JoAnn Early Macken - JoAnn's Blog

We Do What We Can

April 18, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, Spring, haiku, thunderstorm

bird silhouettes flit

through spring thunderstorm darkness

change is in the air

Faced with the current chaos, I'm trying to stay optimistic. Yesterday, my sisters and I made sandwiches for a local homeless shelter. Today, we'll make signs for tomorrow's town hall and protest. Mom and Dad always told us to stick together, which still sounds like good advice.

The sky is brightening already.

I've just heard of two calls for submissions to poetry anthologies that feel timely and relevant. Check the links for deadlines and details:

Live and Let DEI Anthology (no fee). Submit an original poem that makes creative use of the words that the Trump administration is flagging on government websites and research papers. See the list (PDF).

Made in the USA: Poems of Resistance. This anthology aims to capture the spirit of resilience, courage, and hope through powerful poetic expressions that challenge injustice, champion equality, and celebrate the unyielding human spirit in the face of fascism.

Good luck to all who submit!

Jone Rush MacCulloch has today's Poetry Friday Roundup. Enjoy!

10 Comments

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Springing Back into Writing

April 10, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, haiku

Crocuses blooming through leaf litter

on our front hill—and a bee!

spring brings outlook shift:

from impossible chore to

opportunity

I used to (like last week) feel guilty about the piles of unfinished manuscripts crowding my desktop, my file drawers, my computer. Suddenly, it feels like spring, and something about the increased light or flipping the calendar page tilts my perspective toward the positive. National Poetry Month inspires me. Poetry Friday does, too. Plus we made it through another dark winter and a long, stressful election push. Now that pile of unfinished work feels more like a treasure trove I can dip, dig, or dive into as deeply and as often as I want.

I turned away from writing because I got discouraged. Dis-couraged: I lost my courage. And that's how I felt for a while—lost. It's a horrible feeling, as if what I'm missing is a critical part of my identity. Too many rejections, not enough gumption. I tend to contract in difficult times. I turtle myself into a too-tight shell where I fidget and fret.

But I never give up completely. I keep filling notebooks with ideas. I give myself pep talks. I keep trying in tiny increments. And what usually brings me back to writing? Small poems. When the outlook is dire, I try to write a haiku a day. Not because they are easy, but because whittling down a complex concept to a few words provides clarity. I find comfort and challenge in the 5-7-5 structure.

I've been working my way back to writing for a while now, and—who would have guessed?—it turns out that persistence was all I needed. I knew this, of course. I've done it before. Daily haiku eventually lead to picture book drafts. I just wrote a very rough one, my first in a long, long time. Yippee!

If you ever face the same problem, please don't give up. Let me know if you need a pep talk.

Irene Latham hosts today's Poetry Friday Roundup at Live Your Poem. Enjoy!

10 Comments

Comments

Apr 11, 2025 11:04 AM EDT

Jo, your optimism in the face of these dire times always inspires me.

- Eileen

Apr 11, 2025 1:08 PM EDT

Glad to hear you're feeling more positive and jumping right back into writing. You're so wise -- small is the way to go at the beginning. Congrats on drafting a new picture book!! Love those crocuses and today's haiku. :)

- jama

Apr 11, 2025 1:24 PM EDT

Hi Joanne, Right now, I very much feel like what you described in your second paragraph. I feel myself wanting (and probably will) pulling back. It's a hard world - publishing and the writing community too. Thanks for your post. I could very much relate to it. Good luck with your renewed energy. (I just made a list of things I need to do too - for myself to get rid of the feelings of being on the fringe or not being "good enough." Thanks.

- Carol Labuzzetta - The Apples in My Orchard

Apr 11, 2025 3:44 PM EDT

JoAnn - hooray for perseverance! I absolutely know that turtle feeling...looking forward to all that is currently blooming in your life and sending sunshine! xo

- Irene Latham

Apr 11, 2025 4:55 PM EDT

Hooray for outlook shifts and making writing progress! I have been in the same boat as you and hope this spring will see more regular writing and thinking of writing as an opportunity.

- Buffy Silverman

Apr 12, 2025 2:47 AM EDT

Joann, the notion of starting small is sound thinking and equally sound action. Controlling what we can and allowing ourselves to let go of what is beyond our control. Your honesty shines through in this post and you touch on themes and feelings we have all felt at some time in our respective writing journeys. I'm continually admitting to young writers that sometimes writing is actually quite a challenge and the words don't flow onto the page as one would hope. But then it begins to flow again -and that is why we persist. More power to you.

