This has been Verselove, and together, we have created over 6000 poems and responses that did not exist in the world before then. A very heartful thank you to the hosts that have inspired and supported our writing this month: Jennifer Guyor Jowett, Leilya Pitre, Denise Krebs, Dave Wooley, Bryan Ripley Crandall, Stacey Joy, Erica Johnson, Darius Phelps, Britt Decker, Joanne Emery, Kim Johnson, Kate Sjostrom, Padma Venkatraman, Brittany Saulnier, Katrina Morrison, Tammi Belko, Jordan Stamper, Susan Ahlbrand, Glenda FUnk, Margaret SImon, Barb Edler, Larin Wade, Ashley Valencia-Pate, Scott McCloskey, Alexis Innis, Donnetta Norris, and Stefani Boutlier. YOU can volunteer to host a day in 2026 here. And we hope you join us in May and every month during the year for a few days of writing — a mini-Verselove each month. See you May 17th!
Our Host

Sarah lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma with her partner Dan who likes to ask, “What did you write about today?” She was a teacher of readers and writers in junior high for 15 years before making her way into teacher education at Oklahoma State University. Sarah launched Ethical ELA in 2015 to share stories from her classroom, but it has since taken on new life and many more lives by becoming a space for teacher-friends to share their own classroom stories and poetry.
Some Notes
Congratulations. We’ve done it. We’ve made it to day 30 of Verselove, and I suspect some of you have many more verses yearning for their turn in this amazing space. Well, guess what? We will be back here May 17-19 and then the third Saturday of every month for our five-day Open Write. Think of it as mini Verseloves each month. And we begin planning for next year’s Verselove now. Do you want to host a day? I bet you have a great idea for a prompt.
Feedback. We’d love to hear your feedback on the experience. Will you share your highlights and comments here? Once you submit your feedback, you will receive a link for a certificate of participation.
Inspiration and Process
A few options for today:
A. One More Time: Did you have a favorite prompt (new to you, fun, meaningful, surprising, challenging) from the month that you’d like to write again? All the inspirations are gathered here:
- Congratulations, Verselovers 2025!
- Holding Hands with Poems
- Showers to Flowers
- Ode to Peace
- Minor Ailments
- Spoken Wishes
- Seasons in Syllables
- Things to Do: Write a Poem
- Prose Poem “Come to the Kitchen Table”
- What Did You Do Last Week?
- Lingering Lines
- Bon Appetit!~Food Poems
- Random Words
- Search Poem
- Etheree Revisited
- Color in Nature
- Finding a Safe Harbor
- Witness & Celebration: Poetry for Armenian Genocide Remembrance
- Literacy Memories
- I Remember
- Look Closely
- Depending On When You Met Me
- Good Son
- Villanelle on the Vine
- Where I’m From, Again!
- Scars
- Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
- Borrowed Rhymes
- When Spring Speaks in Tricubes
- The Verse Collector
B. Response Poem: Did you have a favorite poem from one of our Verselover or featured mentor poems? Maybe you want to acknowledge and uplift that poem today and honor the poet with a response poem– perhaps in the same form or in epistolary or letter form of gratitude.
C. I really hoped for…: Is there a prompt you wish we would have offered? A poem in you that didn’t find a home this month? Maybe you wanted to say something a week ago but weren’t ready. Maybe you had more in you but ran out of time. Perhaps a poem on day 4 or 14 or whatever was partial, and you want to return to it and finish it — or rewrite it entirely.
D. Collage: I love a collage poem, which can also be considered a found poem. Go to any day of Verselove and pull a line from several of your favorite poems, including a parenthetical citation for each, to lift lines and lift your witnessing of the poems that moved you today or the day you first read them.
Sarah’s Poem
For me, I chose to revisit the 21st — the date of my birth but in May– to gather the closing lines of each poem crafted that day in reflection of our time together this month. An ending, yes, but also a celebration of our poetic friendships. I enjoyed revisiting the poems and rereading ones I missed that day. (Whew, it was a challenge to keep up, but I had to be kind to myself and accept what I was able to do each day.) In prepareing this poem, I especially loved reading the compassionate comments. Commenting feels like an art, right? I am a better reader and writer because of the range of comments I’ve experienced here.
“but the heart longs to be known” (Emily Cohn); “preserver: another poem” (Kim Douillard); “lived” (Chea Parton); “I didn’t forget” (Stacey Joy); “although I am questioning the wisdome of that choice” (Mo Daley); “love” (Ashley); “at incompetence” (Cheri Mann); ” I hold onto hope” (Maureen Ingram); “watch what I say in public” (Susan O); 3:30 om: Ignore table and decide to read a book instead” (Sheila); “from the after-cigarette” (Susie); ” I need to go now” (Stefani); “Let’s let it be acts of love not hate” (Anna); “they leave and move on” (Luke); “Sorry, again” (Scott); ” Tale of Two cities” (Barb); “and do it all over again next week” (Melissa); “and still i carry them both with me” Leilya); “but felt years older” (Dave); “And grieveing at how teaching is too often experienced” (Kelley); “comes next” (Brian); “and looked for hope and joy and wrote a poem” (Melanie); “quickly time moves” (Mona); “but of course I did” (Angie); “I cannot change” (Margaret); “I am grateful this morning” (Joanne); “pledged to listen better” (Sharon); “without altruistic love” (Rex); “(Last week)” (Jennifer); “but here I am, killing it” (Kim); “and felt free” (Susan); “Breathed in…and breathed out” (Linda); “the messages that are always asking for more” (M.W.); “peace in not bending my knee to the regime” (Glenda Funk); the world turns on without us noticing (Tammi Belko); this is the start of a brand new thing (Leigh Anne Eck); waiting for the storm to pass (Amanda Potts)
Last Day
(a collage for teachers and poets)
I breathed in…and breathed out (Linda),
the messages always asking for more (M.W.),
but the heart longs to be known (Emily Cohn).
Peace in not bending my knee to the regime (Glenda Funk),
preserver: another poem (Kim Douillard)
lived (Chea Parton) and I didn’t forget (Stacey Joy),
although I am questioning the wisdom of that choice (Mo Daley).
Love (Ashley)
meets at incompetence (Cheri Mann),
and still, I hold onto hope (Maureen Ingram),
watch what I say in public (Susan O.),
and at 3:30 PM, ignore the table and decide to read a book instead (Sheila).
From the after-cigarette (Susie),
I need to go now (Stefani),
but let’s let it be acts of love, not hate (Anna).
They leave and move on (Luke),
and I whisper: Sorry, again (Scott).
Tale of Two Cities (Barb)
plays in the back of my mind
as I do it all over again next week (Melissa),
still carrying them both with me (Leilya),
even as I felt years older (Dave).
Grieving at how teaching is too often experienced (Kelley),
I wonder what comes next (Brian),
and look for hope and joy and write a poem (Melanie).
Quickly time moves (Mona),
but of course I did (Angie) —
even knowing I cannot change (Margaret).
I am grateful this morning (Joanne),
pledged to listen better (Sharon),
even without altruistic love (Rex).
Last week (Jennifer),
but here I am, killing it (Kim),
and feeling free (Susan).
Breathed in…and breathed out again (Linda),
waiting for the storm to pass (Amanda Potts).
Your Turn
Now, scroll to the comment section below to write your own poem. (This is a public space, so you may use only your first name or initials depending on your privacy preferences.) Not ready? That’s okay. Read the poems already posted for more inspiration. Ponder your own throughout the day. Return later. And, if the prompt does not work for you, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Just write something. Oh, and a note about drafting: Since we are writing in short bursts, we all understand (and even welcome) the typos and partial poems that remind us we are human and that writing is always becoming.

The time flies by as I sit here and reflect.
I am no longer the same as when the year began.
I have become
a girl who knows her worth,
a girl who is beginning
to truly know herself.
It still surprises me how quickly it all passed.
Junior year is ending, and only two more semesters
stands between me and the rest of my life.
I don’t know what’s waiting beyond those final months.
But I know this:
I trust my instincts.
They’ve carried me this far.
The path ahead is uncertain, but I am certain of who I am becoming.
I don’t need all the answers
to know I’m capable of creating something meaningful.
Grateful Collage
Going where the climate suits my clothes
Might as well travel the elegant way
Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own
If you get confused just listen to the music play
Crippled but free I was blind the whole time I was learning to see.
Heard a voice a callin’, Lord you was comin’ after me.
Well, everybody’s dancing in a ring around the sun
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Sun went down in honey
And the moon came up in wine
Rising up to paradise,
I know I’m gonna shine
I may not have the world to give to you
But maybe I have a tune or two
‘Cause when things go wrong, wrong with you
It hurts me too
Shall we go, you and I, while we can?
If mercy’s in business, I wish it for you
But I’ll still sing you love songs
Written in the letters of your name
Greet the morning air with song
I will walk alone by the black muddy river
Sing me a song of my own
Comic book colors on a violin river
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul
Once in a while, you get shown the light
In the strangest of places if you look at it right
Some folks look for answers
Others look for fights
I have spent my life seeking all that’s still unsung
Keep on dancing through to daylight
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.
(These are all lyrics from various songs by the Grateful Dead.)
Julie, what a fun collage, and that title is pretty perfect! You took time and care to add rhyming words. I love the good vibes and the positive messages in your poem.
We may not get the world but we are always grateful for that one tune or even two that can rock the soul. It’s difficult to choose a favourite line because they are all so beautiful but what a wonderful image this one creates – “Comic book colours on a violin river”. It encompasses the tactile, the visual, the auditory and the kinaesthetic all at once.
Julie,
You’ve given us a new song to live by. You’ve honored Grateful Dead and I believe they would love every line. This spoke to me as advice I need today:
Beautiful way to begin my Friday!
On this last day, my poem is short and my heart is full. Thanks to all who wrote here, responded here, read here–and special thanks to all who took the time to craft invitations to keep us all on track during this month of daily poetry writing and posting. I am grateful for all of you.
Month ends with a splash
words falling like confetti
connection through poems
Kim Douillard
4/30/25
More reflection on my blog:https://thinkingthroughmylens.com/2025/04/30/how-many-poems-npm25-day-30/
Kim, hooray for the confetti celebration of words! “Connection through poems” is so true. I feel I really get to know people better when I get to read their poetry. It’s been great reading and writing with you this month.
Perfect haiku to conclude the month, Kim! Yes to confetti
Hi Kim,
I am grateful I had time this morning to revisit the posts I missed. I love your blog post and I appreciate you! Thank you for reminding me to open my email from Georgia Heard otherwise I would feel lost having no prompts for May.
My heart is empty and full, just like yours. We have much in common here and that’s why I love our community.
Tonight, I retire
My keyboard clash
And morning pondering
Becomes more internal
Tomorrow, I aspire
To keep this momentum
And write more often
Keep my pen moving
Next week, I may wane
Fatigued by testing
End of semester woes
The push to the end
Next month, I will teach
Warmed by future educators
Hopeful for future classrooms
In awe of my students
Next April, I will return
To you my dear friends
To the keyboard and pen
When VerseLove 26 begins
Ooh, I love the time progression! Tonight, I will bask in the brilliance of this poem. Tomorrow, I will read it again.
Wow, you made some magic here. I love the “Next…” timeline. Yay to continuing the writing journey. The last stanza is my favorite!
Ashley, you have so beautifully captured the emotions of being a teacher and a poet. What is particularly striking is how much you are passionate both about teaching and writing poetry.
I love the movement of your stanzas from tonight to Next April, speaking your return into existence. Loved reading your poetry and comments. Thank you for being here and sharing with us.
Thank you, Sarah, for this space and for all the wonderful ideas today. Your poem made me smile thinking of all the lines flowing together so sweetly. Some of my favorites:
Denise,
I love how you took a spin on Sarah’s structure and wove together the lines to create an ode to the end
Oops, actually I should have explained that better. I was quoting some lines from Sarah’s poem. I had posted my poem earlier, but I forgot to say thank you to Sarah and wanted to add that later.
Sarah,
Thank you for another fun month of Verselove!
Whispers and Bloom
The clouds parted today (Dave W)
They whispered tales both grim and glorious (Olivia W)
The world kneels in quiet bloom — waiting to be seen (Leilya P )
Now, my mind glides on the backs of words (Melissa H)
Embrace lines that heal (Kim D)
Hold me up just a little longer (Chea)
It is the first shade of hope after fire (Gleaming)
Tammi, what gorgeous lines you’ve chosen for your poem. I love the title, too.
Tammi,
Whispers and Bloom sounds like a wonderful name for an anthology of Verse Love poems! This is a lovely collection of lines to celebrate the spring and the writing occurring in this space.
Oh, lovely! The first three lines set up this glorious natural world. Then Melissa’s line makes a switch “on the backs of words” Then I feel the power of the written word we find with poetry in community.
I loved your ending line. Each line is reflects on the light and dark. We see the poem move from something dark, to stillness, to hope for the future. Overall, I love reading this!
I am so grateful for this community of writers – the encouragement and the way we lift each other up. The poetry here is so beautiful and exactly what I needed this month. I was late a lot and I didn’t comment on as many as I wanted to, but what a gift to live every day a-wash in poetry. I decided to do a haiku to celebrate and honor this amazing digital and poetic landscape you have tended so tenderly, Sarah.
Verselove in Haiku
gifts abound wrapped in
simile and imagery
pens writing the world
Chea —
Love this — “pens writing the world.” Your poem perfectly captures this poetry space.
I so agree with Tammi. This poem is a perfect tiny gem–priceless!
Chea, I love your title and this sweet haiku of love and appreciation for this “poetic landscape”. “pens writing the world” is my favorite line.
Sarah, what a gift and a delightful way to honor all the special voices of VerseLove this month. I appreciate you more than you know. I hope that you feel it!
I chose to use AI to assist me with writing a poem that includes words from the titles of our daily posts. I spent way too much time going back to revise it to give me what my heart needed. Thanks to all of you who hosted and to all who came to write and share this warm space with us.
(Bold words didn’t come from post titles but italics are represented post titles.)
In Celebration of Harboring Kindness and Peace
Collector of moments, not things,
When spring speaks soft in morning light,
We find rhymes in whispered wings—
“Oh!” we gasp, hearts taking flight.
Our scars are stories, not despair,
We’re from the roots that bloom again,
Like a vine that climbs with tender care,
Each son is shaped by where he’s been.
Depending on the time we meet,
Let’s look with wonder, not with fear.
Remember voices, warm and sweet—
Literacy beats in our space here
Let’s witness joy and celebrate
A safe place made from trust and grace,
Where color doesn’t separate,
And revisited dreams find their place.
