We had a lovely talk about so many things. Poetry, therapy work, art, baby love, and more. Check out this interview on YouTube or Spotify or anywhere podcasts are offered.
Please be sure to like and subscribe. Thank You!
Straight from the author, Rebecca Herz: “Locus of Control is a poetry collection written to make sense of a rapidly shifting world. In these poems, I trace the contours of neurodivergence, new motherhood, queer identity, and my work as a middle-school crisis counselor, weaving together the clinical language of therapy with the raw emotional undercurrent that rarely makes it into the office.
Across themes like countertransference, imposter syndrome, burnout, co-regulation, radical acceptance, and the intimate bewilderment of pregnancy through IVF, these poems explore what it means to hold hope for others while learning to hold it for myself.
In writing Locus of Control, poetry became the place where I could confess my uncertainty, and acknowledge the spiritual questions that trail my work: What does it mean to witness another person’s pain? What is the cost of caretaking? Where is the line between healing and harm? What remains of the self when we spend our days giving ourselves away?
At the same time, the personal and political never stay separate-fertility treatments alongside news alerts of disaster, Jewish identity intersecting with queer family-making, motherhood emerging through statistics, ultrasound screens, and wishful thinking.
Above all, Locus of Control is an invitation to find resonance within the ambiguity. These poems don’t attempt to fix or advise. They sit with uncertainty, and trust the reader to find themselves within the space that remains.
All proceeds support Jewish Queer Youth (JQY), honoring the young people who inspire my work and my belief that healing is possible, even when the path is nonlinear.”
Rebecca (N.) Herz is the author of Locus of Control (2026) and Homecoming and other poems (2023), Prolific Pulse LLC. Her publications include Spillwords, Social Justice Inks, Sinister Wisdom, The Madrigal, Fine Lines, and The Last Leaves. You can find her on Medium and Instagram @rebeccaherzpoet
What others have to say:
In Locus of Control, Rebecca Herz celebrates empathy in the poem “Radical Acceptance,” a rallying cry for making peace with the unknown. From chance encounters, daily interactions, and familial bonds, like becoming a parent, Locus of Control deftly explores society, from the good, the bad, the ugly, and all that is left unsaid, unanswered, or lost. Strikingly, these lost pieces are found in vivid language and a baby’s first touch, finding the silver lining, even if you don’t know the answer, because Locus of Control is about relishing in the centre of gravity despite blips and questions.
Lindsay Soberano Wilson, Poet and Author of Hoods of Motherhood and Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues: Poems for Healing
In this new collection, Herz’s craft proves worthy of her ambitious aesthetic–that of blending opposites, of intertwining the philosophical and the ordinary. In similar fashion, her poetic voice rings with both confidence and vulnerability. I find the poems that track her speaker’s work as a school therapist–backlit by her own earlier struggles as a student–especially compelling.
Yehoshua November, Author of The Concealment of Endless Light
Locus of Control by Rebecca Herz is a witty melange of poetry and therapeutic insight. Rebecca Herz, a school-based therapist and autistic writer, weaves together personal experience, emotional depth, and psychological concepts to explore love, loss, neurodivergence, and healing. Rebecca’s poems celebrate variegated threads of human life- fertility struggles and burnout to self-compassion and radical acceptance. These poems illuminate what it means to be human in a world shaped by longing and resilience. It is a tender, intelligent, and restorative collection for readers seeking comfort, connection, and clarity.
Munmun Samanta, Author of Yellow Chrysanthemum
Get your copy today at ProlificPulse.com
When I saw the following interview with Nolcha Fox, I was so pleased that I just had to share. It’s been such a pleasure to work with Nolcha Fox with the publishing of the above books. All are available on ProlificPulse.com/NolchaFox
Thank you to Poetic Bloomings for interviewing this prolific poet!
Two books. Welcomed, each in their own genre.