- Alan j Wright

Apr 12, 2025 3:58 PM EDT

I can relate to so much of what you wrote, Joann. I've been feeling a bit lost, and from the comments, it seems I'm not the only one. I enrolled in a class that I'm hoping will get me back on track. I've been questioning what I should do about my piles of unfinished manuscripts, especially the paper copies and notebooks full of snippets. I keep holding on to them just in case. : )

- Linda

Comment by JoAnn on Apr 12, 2025 6:03 PM EDT

Thanks for your comments, everyone, and for your words of support. These are difficult times, and it helps to know we are not alone!

Apr 12, 2025 8:32 PM EDT

So glad you're finding your creative footing and courage again!

- Sarah Grace Tuttle

Apr 13, 2025 5:35 PM EDT

There's nothing like spring to nudge us toward renewal. This part of your post read like a short poem to me:

"Too many rejections,
not enough gumption.
I...contract in difficult times.
...turtle myself into a too-tight shell where I fidget and fret.
But I never give up
keep filling notebooks
give myself pep talks
keep trying in tiny increments."

Keep going!

- Karen Edmisten

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How to Make a Protest Sign

April 4, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, protest, sign, resist

protest sign in progress

If you don't have time to make your own for Saturday's Hands Off protest, you can print one from Indivisible.

Lately I'm spending more time writing protest signs, social media posts, and letters to the editor than poems. I call my representatives regularly, and I protest often. But it's National Poetry Month, and I can't let that go uncelebrated. This year, I plan to work on a poem every day (and not feel obligated to finish it) and post once/week for Poetry Friday. Here's my latest.

How to Make a Protest Sign

Find something sturdy to write on:

a cardboard box, an old poster,

a paper or plastic bag.

Tape it or staple it

to a stick if you want to

or carry the naked sign.

Elegant lettering?

Eye-catching colors?

Feel free if you're so inspired.

It's fine to use somebody else's words

if they say what you want to say.

Give credit to the creator.

Humor is good,

but remember your rage.

What matters most is the message.

Make it as wide as the world,

as tall as your dreams.

Write it in blood if you have to.

Matt Forrest Esenwine hosts today's Poetry Friday Roundup at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme. Enjoy!

12 Comments

Comments

Apr 04, 2025 12:35 PM EDT

Excellent, Jo!! I love this.

- Eileen

Apr 04, 2025 2:10 PM EDT

Great advice, Joann! Thanks for sharing.

- Matt Forrest Esenwine

Apr 04, 2025 2:35 PM EDT

"Write it in blood if you have to". Wow! You captured what many of us are feeling. Good luck with your daily poems. I keep trying to do that, but something always interrupts. : )

- Linda

Apr 04, 2025 6:07 PM EDT

Thank you for your never ending work for democracy.

- Joyce

Apr 04, 2025 6:12 PM EDT

Oooooh.. this is excellent. Yes! Resist!

- Sarah Grace Tuttle

Apr 05, 2025 7:22 AM EDT

This poem resonated, as I've been struggling to come up with the perfect thing to write on my sign before protesting this morning. That ending line packs a punch!

- Molly Hogan

Comment by JoAnn on Apr 05, 2025 8:16 AM EDT

Thanks, everyone! I never believed the old saying that anger fuels writing, but right now it's propelling me. Thanks to everyone heading out to the Hands Off rallies today. Be safe!

Apr 05, 2025 11:44 AM EDT

Powerful ending, Joann! Thank you.

- Rose Cappelli

Apr 06, 2025 7:31 AM EDT

What a great poem! I love "remember your rage." I have a bag from Suffs: The Musical that says "Put the rage in suffrage."

- Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Apr 06, 2025 5:53 PM EDT

Those last two stanzas! "Remember your rage"--and sometimes we might have to shed our blood in honor of others who don't do it by choice.

- Heidi

Apr 06, 2025 8:20 PM EDT

I love this, Joann. Anger and the desire for justice are powerful fuels.

- Karen Edmisten

Apr 12, 2025 1:49 AM EDT

😘💕JoAnne I MISS you! And omg, I love the last stanza:
Make it as wide as the world,
as tall as your dreams.
Write it in blood if you have to.
A poem within your wider poem.

I think my favorite sign at our local HANDS OFF! Event (10,000 folks showed up!) was: "Two paths diverged in the woods and the US took the psychopath."