Let’s search for light in shadowed days,
Use random poems as our art.
Share bon intentions as we go,
And let lines linger when we part.
What did you do? You chose to care.
You come to tables, pull up chairs.
To write a better world to share—
With syllables, your love declares.
Your spoken wish: a world at peace,
Where minor hurts are soothed with song,
And every ode can bring release—
When holding hearts where they belong.
© Stacey L. Joy, 4/30/25
The rhyming here is so lovely. I love the message and story of this, feels so human and had much more feeling than AI could produce! Thank you for sharing and commenting all month long.
Stacey — “To write a better world to share—” Yes! To this! Love the rhythm, rhyme and inspiration.
Stacey, this poem breaths out light, peace, and kindness. Every time I read your poem, I find it enJOYable. You are such a positive thinker, writer, and teacher! Thank you for a month of beautiful words and kind comments!
Stacey, yes, as C.O. said, you did put your heart into this AI foundation. I love the complex idea you came up with to write this poem, and you pulled it off. It is a gift to this community, and the rhyming is lovely.
Sarah, what a clever way to have use create golden shovel poems! We had to dig around, but we found gold, because we did what we were told!
I had looked at this prompt this morning on my phone, but, you know, work called. But when I looked at it on my computer and saw all of those images and prompt titles tiled out, they called to me and prompted this poem where I used as many of the prompt titles as I could fit in. Part of this poem is real, but the last scene is imagined, as is Villanelle on the Vine being champagne. It just sounded like something one would drink!
Thank you to all of the hosts and contributors of poems. This has been a wonderful space to retreat to this month.
Things to Do:
Write a Poem
Good Son,
Look closely
while I remember
how it was you came to be my son,
not by birth
but through spoken wishes
of better times to come
(showers to flowers)
of an ode to peace
that you did not have
but for which you were searching.
We talked of memories
and where you were from,
emotional scars developing daily
but with me you were finding a safe harbor.
And then,
finally,
there was witness & celebration.
Those lingering lines of worry
on your face, now minor ailments,
that we knew would heal with time.
Now, Good Son,
come to the kitchen table
while I tell you of
where I’m from,
again! and
who I used to be
depending on when you met me.
Let’s find some random words
To talk about
color in nature or seasons
in sylla – wait, what?
What did you do last week?
Oh my god.
Congratulations!
Grab that bottle of Villanelle on the Vine
And let’s have a toast.
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
Oh, what a fantastic idea to use the titles from the prompts. Fantastic use of the closing line to imagine more poetry and how our poetry will continue to have an impact on us all from this experience.
All the prompts woven into a beautiful poem. Celebration time!
Cheri,
thanks for this fun romp down the memory lane of our prompts and poems. It has been quite a journey!
Love the celebratory ending:
I’m lifting a glass of “Villanelle on the Vine”
in cheers to you and your poem. So fun.
Absolutely love this, Cheri! Very clever use of combining the prompt titles and focusing on your son throughout this. Yes, that villanelle on the vine does sound like a champagne. Thanks for italicizing the borrowed lines. Very engaging poem!
Cheri — Love the way you wove these titles together. And the address to Good Son works really well with “Oh, The Place You’ll go!”
Cheri, you found another way to honor the hosts and poetry prompts. This certainly calls for “that bottle of Villanelle on the Vine.” Cheers!
Cheri, clever idea and oh, so many titles you managed to get in there. What a fun narrative poem you created. You’d never know you were limited by the titles (and you used so many–look at all the italics). Well done!
Sarah, thank you for closing us out today. Looking forward to being together in May. I chose to share a poem that I wrote as a close reading. It’s an idea that I’ve been brewing. For this tiny poem an apostrophe seemed like a good approach to the poem.
Envelope Poems, Emily Dickinson, A320
One note from
One Bird
Is better than
a million words
A scabbard
needs
has – holds
but one
sword
Emily Dickinson, what do you want us to understand as we read these 19 words? The value of one note from one bird is better than a million words. Is it because it reflects the bird’s identity? a message to another? to attract another? More than most of us are able to achieve with a single word. And as you compare it to the scabbard which holds but one sword. How much more does that one note hold?
Clearly the bird’s note serves many functions. While the scabbard’s function is to protect the blade of the sword. Likely beautiful to its owner. And we all like nice things.
Your 19 words written on the flap of an envelope share your praise of the natural world as you compare it to a tool of power.
These 19 words say so much.
Jamie, I love this blend of poetry and prose, reminding me of the haibun Barb shared today. The economy of words, the counting of 19 in contrast to your readerly experience offers such intimacy between a poet and her reader. I think any poet would love to hear such an interpretation and meaning-making. Yes.
Interesting! I am contemplating and making meaning along with you! Congratulations on all you have accomplished!
Jamie, thank you for crafting and sharing this! I really enjoyed watching your interpretation/analysis unfold. “One note from / One Bird” is “[m]ore than most of us are able to achieve with a single word”: such truth!
Jamie –Your poem really got me thinking about the power of words. I also really like the shift from “needs,” to “has, to “holds.”
Thank you, Sarah for making this space for us to write. You hold a place for people like me (who has always considered myself a terrible poet) to practice. I love April! I looked back at Erica Johnson’s prompt, Villanelle on the Vine and while I didn’t write a perfectly-ruled villanelle, I used her poem as an inspiration. (Thanks, Erica!)
I’m happiest on open roads
Driving byways
Through forgotten towns
Laughter of my children
Floating down.
Like fireflies on summer nights,
These moments are for catching.
I’m happiest roaming old highways
Window open to the wind
New places waiting to be found.
Singing freedom, my children
Surround.
Like fireflies on summer nights,
These moments are for catching.
I’m happiest in springtime
Lupin, bloodroot, dog-toothed violets
Flying across the country with my fam
Finding history, food, people with my cam
Like fireflies on summer nights,
These moments are for catching.
I’m happiest on open roads.
Emily, you post is just happy, no other fancy word to describe it but happy!
Love this, Emily. Those r-word lines in there driving by Watson and floating down stand out to me for their movement, that the last line catches.
Emily, you’ve found just the words to evoke these memories of mine as a child and later with my own children
Floating down.
Like fireflies on summer nights,
These moments are for catching.
Your poem “catches” those moments like we tried to catch fireflies and “store” them in a jar, until we learned if we didn’t punch holes in the top of the jar, the fireflies would die. We weren’t sure that was to let is good air or let out bad air. Like poetry, we got to leave openings for readers to use them as they need them.
Thanks for the rememory and reminder!
I love this- I too am happy where you are! Great poem!
Emily — I love the way you have captured the joy traveling down with family. Especially love this image: “I’m happiest in springtime
Lupin, bloodroot, dog-toothed violets
Flying across the country with my fam”
My dad used to love to take us on car rides when we were kids and surprise with interesting destinations.
Emily, what a lovely traveling villanelle. Love how each stanza starts with another happy moment. “Like fireflies on summer nights / These moments are for catching.” is such a lovely thought. Beautiful!
Challenge accepted. I went to Margaret’s Table prompt, a day I didn’t write but a day that was most meaningful for me. This is a celebration of all your great poems that day. I hope I didn’t miss anyone!
For my past, future, and today self (Amelia)
The only way the pain will ease is through. (Heather)
I never succeeded in taming you (Joanne)
There is nothing left (Susan O)
seated devils wearing halos (Boxer)
The unraveled and broken strings of the world are too much to put right. (Linda)
Enough went silent. I am feeding some bottomless empty still. (Sarah)
Regret comes calling It’s not too late.(Denise)
Avoidance…says we no longer need breakfast (Maureen)
‘I’d rather eat with someone else’ (Melissa Heaton)
We graze around the coffee table sitting on the floor. (C.O)
Everything grows fuzz. Stress sits too close to me (Chea)
How do you ask a guest to leave? (Jennifer K)
Do you know what rhymes with grieve? (Scott)
I stare Guilt in the eyes…she looks too much like me, too much like a younger image of myself. (Molly)
changing shape and color at will (Kim)
eyes that were the color of the inside of blueberries when I’d been a small, small girl and all I’d known was Love (Kate)
We sat in silence…the kind that settles in when all the questions have already been asked too many times. (Stacey Joy)
Every corner filled with his presence. (Jennifer J)
the push and pull and weight of…anxiety (Ashley)
My circling thoughts were interrupted by…Nature (Sharon)
it was practically
Poetic (Dave)
The sunset rays gleam in through the doorway (Luke)
dappling of light on the leaves of the trees (Melanie)
You pretend not to watch Curiosity who is pretending not to watch you. (Amanda)
she tried to vanish while walking that line between the mountain and the sea (Bryan)
she’s an angel I’ve neglected (Margaret)
I offer her water now, as I sit with her at the table facing the peaceful patio. (mo)
its edges were covered in threads
as a heart of my dreams table (Anita)
We dine under moonlight…Surrender is the only rule (Kasey D)
Perfection not the goal or expectation (Jamie)
the first of twelve steps to freedom (Rita)
laughter bouncing off the walls (Demry)
snuggling with you tonight (Barb)
tranquility on the couch (cheri)
She throws her head back in a laugh – a light, silvery sound, gentle and pure (Fran)
her eyes lit with joy, untouched by time. She was telling a story—as she always did, her voice full of wonder, kindness, and delight (Leilya)
happy to stay awhile. (Sheila)
Bringing tears of sentiment, laughter of imaginings, words and images to life.
Click, click, click (Kim J)
Come in, future me, sit down (M.W.)
You have one job (Glenda)
You don’t always have to be the star. (Anna)
Be a palm tree, flexible, but strong, and also giving back to others. (Hailey)
Wisdom smiled contentedly, (Gayle)
‘Understanding is simple’ (Susan)
I admire how much effort goes into collecting all these lines you love and making them fit. Such a lovely letter to you and to all of us. Thank you for sharing and commenting along this month.
Angie, the poetry of remixed borrowed lines, Cento, pulls at my heart because it is like a choir of voices all harmonizing when I read these lines from each person along the way. What a lovely offering – I love how the first two lines in the last stanza seem to just go together as if you had written them without borrowing. Beautiful!
How. In. The. World!! This reads like a fantasy or fairy tale. I can get lost in it. It conjures a place I long to be in – oh, wait, that’s VerseLove itself <3 Just phenomenal, Angie! I love how you pursued inspiration to this marvelous end!
Beautiful. Impressive. Thank you for creating this from so many small scraps. Lovely.
This is such a gem, Angie! I love how you put together this beautiful poetic collage. So many great lines. I love that the title of the poem is Amelia’s line. Amazing!
Wow! This is quite the feat to 1. read all the poems, 2. find the just right lines, and 3. create something new that not only makes sense, but heightens the original lines to a new status. Thanks!
Angie, wow, you’ve crafted an incredible found poem today, celebrating this community’s voices. I like how you open and close your poem, and I really appreciate how well the lines flow and connect from the images, actions and sounds. That last line is delivered perfectly. Thank you!
Whew!! And I thought I went down the rabbit hole. You did a phenomenal job pulling all of these powerful lines together.
Woohoooo!!!
And on top of your wonderful etheree from earlier! When it rains, it sure does pour, lol, pun, of course, intended! You did it again, another wonderful poem for the same prompt! This is so well done, Angie. Thank you for this!
Ah, Angie, it was delightful to read this, and to think of you sitting at the table with all of us. Absolutely lovely. It’s really magical how they come together so well. These are some of my favorite lines:
What a beautiful month of reading, writing, and sharing this was. I didn’t feel like much of a poet on Day 1, and yet, the comments of other amazing poets have helped me to believe in my craft and give value and purpose in my words. I will keep growing my writing and confidence because of all of you. Thank you for sharing your kindness.
and now, for the last poem, the first form we learn in elementary school: the acrostic.
Guess what?
I can write a poem —
From a single word,
Uncover feelings found
Cramped deep down,
Kindle the fire of
Imagination with rhyme,
Notice the world through
Glasses of any color,
Detail a scene
Inviting outsiders in,
Dabble in new forms,
Invent my own — all the while
Thinking, I can’t write a poem.
Yep, you definitely CAN!! I love
“Notice the world through
Glasses of any color,”
and of course your chosen acrostic phrase!
Ha! What a celebratory acrostic line – – very cleverly done! And you did it so seamlessly – – it just flows like it was meant to be. It is such an experience to write 30 days in a row not believing you are a writer, much less a poet, and then you finish and BAM! Here you are with your full poetry license. Because only a poet could have written what you wrote today! Congratulations on finishing strong!
Hilarious, CO! I love acrostics. One would almost never suspect your hidden message in these amazingly introspective, lyrical lines (love “inviting outsiders in”) – but, that said, heck yeah – it’s an accomplishment, and you should celebrate! I have so enjoyed your words and writing alongside you.
C.O., congratulations on completing the first VerseLove with us! I read each of your poems (not commented on all), but enjoyed your words, your skills, your poetic gifts, and greatly appreciated your comments. Thank you, and as Kim mentioned, hope you will consider to host a day of VerseLove or Open Writes. Your acrostic poem today has a very particular base phrase :), but the message is heartfelt and sincere. Yay!
I read the poem before the introduction and didn’t even notice the capitalization. Nicely done. Nicely done. I can really relate to this poem because I, too, often think, why do I think I can write a poem. “Notice the world through / Glasses of any color”–I found my sense of observation heightened this month, noticing more the world around me and trying to detail scenes. So, yes, we did it. Congratulations.
And you did it and so did we! Writing beautiful poems from one prompt. You said it right: “dabble in new forms” “invent my own” “Imagination with rhyme” “feelings cramped deep down.”
Love, love, love this! And yes, yes, yes, you did! Isn’t it amazing what comes from a single word (or act)? Inviting outsiders in works so well for your poem, verselove, this site in general. And to keep going through the self-doubt (I’m sure we have all felt its touch)–such an accomplishment. I’ve read such beautiful imagery from you this month. Well-done!
C.O., what a fantastic celebration of sharing how one can be a poet even when they have doubts. I loved the idea of being able to create a poem from a single word and dabbling in new forms. Love the way your title invites the reader to step right into your poem. Very fun piece!
You sure effin’ did!!! I love this so much! But, let me say, your intro resonated too because I remember when I first came to Ethical ELA and really felt like an impostor. You are a poet! Now you know it! Don’t let anyone tell you differently!
C.O., like Cheri, I jumped into your poem before reading the note, and was like, good, ok, this is good stuff, love the affirmation at the end, the relatable quality of it, and then I read your note and only then realized it was an acrostic!! Perfect! That had me smiling widely.