THOUGHTFUL READS
In fashion nothing completely goes out of style. Major trends often see great comebacks after generations of being shunned, resurfacing with a bang! So, yes, poetry is very much back in fashion, especially amongst the young, which is a delight to see. It never really left to be honest, I think it underwent and is […]
Poetry Special: Danielle Martin
It’s gratifying that two poets as versatile in their own right as Ken Tomaro and Nolcha Fox have combined their imaginations, poetic skills, and talents in Seesaw, a collection of twenty-six collaborative poems. Their versatility shows in their ability to improvise: one says something, and the other goes with it, the result being these quirky, darkly […]
Pete Mladinic’s “The Art of the Improv, a review of Seesaw: quirky poems by Ken Tomaro and Nolcha Fox”
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 30: Dance of the Mismatched Socks
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 27: A Teapot of Stars
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 26: Birds Wear Bowties
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 25: Laughter in the Library
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 24: The Comedian’s Confession
Wound up from the sugary Peeps in her basket, searching for Easter eggs, Mandy grabbed the pastel shades of purple, pink, yellow, orange, and blue plus G.I. Joe green. Running to the porch to share her treasures, her eyes opened wide at the live chick in a box. “Is this mine?”
Easter Chick by Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 20: Conversation With a Coffee Cup
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 18: Gravity Takes a Day Off
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 16: A Talk with Your 20-Years-Older Future Self
PeeWee, my part Pekinese/poodle/dachshund mutt, loved to go on walks. He would explore every little bit of nature. As I chatted away with my walking mate, Peewee kept up the pace, then nosed through a ditch. Suddenly, a black striped animal emerged. “Skunk!” is all I had to yell when my friend and I broke […]
“Skunked!” A Quirky Essay by Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld
See: The Scent of History: Inside the Library of Smells In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more […]
Quirky Prompt 13: The Library of Forgotten Smells
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 11: Weather with Feelings
It’s time to CELEBRATE the Placement of Finalist in the 2025 Children’s Book International Competition! “Wings and Whispers: Tales of Friendship, Volume 1” has placed in this prestigious competition! We are offering from April 11-16 the Kindle Version of this Children’s book for .99 – Available in the US and UK You can also buy the paperback or hardcover versions on https://www.prolificpulse.com/kaelenfelix where you can find all the links. Thank you for all of your support!!
Check out today’s Quirky Prompt: https://wp.me/pg52FM-D7
In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative book by Ken Tomaro and me, I will post a quirky prompt each day in April. Submit your best quirky response poem (no more than 26 lines) to the Seesaw contest on Prolific Pulse Press:https://forms.gle/3a3NBmohikms19yA8 […]
Quirky Prompt 9: The Secret Life of Shadows
April is both National Poetry Month and Black Women’s History Month
We are conducting a Poetry Workshop in which we will discuss the influence in poetry and writing by Gwendolyn Brooks, Toni Morrison, and Sonia Sanchez
Let’s discuss these highly regarded poets and writers. Let’s write poetry with these poets in mind.
This is an open workshop to all genders. Registration is required. There is no charge, donations welcome.
Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m. EST to 2:30 p.m. EST
At Garden of Neuro Institute – a Virtual ZOOM event.
More about our featured poets and writers:
(My Prompt): Use Apathy Sandwich to write a poem. (Ken’s Prompt): Write a poem about something you don’t care that much about but try to convince people around you it’s the greatest thing ever. In honor of April’s National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo), and to celebrate the upcoming release of “Seesaw,” a quirky poetry collaborative […]
Double Quirky Prompt 7
It’s time for our March Newsletter to be in your digital feed!
Have you signed up? If yes, YAY! You are in for some lovely surprises and opportunities for freebies!
It’s not too late to sign up for this issue!
Just go to this NEWSLETTER link and scroll to the Subscribe form.
What a thought provoking video:
Remember when I announced the release of Wil Michael Wrenn’s latest poetry book?
Recently, we sat for a phone interview, and it’s now published! It was such a pleasure to meet with Wil and I think you will like this too! Check out the latest Podcast!
Today’s Prompt: Craft a poem that explores the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.
Congratulations on reaching the end of National Poetry Month! How was the experience? Did you submit your poems to any publications, or are they still a work in progress? Best wishes and thank you for participating!
REGISTER for the VIRTUAL Book Launch featuring Elizabeth O Ogunmodede with her latest Poetry Book “The Beauty of Words” or send an email to admin@prolificpulse.com to register.