- April Halprin Wayland

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If (A Poem of Possibility)

March 28, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, possibility, Do Something

If I Could Choose a Best Day: Poems of Possibility,

selected by Irene Latham & Charles Waters,

illustrated by Olivia Sua

After reading this inspiring, imaginative poetry collection, I challenged myself to write my own Poem of Possibility. The only requirement I gave myself was to start with If.... This is what poured out.

If

If I were a little more brave,

I would shout,

Hey, do you see this injustice?

This hunger? This fear? This need?

But I've never been a shouter.

I dream, I whisper, I write.

So I put my request here, politely:

Please help.

What do you have to offer?

Two ears to listen? Compassion?

Two hands to lift someone up?
A voice to speak out in support?

If you are a dreamer, dream with me.

If you can shout, grab your bullhorn.

Use your voice. Use your words.

Sing and dance.

No one alone can fix everything,

but each one of us can Do Something.

Find your Something. Pitch in.

Bring a friend.

Marcie Flinchum Atkins has today's Poetry Friday Roundup. Enjoy!

19 Comments

Comments

Mar 28, 2025 9:00 AM EDT

Oh, JoAnn!! Thank you so much for this!!

- PJ

Mar 28, 2025 9:33 AM EDT

I love it, JoAnn! You may not be a shouter, but you are plenty brave :)

- Tabatha

Mar 28, 2025 3:06 PM EDT

Jo, it's just beautiful! Thanks for including us introverts.

- Eileen

Mar 28, 2025 5:50 PM EDT

Love this. I've never been a shouter either but I sometimes wish I was!

- tanita

Mar 29, 2025 7:56 AM EDT

Putting your words out there is brave! I think the book is so inspiring. After reading it how can anyone resist writing about their own "if?"

- Rose Cappelli

Mar 29, 2025 8:00 AM EDT

I really love this, JoAnn! Thank you!!

- Mike B

Mar 29, 2025 8:53 AM EDT

This reminds me of the squirrel and the mountain in Robyn's post: we each have our talents, and talents are talents, no matter how big or small.

- Mary Lee

Mar 29, 2025 11:56 AM EDT

Love this! You stated the situation and solution so well.

- Sharon Addy

Mar 29, 2025 6:39 PM EDT

Oh, I love this! Words we all need right now! Thank you!

- Linda

Mar 29, 2025 7:54 PM EDT

Yes, each one can ACT, JoAnn! You may not be a shouter, but your poem is shouting loud & clear!

- Linda Baie

Mar 30, 2025 8:37 PM EDT

So great! Grab your bullhorn. :)

- Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Comment by JoAnn on Mar 31, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

Thank you, everyone! I feel braver with all your support!

Mar 31, 2025 1:51 PM EDT

I've never been a shouter either, but my goodness have I been shouting recently!! We can all make a difference if we work together. <3

- Jane

Mar 31, 2025 6:49 PM EDT

Joann, "Find your something" is beautiful advice in so many ways.

- Karen Edmisten

Apr 01, 2025 12:11 AM EDT

hands raised on this end, Joann! And heading to HANDSOFF next weekend --my "do something" moment!

- PATRICIA J FRANZ

Apr 01, 2025 8:44 AM EDT

Writers are inherently rather shy, but have strong feelings. You've captured this and I do think it's possible for me to speak out, protest, more than I have in the past. This is an imspiring poem!

- Janice Scully

Apr 01, 2025 11:02 AM EDT

Dear JoAnn, I am dreaming right along with you! Love your poem. I am not a shouter either...but we can tell the world who we are in our poems, yes? THANK YOU for sharing this, and I'm so glad you've enjoyed IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY. xo

- Irene Latham

Apr 01, 2025 2:07 PM EDT

So appreciative, JoAnn!

- Charles Waters

Comment by JoAnn on Apr 03, 2025 2:07 PM EDT

I appreciate all of your comments. I'm so glad to know I'm not alone!

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Could You?

March 21, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, walking, trash pickup, river cleanup

Milwaukee River from Lincoln Park Golf Course. After I posted this, I spotted the can in the bushes.

Could You?

Walked the golf course trail today.

Picked up trash along the way.

Golfers are a messy bunch.

Toss the bags from snacks they munch.

Slug their sodas, chug their beer,

fling the empties far and near.

Maybe someday, we will see

nothing but lush greenery.

But for now, we walk the land,

bag of garbage in each hand,

doing what we always do.

Someone ought to help.

Could you?

Rose Capelli has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at Imagine the Possibilities. Enjoy!

