Poem of the Week (30 June 2010) - Consent

This poem can be found at:

"The Chocolate Chip Waffle"

Consent

Like a yard of green silk,
unroll me on the kitchen table.
Smooth your fingers over my flowers.
Gather my corners to the center,
bury yourself in the folds.
Iron my pleats with steam hot breath.
Pull me taut until I divide,
and your hands hold only silken threads.
Devour me until your fingers,
ten tongues,
are raw with my texture.
Embed me in your rose garden hands.
And remember there's tomorrow
left yet to cultivate.

--Terresa Wellborn

Poetry Blog of the Week (28 June, 2010) - Fenny’s Bla Bla Blog

Fenny’s Bla Bla Blog - Fenny’s Bla Bla Blog is written by Fenny Sterenborg, a worldly poetess living in the Netherlands. Her blog takes a pure approach to presenting her poems. It is an unadorned and simple white canvas sprinkled with subtle yet stirring black and white photos. There are no bright colors or loud headers found here. She saves her strength for her poems. Fenny’s poetry is delicate and poignant and at times simply mesmerizing. Her words seem to act as a camera capturing small but powerful moments in life. One of my favorite examples of this is her poem “One Lonely Tear". With this poem she captures so much emotion with a few perfectly placed words. In 12 short verses she has her readers feeling as if they were right there witnessing events unfold. If you can’t spend time walking slowly through her poetry blog then at least read this poem. Fenny’s poetry has a magnetic rainy day appeal. If its drizzling where you live, open a window and your browser and experience the world with the poetry found at Fenny’s Bla Bla Blog.

The Thursday Think Tank - #3 Spam

Poets United will put out weekly poetry prompts in hopes of inspiring great poetry. We will attempt to do so every Thursday. This is not a requirement of our members; it is merely a way to provoke our creative urges. We have also added a Mcklinky tool so if and when you do write for this prompt you can share it with everyone at Poets United.

Yep the promt for this week is spam.  Not the kind you eat though.  The kind that clutters your inbox and prevents you from seeing the needed emails.  For some folks it may take a while but I think we all get it no matter how hard we try not to.  Take the first spam email you get when you open your inbox and write about.  See where it takes you.  I expect to see a poem about a wealthy Nigerian.

For once someone is actually asking for your spam!!  Link to your poem just below.

Big Tent Poetry

Every so often Poets United will highlight other great poetry sources, communities or organizations that help to strengthen the foothold of poetry in the blogosphere. By doing this we open up other avenues or chances at creativity for our members and readers. It will not always be a major organization, it can be a small community with a unique twist or addition to the poetry world. If you as a reader stumble across a place you find to be great for the poets gathered here at Poets United please feel free to let us know so that we can possibly share them here.

Today we share with our readers: Big Tent Poetry

Big Tent Poetry was created in March of 2010 to fill the void left in the poetry community when “Read Write Poem” closed its doors. If you are not familiar with RWP it was a wonderful place for poets of all sorts and from all over to gather and share their work. Now in a similar fashion we have been blessed with “Big Tent Poetry”.

Big Tent Poetry has done a magnificent job in attempting to keep the poetry world connected since its inception. It is a well presented community that is open to any and all that wish to be a part of the poetry blogosphere. A main draw to the site, the weekly prompts, is just a small portion of what “Big Tent Poetry” offers its members. Members you ask? It’s harder to not be a member than it is to be considered one. Keeping with the Big Tent idea it is a “come one come all” kind of place. If you are there, you are a member, just remember to always treat others with respect. In addition to its popular prompts Big Tent Poetry also offers columns, interviews, writing challenges, groups and so much more. Some of these concepts are just taking shape but if the site so far is any indication of what they will be like then it should be a great experience.

Big Tent Poetry is a rapidly growing site that is being shaped by both its creators and the poets who visit the site. If you are looking for a poetry community to be a part of or just visit every so often, give Big Tent Poetry a try you will not be disappointed. It destined to be one of the greatest shows on earth.

Poem of the Week (22 June 2010) - Mr. Sociable

This poem can be found at:

"Average Poet"

Mr. Sociable

He is graceful and charming
completely disarming
essential to any social affair

obligingly devout
mingling about
dispensing kind words here and there.

Hands reach to touch him
elbows to nudge him
eyes seek a glimpse of his smile

he’s a man with flair,
obvious savoir-faire
a portrait of tactful style.

But sometimes I wonder
if deep down under
he tires of this endless game?

I think his façade
is becoming slipshod
I don’t think he’s living up to his name

for I detected a hint
of a reticent glint
in his otherwise jovial eyes

perhaps his desire
is to simply retire
and watch all the fuss pass him by.


