Writing Articles

Poetry Forms Challenge 2026: “Pirouette”

Another form to try!

Poetic Inspiration or Lack Thereof

Writing prompts don’t always work well for me. Here are some of the things I use, when feeling “uninspired,” instead. Feel free to give them a try if you’re facing a bit of “writers block.” Or go out into the sunshine, paint a picture, work on a puzzle – do something el…

Poetry Forms Challenge 2026: “Quadrille”

Longer than a fortune cookie, shorter than an epic poem – try your hand at the Quadrille poetry form.

Another Poem Fished Out of the Moat

Somebody said, “You get all the best spam!” Sure. But that doesn’t mean I want or need more of it. Nor does it mean any of this made it through the spam filter. No link backs for you, Spammers!

Older woman helping young woman to knead dough for bread

Ghost Story

Apr 7, 2025 | Poetry, Writing

Why shouldn’t they be just as we knew them?

Sinister clown performing on a small stage in a run-down motel

Fun House

Apr 6, 2025 | Poetry, Writing

I asked my mother, once, why some of us found circus clowns disturbing or scary. Objectively, I know that they are there to make the audience laugh and to bring joy. But count me among those who see Pennywise in every clown.

Two lovers embrace on the steps of a mausoleum. Memento mori.

Encomium to the Living

Apr 5, 2025 | Poetry, Writing

What would the dead write of us, if they could still pen a poem? What would they tell us, if they could offer advice after death?

Deep It Lies

Apr 4, 2023 | Poetry

“Only in Russia is poetry respected—it gets people killed. Is there anywhere else where poetry is so common a motive for murder?”

— Osip Mandelstam

Bridges: Bravery and Bereavement

Apr 2, 2023 | Poetry

Who knew those sunny, bright yellow blossoms were noxious weeds in cultivated yards, once the seeds took root and grew? We teach our kids all sorts of fun things, then try to tame their wild impulses. Grandparents are for reminding them of their inner wild things. And that’s how you bridge the generation gap.

April is the Cruelest Month

Apr 1, 2023 | Poetry

If You Would Call Yourself “Poet”…

Jan 8, 2023 | Poetry

A challenge, a dare — a call to dedicated writing and commitment

Stupid Games, Stupid Prizes

Aug 28, 2022 | Fiction

person lying on white textile beside beach

From the Sky to the Depths

Aug 14, 2022 | Fiction

It broke her heart to bits, each time. If she were in charge of all things, the three of them would never have to part. Dylan and Bram, her reasons for being. Dylan lived with Bram most of the year, but he was a young adult who could come and go as he pleased. Dylan knew that he was loved. And he knew he had the best of both their worlds.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

Creative Outlet

Aug 10, 2022 | Fiction

This story brought to you with inspiration from Creative Copy Challenge #674 | Writing Prompts – Creative Copy Challenge (wordpress.com) and the words Struggle, Adventure, Nature, Curiosity, Creativity, Freedom, Resourcefulness, Imagination, Outlet, Contentment.