8 Comments

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Connecting with Courage

February 28, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, courage, Woke, Justice

In my effort to work my way back to writing in these trying times, I'm reading as much poetry as I can. Today I turned back to Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. In the Foreword, Jason Reynolds calls the book "a collection of proclamations" that tell young people "to talk back, to speak up, to connect with the fortifying elements outside of them, as well as those that exist within."

I found it fortifying, too.

In "Activism, Everywhere," Mahogany L. Browne urges us to stand together to speak up against mistreatment: "We are standing tall and firm because we believe in equity and equality."

"What's in my Toolbox?" by Olivia Gatwood reminds us,

If we have privilege, we must listen.

When we understand each other, we can build a house that fits everyone.

In "Rock the Boat," Elizabeth Acevedo describes the nagging feeling you might get "when you know someone has done / or said something unjust" and tells us,

Even if it doesn't feel easy,

Rock the boat. Rock the boat.

I'm doing my best to rock the boat: Calling my representatives, writing postcards to voters, distributing Card Campaign cards, attending rallies, marching, and yelling. (And yelling!)

These poems are timely, important, empowering reminders to speak up against injustice. We need them now.

Today's Poetry Friday Roundup is at Dare to Care. Enjoy!

8 Comments

Comments

Feb 28, 2025 6:26 PM EST

JoAnn, I read this when It came out, during the Pandemic, feeling like it was so needed then, and of course, now! Thanks for the reminder, will get it again! Glad you are making "good trouble", me, too!

- Linda Baie

Feb 28, 2025 7:36 PM EST

Joann, thank you for sharing this book. I could use some inspiration about now, and this might be just the ticket!

- Tracey Kiff-Judson

Feb 28, 2025 9:27 PM EST

Joann, Amen and Amen! I have found myself yelling too. I'm not that much of a yeller, but one day at the town hall with my representative, I just viscerally had to yell back against his lies and gaslighting. Good for you. Thank you for the encouragement to rock the boat, rock the boat!

- Denise Krebs

Feb 28, 2025 9:36 PM EST

Thanks for sharing this book. I'm adding it to my library list.

- PATRICIA FRANZ

Mar 01, 2025 6:35 AM EST

Thank you, Denise. As someone who's outraged at our govt's action but is just trying to get through each day/week/month dealing with family medical issues, I'm so grateful to those who are rocking the boat. I hope to be able to take my shift soon!

- Laura Purdie Salas

Mar 01, 2025 6:36 AM EST

I think I just wrote Denise instead of JoAnn, thinking about Denise's Town Hall attendance she posted about. Sorry! Thank you, JoAnn, for rocking the boat!!!

- Laura Purdie Salas

Mar 03, 2025 9:34 AM EST

This is the perfect book for These Times! Thanks for shining a spotlight on it!

- Mary Lee

Mar 03, 2025 2:44 PM EST

It absolutely enrages me when people say things like "let kids be kids!" and "keep politics out of children's books!" What an incredibly oblivious level of privilege these people must have, to think that racism, classism, discrimination aren't a reality so many children must work with and live with every day. Books like this are absolutely appropriate for children, capturing and reflecting the very real, every day lived experiences of young people. <3

- Jane

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Working My Way Back

February 21, 2025

Tags: Poetry Friday, Rosy, Play with Me

Play with Me

Lick leap lope

run tumble

dig wriggle

quick let's go!

Perch on peaks

plow through piles

dive in drifts

deep below.

Bark jump chase

zip zoom dash

bounce over

glorious snow!

I've been mostly away from writing for a while, except for a weekly Zoom write that keeps my hand in, barely. I miss the daily practice, though, especially in these trying times. So I'm hoping to make my way back by reading and writing more poetry. I've always enjoyed playing with rhythm, so that seemed like a good place to begin again. This one was inspired by our Rosy in the park.

Laura Purdie Salas has today's Poetry Friday Roundup. Enjoy!

11 Comments

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National Poetry Month Day 26 & Poetry Friday!

April 26, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

That moment of doubt
before dough becomes crust
before cloth becomes shirt
before words become poem
is part of the process.
Keep going.

Todays Poetry Friday Roundup is at There Is No Such Thing as a God-forsaken Town. Enjoy!

3 Comments

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National Poetry Month Day 25

April 25, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

Dandelions blossom
in every other yard.
The yard without one broad-leaved "weed"
displays this warning card.

Someone ought to tell the robins,
Fly away! Stay clear!
Poisoned worms will poison you--
Don't eat here!