Yes! You did!
C.O., you did it! I love the passion in your last (in April) poem. The lines, full of verb phrases of all you did, are just perfect. One of my favorite images is:
Not just rose-colored, but all the colors, and all the emotions. Lovely!
I’m glad you joined this April adventure. Yes, you can write a poem, many poems, in fact. You often make the writing look easy. I’ve loved reading your poetic musings.
This time I took your suggestion of making a collage poem from one day. I took lines from Seasons With Syllables and found this using only those lines. What a great gathering of poets we have and what joy I have had writing this month! I must thank you all, my friends.
Now
Grab an extra sweater and umbrella. (Maureen)
Lavishing us, rays bring color, (Chea P)
heat rises and is distracted. (Linda M.)
Let it wrap you in delight (Joanne)
that life will continue. (Kratijah)
The magic holds sway. (Denise)
The door is open. (Kate)
Time reflects (Margaret)
pulsing life. (Kelley)
This NOW (Fran)
sprouts. (Jennifer)
Amazing Susan!! These collage poems are working so well!! It’s hard to choose but I especially love these put together:
Let it wrap you in delight (Joanne)
that life will continue. (Kratijah)
This NOW (Fran)
sprouts. (Jennifer)
Susan, thank you for the mention and, oh, my soul, this collage-syllable/etheree poem is amazing! How you wove the lines together for the meaning is a wonder; it describes our experience here so metaphorically well. It is an honor to be here writing alongside you – I, too, have taken such joy in it.
Susan, this etheree is wonderful – I love the ending, thinking of the magical power of our writing together and
Thanks, too, for the opening shout out – fun to see the line in a whole new way.
Susan, putting together a collage poem requires a skill. Your poem flows so well – the lines work to compose a meaning and a form – outstanding! Thank you for your poems, comments, and active presence!
Susan, so fun! You got to write about seasons, and you didn’t have to count the syllables so much because you found the lines. For me, this is about the seasons of life. I love “Time reflects / pulsing life.” That feels true to me the more I age.
Our April together is over, and I am so sad to see it go. It has been such a joy to write here! Thank you, Sarah, and all you wonderful hosts; thank you, writers and commenters – absolutely fabulous to connect with you here.
My poem takes its cue from Sarah’s suggestion of a found poem – my birthday is on the 2nd (December), so I played with lines from Leilya’s Triolet prompt from day 2 of our challenge. Great fun to create this, Sarah! Thanks for the prompt.
While creating this, I gathered one line from everyone who wrote that day – and it was so fun to reread these beauties. I reduced these to a Triolet about our month together, with a bit of tinkering edits to make the poem flow as one. (Even the title is a found line.)
My poem features lines by Alexis, Barb, Cathy, Cheri, Denise, Diane, Donnetta, Glenda, Leilya, Kim, Shelly: however, I felt everyone’s presence within the lines, and I hope you do, too!
This poem is an ode of appreciation to everyone for this precious month.
What a Trip!
breath of life
hope, bright, warm
gray gloom gone
one and all
opened your hearts
filled the air
bold buds bloomed
exploding
mesmerizing
now, stillness . . .
Maureen,
You’re gonna have to tell me which line is mine because I have no clue. LOL! Anyway, this is lovely.
“exploding” ! lol
Maureen, I love your title and the beautiful way you open the poem. Your word choice is phenomenal. I especially enjoyed your line “bold buds bloomed” and the final stillness is compelling. Lovely tribute to VerseLove!
Yes the gray gloom has gone definitely. I love the stillness at the end. Thank you Maureen!
Maureen, thank you for this incredibly beautiful triolet and honoring our lines. I, too, feel the presence of everyone in each of today’s poems. It feels like we are all coming together for the final bow. “What a Trip!” indeed
Maureen, I just love every word in your poem. I want to use them like soap to lather my skin with bold buds. We will be still for a bit but our poetry persists.
Such a beautiful tribute of our journey! Thank you!
You have captured the essence of April! I especially love:
I am not looking forward to the upcoming stillness but I definitely need it.
Wow, Maureen, What a beautiful story about this April writing month. “bold buds bloomed” Yes, so many thousands of them! So thoughtful and true.
Thanks to this prompt, I’m *finally* writing my first Where I’m From poem. It’s a bit rushed because of a day full of meetings, but I’m doing it!
Where I’m From
I’m from front porches
and white clouds of dandelion,
Ghost in the Graveyard and
Kick the Can. I’m from cans of
Mellow Yellow wrapped in foil
for hot days at North Avenue beach.
I’m from the long bus rides back.
I’m from Saturday morning cartoons
and Saturday night Fame (with
Jewel Thin ‘N’ Crispy and a
juice glass of Coke if I begged
and was lucky), from Sunday mornings
at church—my sisters, brother, parents
and me filling a whole, hard pew.
I’m from singing along to Cat Stevens
and Carly Simon, from conducting
living room symphonies with my dad’s
hand over mine. I’m from hiding on a
humid night, to watch the big kids flirt.
There are so many sweet lines herein, I can’t pick a favorite. I, too, remember those backyard games, Saturday morning cartoons, the Cat Stevens & Carly Simon…and the family “filling a whole, hard pew.” Wonderful poem!
Kate, I love your four opening lines as I could totally say the same for myself. I forgot about Ghost in the Graveyard, but I dearly remember Kick the Can. I love the imagery of front porches and clouds of dandelion, a prevalent part of the time I grew up. When you move to the songs, I am completely hooked. I can see you hiding in the humidity to watch the big kids flirt. Fantastic poem! Thank you for sharing this piece of nostalgia and beautiful poem.
Saturday morning cartoons, juice class of Coke, check, check. My favorite was Recess. I love these poems to learn more about yall! Thanks for sharing.
Kate, your opening with “front porches / and white clouds of dandelion” takes me to my childhood, and I love your poem from the first two lines. Thank you!
Thanks, Kate, for being a part of the community. I so enjoyed your poetry. Yes, you are doing it. Conducting symphonies everyday.
Hi Kate,
So much to enjoy!
I absolutely adore the ending! I laughed because I quickly recalled secretly watching my bestie’s sister kissing her boyfriend at the front door!
Well, the details here, Kate, are so rich and full. In such a few words, I feel I have gotten to know so much about where you are from. That last image of watching the big kids flirt on a humid night. So good.
End of Year Limericks for My Teacher Friends
I
In May teachers seldom feel cheerful;
Countdown is on, don’t be fearful;
“‘Minor ailments’1 distress me,
Grades and tests depress me!”
Your therapist should get an earful.
II
Tonight, relax, kick back, take a chair,
Eat a good dinner, let down your hair;
Don’t ask hard questions,
Or take any suggestions–
Let self-love and grace be your pair!
III
Signs of impatience may start to creep;
Give frustration and defeat not a peep–
All setbacks aside are laid.
Champion2, your win’s well-played!
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Deep.
IV
Oh, yes, of course, I haven’t forgot
You still have so much to do (a lot)
May there be a surprise,
Your to-do list’s demise
Some fun, some joy, and all of that rot.
V
Don’t jump down students’ throats;
Hang up inspiring summer quotes.
Laugh along with Dante
Have inner peace (Shantih)
You know the assignment!3 (Check notes!)
_____________________________________________________________
With shoutouts to Stacey Joy1, whose ‘minor ailment’ for Scott’s prompt was a student, and Dave Wooley2&3, whose Showers to Flowers was an ode to his preservice teachers, and Donnetta Norris for the inspiration who used the rhyming words from “Wasteland Limericks” by Wendy Cope in her borrowed rhymes poem. (I just happened upon her poem this morning, and I borrowed Cope’s rhyming words. I want to honor all the teachers here! I know this time of the year is so difficult, but you are making it, Champion!)
What a gift to teachers, Denise! Spoken like the mentor and poet that you are! That last line is particularly sweet, “You know the assignment!”
Denise,
Im sure all those teachers still in the classroom who read your poem will love it. Your rhyming is fun. Gotta say, however, I have no clue about what you’re referencing in Donnetta’s poem. I didn’t read it because I knew she would not read or comment on my poem. LOL. My favorite line in your poem is “Grades and tests depress me!” The paper grading grind this time of year sometimes made me cry,
Denise, such a fun poem but serious reminder that the end of the year can be stressful and as educators we need to maintain our inner peace to succeed. You’re a whiz with rhyme, and I love your shout out. Yes, teachers are champions. I’ve so enjoyed reading your poetry throughout the month!
I remembered reading all these things without looking at your commentary. Such a cool, fun idea for limericks! Thanks Denise.
This ending poem is really good. It sure describes the ending of school, the hard work teachers do and gives good advise to all. I especially like “your win’s well-played.”
I love playing with limericks! “You still have much to do (a lot), some fun some joy, and all of that rot.” These are all great fun!
Denise, what truth there is here! In all the chaos of the end of the year, I always feel sad. I have spent so much time with these kids, they are in such a good place, and we will never be in this space again in this exact way, so I start to miss what is soon coming (sort of like how I feel in the last third of April with verselove coming to an end!). So good to meet you here throughout the month, with all of your encouraging words.
Denise, this certainly sums up the intense pressure teachers feel as they attempt to give immensely personal feedback and inspiration to every one in their class, wrap everything up, pack everything into a hiding place, reflect on their own accomplishments, prepare for new curriculum ….. and so much more. Your permission to take a break and breathe in the peace of spring is an important message. Well done!
Denise, your words are so-so needed today. I am taking these lines and making them my mantra for the evening:
“Don’t ask hard questions,
Or take any suggestions–
Let self-love and grace be your pair!”
Thank you, thank you so much for always being kind, generous, and giving!
Denise,
This tired teacher thanks you. Thanks for making me laugh and lifting me up.
I think this better be my evening plan:
So fun, let the count down continue! This is a sweet end or perhaps commencement!
Denise, my goodness, you must’ve been watching me today try my best to ignore my MINOR AILMENT! He just wouldn’t let up and my patience is fading by the minute. You nailed it with each limerick. Thank you for the gentle reminders. 29 more days!!
Denise, I wanted to come back today and leave a thank you for all your heartfelt comments on my (and others’) poems this month! I also loved your limericks for yesterday’s prompt, too. Thanks for the reminder to “Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Deep”!
Sarah, I followed your idea of viewing poems from a single day and seeing what evolved. Who knew that going to the 20th, the day of my birthday (in a different month), selecting one from the first 20 poems and using those “clips” in the order I found them would create a PG13 poem! Well, I’m gonna to post the way the poem evolved, in hopes that folks reading will know, “It’s your words I’m using.”
Who Knew?
“To know how it ends” (Susan)
To see family or spend summer with friends (AJ)
I didn’t want to get old.(Cheri)
You’ve painted a perfect picture (Ang)
There’s only tonight (Chea)
Our two worlds will be one (Ashley)
I was up against the wall (Dave)
When it is the time (Kasey)
Theater, work your magic (Wendy)
Stirring my brainwaves, (moonc)
I never knew it could be like this, (Mo)
Penetrating/lingering/caressing (Kim)
Bloom where you are planted, (C.O_
Find dreams that really do come true (Barb)
Till we find our place (Denise)
But women always know. (Susan)
I’d rather know as Beginning. (Sarah)
Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes (Maureen)
The song ends happily, with the lovers safe inside.(Sheila)
I feel all the feels. (Glenda)
Anna,
So cool how all the lines fell into place! And it does border on the naughty just a bit, lol. This is a great poem evolved out of a great exercise.
This. Is. Fabulous!! What fun you have stirred up, Anna! – Yes, WOW!
These lines work well together. As I read them I am also wow’ed by the beautiful lines we have written together. Thanks to you, Anna, and all.
What fun little nuggets from our poems. Thanks for sharing this month
Anna,
Wow! So perfect.
These three lines land in my heart like advice from a wise ancestor. Thank you, Anna!
So many options . . . thanks for putting all the month’s prompts in one place, Sarah. A friend suggested that I compile all my poems for the month, along with the pictures that go with the prompts, and make a poetry book for my mom for Mother’s Day. Genius!
I just spent a good chunk of yesterday afternoon in the woods, enjoying the bluebells, but I didn’t want to revisit my villanelle disaster. Instead, I’m playing with “Look Closely” again.
Look. No, REALLY look.
After the Monday superstorm that wasn’t,
After late night doggie pacing for the teensy bit of thunder,
It’s finally nice out.
Bluebell time!
Find friend to photograph: check.
Leash on jumping dog: check.
Wrestle jumping dog into car: check.
Go time.
You know those Persian carpets?
The ones whose intricate patterns you can get lost in as you look?
Picture an entire field of carpets.
Except the carpet is all bluebells
With a few trees sprinkled here and there
And maybe some spring beauties.
We slowly wander the trail.
Bluebells as far as we can see.
The dog can’t figure out why we’re standing in flowers
Moooom!! I want to sniff! Why aren’t we moving? And why do I have to have my head up?
Did I have a whole to-do list not getting done?
Yep. I can do it later.
Bluebells are ready now.
I really want to see this – it sounds extraordinarily gorgeous. What a magical walk, to wander through such fields…this is absolutely riveting:
Where is this magical field of bluebells?
The Katoski Greenbelt in Waterloo, Iowa. Look up pictures online– they don’t do it full justice, but you’ll get a taste.
Oh Sheila, your poem takes me WAY, way back to the days when as a newlywed, living in Northern Virginia, our neighbor told us to go see the bluebells. We had not idea. We were blown away. It has been many years, but your poem takes me way back to the endless Persian carpet of magic that overrides all chores and to-do-lists.
I love the idea that everything else can wait because the bluebells are peaking now. Such a reminder that so much is temporary, and we must take what we can while we can.
Sarah, thank you for your great prompt that invites us all to bring what we want to share at this “thanksgiving” table of gratitude. I also want to thank you for the opportunity to be part of Verse Love this month. To be honest, I have been a “visitor” rather than a participant before, as I have felt the poems and participants to be far more fabulous than anything I might have to offer. In reality, my own self esteem has been challenged by life and words limiting my own ability to share and to respect my own work. My poem today is a poem of thanks to all who commented and encouraged. Your words were powerful. My poem today is also an etheree, my first real one! Somehow, I feel empowered to revisit that book I put down long ago and return for the next writing celebration. Thank you sincerely.
Did
You know
Venturing
Out of your blog
Weaving words into
Daisy chains of ideas
With pros, having profound thoughts,
Finding inspiration, fueling
Ideas, phrases as you work, walk,
Exploring a formidable genre?
Was a possibility for me?