Learn more about Elizabeth and pick up a copy of her book: Prolific Pulse Press
Dive into the enchanting world of poetic expression with “The Beauty of Words: A Poetry Collection” by Elizabeth O. Ogunmodede. This captivating anthology traverses through the intricate tapestry of human experience, touching upon themes ranging from the awe-inspiring beauty of nature to the complexities of society, from cherished memories to the depths of agony, and from whimsical fantasies to the warmth of friendship and family bonds. With each carefully crafted verse, Ogunmodede invites readers to explore the rich landscape of literature, where emotions are woven into words, painting vivid portraits of the human soul. Embark on a journey of introspection and revelation as you immerse yourself in the evocative verses of “The Beauty of Words,” where every stanza is a testament to the enduring power and allure of language.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
Today’s Prompt: Reflect on the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation in poetry.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Today’s Prompt: Write a poem that celebrates the beauty of language and words themselves.
Today’s Prompt: Describe a significant moment of loss or grief in your poem.
From Wil Michael Wrenn:
“It seems to me that we humans are in an almost constant state of longing – either a longing for someone or something that we don’t have yet or that we at one time had but then later lost. In this book of poetry, I seek to address that aspect of our human condition – this longing, this ‘desiderium’ (Latin word).”
Wil Michael Wrenn explores desiderium in the sense of longing. Through his poetry collection, one can feel the deep desire for something once cherished. There is a deep desire in the heart for what it once had. Loss brings with it silence, regret, and pain. Wrenn explores this in his unique way, going deep into the subject.
Desiderium is now available for pre-order. Available in Paperback and Kindle.
Kindle Publication Date is April 27 and Paperback Publication Date is May 3.
Photo by Upesh Manoush on Unsplash
Today’s Prompt: Explore the theme of dreams and aspirations in poetry.
Photo by Nick Owuor (astro.nic.portraits) on Unsplash
Today’s Prompt: Capture the essence of a particular emotion, such as joy or sorrow, in your poem.
Today’s Prompt: Write a poem inspired by the rhythm and movement of dance.
Source: Unsplash
Today’s Prompt: Reflect on the concept of memory and its impact on our lives.
Today’s Prompt: Describe the feeling of nostalgia and longing in your poem.
Today’s Prompt: Craft a poem inspired by a favorite childhood fairy tale or myth.
We have been anticipating this occasion to come together and celebrate Joni Karen Caggiano’s “One Petal at a Time.” The virtual event is scheduled for Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. EST.
Register by completing the following form or sending an email request to:
Registration for the One Petal at a Time Book Launch
To learn more about this amazing poetry book you can go to:
Today’s Prompt: Write a poem that captures the fleeting nature of happiness.
Happy Friday and TTOT time! Are you doing the tip-toe through the tulips? It’s certainly that time of year in Holland. What kinds of flowers have you seen this spring?
Roses are welcomed for my sweet daughter as she is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. She is doing great! Her surgery was on Thursday, early morning. This means we were up early, but it all worked out very well because we are early risers (although I didn’t sleep well from anxiety about waking up HA). The great news is that we were out of there in time to grab a brunch to go. Grateful for her surgery going well, early surgery times, recuperating going well, she is walking around the apartment with her walker, she was able to find her dirty laundry for me to do (AHA), she’s eating well, the ice flowing machine AKA The Ice Goddess, Naps, Naps, Naps, and a phone to call any time of day or night. I believe that must be at least ten thankfuls. I didn’t count, but will now count all the wonderful well wishes, prayers, blessings, visits, and wows.
As we pace by the daisies of life, we are filled with gratitude for all the colorful events. All the preparations gone well; staying well-informed, tax season ending so I have my sweetheart here to help, staycation time (that took a lot of doing to make a week off happen). Clearing the head as much as possible for the current events to happen. Tender mercies abounding. It’s been good.
How has your week been? How about a share of your thankfuls in the comments, by your own post or … If you go to the following link, you can see other thankfuls and even add your own.
Today’s Prompt: Explore the theme of resilience and overcoming adversity in poetry.
Today’s Prompt: Describe a moment of solitude or introspection in your poem.
Today’s Prompt: Write a poem inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Today’s Prompt: Create a poem that explores the concept of home and belonging.
As we enter World Cancer Day, how I wish this were a topic that we could just sweep under the carpet. Unfortunately, when faced with cancer, it’s unavoidable. It will not bring out a Pollyanna in me. It has had too strong an effect on my family and friends.
Therefore, pausing for thought for one full day becomes significant. What has cancer done to change our lives? What losses have we experienced? Is there any year that passes without your considering cancer as a potential cause for an ill feeling?