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National Poetry Month Day 24

April 24, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

Poetry matters.
Democracy, too. Today,
postcards to voters.

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National Poetry Month Day 23

April 23, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

Warm wind whispers, "Now!"
Calendar does not agree.
I can't help myself.

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National Poetry Month Day 22 & Happy Earth Day!

April 22, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

One reusable?
SEVENTY disposables?
Choose sustainable.

Happy Earth Day--and remember to bring your bag!

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National Poetry Month Day 21

April 21, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

Marshy meander,
clutching dog-eared bird field guide.
Ducks...geese...pelicans!

At Horicon Marsh, we saw lots of Canada geese and red-winged blackbirds plus Northern Harriers, tree swallows, coots, and a variety of ducks: Northern Shoveler, blue-winged teal, redhead, ring-necked, mallard, and probably more. The pelicans were my favorites!

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National Poetry Month Day 20

April 20, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month, Sew Sustainable

festive gathering
bunting strung from beam to beam
no balloons allowed

I'm tickled to see this bunting in use at the Urban Ecology Center's clothing swap today. I made it!

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National Poetry Month Day 19 & Poetry Friday!

April 19, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month, Poetry Friday

Nesting birds, tra-la!
Rabbits flip head over heels.
Hope is in the air.

Heidi Mordhorst has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at my juicy little universe. Enjoy!

7 Comments

Comments

Apr 19, 2024 1:06 PM EDT

Joann, adorable photo and haiku! The idea of rabbits flipping head over heels is so cute! Happy springtime!

- Tracey Kiff-Judson

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 19, 2024 2:27 PM EDT

Thank you, Tracey! Happy springtime to you, too!

Apr 19, 2024 4:54 PM EDT

I'm afraid I can't read "Tra-la" without thinking of Captain Underpants...but your bunnies are very cute and "thunder on patrol" from yesterday is thrilling!

- Heidi

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 19, 2024 6:04 PM EDT

Thank you, Heidi! I didn't know about Captain Underpants--I guess I'd better do some research. I actually revised that thunder line this morning. I thought about it before I went to bed last night & came up with an improvement when I woke up.

Apr 19, 2024 4:55 PM EDT

Love the hope in springtime!

- Rose Cappelli

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 19, 2024 6:04 PM EDT

Thank you, Rose--optimism at work!

Apr 19, 2024 9:46 PM EDT

I saw a rabbit hopping across my yard one day this week. Now I can imagine that bunny flipping head over heels.

- Verrena Diane Anderson

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 20, 2024 12:05 PM EDT

We've seen lots of rabbit activity here, too. Fun to watch--until they start nibbling in the garden!

Apr 20, 2024 9:19 AM EDT

JoAnn, the bunnies are adorable and it is good know that they are heads over heels in love with spring. If interested join me for another padlet and gallery.

- Carol Varsalona

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 20, 2024 12:06 PM EDT

Thank you, Carol! I'll check it out.

Apr 20, 2024 8:01 PM EDT

I haven't seen any nesting birds, but I've heard plenty of birds singing! I'm sure they're there! Tra-la! to you!

- Linda Baie

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 25, 2024 6:17 PM EDT

Squirrels are carrying nesting materials up the tree outside my window, too. Happy spring!

Apr 21, 2024 12:55 AM EDT

Oh gosh! Did you see the flip???

- PATRICIA J FRANZ

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 25, 2024 6:18 PM EDT

Just the tail end. ;)

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National Poetry Month Day 18

April 18, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

rustling brushes twirl
street sweeper stockpiles debris
thunder on patrol

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National Poetry Month Day 17

April 17, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

pulmonaria
blossoms bow down to welcome
hungry bumblebee

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National Poetry Month Day 16

April 16, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

mesmerizing view
I could stay here all day long
watching spring unfold

1 Comments

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National Poetry Month Day 15

April 15, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

brown creeper shadow
climbs sidewalk tree trunk shadow
my shadow watches

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National Poetry Month Day 14

April 14, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

Waiting in the car:
portable machines, fabric,
supplies. Let's go sew!

Update: Volunteers at today's Bring Your Bag Shorewood Sewing Bee produced 26 handmade reusable shopping bags for the Shorewood Public Library and Hunger Task Force, Inc.--good for the planet and fun!

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National Poetry Month Day 13

April 13, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

purple martin pairs
claim the best nest compartments
beneficial guests

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National Poetry Month Day 12 & Poetry Friday!