I was intimidated, but,
I jumped in bravely sharing,
Your words inspiring mine
Sharing memories,
Powerful, deep,
Words change
Lives
Anita, thank you for this lovely etheree! “Weaving words into/ Daisy chains of ideas” are such beautiful lines.
Like you, Anita, I was only a “visitor” before this year. I am so glad you leave the month “empowered.” I know it has been empowering for me to hear from people like you who bravely take on this challenge. I love your poem of “possibility.”
Anita,
This is such a cool etheree (a form I was introduced to right here!). I love that idea of “venturing out of your blog” and finding it intimidating–I sure did!–but ultimately inspirational. Great poem!
I just love this line/image so much – “Daisy chains of ideas” …this is exactly how we make poetry, yes? Playing like children … connecting words…love love love! So great to have you here, Anita.
Anita,
You are an amazing writer of both prose and poetry. I am so glad you have written w/ us this month. Your poetry is as good as any in this space, and do t listen to any external or internal voice that tells you otherwise. You are one of the people who have given me reason to post every day this month. I’ve loved writing g poetry but have not been excited to share poems this year, including this month, so I needed the encouragement a few faithful friends have offered and a reason to be here provided from some in the TWT community who joined this year. That includes you. And your poem today is amazing.
Anita, I’m so glad you are here and writing in this community. I hope you will keep coming back for the Open Write each month. Your poems, today’s and every day, have been a joy to read each day. Oh, weaving words into daisy chains of ideas just speaks to my 1970s heart and hangs on. Thank you, friend!
Anita, it does take bravery to jump in and share. I’m so glad you did. Your ending is brilliant because I completely agree that “Words change/lives”. Loved “Daisy chains of ideas”.
Anita, I love your etheree. I love your verbs! Venturing/Out of your blog/Weaving words into daisy chains of ideas – You capture such an active image. Finding inspiration, fueling/ideas . . provides so much feeling. Exploring a formidable genre – here you lace your idea with feeling. You show us we should never underestimate the power of the verb.
This is beautiful. I love that inner questioning,
and then following that with the increased confidence. You’ve written a wonderful etheree.
Anita, I saw your presence her every day, your generous comments, your wise, beautiful poems! You belong here as organically as words belong to a poem. I like your today’s etheree as a tribute to this space. I am right there with you on this: “Words change / Lives.”
Thank you!
This is so fun. I enjoyed reading your work and commenting along the way. You are talented. Write on.
Anita, I am so glad you took the plunge into participating vs. visiting! And this first etheree – a double, no less!- so beautifully encapsulates the VeseLove experience and this supportive, gracious community. “Exploring a formidable genre”reminds me that all the growth happens outside the comfort zone…and, words DO change lives. I cheer you onto more poetry-writing. Today, we celebrate. Tomorrow we will carry new ideas and inspiration forward. Thank you for being here and for sharing your courageous words.
Hi Anita,
This is a testament to you! You must know by now that if you’re here and writing with us, you are a “pro” too! I remember my first month of writing here and that feeling of inadequacy is real. But look at you now! You ain’t goin’ nowhere, so I look forward to seeing you again and enjoying your poetry. You are a poet!
Oh, wow, Anita, this is beautiful. I’m so glad you stayed with it this month, realizing you are one of the pros (a teacher-poet). The sharing is “Powerful, deep”, isn’t it? The “words change / lives” So true. I’m so glad you were here this month.
I decided to go back and finally do The Borrowed Rhyme Prompt from the third day of the month from Denise Krebs. I am a huge music guy and I was going to find the right song to use lyrics from, but I never actually picked a song so today I’ll switch it up and pick a Big Willy Shakespeare sonnet instead to borrow from as we are finishing up our school year reading R&J.
Here’s Sonnet 2:
When forty winters shall besiege thy brow,
And dig deep trenches in thy beauty’s field,
Thy youth’s proud livery, so gazed on now,
Will be a tatter’d weed, of small worth held:
Then being ask’d where all thy beauty lies,
Where all the treasure of thy lusty days,
To say, within thine own deep-sunken eyes,
Were an all-eating shame and thriftless praise.
How much more praise deserved thy beauty’s use,
If thou couldst answer ‘This fair child of mine
Shall sum my count and make my old excuse,’
Proving his beauty by succession thine!
This were to be new made when thou art old,
And see thy blood warm when thou feel’st it cold.
and here’s my new reimagined attempt. Thank you all for reading and for writing and for making it through another day!
Here I go again and wipe the sweat from my brow
I sneeze, then breathe in the remains of the field
I once was cush but am breaking my back now
dreams deferred, necessity rakes in what’s held.
Was it ever a question? Was it ever a lie?
Years, all of a sudden, starting from just days.
I come home and avoid the gaze of your eyes,
but I learn you don’t give disappointment, but instead praise.
You come along side me and convince me of my use
You are my constant. Forever love of mine.
You’ve given me pure love. I give an excuse.
You make me better. How I regret the hurt of thine.
You. Me. My forever. My only. Onto the old
Lifted up from my gloom. Revive me from the cold.
This is so sweet, Luke. I love the line, “You come along side me and convince me of my use.” It’s so uncomplicated, yet such an important thing to do. I think your students might enjoy reading this one. Have you ever had your students reimagine a Shakepearean sonnet? It seems like that would be a fun activity.
Thank you so much, ELA all-star Mo!
Luke, I love how you make Shakespeare seem so “normal” and 2025! The line I really appreciate is “I learn you don’t give disappointment but instead praise.” It is just want we really want from our teachers, friends, and well our lovers as well!
High praise. “normal” and “2025”, I guess that’s what I was going for . Thank you.
I love this reimagining, Luke. I love how it shifts the focus from the original to, at least in my eyes, Romeo & Juliet’s love.
I was writing autobiographically, but now rereading, it could be Romeo or Juliet as well. Ha, Thanks!
Luke,
Well done! There are lines here that give a I Corinthians 13 vibe:
“You come along side me and convince me of my use
You are my constant. Forever love of mine.
You’ve given me pure love.”
I really like teaching students to find inspiration from Shakespearean sonnets so hope you e shared this w/ students.
I have not shared it yet, hmm. I love your I Corinthians 13 observation, better than my poem deserves.
Luke, I just came from the poetry event on campus where I read Shakespearean sonnet in translation, so I am still the bard’s vibe. You reimagined sonnet is such a sweet tribute to a loving partner who is next to a speaker and “don’t give disappointment, but instead praise.” Thank you for sharing this poem with us today and thank you for being active throughout the entire month.
Not as active as you. You are an inspiration Leilya. Thank you.
This is fabulous. I am so impressed by this imagination and interpretation- you are talented and deserving of all the praise! Thank you for sharing.
So kind. Thank you for reading C.O.
Oh, Luke, so nice! I’m glad you gave it a try, and I agree with the other comments, I hope you’ll share it with students as a mentor. I also see that this is autobiographical–such a rich love poem. I hope you will share it with your love too.
I should. Thank you.
Sarah, thank you for your prompt today and for curating this space for us! I’ve used Verselove in a couple of my classes over the past month to model how to be supportive when commenting on writing. This exercise of writing together really is a masterclass in how to support a writing community! So, I’m taking you up on the Cento option, but rather than use lines form poems, I’m going to use the words from our comments. I appreciate writing with everyone here!
Just what we needed
Holding your poem close to my heart, (Barbara)
each of our poems is a vulnerable bloom (Leilya)
so many angles, each has its own revelations and truths, (Kim)
to imagine this missive, this guidance for living, (Maureen)
Lines could be song lyrics (Emily)
I felt as if I were experiencing it too (Kasey)
I don’t know what remains, this box
carries inside or in its being, (Sarah)
this translation sank deep in my heart– (Sheila)
it’s hard to pick a favorite part (Luke)
In a world where the news is so intense,
the prices are climbing and people are filled with angst (Anita)
I needed to read this today. I just refreshed the page… (Denise)
Yep, sometimes it works exactly like that. (Scott)
*Comments are attributed at the end of each line
Such a cool idea to create the poem from our comments! ( I apologize if someone else also did this, but I haven’t read all posts yet.) It works so well as a standalone piece, which is also so cool. You’re awesome Dave.
This is terrific, Dave. We are always thinking about how to use poetry in the classroom, but you’ve skillfully pointed out another very important aspect of this community. I’m so happy you shared this with your students.
Dave, I love to create found poems from books but yours, from comments, is really a poem that stands by itself and really is a testament to YOUR writing and its impact on others, It’s been fun and I will miss this tomorrow!
Wow, this poem flows well—and is such a touching testament to a powerful writing experience!
Dave, wow, this is fantastic. I love how you artfully pull these lines together to create “Just what we needed”. Writing poetry is not only healing it’s a way to manage the angst and stress of life. I agree that this community is a masterclass, and I think it’s awesome that you’ve shared this site with your class.
Such a great idea. Some people write comments for me that are more poetic than my own poem hahaha, so this was great. I especially like how well the last two blend and “heart and part”
I like how you created a poem out of comments instead of poetry lines. Amazing how those come together into a poem that sums up what we needed. We need these words, these lines, these reflections.
Dave, I love that your poem highlights the comments shared. I often revisit my post looking forward to hearing a little feedback. It’s how we grow. And of course I find everyone’s poems as models to my writing as I venture to write another poem.
Dave, this is taking poetry onto a new level. As Mo wrote in her poem, she began seeing poetry everyone, and you found it in our comments! It is brilliant and delightful at the same time. Thank you for being here, sharing your words, wisdom, and passion for poetry.
I was hoping someone would do this today, I love the combination of comments and how much power they hold for us. The words of others are so important and can change us. Thank you for sharing this and all month long.
Dave, this is genius! I am constantly in awe of your wordplay and your ability to continually surprise (and delight) me with and by your craft as poet and as instructor. And I love that you “used Verselove in a couple of [your] classes over the past month to model how to be supportive when commenting on writing.” See, see what I mean? Brilliant.
Wow, poetic-sounding comments from this community. I love this idea! I loved Maureen’s comments: “to imagine this missive, this guidance for living,”
Dave,
I always enjoy your poems, especially your clever word play and unique take on forms. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. As w/ Bryan’s, they are mentors, too.
I am choosing to go back and write another poem for the prompt ‘Where I’m From, Again!’ in a pile poem.
Enjoying the company from my family
A family that is larger than others
Small but close knit community
Colors of red and white
Playing sports
With friends
Home
Alyssa, this is a fun form to help us get to know each other better. SO few words tell us a great deal about you and what is important to you.
Thanks, Alyssa! Now I know what a pile poem is– or at least I think I do. Sort of a reverse etheree but without being so strict on syllable counts?
Alyssa, such a soulful poem about you. I love the idea of being from “home” with a family and a close knit community. It feels well rooted and cozy. Thank you!
Alyssa, thanks for the introduction to yet another poetic structure to explore. Your poem is brief but says so much about you.
Alyssa, thank you for crafting and sharing this with us! I love the ending: “Playing sports / With friends / Home.”
Sarah, thanks for all the poetry prompt options. I wanted to write a found poem, and I will do that tomorrow, but today I thought I shared a haibun which I enjoy as it mixes prose and haiku and that’s a form, we didn’t explore this month. I love how you chose the last lines to weave this incredible poem together although I was sort of sad that mine ended with A Tale of Two Cities. (LOL). Thanks for making this community possible and happy birthday in May.
Dad’s Mad
“We’re all going to die,” Pam chants in a sing-song voice while counting the number of cars our father passes by. Nine total. A dangerous feat on Highway 151, a hilly two-lane blacktop, we travel often. He’s furious because my mother needs to go to the bathroom. Amazingly, we all survive, but the shockwaves of dad’s anger resonate long after the terrifying Saturday morning ride.
thunder boomer pops
violent skies erupt
hail-bent rage
Barb Edler
30 April 2025
Ha, Barb. But that line really made a nice turn in the poem. Okay, glad you brought out the haibun here. So much more to explore. That line about needing to go to the bathroom can be a seed for a whole book…why does it anger people so …our biology. That trio is powerful with the double meaning in pops.
Such vivid images in the prose and in the haiku, Barb. I’m always amazed at how you are able to get right down to it in your poems. That haiku- wow.
Oh, that fury at your mom needing to go to the bathroom about breaks me. I love “hail-bent rage”—the wording of it, that is. Such precision!
Wow, that’s scary! It’s really is jolting when someone shows you a part of themselves that you hadn’t realized was there.
“thunder boomer pops” is a brilliant line.
Barb,
Your dad and most men I know love to pass and freak the rider’s out. Adding the dialogue from your sister creates verisimilitude, and your mom needing to go to the bathroom reminds me of an Erma Bombeck piece. I love the direction you went today. You’re a rebel (in a red dress, probably). I love this form and think I’m the one who first introduced it to this group, which doesn’t mean everyone else didn’t already know it. Love your ambiguity in “boomer” and in the metaphoric implications of the entire poem.
Barb, I am glad you wrote the haibun today for a form that we didn’t explore this month. I love the short forms, and I believe they are enhanced with the context of prose. Your play on hell with hail is masterful here. Those boomers, humanly and weatherly, get our attention! As always, I love the way you can write to the bone and how I feel so seen and heard when you do. I am sharing a few poems with colleagues this month, and yours was one – I Saw Your Ghost on Facebook Today….everyone loves that one, and I can see the velvet pants and the Bible. Thanks for always writing poems that stick and keep echoing long after you think they will.
Barb, the power in this haibun – with that perfect play on hail-bent rage – is, no pun intended, electrifying. I feel the horror over your dad’s rage, the passing, and..well…your poor mom! It’s all very real and visceral. I have so enjoyed reading your poems and marveling at your craft day by day. A couple of times I went back late at night to finish commenting. Your comments are always so uplifting and meaningful – I appreciate you and your words so much!
Barb, oh! we should be doing the haibun more often. I’d forgotten about this form and the tension and balance that exists between prose and haiku. Your poem is alarming in its sudden danger (against the backdrop of Pam’s sing-song announcement) and the long resonating anger. I love that this sits opposite of the form (long at first and sudden at the end–adding to the tension!). Your writing always feels so grounded and real.
I love this combination of prose and haiku, especially since I love me a good poem that tells a story. And this tells a good one. You paint a vivid picture with both the prose and then the haiku’s metaphor is a perfect addition.
Barb, how great to see a haibun here again. I remember when Glenda introduced us to it a couple years ago, and I thought it was so neat. Aside from everyone’s commented line about mom’s needing a bathroom, I loved the transition to a haiku: “the shockwaves of dad’s anger resonate long after the terrifying Saturday morning ride.” At this point, I am ready for that shockwave in whatever form it comes–thunder, lightning, or “hail-bent rage.” Thank you for this gem, and for all your amazing poems, kindest and most generous comments!
