali Nuri explores the powerful implications of colonization, oppression and erasure.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Andalusian Hours”
In “Andalusian Hours,” poet and writer Angela Alaimo O’Donnell has created a tribute to Flannery O’Connor, one of the 20th century’s most original writers.
Poetry Prompt: If I Built A House
If you built a house, how big would you dream? Join author Callie Feyen as she remembers a childhood game and invites us to imagine our dream dwelling.
Poems From the Coffee Shop: Chai Latte and Sanctuary
Where do you find sanctuary? Come with L.L. Barkat to the coffee shop and enter into a poem that glimmers, and maybe offers something to go along with your chai tea (or coffee).
Poetry Prompt: Use Your Five Senses
How can writing a poem about the five senses improve a bad day? Author Callie Feyen shows us how, with the help of a first-grade friend.
By Heart: “Snow-flakes” + New Edgar Lee Masters Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s ‘Snow-flakes’ By Heart.
Wisdom Literature: “Desert Tracings” – Six Arabian Odes
In “Desert Tracings,” Michael Sells translates six pre-Islamic Arabian odes created in the oral tradition of Bedouin tribes before the rise of Islam.
Poetry Prompt: Focus on End Words
This week author Callie Feyen reads the picture book ‘David Gets In Trouble’ and invites us to focus on end words. Do they make a mini-poem?
Poets and Poems: Aaron Brown and “Acacia Road”
The 47 poems of “Acacia Road” by Aaron Brown are set in Chad and describe a place that is beautiful, tragic, and beloved.
Poetry Prompt: Like a Love Song
There are many ways to express love (some are quite silly). Take a drive with author Callie Feyen and her teenage daughter and listen to some love songs.
Poetry Prompt: Love Poems to Words
Author Callie Feyen invites us to write a love poem to words, allowing ourselves to respond to the Call to Adventure and bring back words to share.
Poets and Poems: Daniel Leach and “Voices on the Wind”
“Voices on the Wind” by poet Daniel Leach is a collection of classical poetry centered in a rich tradition bubbling below the surface of modern poetry.
Poetry Prompt: What Silence Does
Join author Callie Feyen as she considers silence — what it is, what it does, and whether it’s useful. Then write a poem about it.
Poetry Prompt: What Grows From Bright Darkness
Join author Callie Feyen as she considers how the month of January and how the bright darkness can help usher in our hopes and dreams for the new year.
Wisdom Literature: The Aphorisms of Yahia Lababidi
“Signposts to Elsewhere,” a collection of aphorisms by poet Yahia Lababidi, is a beautifully rendered work, full of poetry and wisdom.
Poetry Prompt: What Kind of Quiet?
How many kinds of quiet do you find (and feel) in your day? Join author Callie Feyen as she explores the many kinds of quiet that seep through our days.
Holidays by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow—And Happy Ones, to You!
We send our best wishes to you for the season and the year to come with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Holidays.”
Poets and Poems: Juliette van der Molen and “Anatomy of a Dress”
“Anatomy of a Dress” by poet Juliette Van Dermolen is a short collection of poems that are strong enough not to need the author’s explanation.
Listening to Poets in the Sounds of Silence
The Shaw Nature Reserve southwest of St. Louis is a place where silence reigns, and good conversations can be had with poets.