The week at a glance

BULLETIN: Somehow a humorous poem by Percy Bisque Silley managed to get sidetracked in my system and just surfaced even though the poem was submitted ten days before the cutoff for March. My sincere apologies to the poet! I’ve just added Percy’s poem to the ballot box: “If Life Had a Wife.” Please give this poem a read under the WOM page. I’ll add it to the “Click to Read” box this afternoon.

On a sadder note, 4th grader Taylor McGowan’s poem, “Life,” didn’t arrive until three days after cutoff so we can’t vote on it with the other young poet offerings, but that won’t keep us from reading and enjoying Taylor’s poem. Please check it out under the Young Poet’s page.

First, I want to thank Pat Lewis for his excellent and thought-provoking article yesterday. Judging from comments, I’d say that many of you agree that Pat not only writes beautifully but he has much to tell us about the craft. If you haven’t had a chance to leave a comment for Pat, I hope you’ll do it. Pat and all others who have graced my Friday blogs over the past months have given up time from their own work to contribute here and I know they appreciate hearing from you.

Next, please don’t forget that Rebecca Dotlich will join us on April 16 and she has asked for questions in advance. You can contact Rebecca directly by going to her website at http://www.rebeccakaidotlich.com/ or scroll to the bottom of my announcement of her scheduled appearance (March 22) and leave questions in the comment section.

As you know, I think that part of the fun in seeing so many poems and comments on this page is to determine where they come from. In fits and spurts, I send out notes of inquiry. Some of you prefer your anonymity; others feel comfortable telling me your location. I haven’t checked for the last two months, during which we’ve been joined by a good many new voices. Here’s what I knew in January. If your state or country isn’t included and you would like to add to the information, please let me know. Thanks.

States and Countries Represented
In Word of the Month Poetry Challenge
January, 2010

Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Florida
Indiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
Virginia

England
Malaysia
Philippines.
South Africa
Sri Lanka

A reminder that voting is now going on for March’s Hall of Fame Poets (see the ballot boxes posted March 25) and that you can vote once for your choice in each of the two groups: adult poets and young poets. If you are joining us for the first time, the rule is that no one can win the title twice during the same twelve month period ending this September. Previous winners are welcome to contribute poems each month, and their fans and supporters can certainly vote for them, but they can only be recognized once until the next cycle begins.

In the adult poets division, our previous Monthly Hall of Fame Poets are Mimi Cross, Liz Korba, Linda Kulp, Steven Withrow, and Beth Carter. Monthly Hall of Fame Young Poets are Alyssa Kirch, Claire Scott, Priya Shah, John Sullivan, and Megan Barnett.

David

Announcing Dan Burr

Dan Burr

and I had a terrific time creating Pirates. Dan will explain how he and I worked on the book and share numerous helpful insights into how a first rate artist thinks and approaches each project when he appears as my blog guest on March 19. I’m excited to present him to you.

It’s hard to image that we’re now entering our fifth month of Word of the Month Poetry Challenge. Each month we are joined by a large percentage of poets who take the challenge regularly and welcome several new poets who have joined us. I thought you might like a recap of our Hall of Fame Poet and Hall of Fame Young Poet winners from the first four complete months. No one can win twice during the twelve month period ending this September, but that doesn’t keep our previous winners from sharing their poetry each month and garnering their share of votes from fans old and new. Congratulations again to all winners and everyone who has become part of this monthly exercise that’s meant to strengthen our imaginative approach to writing, be it poetry or anything else.

Hall of Fame Winners

OCTOBER Word: Dirt
Adult Poet, Mimi Cross, New Jersey, Dirt Blues
Young Poet, Alyssa Kirch, Missouri, Mud Pie

NOVEMBER Word: Thanks
Adult Poet, Liz Korba, New Jersey, You’re Welcome
Young Poet, Claire Scott, Maryland, Thanks for Nothing
DECEMBER Word: Bone
Adult Poet, Linda Kulp, Maryland , Wishes
Young Poet, Priya Shah, Maryland, A Mother’s Wish
JANUARY Word: Time
Adult Poet, Steven Withrow, Rhode Island, The Time Ship
Young Poet, John Sullivan, Ohio, End

FEBRUARY Word: Road