This is such a relatable experience. And makes for a lovely poem. Thanks for sharing today and every day. I enjoyed stopping by.
Barb, your poem is downright scary but honest and even in a few words conveys the angst and rage of the need to alter plans in order to use the bathroom! Thank you also for your strong voice and raw honesty in writing this month,. It has been empowering.
Barb, thanks for sharing the haibun form. I forgot about that. “hail-bent rage” wow! That is amazing. The haiku is such a powerful storm metaphor for your dad’s anger.
Barb this is powerful and striking. And I love the wordplay and layered meanings of your last lines: “thunder boomer pops / violent skies erupt / hail-bent rage.” Thank you for crafting and sharing this!
I went through and found the twenty-fifth line of the second poem in the comments from each day…in some cases I had to scroll to the 5th or 30th poem to find one with 25 lines. I didn’t end up using all the lines I gathered, but I enjoyed compiling these lines together. It’s interesting how these collages come together. Thank you, everybody, who was here in one way or another. Writing is powerful.
Collage of the Twenty-Fifth Lines
By Amber Harrison
I am from (Melanie Hundley 4/6/2025)
A red sleeve (onathought 4/15/2025)
Is it from the bleeding of my soul? (Kratijah 4/17/2025)
Do it all (Ashley 4/21/2025)
To learn so I inched through the cold cell (Kate Sjostrom 4/27/2025)
(4 consecutive years) (Cheri Mann 4/26/2025)
Crossing shadows (Kelley 04/24/2025)
Clenched in fists (Molly Moorhead 4/8/2025)
Head down and back aching (Carson Mann 4/9/2025)
These rains showers have brought spring flowers (brcrandall 4/30/2025)
Threaded in and out (Kasey D. 4/29/2025)
To wipe the moisture from faces (Anna J. Small ROSEBORO 4/25/2025)
Of evil and hubris and greed and more. (Susie Morice 4/3/2025)
And you can finally just (Ang N 4/20/2025)
Hang the upside down homes of weavers (krishboodhram 4/10/2025)
And wipe down the table with the heirloom of a sponge (Aseel Jadallah 4/19/2025)
For though you last a minute, (Amelia 4/7/2025)
Your bark etches my thoughts (clayton moon 4/28/2025)
Fifty percent terrible (Cheri 4/1/2025)
Thank you for sharing your process. I, too, really enjoyed revisiting poems and sitting with various lines from our friends here. You honor them with your process and careful craft.
Another awesome collage poem, great job! I love it.
Sheesh, you took that to a whole nother level, girl! I’m still kind of confused but it doesn’t matter about that part, the lines flow so well. I really like the one line stanzas.
Put together, these lines “etch my thoughts” and my soul. Lovely.
Amber, such a creative way to collect lines. I am also thinking that this selection method makes it more complex to arrange the poems with a consistent thread and clear message. You made it seem so easy. Beautifully crafted! Thank you.
Congratulations everyone! I am wearing thin on the 30 day journey, but I am inspired by all of you, and so grateful to have been in this space with you all.
ending verselove (still struggling with titles)
I hoped that I would
finish, find community
I think we did it.
Yes, we did, Kasey! Thank you for this offering and for being here throughout the month!
Kasey, I have enjoyed reading your poetry this month, and I feel a little spent, too. I really enjoy your straight-forward message in this haiku. Congratulations!
Kasey,
Congratulations on achieving your goal. If you’re up to it, next year you can write for 31 days in March w/ the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Story Challenge, and some of us are in year two of the Stafford poetry challenge to write a poem every day for a year
Yes! I will look into it!
Kasey, thank you for all the inspiration this month. We did it!
Sarah,
Thank you for this month of writing and for your labor of love in creating a space to share poetry.
I’m still traveling so will return to comment more ASAP.
I See You
I see you, standing in line like
children awaiting recess, ready
to race onto the poem-playground.
I see you, double-dutch rope swingers
taking turns among your clique as
late arriving jumpers await their turn.
I see you, early morning drop-offs
looking for stickers & gold stars on
your poems, your pick-me hands high.
I see you, flirts seeking opposite chrom-
o-some winks, unfurling note-catchers,
flitting to the flame like moths at night.
I see you, ghosts vacating virtual space,
abandoning haunts where other spirits linger at night.
Glenda Funk
4-30-25
************
I suppose those who read my poem can think of it as in conversation with Barb’s poem from yesterday. I’ve been participating in the April challenge since Sarah started it in 2019, as well as almost every monthly Open Write. There is much I love about writing in this community; I’ve made some wonderful friends here. Barb, Leilya, and Denise have commented on all my poems this month, others have commented on many, others some, and a few never commented and never reciprocate commenting, something I’m committed to doing. Hell, there are a few people who regularly drop their poem into the feed and never return, as though they’re some self-appointed bard.
My poem today is about them. I bet others notice what I see.
Glenda, it was such a joy to write alongside you this morning, to read your poems, which inspire so many to stand up, to raise voice, and to get in (good) trouble. I read this poem with gratitude and hope that these people you address will return and that they will find more close connections in this space. I hope they, too, will crave sharing comments. Love your ways with words – always!
Glenda, your poetry is always full of interesting images, sounds, and arresting language. The poem-playground metaphor is striking as well as the winks, high fives and stickers. I appreciate your support and time you spend commenting on everyone’s poetry in this community. It takes a lot of energy, and you are certainly a viable member of VerseLove and open writes. I appreciate your generosity. Today your poem is reminder of how we all hope to receive feedback. I know this can be difficult due to time restraints, but no one wants to be the wall flower or ignored for ten hours, etc. Hugs and safe travels!
Glenda, I am so grateful for those spirits who linger at night across time zones to bear witness, returning to the “flame” or the “playground” to make their words tow what could be a lifeline for some teacher-poets waiting to be seen.
I admire your beliefs Glenda. Sorry if I didn’t reciprocate and even though I do always comment I think more than 3 times and return more than once to every prompt, I feel like some of these lines reminded me of myself, “like children awaiting recess”
Oh, these metaphors that you create for the various types of contributors on here . . . your creativity is mind-boggling. I see myself in a few of the initial descriptions but I don’t always agree with the underlying connection you make. I am definitely a child “awaiting recess.” And most days I am an early morning drop-off because if I don’t get it to it at that time, life may take over and I won’t get to it at all.
I learn so much from all the comments that people leave on poems. They help me to see things that I don’t always notice. I almost always circle back numerous times a day and try to add comments to others. I find the process of commenting to be as–if not more–valuable as writing the poems.
Anyway, this poem rocks it in terms of noting the various people there are here.
“I see you, ghosts vacating virtual space,
abandoning haunts where other spirits linger at night.” could be me at times. oh no!
Oh if only I had given more time to #verselove when Dr. Russ Mayo first told us pre service teachers about it about 3 years ago. This month is the first time I’ve dipped in, and I definitely plan to dip in further in the future.
Glenda,
I love the extended metaphor here! A poetry playground is such a fun and fitting way to look at what we do here. The feedback part is such a rich piece of this experience too. “I see you” is the perfect title in so many ways.
Oh, oh, oh! A poem-playground! What a fun way to consider what we experience here. Writing can feel like a playground and oh so many things can happen there. I always wonder about those who would prefer the library (me) to recess when they are made to go outside (our school requires kids to be out at recess). It’s risky for introverts to step into chaotic spaces. Ever so grateful you (and Sarah) help make this a safe space to be.
Barb, I’m impressed that you are able to write and travel and comment too! That’s always a tough task, especially when the time zones change. I like that you responded in conversation to Barb’s poem from yesterday. I’m like you – – so appreciative of this community that Sarah has created. I hope you continue in your travels safely and can’t wait to read your blog posts about what you are doing as you visit these places.
I love all you see in the poem and the poets. I really enjoy the image of a poem-playground. Even though I’ve never met any of you, I feel as though I am getting to know you all and that you are my friends.
Glenda, you always write your truths with raw energy and power – the playground imagery here is a perfect match for the – childlike childishness-? Like you, I have always treasured the support here, the way we help each other grow and stretch our boundaries. You have done this for me – in the bright light, no ghosts! – and I appreciate you so much, just as I admire your passion and commitment to routing injustice.
This poem is bad ass. And even more so, the need of others to justify their presence or lack there of in your comments. As they say on the internet, “I’m here for the comments

” This poem and your commitment to writers and community is a bad ass representation of your best self. Thanks for sharing it. All of it. From a fan. And moth.
Glenda, thank you first for your wonderfully honest poem, While it is my first trip PARTICIPATING here, I believe that participation is a reciprocal process; in addition, I love the raw, powerful and creative voices. I am a better writer and human for reading and respecting the voices of others. I could go on and on, but since I cannot possibly catch up with you for coffee on your world wind trip, I will just have to come back in May and find you again.
[slowly raising hand, at the edge of the poemground] …um, Glenda, if we’re gonna go with the “poem-playground” extended metaphor here (which I love, btw) I humbly suggest banning the villanelle, much like the teeter-totters or jungle gyms that have been banned in some playgrounds for safety reasons…(on a side note, thank you for your ever insightful and well-crafted poems and your keen and caring comments this month (and previous months, too, but especially this month with my family’s recent loss) I appreciate you. Stay safe in your travels!)
Glenda, “I see you” is a great beginning. I love the poem playground we have here, and I feel like I always look forward to coming each morning and seeing what treat is there for the day. There are so many different kinds of teacher-poets, aren’t there? This year I’ve been all over the clock with my posting and commenting; more than usual. (I am impressed with the people who are always here at the same time.)
Thank you is not a strong enough phrase to convey my gratitude to all of the readers and writers who have participated. It’s so wonderful to see old friends, but even more exciting to encounter so many wonderful new writers joining us. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read and comment on my poems. It has meant a great deal to me. Sarah, thank you, as always, for being such an incredible driving force in this community. In fact, thanks for being a force!
VerseLove 2025
By Mo Daley
April rushes in, demanding that I do,
do, do- projects and chores will wait for
no one! I am a tireless tu
lip pushing up against the
early spring cemented
earth, the most busy
bee! And now I
have to write
a po
em!
A
few days
in, the switch
flips. I see po
etry everywhere.
Words, phrases, similes, met
aphors leap out at me, as
sault me. Inspiration strikes an
ytime, anywhere. I can’t wait to
type. And now I get to write a poem!
Mo, love your poems, your humor, your kindness! “The “switch flip” is real. Every time when I think at the beginning that I might not be able to do it every day, it drive me back here. From “I have to” to “I get to write a poem” is a beautiful sentiment. Thank you!
Mo, what a brilliant poem. I love the metaphor of yourself as a tulip pushing through the early spring cement. I also enjoy the switch you show, how poetry can be so inspiring that it leaps out at you, and you anticipate the joy of writing a poem. I agree with everything in your headnote, too! Thanks for supporting me this month. I appreciate your poetry and presence!
I just love the comfort of reading this poem like a exhale and inhale and exhale. Just like rushing and switch you poetically spin with mid word enjambment. Brilliant.
Awesome and inventive to break up the syllables to fit the form so wonderfully :
“…bee! And now I
have to write
a po
em!
A
few days…”
Thank you for sharing Mo!
Mo, this format feels like it shows us the in’s and out’s of writing. That change to seeing poetry everywhere is exactly how I feel. It’s the rhythm that is created when adding writing to a daily routine. You end with the magic felt (and now I get to…). Lovely!
Mo, thank you is not strong enough for my gratitude either! Yes, as the busy month unfolded, poetry seemed to be everywhere! I appreciate your voice and your support.
Sarah,
I can’t thank you enough for this space that you have created and nurtured. I feel so much inspiration and so safe here. And to those of you who give so much effort to writing and responding . . . thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I enjoyed the options and I suspect I will return and do different ones since come tomorrow I will feel empty when there is not an email from Ethical ELA. I went with the collage option. I went to the day that I hosted and pulled one line from each contributor that resonated with me. I then printed the list and snipped them apart so I could arrange and rearrange to try to get some flow.
First, the lines and contributors . . .
To stay or to go (AJ)
I didn’t want to get old. (Cheri Mann)
But they don’t know the secrets hiding in your head (Ang N)
There’s only now.
There’s only here. (Chea Parton)
Our two worlds will be one (Ashley)
I let my ink sink in the blank page and wrote my way out. (Dave Wooley)
I will be back, in time. (Kasey D)
tears teeming for both of us (Wendy Everard)
Nestled,
Like a horrible lie. (Boxer)
I never knew it could be like this, (Mo Daley)
grab on
hold on (Kim Douillard)
I’ve done most of my blooming
during seasons of change, (C.O.)
like having the courage to love deeply (Barb Edler)
Through despair and hope (Denise Krebs)
what they feel and what they have seen. (Susan O)
was a season for freedom
finally no rules (Stacey Joy)
I’d rather know as Beginning. (Sarah Donovan)
How do you measure the right thing to do? (Maureen Ingram)
And then we’ll do it again, (Sheila Benson)
They’re like a handprint on my heart. (Glenda Funk)
They say there is peace, (Joanne Emery)
“I’d rather be nine peoples’
favorite thing than a
hundred peoples’ ninth
favorite thing.” (Scott M)
When I forget that life indeed is not about fair, (Leilya Pitre)
to keep what they have
to grow what they have (Rita DiCarne)
singing half-remembered
mis-remembered (Sharon Roy)
Not sure what it is now… (Bryan Crandall)
This finite life, a tiny blip in time (Tammi Belko)
fool and king are one (Jennifer Guyor Jowett)
live by your love ideal (Linda Mitchell)
You look in my heart as a mirror (Margaret Simon)
If I could go back I would (Angie Braaten)
off they went, and back again (Kim Johnson)
Now the new creation . . .
Only Now, Only Here
**a collage poem from Lingering Lines on April 20
This finite life, a tiny blip in time
I didn’t want to get old
I will be back, in time
Our two worlds will be one
But they don’t know the secrets hiding in your head
They’re like a handprint on my heart
What they feel and what they have seen
Off they went, and back again
Not sure what it is now . . .
To stay or to go
If I could go back I would
And then we’ll do it again
I’ve done most of my blooming
during seasons of change
I never knew it could be like this
like having the courage to love deeply
You look in my heart as a mirror
How do you measure the right thing to do?
