“Soft Launch,” the new poetry collection by Aaron Belz, reminds to us to stop and take a deep breath, even in the face of the daily apocalypse.
Poetry Prompt: On Mystery
Mystery surprises us, like an unexpected giraffe. Join author Callie Feyen as she offers a poetry prompt on mystery. And the need for exclamation points.
Poets and Poems: Rhina Espaillat and “And After All”
“And After All” by Rhina Espaillat is about all of our relationships, all of our interiors, the things that make our lives meaningful and important.
By Heart: “This Is Just To Say” + New Carlos Ashley Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns William Carlos Williams’ “This Is Just To Say” By Heart and talks about plums as a breakfast food.
Poets and Poems: John Dorsey and “Your Daughter’s Country”
“Your Daughter’s Country” by poet John Dorsey takes readers back to their childhoods, and to the relatives and other people who were considered “characters.”
Poetry Prompt: Begin with Your Feet Poems
How does learning a new skill help free us to become more ourselves? Join author Callie Feyen as she begins with her feet in a Zumba class. Then write a poem!
A Live Tweetspeak Poetry Party with Sara Teasdale, Part 2
Five additional poems resulted from the Tweetspeak Poetry retreat, with “Flame and Shadow” by Sara Teasdale providing the prompts.
Poetry Prompt: Wasps as Metaphor
What metaphors can you find in your life to explore in your writing? Join author Callie Feyen as she considers a tree outside her home, and also, wasps.
Flame and Shadow: A Live Tweetspeak Poetry Party with Sara Teasdale, Part 1
In August, Tweetspeak Poetry hosted a retreat and undertook the first Tweetspeak Twitter Poetry Party without Twitter. Sara Teasdale provided the prompts.
Poets and Poems: Justin Hamm and “The Inheritance”
The poems and photographs of “The Inheritance” are about the people, places, and things that shape us. They may be ghosts, but they’re powerful ghosts.
Stairs & Ascensions Poetry Prompt: Beginnings
What do first steps in a new season look like for you? How do they feel? Join author Callie Feyen as she navigates unravelings and beginnings.
Poets and Poems: Ali Nuri and “Rain and Embers”
“Rain and Embers” by Ali Nuri is a poetry collection telling a story of flight, a refugee camp, and new existence where past and present are never separate.
Poetry Prompt: Your Queen Mab—What Helps Or Haunts You?
Join author Callie Feyen as she shares an excerpt from The Teacher Diaries, and explores the dreams we have that both help and haunt us.
“The Heart’s Necessities”: A Death, a Song, a Poem, and a Book
“The Heart’s Necessities” brings together the poetry and life story of Jane Tyson Clement and the music of Becca Stevens.
Poetry Prompt: What Does A Dream Look Like?
Dreams are shape-shifters and snitches. Join Callie Feyen and explore the many forms a dream can take shape, through poetry.
Poets and Poems: Ollie Bowen and “On the Occasion of a Wedding”
“On the Occasion of a Wedding,” the debut collection by poet Ollie Bowen, celebrates various kinds of love shared by two people.
By Heart: “Kindness” + Wordsworth Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness” By Heart and throws in a few thoughts on “The Sound of Music.”
Poets and Poems: Chad Abushanab and “The Last Visit”
“The Last Visit,” the debut collection by poet Chad Abushanab, explores the pain and brokenness of growing up in the family of an alcoholic.
Poets and Poems: Rachael Allen and “Kingdomland”
The poems of “Kingdomland” by Rachael Allen depict a strange landscape, one that is both unfamiliar and oddly recognizable.
Poetry Notebook Prompt: Noticing + Wondering
Author Callie Feyen uses her gray matter—”Bink & Gollie” style—to explain how poetry and feelings are related. And how to make great Dutch braids.