About this blog
One of America's most revered poets, Adrienne Rich, said, "The moment of change is the only poem." Because the world is always changing, poetry is everywhere, and everything can be versified.Here, I'll discuss and review contemporary books of poetry, with a focus on regional writers, publications, and organizations. I'll promote area writers by offering prompts and contests, because I want to foster a spirit of community centered around poets and readers of poetry. This is a place to demystify the art of poetry, to appreciate its economy of language, its precision of image and sound.
Please share suggestions for blog content by emailing me at sfleegal@ydr.com. I'd love to hear from you! Let's versify PA and support those who are doing the same.
Category Archives: Reader-submitted poetry
Reader-submitted poem: “Empty Seat,” by Ann Bortner of Windsor Township
It’s been a while since I posted a reader-submitted poem, and my apologies for that. Life comes up sometimes, and in my case, it came up big. At any rate, I’m back to posting regularly, and today’s poem is by … Continue reading
Posted in Reader-submitted poetry
Tagged Ann Bortner, commemorative poem, elegy, life event poem, Windsor Township
1 Comment
Reader-submitted poem: “Unquenched” by Deb Blair of East Manchester Township
Deb Blair is a third grade teacher who has been writing poems since she was a child. I think many of us discovered a love of writing when we were young enough to not question whether our feelings or opinions … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem: “Long Walks” by Tiffani Hemcher of Mount Joy, Pa.
A trend I’m noticing in poetry today is that while political poetry is seeing a resurgence, young people are the ones writing tribute poems to our troops overseas. These poems certainly have political implications (arguably, implications that the reader imposes), … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem and review: “Poetic Political Satire” by Robert G. Falkenstine of Springettsbury Township
I can’t resist the urge to feature some seasonal poetry. And I don’t mean the season of autumn. I mean election season. Poetry has a strong, rich tradition of being a venue for more than just expressing one’s political beliefs … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem: “Our Garden, June 2012,” by Pat Long of West Manchester Township
Because it is now October and harvest time, I thought it would be fun to recall what our gardens looked like way back in June, when the abundance was just beginning. Through verse, of course. Specifically, the verse of Pat … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem: Another tribute poem, from Helen Shubert of Springettsbury Township
I don’t even have to tell you how popular tribute poems are — the number that have been rolling into my email in box lately is testament enough! I appreciate all who are reading and wanting to participate in the … Continue reading
Posted in Reader-submitted poetry
Tagged faith poem, friendship poem, Helen Shubert, Springettsbury Township, tribute poem
11 Comments
Reader-submitted poems: Two tributes by John Vernon Scott of New Oxford
While the earliest poems were in the mode of oral tradition — stories passed down through families and communities about historical events — there is no denying that the tribute is one of the most popular kinds of poem. John … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem: A poem by Sharon Washington of Spring Garden Township, and poetry as a sanctuary for sass
I love a sassy poem. A poem with attitude, a strong voice. Especially a strong female voice! Poetry is a place where we don’t have to watch what we say for fear of antagonizing others. Poetry is art. There is … Continue reading
Memoir in verse by York nonagenarian Dottie Lindecamp
The word of the day is “nonagenarian.” That means, someone in her 90s. And when that someone in her 90s self-publishes a memoir in verse, illustrated with a life’s worth of personal photos, you show some respect and blog about … Continue reading
Reader-submitted poem: Melanie Simms’ ‘Sunbury’
The latest reader-submitted poem is from Melanie Simms of Sunbury, Pa., which is a little outside of my regional focus, but I’m posting for two reasons. First, Sunbury is close to my college stomping ground of Williamsport, and the nostalgia … Continue reading