Through despair and hope
live by your love ideal
to keep what they have
to grow what they have
I let my ink sink in the blank page and wrote my way out
They say there is peace,
was a season for freedom
finally no rules
There’s only now
There’s only here
grab on
hold on
tears teeming for both of us
singing half-remembered
mis-remembered
When I forget that life indeed is not fair,
fool and king are one
Nestled,
like a horrible lie.
I’d rather know as Beginning
I’d rather be nine peoples’
favorite thing than a
hundred peoples’ ninth
favorite thing.
~Susan Ahlbrand
30 April 2025
I used ChatGPT to get a title. I found it interesting that it found themes from what is really random lines merged together in an attempt to get a little flow. This is what it said: “A fitting title for this reflective, layered, and emotionally resonant poem could be: “Only Here, Only Now.” This phrase captures the poem’s central themes of impermanence, presence, memory, and emotional truth, while hinting at its cyclical, almost theatrical tone.
Susan, thank you for sharing your beautiful process. I love your Poetry, and this invitation to witness your careful, intentional steps to honor our community is precious to me.
Susan, oof, what a magnificent poem with all the collected lines. I love that you end with Scott’s lines which I think are honest and relatable. The language you’ve chosen is compelling, and I so enjoyed reading your poem. I’m sure this took great effort. Kudos!
Awesome! Such a fun idea. Thank you for doing this, explaining your process, and then sharing it.
Susan, you have such a generous heart that shows up in your poetry, as it does in your selecting so many lines from so many people to rearrange into something entirely new. Thank you for sharing your words, your time, and your comments with us this month.
OMG everyone’s collage poems are flowing well today. Yall are on point! It does take time and I love that you printed and rearranged. I wish I could. I definitely remember Scott’s lines at the end and I really like how you blended these:
“I never knew it could be like this
like having the courage to love deeply”
Great job Susan!
Susan, I enjoyed reading how you did what you did – – you are a master at weaving words and lines together. This is really creative and so thoughtful. Seeing the ways that other poets do what they do so well is a gift – – thank you for sharing!
Susan, I noticed the title right away, and I liked it. It clearly was about here and now. Then I read each line, so many of them are familiar because I almost always read every poem (even when I don’t have energy to respond to all). I am grateful for your presence here, for your carefully crafted poems, candid, kind, compassionate, and honest. Thank you for all the comments!
I admit, you picked my proudest line of the month. This all flows so lovely. And I also like the AI title. Thank you for the effort of sewing this together so beautifully. I enjoyed reading your work this month.
Susan, Thank you for the time and energy and craft that you spent on this gift for this community! You connected these disparate lines so well. I love this!
I hope this doesn’t become a double post. I posted something and tried to edit it but it was for some reason labeled spam and so I’m posting again, But not before I thank you, Sarah, for creating this space, this community. It is a world set apart. Yesterday all the talk was Day 100. So I wrote for today and chose a prose poem since I missed writing that day.
Day 101
I came to the table hungry. So hungry. It had been 70 days since I last tasted the gifts of the earth. A blight had overtaken the land and maggots were feasting on the carcasses of kindness, hope and joy. Children were crying. Mothers and fathers searched the fields for scraps that might fill their children’s empty bellies ~ a tender word, a forgotten prayer, a lost lullaby. I was hungry. So hungry. I was hungry and afraid that I might wander this defiled land alone. But the Grass Moon appeared, and in its glow, I saw a table overflowing with tenderness. I thought it was a mirage! Could it really be? In the midst of this troubled land, was there really a garden where the gifts of the earth blossomed and thrived? I dared taste a morsel and lingered beneath the moon’s light, savoring each word, pocketing each tiny bit of beauty set upon the table.
Tomorrow, I’ll be on my way. I still hear children crying, mothers and the fathers still search the fields— but I’ve been fortified. In whatever way I’m able, I will share the Grass Moon’s bounty.
The gifts of the earth will continue to blossom and thrive….like your response to the 30th day of VerseLove25. I’ve hoarded many morsels into a bag to help the mothers appeasing the hunger. In words, there is hope. Appreciate you.
Ann, I feel the swirl of prose poems from Margaret’s prompt swirling back and mine, too, about hunger in some ways. And I feel this poem here as the start or part of a dystopian ya novel. I felt transported in the literal and figurative reading experience of this earth.
Ann, what a powerful and haunting prose poem. The visual of maggots feasting on kindness, hope, and joy carcasses is evocative and timely. The Grass Moon soothes as soon as it appears, offering hope as it rises, offering goodness to be shared. I love the sound of it, the feel of it, as it rests inside my mind and upon my lips. We must be in search of our grass moons now.
Ann, you described the earth “overtaken by maggots” so clearly, that it sent cold down my spine. I do hope there will always be a garden that blossoms and thrives on earth. We need it so much! You are a master of prose poetry with a unique voice, diction, and tone. Love this phrasing: “taste a morsel and lingered beneath the moon’s light, savoring each word, pocketing each tiny bit of beauty set upon the table.” It was such an honor to write alongside you this month. Thank you for your poems and your kind comments!
I love this. I don’t have much more to say than it is beautiful. I enjoy the hunger and so many morsels. Thank you for sharing this month. Your words matter.
Ann, you describe the blight I too felt as this month began looking for as you said, a tender word, a forgotten prayer. Like you, I found the table laden with kindness and a world within my own where I could breathe and become stronger. That you for helping to fortify so many of us
Whoa! Ann, this is profound. I am so glad you returned to the prose poem form. The line that stirs my soul most in this incredible offering is “I saw a table overflowing with tenderness.” I love that so much. I understand all the metaphor…but this discovery of tenderness, a thing so needed in so many places by so many people within and beyond this country, moves me to tears. We need this tenderness. We need to be able to provide it, to carve out a pocket for it, to be it.Thank you for this, and for all your uplifting words this month.
Awww Anne. If I would have seen this before I posted the collage poem about the prompt, I would have included one of your lines as well. Starting off with “I came to the table hungry” is so powerful and I’m also drawn to:
“maggots were feasting on the carcasses of kindness, hope and joy.”
“table overflowing with tenderness.”
thank you for sharing! It’s a prompt I need to go back to someday.
Sarah,
Thank you for hosting, not just today, but every day through your amazing site. I love how your poem included each of us who wrote that day, just as your site includes all of us. I feel such a sense of belonging in both your poem and here at EthicalELA. Thank you so much for giving us this lovely community of poets and encouragers. I am so grateful.
I was inspired by your poem, Sarah, of collected lines from our community. I revisited and read poems from Ode to Peace and Prose Poems: Come to the Kitchen Table before settling in at Where I’m From Again! Because I’m not quite ready–okay, not at all ready–to say goodbye to #verselove25 and our community of poets, I chose to select the penultimate line of each writer’s poem. But I also broke that rule–sometimes the first of last line called out to me instead. I placed an asterisk next to the poet’s name if I used the first or last line. I also stripped off end punctuation and added capitalization to the beginning of each line.
I loved getting to revisit everyone’s poem and find the ways that our lines resonated, converged and diverged.
Thank you to everyone you shared prompts, poetry, and comments this month. You have enriched my life and my writing with your words and kindness.
See y’all in May!
——————————————————————————————————————
Where you from? (Martha KS Patrick)
I’m from ancestors cries for freedom some day (Stacey L. Joy)
From libraries and churches (Melanie Hundley)
From bad decisions (Chea Parton)
I’m from learning what PKU is and promising to do my best (Ashley)
I am from whole notes (Kevin)
I’m from all the places I’ve ever been (Kindra Petersen)
Home is where love sprouts (Ann E. Burg)
A heart with a ruby (Wendy Everard)
Dashing through neighborhood yards (Tammi Belko)
We can keep up with each of our friends (Anna J. Small ROSEBORO)
From sunny days sweeping clouds away (Jennifer Guyor Jowett)
I am from keeping a diary and (Maureen Y Ingram)
Home-cooked meals, never fast food, simple fare of chicken and pork chops and mashed potatoes (Christine Baldiga)
I am from vast fields of sunflowers and poppies (Leilya Pitre)*
I’m from the memories of poets woven in rhyming couplets (krishboodhram)
That won’t let them forget (Susan Ahlbrand)
Idiot nation & feeling like (Glenda Funk)
Dreaming big, (Mo Daley)
To look for the positive (me, Sharon Roy)
I am from inspirational mentors who saw potential in me (Melissa Heaton)
Like the one Whitney Houston sang the year I was born (onathought)
Like the blood of my ancestors (Emily Martin)
I’m from a land of gold, Ghana, which used to be (Juliette)
And the white-tiled, white-walled flat in Bahrain with dust and the call to prayer (Denise Krebs)
I’m from the California sun (Susan O)
Most of all, I’m from family (Sheila Benson)
From sharing and loving hard and steady (Susie Morice)
Home (Scott M)*
Right now (b.r.crandall)
Laughing, laughing – (Joanne Emery)
I live in a red state with hearts of blue (Margaret Simon)
It’s me (Boxer)
Osprey soar, egrets wait — breathe (Kim)
And the mountains rise like quiet protectors (Kratijah)
So empty (Heather Morris)
I am forming (Kasey D.)*
And I’m me because (C.O.)
Tight, it’s a skin you need to bloom (Sarah J. Donovan)
I’m from a litany of voices riding shotgun in my head (Barb Edler)*
But as of today, I’m still right here (Luke Bensing)*
Not quite there (Dave Wooley)
Love how you borrowed (stole like an artist) from the entire collective. That is a labor of love, Sharon!
Oh, to hear your process is such a gift. I think about that a lot when teaching writing. The care of decisions, the intention, the craft…all of it honors the Reader while making the writer indeed an artist. It has been a joy to read your poetry this month.
Sharon,
What a process this was. And, I know because I did something similar. There were sooo many directions this prompt could take, and I tend to ruminate, so I went straight to what I found to be an accessible process . . . my own prompt. I absolutely love that you chose the last line (in most cases) because those tend to be the most powerful. What you have created is a thing of beauty!
Sharon, what a wonderful way to show all of us together and bring us together again (I can imagine us meeting and answering that where are you from question as we get to know one another further).
Sharon, this is such a kaleidoscope of places and identities that show how different, unique, and special each one in this space is. Thank you for crafting this poem, for writing daily, and for your always kind and thoughtful comments. See you in May!
How perfectly these borrowed lines work, Sharon! A glorious collage (cento/patchwork) poem.. Feels as if all these line were meant to be here this way from the start. You and your words have been so uplifting throughout VerseLove – I am so grateful you are here.
Sharon, this is so awesome. As Bryan said, “That is a labor of love, Sharon!” You knit these together like a pro.
Sharon, thank you for this gift! It has been a joy writing along side you this month!
Sarah, thank you for the many choices today. I created a collage poem from lines of poems posted on the 20th, my birthday (October). This is my first time participating in the whole month of Verselove. I am inspired and in awe of all the fabulous poets and poems here.
“Where the Ending Waits, Unseen” (ChatGPT)
You can’t always control your brain. (Ang N)
I don’t want to know. (Sarah)
to know how it ends (Susan)
I turn to you – the one who holds my hand (Leilya)
there is only now (Chea)
the fields are golden with waiting (Kasey)
like having the courage to love deeply (Barb)
The song ends happily, with the lovers safe inside their castle walls (Sheila)
in a home beyond the rainbow (Barb)
Wow, Rita. This is lovely. I am struck by the title and think ChatGPT did a really great job with this one. The opening line drew me right into your poem, and I love the holding hand imagery and Kasey’s golden fields. The emotions here resonate, and I appreciate having lines borrowed to create this lovely creation. Thank you!!
Rita, how lovely to see the way you connected our threads here in the waiting and moving toward the
I liked how you created a poem that included many others great lines from poems!
Rita, what a beautiful blending of so many lines from so many writers. They land naturally with one another. Congratulations to you for this first whole month participation. We are glad you are here!
Rita, congratulations on a month-long participation in VerseLove! Thank you for this poem that lifts up the lines from poets and brings them to a happy ending “beyond the rainbow.”
Rita, this is a wonderful poem with snippets of powerful lines. I have enjoyed reading and participating along with you this month. I too am in awe of the fabulous poets and poems, like yours.
-ful
I’m usually
full of it
already,
mind you,
but this
month
for certain
brings me
all the fulls:
hope, thanks,
cheer, joy,
delight (and
dole), peace,
use and help
and beauty,
along with,
let’s be honest,
dread and dire,
too, but mostly,
art and awe
in equal measures.
What I’m trying
to say is that
this community,
this fellowship
fills me full
to brimming.
That’s right:
because of
you
I’m full of
all the
grates –
every
single
one of
them,
even the
ones with
shreds of
cheese
still stuck
in them.
____________________________________________
Thank you, Sarah, for so so much: this community and these invitations to explore ourselves and others! And thank you to all the hosts and poets this past month. This community is so nourishing to mind, body, and soul. Thank you!
I feel seen! A shred of cheese. Love the way you write…love your wit…love your poetry!
Scott, you’ve created another delightful poem that is full of humor and energy. I really enjoyed your opening and ending. I feel full from reading your poem!
Scott,
”I’m usually
full of it” LOL!
Glad you clarified in the lines that follow. Take care of yourself and all your family.
I love how your skinny poems witj such economy of phrasing is so satisfying for my poet heart. Each morsel does add up as you say to full and brimming.
I love the idea of a skinny poem, and how it might not seem like a full poem but after reading it, you do feel that fullness.
Scott, so grateful for your humor (yes, laughing aloud at that last stanza). What fun word play. And thanks to you, I shall forever see Bryan as a shred of cheese (I was thinking something sharp). Your poetry always brings a smile and I appreciate that!
Scott, I’m still rereading to see how you inserted full(s). You begin to share how many different ways you are full – hope, thanks, cheer, joy and more. And how the community fills you full to the brimming. And of course a little cheese at the end – grated, shredded and did I imagine a single. From sentimental to amusing. What fun! Thanks!
Scott, your alliteration is superb: dread/dire, awe/ art… and I see doleful there amid the other happy -fuls. I have not forgotten your family’s aforementioned battle with a not-minor ailment; I hold it in prayer. This community fills me “full to brimming” also. I can always count on you to make me smile, even laugh aloud – no matter what else/who else may have tried to mar the day. You are one of the “grates” I am always grateful for.
Scott, This is a place that makes us full. I feel the same today, and every day throughout the month, I visited here in search of love, support, kindness, joy, and hope. I appreciate your humor, wit, your special way with words, and a unique voice. Thank you!