April 12, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month, Poetry Friday

We've just returned from a trip out of town, where I ran across gobs of lost things. Of course, I took pictures. Glad to be home. More to come!

Jone Rush MacCulloch has today's Poetry Friday Roundup. Enjoy!

11 Comments

Comments

Apr 12, 2024 11:58 PM EDT

Joann, what a fun poem with the surrounding pictures. I like the switch of glove and shoe to match the rhyming words. It's fun to read. A great children's rhyme, I think.

- Denise Krebs

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 13, 2024 3:27 PM EDT

Thank you, Denise! Lost things seem to jump out at me wherever I go!

Apr 13, 2024 10:49 AM EDT

Oh YAY! Ode to Lost Things! I'm thinking of my snow gloves that lie under 5 feet of snow on a path --that perhaps will make their way into someone's poem (or back home to me) because some wonderful soul will perch them on a branch.

- PATRICIA J FRANZ

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 13, 2024 3:29 PM EDT

I lost one of a favorite pair of warm winter gloves in a park one winter, and I kept going back to search but never found it. I hung onto the mate for ages just in case. I hope you find yours!

Apr 13, 2024 11:26 AM EDT

Poetry is literally everywhere inside of everything!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 13, 2024 3:30 PM EDT

So true! Staying open to it is the key.

Apr 13, 2024 2:54 PM EDT

Capturing the moments, love it, JoAnn! I've lost a glove or two but never a toothbrush - fun!

- Linda Baie

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 13, 2024 3:42 PM EDT

Believe it or not, that isn't the first toothbrush I've found. I wonder how it ended up in the woods!

Apr 13, 2024 8:31 PM EDT

Joann, this immediately made me think of the huge bag of single socks that we had sitting on our laundry-folding table. I finally got rid of most of them a week ago, but the collection was years in the making! I love your poem of love and loss!

- Tracey Kiff-Judson

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 14, 2024 9:41 AM EDT

Single socks! I'm surprised I've never run across any where I walk. They must all be hiding inside, wrapped up in blankets or stuck in jacket sleeves from tumbling around in the dryer. I'll keep looking!

Apr 13, 2024 10:48 PM EDT

So true, JoAnn! We've all lost plenty. Losing a glove is easy as falling off a log.

- Tabatha

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 14, 2024 9:45 AM EDT

So easy! I've retraced my steps so many times to retrieve mittens or hats I've taken off when the weather warmed up as I walked. Finding something I've lost is always a huge relief.

Apr 14, 2024 10:10 AM EDT

So fun! Yes, it's so interesting to see lost things. I love your collection of them.

- Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 14, 2024 10:23 AM EDT

Thank you, Marcie! I found another glove yesterday. I must not look up enough!

Apr 15, 2024 12:51 AM EDT

Fun poem! Thank you! It reminds me of an art installation in a train station where I grew up, where they bronzed a whole bunch of gloves and stuck them on the escalator, like a lost and found bin frozen in time!

- Sarah Grace Tuttle

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 15, 2024 6:44 PM EDT

Oh, that would be an interesting exhibition! I bet there would be lots of lost (& found) gloves in a train station. At least someone could enjoy them!

Apr 15, 2024 8:31 AM EDT

Oh, my goodness. Your ditty made me laugh. It's a relief to look at lost things that are NOT that important. And yes, I've lost plenty :>D

- Laura Purdie Salas

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 16, 2024 9:54 AM EDT

I'm glad to know it made you laugh, Laura!

Apr 15, 2024 9:11 PM EDT

This is a fun project. I am constantly losing keys.

- Jone MacCulloch

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 16, 2024 9:54 AM EDT

Oh, keys! Me, too. I usually find mine in the door.

Apr 16, 2024 10:51 AM EDT

A rousing "Yes!" — I relate to losing things, and also love the idea of odes to lost things we've discovered.

- Karen Edmisten

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National Poetry Month Day 11

April 11, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

binoculars raised
I focus on waterbirds
learning duck by duck

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National Poetry Month Day 10

April 10, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

shiny plastic threads
dangle from oriole's nest
built to last and last

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National Poetry Month Day 9

April 9, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

some days are too hard
tomorrow will be better
let's just try again

P.S. Rosy is fine. We had a long, lovely, tiring walk followed by a spectacular tick event. All will be well.