Cancer is sneaky. It worms its way into the body without invitation. I mean, last time I checked, I don’t recall asking it to visit my family members, yet here it came and did not want to leave. My sister had lung cancer. She had not smoked for years, realizing it was not serving her a purpose more important than life. Hearing she possessed this was unexpected.
Yes, it responded to treatment, including partial lung removal, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Despite all she went through, she had a positive demeanor, believing in believing. Technically, the treatment cured her. Her doctor told her it would be something else that would take her, not cancer. She could travel to Alaska from our home in North Carolina and spend time with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. For this, I am grateful. And I cherish the time we had together before she moved to Alaska. She ended up with a few short years before she passed away. Her heart had spent enough time on earth.
Has cancer affected you? What is your story?
As a caregiver for more than one cancer patient, I wrote this poem, based on personal experience.
As you lay in the hospital bed I was lost.
You were jaundiced, dying, and needing care.
You looked into my eyes:
“my feet are cold”
Gently placing my hands on your feet,
feeling the thin parchment like skin,
and observing the golden glow of jaundice.
Mixing Vaseline with hospital lotion,
then warming the mixture in my hands.
Massaging your soles, arches,
and rounding to the dorsum
such warm flows, energy exchanges.
Stretching each toe, kneading the pads, some pop.
Our smiling eyes connect as softness pervades.
Warming your fuzzy slippers on the heater,
scrunching and easing them on your warm, softened feet.
Just standing with hands on your covered feet,
having a private moment,
energy pouring from my hands and exchanging hearts.
How I wish that moment would heal you.
Even if a new day meant another treatment.
Each day is the chance to show you how much I love you.
I do and you love me too.
Words did not have to be said.
I knew it when you looked at me and said,
“my feet are cold.”
Previously published in Fine Lines Literary Journal
As depicted in this video, cancer is life “the thief in the night.” I would encourage you to view this and reflect.
Share with us in CELEBRATION of “Unsung Canaan Ballads” on February 6 and 7. The book release date is February 6, so we are excited to share in the joy of a new book. Not only is this a new book, it’s the first SOLO Poetry Collection by Chyrel J Jackson.
Register here to join us for this Zoom event! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v-DyX8FRSj623tK2PuuzDA#/registration The first meeting is February 6 and second on February 7 (disregard date listed on the link).
No stranger to publishing her poetry, Jackson has three covers previously co-produced with her sister, Lyris D. Wallace.
Of course, you will want to grab a copy of Unsung Canaan Ballads. Check it out HERE
We had a fantastic time at the Book Launch in Celebration of the Release of “Locus of Control” by Rebecca Herz. Check it out!!
We are ready to celebrate the Book Launch for Unsung Canaan Ballads by Chyrel J Jackson. This much anticipated event is on February 22 at 2 p.m. EST via ZOOM.
Register now to save a seat for this exciting virtual event!
Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jfQvw1l6RmaRrw0JZ_tUAQ#/registration
Are you ready to order? The release date is February 6, so just around the corner. Check out the details HERE!
I had a lovely reunion with Michael Poage, one of our return guests who has become more like family. Before we started, we talked about family life and fishing. One of the joys of meeting people like Michael is that it’s like having a cup of tea with my friend.
Welcome to my Reading Nook. A little corner of the web dedicated to the bookworms out there like me. So if you like what you see then follow me :)
Международен конкурс за хайку "Мая Любенова"
Romance, mystery, & suspense she writes...
Poetry, Flash Fiction, Stories, Musings, Photos
The Truth is Stranger than Fiction
Empowering a World of Readers, One Book at a Time
A Magazine Where Words and Books Meet the World
A personal blog sharing heartfelt poetry inspired by nature, beauty, and soulful reflection.
Unravelling thoughts. One word. One poem at a time.
"you will find pieces of me wherever you wander"
Daydreaming and then, maybe, writing a poem about it. And that's my life.
Just Another Trans Writer Guy
she strives to do it all
As a teacher, I will always remain a student. In the classroom of life, l wish to work with and educate others. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or just your average person, here are a few of my "TEACHERble" moments.
Beautiful & Damned!
Life on the go ❤️
Dive into a collection of memories, musings and emotions delicately concocted into stories and introspective articles
Hi! my name is Sebastian (You can call me Seb!) ...welcome to my Blog. I'm a photographer from Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Thanks for dropping by! I hope you enjoy my work.
Prolific Pulse Blog 