You are definitely full of it, Scott

Thank you for blending truth with amusement and always making me laugh or smile or know new things. i just remembered your prompt was one I couldn’t get around to writing for. If I did I would have expressed my best wishes for your family
Thank you, Sarah, for this incredibly space! Thank you to all fellow hosts of #VerseLove! Thank you to all the poets for beautiful poems and kind, generous comments! My heart is full of love, gratitude, and a pinch of sadness. Here is to all of you:
Where Words Became Haven
We came with open hands—
some holding laughter,
some holding grief,
all holding hope.
We met at a kitchen table,
took walks in nature,
visited places, explored forms,
wondered and got lost
in words, thoughts, feelings.
We wrote of love and longing,
of memory’s sharp edges,
of children, ancestors,
of justice we still chase,
of what breaks us and what heals.
Some lines cracked us open,
some stitched us whole.
We shared our truths in couplets,
found beauty in metaphors,
friendship between the commas.
Through poems, we saw each other—
not just polished façades,
but the beautiful, messy cores
where words take root.
This month, we built
a haven with poetry—
where each word is a brick,
and each voice is a steady beam.
Now the door swings closed,
not with farewell, but a promise:
we will meet here again, you know—
though April’s gone, the poet lives in you.
Thank you for this lovely poem, Leilya and for being here, sharing, commenting.
This is everything:
“Some lines cracked us open,
some stitched us whole.”
it’s a gift for me to read new things but things I totally relate to that does those things sometimes at the same time!
One door is swinging closed, and a 100 doors are opening. A-mazed these journeys are. Love sharing the tradition with you Leilya!
Leilya, this poem captures the past month so beautifully… the lines that cracked us open or stitched us whole…the friendship between the commas & messy cores where words take root.. I am always a bit sad when the door swings closed, but you always leave us with hope and for that I am so grateful!
Leilya,
You are such a generous, kind person, and it shows in this idealized version of this month. You, Barb, and Denise have been the heaven part of the month for me because you took time to read and comment on every poem I wrote. Thank you. You wrote so many gorgeous verses this month. I especially like your Ukraine poetry. Blessings and peace to you.
Leilya, I admire this poem on so many levels. You’ve perfectly captured a variety of emotions here: joy, grief, laughter, etc. I will treasure this one and loved “Some lines cracked us open” and “Through poems, we saw each other”. Love your gorgeous ending, too. Deeply touched by your fantastic celebratory poem!
Simply fabulous, Leilya! You capture this space and all of us and our poems so perfectly! You are such a skilled poet and a wonderful, thoughtful commenter.
Leilya, this resonates with me today, as your writing so often does. That 4th stanza is where everything balances and all else rests–in lines cracking and stitching and friendship between commas. Oh, how I love that. And your ending too. I appreciate your generosity in responding and your thoughtfulness in writing. Today’s poetry haven ends so perfectly for this final day.
Leilya, this is such rich imagery and such a lovely metaphor for the community – – the haven. Yes, I’m so glad we have this space. I do look forward to meeting here again. And again, and again, and again. There’s no place quite like it.
So beautiful, Leilya! I love how you end with a promise and the reminder that “the poet lives in you.” Your warm and welcoming voice is a vital part of this haven – and your poetry, always, always inspiring.
Leilya, I have loved all of your poems and your care with commenting.This idea of closure is important, I think . There has to be a “door swings closed” but “not with farewell” for wellbeing and reflection. This sense of “poet lives in you” means we carry this part of ourselve during the rest. Love that.
Oh Leilya,
Thank you so much for this absolutely beautiful poem about our community. Your poem made me cry. And brought to mind so many specific poems and comments that we have shared this month.
When I comment, I usually like to quote a few lines that especially resonate, but if I did that with your poem today, I’d have to quote every line.
I’m so grateful for our
Thank you, Leilya, for reflecting our writing back to us so beautifully and for commenting so generously every day. I’ve so appreciated both your poetry and your comments.
Leilya, your poem really does summarize the journey this month, seeing each other at our beautiful messy cores! Thank you for being here and for your inspiration and words of support and wisdom. We will meet again/
Leilya, thank you so much for your generous, compassionate, and insightful comments on my poems this month. I have so appreciated them and you. And I love this gift of words you’ve given this community today: “We shared our truths in couplets / found beauty in metaphors, / friendship between the commas.” Truth! Thank you!
Leilya, wow. This is gorgeous. I feel it’s a mentor’s message to her class. Look at the comments you do in this community. You give so very much; you are a treasure.
These lines to me today speak of the healing power of poetry in community:
So beautiful!
As always, the past 30 days delivered as it always has. I’m thankful to you, Sarah, your verse-loving, support, encouragement, and irreplaceable ability to unite a community. I used the daily prompts to compose this last poem before heading to the little shop of horrors where Steve Martin awaits me. Here’s to you all!
Pulling the Last of Them
Today…
the wisdom gained from 30-days of verse-collecting,
will be gassed & yanked because I have my mother’s
tri-cubed teeth… (spring has a peculiar way of speaking
about the rhymes we borrow from bodegas down the street,
places we’ve been, & the way our feet bring forward scars).
Where is it we’re from again?
The good son, but a thorn on the vine,
who likes to look closely & remember
the books, the genocides, our witnessing,
a writing of safer harbors.
Gray clouds are feathering the sky,
dimming the colors of nature
as if visiting their own destiny,
another etheree…the symphony
of searching for this or that poem,
the random word we might
offer as a great meal…
to taste…the line to linger upon
that captures what we’ve done
at our kitchen table, sitting together.
So many things to do in a season of syllables,
where spoken wishes cure minor ailments
one ode at a time, bringing peace.
These rains showers have brought spring flowers,
& we’ve held hands, became the poems
that bloom today’s congratulations…
…this, the last of them.
Oh, Bryan, each line reminds me of poems we wrote, things we experienced. We are thinking in the same way today. I have just posted my poem right above. Love each word in the poem, but will hold onto this:
“So many things to do in a season of syllables,
where spoken wishes cure minor ailments
one ode at a time, bringing peace.”
Till next time writing together. Thank you for being so generous, authentic, funny, and kind!
Bryan, I have enjoyed your poems, and this one just keeps giving. What a great tribute to this past month here in this space. I like the reminder line “Where is it we’re from again?”
Omg even the decisions people are making today are soooo creative.
Leilya also chose one of the lines I “yessed!!” to because it was put together perfectly:
“where spoken wishes cure minor ailments”
And this:
“the random word we might
offer as a great meal…”
mhm..yum. Thank you for all your poems and comments and uniqueness.
Brian,
I feel this line: “another etheree” LOL! I love this line: “So many things to do in a season of syllables,” Your poem is a little bit of healing to my heart. Thank you for reading my poems and for your brilliant comments, which are little mentors. See you at NCTE.
What a beauty of a poem, Bryan! These lines hold onto me: So many things to do in a season of syllables (wish that one was mine)…and we’ve held hands, became the poems that bloom today’s congratulations. Love the nod to all the prompts, your many poems, and all of your kind comments throughout too.
Oh, I see what you’ve done here – – the prompt forms are woven in and that mosaic on the page today is singing aloud in your words. This is lovely, Bryan! What a great way to write a poem about our month of writing together. Thank you! I’ve enjoyed reading your poems this month.
How do you do this, Bryan? How?? I mean, I know you wove prompt titles together here – no small feat – yet, like Monet or Van Gogh or Picasso, you create your own signature style, adding touches of extraordinary color, plus so many unexpected images… bodegas! “My mother’s tri-cubed teeth”!! So help me, this set me to visualizing the prominent canine teeth in my family…for real…wild stuff. Amazing stuff. Always. Please know how much I admire your spirited creativity, rich, rich imagery, as well as the deeper ponderings within those clouds of a parent’s cigarette smoke (which encircled my childhood, too). Thank you for every gracious comment. It is a joy to write alongside you.
This is great, Bryan! I love the way you’ve connected these prompts: “So many things to do in a season of syllables, / where spoken wishes cure minor ailments / one ode at a time, bringing peace.” I so enjoyed writing along side you this month! (And good luck with Orin Scrivello D.D.S. I hope things go well!)
So lovely to be with you this month, Bryan. I have enjoyed reading your poetry and the way you read others with such care. I love this idea in the final stanzas of “we’ve held hands, became the poems.” Oh, yes. Yes. I love that.
Bryan, I have really enjoyed your voice and poems this month. Your line today, “so many things to do in a season of syllables” sums up what a lot of us feel.
Thank you Sarah. I would like to thank everyone for being the kindest community of poets I’ve ever known. I believe in a better and a more beautiful world for everyone. And we can create this one verse at a time.
I have borrowed the following lines for my collage poem.
Open your heart (Leilya)
Breath of life (Alexis)
Sunshine glows …flowers grow (Katelyn)
It’s not like the end is even the end (Tabatha)
Stagnation was out of the question (Donnetta)
As far as we could reach without falling off (Dave)
Sad to leave the nest (Katelyn)
Pulling you to the next new thing (Amelia)
I would not have witnessed (Joanne)
This trip, this experience (Juliette)
and that this our realm, our playworld (Wendy)
Immortalized in verse (Glenda)
You feel secure (Betty)
I know I wasn’t done (Najma)
the meaning I am making (Kasey)
Verselovers
Open your heart
To the breath of life
Stagnation was out of the question
Without Verselovers
We would not have witnessed
This trip, this experience
Pulling us to the next new thing
As far as we could reach without falling off
And that this our realm, our playworld
The meaning we are making
Immortalized in verse
Sunshine glows,flowers grow
We feel secure
Sad to leave the nest
It’s not like the end is even the end
I know I wasn’t done
Wow!! What a poem for a Verselove first timer, Krish. “It’s not like the end is even the end” reminds me of Fran’s poem today. Definitely not the end. That last line, love the move from we to I, telling us you’ll be back again! Thank you so much for sharing your writing and commenting this month and all other times!
Thank you Angie for introducing me to this wonderful community and thank you for all your kind words. I will definitely be back again.
I agree with Angie! This is such an inspirational collage honoring this community and poetry. Thank you, Krish, for writing, sharing, kind comments, and beautiful words!
This is so true:
“The meaning we are making
Immortalized in verse “
Kristi,
Im honored you chose one of my lines. Your poem is lovely. Those of us in the Stafford challenge will continue writing a poem a day, You can continue writing, too.
It’s not like the end is even the end–oomph! What a line for this poem and the end of verselove2025. So glad to have met you here and that you will return (and grateful for the words, the kindest community of poets).
I should have done a collage poem like this. I love reading all these. Thank you for sharing.
Wowwww! Take a huge bow as we celebrate this amazing found poem using such powerful lines, all woven together. This is a perfect way to end VerseLove 2025 and those last two lines…..YES!! See you back soon.
So enjoyed having you with us, and we hope you will return in May. No need to be “sad to leave the nest for long”!
WOW, this is not just a found poem but a collection of important lines that summarizes my feelings as well. “It is sad to leave the nest” even if I know I will be back.
Sarah, This has been a wonderful month of poetry. Thanks for all you do to make this happen. I will be back later today, but I wanted to pop in with “This Photo Wants to be a Poem” post in which I invite writers to write a small poem about a photo. You can also find a link to the final line of the Kidlit Progressive Poem. We need a title, and yesterday’s verselove prompt is linked there to help us discover it. I love when all of my writing communities converge. Thanks!
I will check it out soon if not today, Margaret. I think I wrote one time about a pic but maybe I’m just imagining that…
Sarah, thank you for the space that you give us to be inspired, to write, and to share. You’ve created a community that keeps many of us afloat. And we appreciate it! To all the VerseLove hosts, a huge hug and thank you!
I chose to take a line from each host’s poem throughout the 30 days, in order, to create a new poem. I took the last line from my poem on the day that I hosted to become the title. Poets’ names are in the order in which their line appears under the poem.
Even Now
I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love
a new leaf
our friendship remains
wind whips snow and rain and sleet, stinging our smiling faces
older now, but happy
I am from green sticker grass, speckled with dandelions
twining vines together to be held in the right places
a lullaby for what cannot be undone
you might have ooh’d and aaw’d
to keep the memories
unraveling
to write the tears and cry into absence that hope might
taking me to a different time and place
let us walk in the woods
a truer friend is hard to find, so kind
there will be joy in the morning
mind drifting under periwinkle sky
something like the snowballs we wished to have
knowing we will someday die
nor think the illusion a mirage
warm and bittersweet
everything is ghastly white –
all a reminder that newness brings life
secretly embracing
that this wasn’t really
like my thoughts
in the midst of the storm, it can be hard to see clear
into life’s unknown
and still, I hold onto hope
A huge hug and thank you to these host poets with borrowed lines, in order:
Jennifer, Leilya, Denise, Dave, Bryan, Stacey, Erica, Darius, Britt, Joanne, Kate, Sarah, Padma, Brittany, Katrina, Angie, Tammi, Jordan, Susan, Glenda, Margaret, Barb, Larin, Ashley, Scott, Alexis, Donnetta, Stefani, Sarah/Maureen
“mind drifting under periwinkle sky
something like the snowballs we wished to have
knowing we will someday die”
are my favorites and I don’t know if this line’s meaning was changed but probably and it’s soo soo good with the ones before and after: “that this wasn’t really”
amazing, Kim!!!
Kim, thank you so much for honoring the hosts! This poem flows so well as if your wrote each line to deliver a message. The ending is what brings us here time and time again.

I am grateful for your poems every day. I like to read a few poems early in the morning to gather my thoughts, and you are always here.
How lovely to combine prompts and see new beauty from collaboration. Thank you for sharing here each day, I always appreciate your thoughtful comments and perspective.
Kim, your poem meanders like a river and flows soothingly and seamlessly. A fitting tribute to all to all the hosts that made it possible during this month.
I love the first line, Kim…the grass you love…”that this wasn’t really / like my thoughts / in the midst of the storm.” Boom!
Kim,
I now know why your poem is long! LOL. I’m too tired to solve the puzzle about which line goes to which person. Maybe later. I’m trying to do this:
”and still, I hold onto hope.”
Wow, Kim, this is amazing. I love how you channeled so many emotions through this found poem. I adore the sensory appeal and imagery from the periwinkle sky to the dandelions. Your ending is a jaw-dropper. Thank you for being such a fantastic member of this community. Much love, Barb
Somehow, Kim, you managed to get this to flow so well . . . one would never know it consisted of pulled lines from other poems.
Thank you for being so attentive to commenting each day. I learn so much from what you comment on everyone’s poems. Your insights are magnificent.
Kim, as always, this poem is so good. What a way to honor all who brought us together by bringing together each of them. You uplift each writer here but also in your comments each day. Thank you for bringing your presence to this space and inspiring us to keep writing!