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National Poetry Month Day 8

April 8, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

post-eclipse dinner
veggie-nut ravioli
pasta suns and moons

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National Poetry Month Day 7

April 7, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

starling silhouette
perches, whistles, cackles at
starling silhouette

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National Poetry Month Day 6

April 6, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month

keeping one foot warm
goose guards rippling reflections
eyes us warily

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National Poetry Month Day 5 & Poetry Friday!

April 5, 2024

Tags: Lost & Found Poems, National Poetry Month, Poetry Friday

Happy Poetry Friday! Irene Latham has today's Poetry Friday Roundup at Live Your Poem. Enjoy!

12 Comments

Comments

Apr 05, 2024 9:12 AM EDT

touch magic/in a spring garden
This is good advice!
I'm enjoying your lost and found poems.

- Tricia (Miss Rumphius)

Comment by JoAnn on Apr 05, 2024 9:53 AM EDT

Thank you, Tricia--I'm trying to take my own advice!

Apr 05, 2024 2:09 PM EDT

OH, Joann, what a great healing when one loses the artist's way. Take a garden break and find magic. It reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, which I just finished listening to yesterday. When you hit a wall in one creative outlet, try something else to regain momentum. Nice poem with an important message.

- Denise Krebs

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 05, 2024 5:52 PM EDT

Thank you, Denise! Yes, spring is definitely arriving at the right time for me. The garden is calling!

Apr 05, 2024 5:24 PM EDT

Perfect! One finds oneself in the earth, spring gardens are waking up!

- Linda Baie

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 05, 2024 5:54 PM EDT

Thank you, Linda! I'm itching to get my fingers in the dirt. Won't be long now!

Apr 05, 2024 7:31 PM EDT

Very nice, Joann! I am enjoying your daily poems. Keep going!

- Tabatha

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 06, 2024 12:37 PM EDT

Thank you, Tabatha! I'll try!

Apr 05, 2024 11:42 PM EDT

How clever, Joann! You touched magic!

- Tracey Kiff-Judson

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 06, 2024 12:38 PM EDT

Thank you, Tracey! That title leaped out at me from the bookshelf.

Apr 06, 2024 8:30 AM EDT

Oooh, I often mend in my garden. Thank you JoAnn!

- Irene Latham

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 06, 2024 12:40 PM EDT

Getting our hands in soil is healing, don't you think?

Apr 06, 2024 10:26 AM EDT

Great advice!

- Mary Lee Hahn

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 06, 2024 12:40 PM EDT

Thanks, Mary Lee! I wrote it at least in part for me.

Apr 07, 2024 1:20 AM EDT

I'm a spine-poem-fan! This one is really fun. thanks!

- PATRICIA J FRANZ

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 07, 2024 7:48 AM EDT

Thank you, Patricia! They are fun to work on and fun to read!

Apr 07, 2024 8:02 AM EDT

Lovely, JoAnn! Nature is a wonderful place to mend.

- Rose Cappelli

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 07, 2024 8:24 AM EDT

Thank you, Rose! Nature is inspiring all year, but I especially appreciate spring.

Apr 08, 2024 1:44 PM EDT

I absolutely love your blog. Thank you so much for the poetry, photos, and postings.

- Phyllis Santacroce

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 11, 2024 1:42 PM EDT

Thank you, Phyllis! So nice to hear from you!

Apr 08, 2024 4:54 PM EDT

How fun to read yours and Tricia's spine poems back to back. This is fabulous, JoAnn!

- Laura Purdie Salas

Reply by JoAnn on Apr 11, 2024 1:44 PM EDT

Thank you, Laura! Yes, I'm enjoying Tricia's very much. I don't think I have enough books anymore to write one of these every day!

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National Poetry Month Day 4

April 4, 2024

Tags: National Poetry Month, Lost & Found Poems

crashing waves reveal
sleek, polished inspiration
always free of charge

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National Poetry Month Day 3

April 3, 2024

Tags: National Poetry Month, Lost & Found Poems

Note to Self

Purple notebook,
purple pen.
April is reason enough.
Write again.

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National Poetry Month Day 2

April 2, 2024

Tags: National Poetry Month, Lost & Found Poems

chilly all-day rain
underneath the overhang
finch finds room to rest

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National Poetry Month Day 1

April 1, 2024

Tags: National Poetry Month, Lost & Found Poems

Miss me? Miss you, too--
you and your icicle ears.
I'll wait here. Come back!

Happy National Poetry Month! This year's theme is Lost & Found. I'll try to post a new poem every day. Enjoy!

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March Fo(u)rth!