By Robert Cameron Hazelton

Poetry Blog of the Week (21 June, 2010) - Hope Whispers

Hope Whispers – "Hope Whispers" is given to us courtesy of poetess Carrie Burt. This poetry blog carries a nostalgic and philosophical air to it. Carrie’s prose are thought provoking glimpses of her world and the world that we share. Her pieces of perspective are works meant to be read more than once, each time giving way to a new and incredible idea or viewpoint. The blending of her poems with her chosen photos adds to the serene and calm appeal of her blog. If time does not permit you to get lost in her poetry at least take a moment to read “To Bring a Sparrow Down”.  This poem puts on display Carrie’s wonderful ability to make her readers think beyond her words. The concept of how much effort goes into the making of something so small, which is used to bring down something so precious, is well questioned and proven foolish with this poem. It is Carrie at her best. Take a moment to visit “Hope Whispers”. You will not be the least bit disappointed when you stop by and read her poetry; it may just brighten your day and give you the chance to see things just a bit more clearly.

The Thursday Think Tank - #2 Insomnia

Poets United will put out weekly poetry prompts in hopes of inspiring great poetry. We will attempt to do so every Thursday. This is not a requirement of our members; it is merely a way to provoke our creative urges.  We have also added a Mcklinky tool so if and when you do write for this prompt you can share it with everyone at Poets United.

This week’s poetry prompt will again stay on the simple side of life. It is one word, INSOMNIA. Do as you see fit.

Magpie Tales

Every so often Poets United will highlight other great poetry sources, communities or organizations that help to strengthen the foothold of poetry in the blogosphere. By doing this we open up other avenues or chances at creativity for our members and readers. It will not always be a major organization either it can be a small community with a unique twist or addition to the poetry world. If you as a reader stumble across a place you find to be great for the poets gathered here at Poets United please feel free to let us know so that we can possibly share them here.

Today we would like to share with our readers: Magpie Tales

Magpie Tales is creative and fun little community filled with poets from all over the globe.  The draw to this wonderful page is its poetry prompts. Once weekly (on Fridays) Magpie Tales founder and imaginist extraordinaire Willow places a small photo on display. What magic little hat she pulls these out of is no one’s knowledge save hers. The beauty of Magpie tales is what happens next. Poems inspired by her photos spill into the site for the remainder of the week from many of the members of this community. These poems are typically well crafted and wonderful pieces of art. There are the occasional visitors to this site, but most that drop by become hooked and stay longer than a click of the mouse. I can attest that. The last entry is usually made by 8:00 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays.  From there the Magpie Tales followers await the next poetry prompt as if they were birds fluttering about a time released feeder. The one catch of this site is that you show support to your fellow poets by venturing beyond Magpie Tales into the blogs of its community. By exploring further out, which is helped along with Magpies Mr. Linky Widget, you help extend and strengthen the poetry blogosphere. If you are looking for a creative outlet or you just want to see the thousand words Magpie Tales pictures are worth, make sure to stop by this wonderful poetry community.

Poetry Blog of the Week (14 June, 2010) - A Collection of Poetry

"A Collection of Poetry"

A Collection of Poetry – “A Collection of Poetry” is a poetry blog written by Ladan. When visiting this blog you will be instantly curious by the simple yet celestial feel her blog seems to give off. The image abstract that she uses as her banner is very much like her poetry itself; both are beautiful representations of something beyond our everyday lives. If you are caught up in the world and just can’t find the opportunity to view Ladan’s ethereal offerings then at least read her poem “The Rain”. It is an elegant poem which leads the reader to enjoy the feel of the rain drops, the sadness of the situation and the warm sun soaked resolution. “A Collection of Poetry” is a wonderful of grouping of poems by Ladan, a must visit for any poetry enthusiast.

Poem of the Week (14 June, 2010) - Cough Drop

This poem can be found at:

"Embrasures"

Cough Drop

You touched my lips and
it felt as good as cherry
red sugar can.
When I was twenty and not
quite ailing, but still unwell
you might have done the job.

You tried to force my hand
in more ways than one - and
yes, I can feel
your hard candy coating.
I’d taste it too, but know
we would surely dissolve.

You – you’re just a cough drop.
It will take much more than
sweets and dyes
to proffer a cure tonight.
You may tempt brief respite,
but lasting relief eludes.

I need real treatment,
penetrating senses to cells.
Strong, narcotic and
burning all the way down …
the kind of dope you swear
you can feel in your hair.

You only begin at the throat
and won’t spread to the heart,
merely to the feet that don’t
mind leaving you - barely
unwrapped and awaiting some
easy little disease to treat.

In collaboration with Patrice Lynne Young, to whom I extend warm thanks. You're ever so much more than a "feedback lady".

© 2010 Marcy Stoeckel

Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson is an award-winning author whose published works include the non-fiction A Desert Gardener’s Companion (Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2001), the recipient of Foreword Magazine’s Book of The Year Award, and Southwest Kitchen Garden (Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2002). She spent 5 years writing a regular column for Sunset magazine, and many more as a freelance writer.


Under the pseudonym Kate McLaughlin, she wrote Mommy I’m Still in Here, One Family’s Journey with Bipolar Disorder, which was published by Behler Publications in 2008.