Kim, this feels like a song. I swear one of us could get a guitar and another a tambourine and we could sing it in harmony (wearing some good ’70’s headbands and leather bracelets stamped with butterflies and such…) What a wonderful tribute to the hosts!! This is a pure work of art — a work of heart, to be exact. Just stunning.
Kim, I am so grateful for your reflection and celebration of the hosts. I had realized this morning that I had failed to do the same, so I revised the prompt to name our friends, but not nearly as beautifully as you have done. Thank you for showing us how to “hold onto hope.”
Kim, your found poem is lovely and tribute to the powerful voices of the hosts. I too hold onto hope as this month comes to a close.
Kim, this is magical (a word I keep using tonight as I read the poems!) I like the way they flow together, all 30 different prompts! I’m taking those last three lines with me today. Thank you.
Kim, I wanted to come back this morning and say thank you for this gift: I just love the time and energy and care that I know you took in crafting it. This is just so good (and seamless)! This passage is wonderful: “let us walk in the woods / a truer friend is hard to find, so kind / there will be joy in the morning / mind drifting under periwinkle sky.” Yes!
Sarah, thank you for so many options today. I decided to collect some verses (nodding to how we began this month) and choose my birthday number (4), which took me to Dave Wooley’s Oh the Places You’ll Go prompt and boy, did we go places! I started at the top since I don’t usually write at night so there were many poems that were new to me. Thank you to all our poets this month. You have been a true inspiration!
Verses Collected
Just as the hills dipped into gold (Olivia)
pulling to the next new thing, (Amelia)
I have come to quell my longings (Krishboodhram)
and awaken sleeping dreams. (Stacey)
Often I stay here, (Denise)
knowing not what awaits (Wendy)
within these hallowed walls. (Heather)
Ughhh this one flows perfectly also. I love that Sarah inspired us to pick our birth dates and am looking forward to other choices made here!
“Often I stay here, (Denise)
knowing not what awaits (Wendy)
within these hallowed walls. (Heather)”
I so love the complete truth in this.
Jennifer, you chose the most beautiful lines into this Verse Collected! Thank you for your words and poems throughout this month. You are my huge inspiration!
Wow. Love this. And often I stay here fits so well to how I’ve come back throughout the days to read new poems and see new beauty. Thanks for sharing this month and for thoughtful comments.
Jennifer,
Your poem and inspiration are prescient in ways too numerous to name. I prefer writing poetry at night, but most of the time this challenge forces me to write in the morning, I chose to post at night.
Jennifer, oh, this one is pure gold. Wonderful blending of lines and voices. Gorgeous!
This is simply beautiful, Jennifer. I am always amazed at what you can create so quickly in the morning. And, I love seeing the poem with graphic that you post on Facebook. You are a wonderful ambassador for VerseLove.
Beautifully done, Jennifer! This poem feels like a rich tapestry hanging on a (hallowed) castle wall. Amazing weaving. But then again, your wordcraft is always amazing. You may not know that you inspire me to tear down some walls to push my own creativity further…but you do. Always an inspiration – so grateful for you and your words.
Jennifer, I think my heartbeat is heard…..often I stay here too….always thinking, always returning. The echoes of lines stay with me far longer than the writers realize. I return, I ponder, I chew on things longer……I’m so glad to be part of this community of writers. Thank you for always inspiring me.
Jennifer, how lovely to see the names like a golden shovel and the lines woven together with such care and intention and respect. I often think of the trust we give one another when our words live here in this public place, free for others to remix. And I wouldn’t want my words or their words in anyone’s artful hands but the people here. And you have collected the verse here as a testament to the trust and dignity of verses collected.
Oh, those verses collected–longings quelled and sleeping dreams awakened. Wow. Jennifer, this is so beautiful, such a beautiful rendition of this community. Your poem sounds reverential.
Jennifer, this is lovely! You’ve masterly woven these lines together: simply beautiful!
Sarah, thank you for the sanctity of this space, where we come just as we are with our offerings, and leave richer than we can ever have anticipated. I deeply appreciate – and am awed by – the honor and homage you pay to all who gather here, and by the awareness you raise for others who are suffering. Poetry is many things…a deeper living of life, a call to action…a song of gratitude. I am immeasurably grateful for this space and my fellow poets. I mourn only the limitations of time and energy to write and comment as much as my heart desires.
Today I return to the April 20 invitation by Susan Ahlbrand, “Lingering Lines.” That was one of several days I just couldn’t get to VerseLove. Susan used lyrics from a Broadway musical as inspiration. I take “It’s too soon, too soon to say good-bye” from the “Epilogue (Valjean’s Death)” in Les Misérables, my all-time favorite musical, for the springboard here – plus a sprinkling of other allusions that decided to work their way in.
Above all – Everyone – thank you.Write on. <3
Not the End
Dear VerseLovers:
Come April
I sit poised
on the edge
of my seat
feeling
your presence
one by one
coming to
this space
I inhale
the aerie anticipation
the exhilarating expectancy
the invigorating insights
generated
by this gathering
I exhale
a new thing
into existence
and I am changed.
I would mourn
this final day
I would say
It’s too soon
too soon
to say good-bye
I would say
I wish VerseLove
would go on forever
and ever
but the thing is
it does
go on forever
like April itself
like poetry itself
like love itself
it’s always there
even in
the long silences
like invisible seeds,
scattered
thrumming
in the dark
eventually
spiking a root,
a sprout
yes, the new thing
green and green
will reveal itself
again and again.
Today,
I rejoice
for all our tomorrows.
This candle
may be brief
but it never
goes out.
Love the line, “I am changed” and then the repetition of “would.” There’s a sense of urgency to share in that. Beautiful.
Fran, it definitely is too, too soon but also no, not the end. You are so right and I’m glad it’s not. I’m glad so many of you stay consistent and I hope to become more consistent in the future. Thank you.
Fran, what a great line to inspire your poem today. It really is “too soon to say goodbye.” I love all of your poem, but the final sentiment will linger with me:
“This candle
may be brief
but it never
goes out.”
Thank you for being here, for your poems, and for your so kind and generous comments to poets!
Wow what a beautiful tribute and use of this theme and borrowed line. Lovely. Thank you for sharing this month, I enjoyed stopping by to feel your words each day.
Fran, this poem is so lovely. I am also changed as I exhale a new thing into existence ~ what a beautiful way to say it! Thanks too, for the reminder that the candle never goes out. A beautiful poem.
“eventually / spiking a root / a sprout.” Love this, Fran. It’s alway an odd feeling rolling through the 30th day of poetry, knowing ‘come what May’ is ahead. I appreciate doing this challenge with you each year.
Fran,
Les Mis is my husband’s favorite musical, too. And since I’m in France right now, it’s an appropriate drama for me to think about. I don’t remember where I first heard the comment “we make time for what we want to,” but w/ some exceptions, I believe that’s true. Maybe that’s why these lines resonate w/ me:
“feeling
your presence
one by one
coming to
this space
See you on TWT Tuesdays
Fran, I’m glad you were able to write to a prompt you missed. Your poem vibrates with emotion and I love the candle allusion. Poetry is so much like a thing that’s green and grows. Gorgeous poem! Thank you!
:This is just great, Fran! I especially like these lines/ideas:
Fran, the rhythm that develops for writing this month is such an inviting element to exist within. Thank you for putting into words all that I feel about this month–the presence, the anticipation, the soon to be felt loss. Thank you for all your kind words to everyone throughout the month too. So nice to feel your presence here.
Oh, my goodness….I can hear Cosette singing the lines, sitting there at the knees of Valjean, newly married so happy and sad all at once, and that is the feeling. Joy and sadness. And the return to thinking and the memories of all the glorious poems. The candle burns, yes….the words and lines echo, and you have captured all of this so beautifully here in your poem today.
Fran your comments about this site and the empowerment of its people is absolutely true. I am changed for stopping by and inhaling poems and passion.
Fran,
I love this homage to the act of writing and to our community.
I, too, feel changed by our writing.
Thank you for your poems and comments this month. I’ve so enjoyed them.
Fran, this is beautiful! I love “but the thing is / it does / go on forever / like April itself / like poetry itself / like love itself / it’s always there / even in / the long silences.” And I love love the push back to ole Big Bill and his Scottish play’s monologue: “This candle / may be brief / but it never / goes out.” And on a side note — which is really the main note, tbh — thank you so much for your kind words about my poetry and the prayers for my family; they have helped a great deal. Thank you.
Sarah, thank you once again for everything you do. Happy 10 years. I love your idea of what prompt you chose and using end lines. A great idea and poem. It’s always fun and meaningful to see your words pop up
Since you gave us so much choice, yall might see me back here again later but I decided on this pretty quick, picking my birth number prompt also (15 Feb). It was Katrina’s etheree. The etheree below is what I shared that day and I added on the other lines today because in Mauritius we have a rain day! Thanks to everyone as well for comments and sharing amazing poetry. See you back every so often for Open Writes!
Rain
Nonstop
Dripping down
The window pane
Humid atmosphere
Feels like a sauna in here
Fog hides part of the mountain
This is what the island has craved.
We can’t complain too much about it,
The rain will save Mauritius from a drought.
Sometimes life pours us different favors.
Twenty one days ago I asked
The rain to stop, complained it
Was too too hot but here
We are now chillin’
At home on a
Wednesday
In the
Rain
“Sometimes life pours us different favors” is fantastic!
Angie, I also chose the line Linda mentioned. It is profoundly true. I like how a complaint about the rain turns into gratitude. Begining and ending with “Rain” gives the poem a completed frame. Thank you for being so actively present with poems and so many comments here all month!
We are closed due to power outages and damage from storms last night. Enjoying the peace of your rain poem! I have a student from Mauritius this year and she is excited to return next week. Thanks for sharing and being a thoughtful commenter this month. Write on
“Sometimes life pours us different favors” is such a great turning point for this poem form. And you are right…it sure does at time feel like the favors are pouring.
Loving the shape of this poem…the etheree x 2, cascading forward and backwards on the last day of this April. Wonderful reading and learning from you, Angie. Here’s to the success and all to come next year!
Angie,
Thank you for this lovely reminder of rain’s blessings. “Sometimes life pours us different favors” is my favorite line.
Angie, love the building up and dwindling down of rain with the format of the poem. I have enjoyed reading your poems this month and seeing all your kind comments.
Angie, your lines work so perfectly – the beats fall just right. Just like life often does, if we stop to notice the way those favors fall
It’s 90n degrees here in central NC today, so chillin’ in the rain sounds lovely. Please know that I appreciate your artistry, insights, and comments so much!
Angie, the shape of this is so soothing to me, like exhaling and inhaling. I love the line “21 days ago I asked/The rain to stop.” Such a simple request, no, and so moving in its wish.
Angie, I am glad you have the rain you need and perhaps that is why your rainy day poem breathes happiness rather than the gloom that so often surrounds the endless spring rains in my parts! Your line, “sometimes life pours us in different favors,” has had me thinking and wondering…..
Hello Dear Poets,
First, thank you to Sarah for creating this forum that I have come to love so much. Seeing a line in your collage poem with all the other poets gives me a sense of connection that is precious to me. Thank you for keeping verse love alive in what must be an extraordinarily busy life of teaching, grading, speaking and balancing all the things.
Poets, you are all dear to me. I write in the early hours. Many days I jot a poem…but this April I allowed myself to just write with a good pen across pages in my journal supervised by a writing cat. This gives me time to paddle through ideas…keeping my craft at a pace that’s soothing, steering toward interesting ideas or away from thoughts that are for another day.
Thank you, is such a tiny phrase for what I feel for this space and you all. And still, thank you. xo
Linda, love the picture! Love seeing you here every early AM, which is my afternoon
You too!
Thank you for your kind words, beautiful poems, and early morning inspirations, Linda!
Linda,
Writing cars are nocturnal, prowling the house and neighborhood, aren’t they?
Linda, you are such a beautiful writer. Love that you found your writing routine and have such a comforting companion to assist you.
Linda, I recall that one of our fellow poets once called us “early writers” the “Dawn Patrol.” I have loved that ever since! Most of the time, the predawn hours are the only real time I will get to compose without interruption. I absolutely savor it. Sometimes I even live for it. I love this image of you “paddling through ideas” with a good pen in a journal, supervised by a writing cat… this month, I wrote with a new puppy sleeping in my lap. More on him in the future, perhaps…let me just say I always find your poems (“paddlings”) uplifting and compelling – you so often bring me to see things in more creative and colorful ways. Grateful for you & your always-insightful verse <)
Oh what a blessing to have your own supervising writing cat. That photo just speaks to me – the pen, the journal, the cat overseeing the whole process, lying there like a writer for whom it all just flows so naturally. I love this kitty! Thank you so much for sharing the picture and for all you bring to this community.
Linda, I love the picture and share your sentiments even though I catch reading and writing time whenever I can, early and late in the day!
Always appreciative of the prompts and the poems and the comments.
Kevin
I’m often wandering
through the words
of poets, sneaking
small pockets of ideas,
stealing seeds for sprouts,
holding out hope on how
poems emerge from dirt
tilled by others;
take a breath, blow,
and let dandelions flow
I hope I get to meet you in real life someday…maybe at your book signing.
So lovely Kevin. I’m very inspired by things I read in this space “sneaking
small pockets of ideas” yes! This month, sometimes I only commented and that’s sometimes all I need. “Let dandelions flow” ahhhh
Kevin, your poem has such a beautiful rhythm. The carefully chosen words make me want to print and frame it. These lines are so relatable:
“sneaking
small pockets of ideas,
stealing seeds for sprouts,
holding out hope”
Thank you for your poetry gifts this month!
A lovely metaphor for this place. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the seeds you planted along the way.
gorgeous…always love finding a bloom at the base of each and every day’s contributions!
Kevin, this is a beautiful capturing of what it feels like to be a part of this Ethical ELA Verselove community. I particularly like the use of the words “pockets”, “sprouts” and “flow” because it does sure seem like the words are doing this.
This is lovely, Kevin! Everyone here is a wanderer, sneaking pockets of ideas, stealing seeds for sprouts ~ you’ve captured us all! Let the dandelions flow! just perfect1
Kevin,
Your line “stealing seeds for sprouts,” is provocative.
Love this imagery so much, Kevin – it is EXACTLY what we do! We collect material from one another! As always, your verse-beats fall like music, and your word-pictures (poems growing from soil…to dandelions that flow…) are so vivid and true.
Kevin, I love the sense of wandering here and the innocence of stealing seeds when it is for a poem.