Book Announcements, poetry, Poets & Events

Poet Talk with Timo Schmitz + a Celebration!

WOOHOO!!!

Poet Talk with Sarah Merritt Ryan Prolific Pulse Press Podcast

Sarah Merritt Ryan and I had a lovely visit, sharing about her new release "My Soul to Keep" and so much more! About the Book:My Soul to Keep is a deeply personal and spiritually resonant collection of sonnets that explores what it truly means to walk with God through the darkest seasons of life. Written primarily from a Christian perspective, these poems offer an intimate portrait of faith — not as a smooth and effortless journey, but as a living, breathing relationship that is tested, stretched, and ultimately strengthened through suffering.At the heart of this collection is a profound truth: hardship does not have to destroy us. Long-suffering, when carried in faith, becomes a crucible that deepens our connection to God and shapes us into something more resilient, more compassionate, and more whole. Faith here is not static — it ebbs and flows, wavers and steadies — and that honest portrayal makes these sonnets feel achingly real.Many of these poems are written from a woman's perspective, and several speak with quiet courage to the wounds left by broken relationships and the pain inflicted by others. Yet even these most tender and difficult places are held within a larger story of survival and grace.What ultimately distinguishes this collection is its vision of the final destination of enduring trial — not merely survival, but praise. To give thanks to God in the aftermath of suffering is portrayed here as both an act of healing and an act of liberation. Praise cleanses the heart of bitterness, loosens the grip of the past, and opens the soul to receive what God has always intended: wholeness, peace, and renewed purpose.My Soul to Keep is for anyone who has ever wrestled with God and refused to let go.Get your copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/sarahmerrittryan
  1. Poet Talk with Sarah Merritt Ryan
  2. Poet Talk with Jim Krosschell
  3. Poet Talk with Ed Ahern
  4. Writer Talk with Darls Centola as she talks about her debut memoir "Finding Truth with Michael"
  5. In Conversation with Mimi Nichter | The Memoir Hostage
poetry

Points of View

childhood colorful coloured colourful
Photo by Anthony on Pexels.com

can only shadows
speak to the darkness or can
they address the light
on the edges of shadows
are the silver-toned grayness

slivers of light tones
slivers of dark tones in sync
as shades come forth
perspective gives new meaning
perhaps a new twisted thought

possibilities
open up new ideas
giving all of us a way
to newly seek more answers
paradoxical or not

given these posings
would it be more meaningful
to study viewpoints
with a more opened up mind
giving chance to the unheard

focus is required
to examine all the facts
as it stands for now
perfectly spinning a top
requires energy less friction

poetry

For Wednesday

clear glass bowl beside yellow flower
Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

For Wednesday

senryu train

they call this hump day

getting over the hurdle

on way to Friday

do we want to push

moving speedily to what

take the time to stop

take a breath today

enjoy that last sip of tea

cherish just today

…..

Today, I decided to use the Wednesday Poetry Prompt provided by Robert Lee Brewer’s Poetic Asides blog.

 

Uncategorized

The Golden Mean – I think I got an A

man standing on rock during sunset
Photo by Mathew Thomas on Pexels.com

Taking notes in his class
was much like drawing pictures
diagramming the thoughts Father Figge expressed
was the best way of understanding
in my opinion
or so I think it was
Why do they give tests in philosophy?
Think about it
if you dare
Somehow
I managed to explain the Golden Mean
and passed his class
but
I heard that the best learning
was in the after class gatherings
at the local pub
Not one to imbibe and shy of wheels
sadly
I had to learn another way
to make the Golden Mean
uh
mean something

…..

This weeks prompt was to write a philosophical poem. Here’s the Monday Poetry Prompt

Of course, I had to look up what exactly was meant so I looked up what a philosophical poem is. Here is what I found: What is a philosophical poem?