March 4, 2024

Tags: March 4th

our small acts add up

today's the day let's march forth

do one hopeful thing

March 4th is my favorite calendar date--I've been celebrating it for years. To me, it's the true beginning of spring and a time to take stock and plow ahead. March forth!

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Early Birds

January 19, 2024

Tags: Poetry Friday, Early Birds, Mourning Dove

While I wait for the coffee to steep in the morning, I look out the window to check out the world. I might see a cardinal or two, a flock of juncos scavenging under the feeders, three or four squirrels chasing each other around, or any of an assortment of other small creatures. This was my view a few days ago.

Early Birds

still too dark to tell for sure

probably a mourning dove

perched above the curlicue

on the snowy front porch rail

like a fluffy finial

staring through the glass at me

wondering what I might be

but still too dark to see

Want to check out more Poetry Friday posts? Robyn Hood Black has rounded them up for us at Life on the Deckle Edge. Enjoy!

12 Comments

Comments

Jan 19, 2024 9:00 AM EST

This is beautiful! "Like a fluffy finial." - I love how in the poem we see you looking at the bird, and the bird looking at you! Thanks for sharing the poem and the photo with us!

- Elisabeth / https://unexpectedintersections.blogspot.com

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 19, 2024 11:24 AM EST

Thank you, Elisabeth! I wasn't sure the bird was looking at me until I saw its eye in the photo.

Jan 20, 2024 12:28 AM EST

I can't not laugh at your 'fluffy finial'. It must be a 'cold' instead of 'hot seat'! Keep warm as you can!

- Linda Baie

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 2:38 PM EST

Definitely a cold spot to sit--and narrow! I was surprised it stayed there as long as it did. Sunny here today, so I took two short walks instead of one longer one. I had to get outside!

Jan 20, 2024 6:22 AM EST

You've captured a special moment of calm and quietness with just a few well chosen words. Lovely, Joann!

- Heidi Bee Roemer

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 2:44 PM EST

Thank you, Heidi! I'm usually the first one up, and I enjoy that quiet time.

Jan 20, 2024 10:43 AM EST

Fun to read at the end how the bird was looking at you! Enjoyed being in this small moment.

- Diane Anderson (newtreemom)

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 2:52 PM EST

Thank you, Diane!

Jan 20, 2024 10:46 AM EST

Love that the gaze goes both ways!

- Mary Lee

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 2:52 PM EST

Thank you, Mary Lee!

Jan 20, 2024 10:57 AM EST

Joann, I love your reflection on the bird's reflection about you! So clever!

- Tracey Kiff-Judson

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 2:53 PM EST

Thank you, Tracey!

Jan 20, 2024 2:47 PM EST

Lovely! We have some loud mourning doves that live nearby.

- Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 20, 2024 3:11 PM EST

Thank you, Marcie! We definitely know when the mourning doves are around! I was also lucky to hear a great horned owl a few nights earlier. Magical!

Jan 20, 2024 7:48 PM EST

Mmm...such a great morning moment, JoAnn. Who knows who's looking at whom? :)

- PATRICIA J FRANZ

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 21, 2024 1:10 PM EST

Thank you, Patricia! When the coffee is ready, I grab a cup and sit at my desk. I often spot birds looking in the window at me from the tree outside. I find it comforting.

Jan 20, 2024 8:31 PM EST

I'm looking forward to looking out and thinking "fluffy finials!"

- Buffy Silverman

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 21, 2024 1:10 PM EST

Oh, good! I hope you have the opportunity soon!

Jan 21, 2024 1:44 AM EST

Joann, sweet picture, and I like the poem with the repetition at the beginning and end. It is an amazing phenomenon how when it's too dark to see, it doesn't take long for the shadows to go and the critters take shape and can be identified. I love looking out the window during those early morning times.

- Denise Krebs

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 21, 2024 1:22 PM EST

Denise, I'm with you! I make a point of not looking at email or anything else on the computer until I've spent time with my notebook. I love that quiet time of day.

Jan 21, 2024 1:42 PM EST

I love early mornings, too, and discovering early risers like this bird. I also love how neither the author or the bird is quite sure what they are seeing.

- Janice Scully

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 22, 2024 9:02 AM EST

Thank you, Janice!

Jan 22, 2024 4:45 PM EST

Love that last line, JoAnn! Thanks for sharing your early morning view with us. Keep warm!

- Robyn Hood Black

Reply by JoAnn on Jan 24, 2024 8:43 AM EST

Thank you, Robyn!

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