Finishing Line Press released a chapbook of Nelson’s poetry, Woman’s Evolution, in May 2011.

Nelson lives in Tucson, Arizona where she writes, creates art, gardens, plays, and generally loves her life. See her other work at: Kim Nelson Writes

The Thursday Think Tank - #1 Acrostic

Poets United will put out weekly poetry prompts in hopes of inspiring great poetry. We will attempt to do so every Thursday. This is not a requirement of our members; it is merely a way to provoke our creative urges. This week’s poetry prompt will be a simple one to start us out, write and Acrostic Poem.


Some of you may be wondering what and Acrostic Poem is. It’s a simple and fun style of poetry that focuses on a single word or phrase. The poem takes whatever you have chosen and begins each line with each letter of the selected word or phrase. For Example: Cloud

Calmly floating along
Lazily in the sky
O….
U….
D….

I think you get the idea. What you choose to do with your poem is up to you. Hopefully some will place it in their own poetry blogs for others to see what they were inspired to write. You are also more than welcome to share it here if you would like. We could create a section for Poetry Prompt Submission if there is demand for it. 

We hope you give this Prompt a try. Good luck and Happy Writing!

Poetry Blog of the Week (7 June, 2010) - Out of My Ocean

Out of my Ocean - "Out of my Ocean" is a poetry blog written by Susannah Bec. Her poems are refreshing while avoiding the cliché. She has a knack for taking everyday life and displaying it from a different angle. If you do not have the time to float through her blog then at least take a moment to read “A Container for the Flow”. This poem by Susannah has to be one of my personal favorites. It makes me reflect on my own need for writing as a release. Her writing is vivid and creates wonderful visuals for her readers.  Susannah's blog is well done, easy to navigate and just like her writing a pleasant escape from the every day grind that is life. Please take a few momemts to visit her blog most folks will really enjoy reading her work.

Poem of the Week (7 June, 2010) - Untitled

This poem can be found at:

    "Finding Prose in the Laundry and Poetry in the Dishwasher"                         

(Untitled)

Emotion
fizzles lightly in the belly

then

tickling the diaphragm

building up it grows

Heavier and harder

moving towards the neck,

taking over the back of the throat

pushing the tears out of eyes:

angry and dark

Salt water dripping past tonsils,

sobs spring forth from the chords

first silent then uncontrollable

All she wanted was a glass of milk.


                           Alexis, Monday, February 15, 2010

Larry Patterson

Weasel (AKA Larry Patterson), stems from the region known as Texas. He is the creator and maintenance man of the Systematic Weasel blogs (plural for the split of his one blog). Weasel enjoys talking about, and sharing written works with the blogging communities as well as other online art communities in which literature is included.

A college student in his third year, he is preparing himself for the endeavors of teaching his own class. His style of writing is mostly free-verse, but is not afraid to do a little experimenting from time to time. Even though one day he will eventually leave the college life, this weasel will always be a student of life, taking in all facts as they come. If you would like to find out more about Weasel, please visit one of the links below.

Systematic Weasel (blogspot)

Systematic Weasel (Wordpress, poetry recently added)

I Want To Be Included

If you would like to be included in Poets United and the blogroll leave a comment in response to this post including the following:

Pen Name:
Blog Name:
Blog URL:
Tell us a little about your blog and your style

Or you can email me with your information at: poetsunited@ymail.com (Please Include Poets United - Poetry Blogroll in the subject line).

Poets United would also be very happy if you added us to the blogs you follow (i.e. Blogfollower, Networked Blogs or others) but it is not a requirement.  Please tell any of your friends or fellow poets about us as we are new community trying to create a wonderful forum for poets and poetry.

In regards to getting you listed on our blog roll and assigned to a group, please be patient as we are only a few people and will get to you as soon as we can.

Remember to stay active.  We do not have any set time limts but If your group members show that your blog is inactive or no longer available you will be removed from the blogroll and another person will be placed in your group so that we may continue to thrive as a community.

(At this time we are only including poetry blogs.  As we progress we will consider other creative outlets should there be a demand for it)

Robert Lloyd

Robert Lloyd is the dreamer who founded Poets United. His goal was for a stable community of poets who blogged, where each member could feel they belonged. With the help and support of others in the poetry blog community he has seemingly accomplished this.



He currently writes articles found here at Poets United while maintaining his own poetry blogs. Robert is truly a jack of all trades and a master of none. He’s done a little of everything from serving ten years in the military while working in human and animal medicine, to having attended five different colleges and universities. He is now working as a cost analyst for an environmental engineering firm while living in San Antonio Texas with his soon to be wife Amber. The one thing that he has as a constant in his life has been his friends and his joy of writing. He is a scribbler by heart and has always turned to words to better express himself.

If you would like to find out more about Robert please feel free to visit any of the below links.

Burdens and Smiles (original poetry)
The Migration of Words (meme and prompt inspired poetry)