“Disinheritance,” by John Sibley Williams Limns the In-between Places

DISINHERITANCE Poems by John Sibley Williams John Sibley Williams poems in “Disinheritance” limn the in-between places as he explores the sorrow of life’s fragility. It’s the darkness of these poems that illuminates the bursts of reconciliation. Usually I rely on the words to speak for themselves. In this case, though, I was adrift in Williams…

Merwin’s “To the New Year” comforts at Tucson memorial service

This message speaks to the inherent power of poetry, how we reach for necessary words at times when any words are difficult to find. The recent memorial service in Tucson concluded with a reading of W.S. Merwin’s poem “To the New Year.” We share this poem with you and wish you peace in the New…

Riehlife Poem-of-the-Day: “Small Machine,” by Ernie Wormwood

Ernie Wormwood is a dear friend of my dear friend and collaborator, Stephanie Farrow. Ernie is a mother, animal lover, transformative meditator, and poet. She lives in Leonardtown, Maryland. Recently, she published in Poetic Voices Without Borders 2 and in The Poet’s Cookbook. You can hear Ernie read “The Poet and the Poem” on Grace…

Riehlife Poem-of-the-Day: “Winter Slumberina,” by Liz Parker

Liz Parker is based in Alton, Illinois. When we were children, Liz visited Evergreen Heights, our place atop the bluffs. Her father, Bill Parker, worked with my father at Union Electric. Now I continue to know Liz as the guiding light of the Alton Writers Guild which meets monthly at the Jacoby Art Center in…

“Finding Poetry in Everyday Life,” by Laurie Wagner Buyer

I know the talented poet Laurie Wagner Buyer both from Women Writing the West and Story Circle Network. Laurie Wagner Buyer can be found at the website named after her, or Working Words Guide.–JGR ____________________ Finding Poetry in Everyday Life by Laurie Wagner Buyer We usually find what we look for. We always see things…

Gently Read Literature’s 2nd anniversary issue

Gently Read Literature is an internet journal devoted to commentary and criticism of contemporary poetry and literary fiction. The magazine features reviews of chapbooks, longer essays on aesthetics and literature, and in-depth reviews of poetry and serious fiction. The April 2010 Issue 25 marks its 2nd Year Anniversary. You can read Gently Read Literature’s blog,…