Category: Poetry

Launch Day, Shh Purely Poetry #poetry #sensual #love #poems

Delighted to announce the launch day for my new poetry collection, Shh Purely Poetry.

Blurb

A compilation of sensual, love and relationship poems. Quirky, unusual and evocative.

Shh, Purely Poetry is a collection of poetic pieces about love, sensuality and relationships with sections entitled: love as fuel, (food and coffee love,) the summer and winter of love, strangers in love, quirky aspects and nature as sensuality.

Inspired in part by daily prompt poems written for the 365poetrypromptchallenge, observations of places, people and my travels.


Early Reviews

I have been delighted by some of the wonderful comments I have received via early reviews… here are some…

Thank you so much to wonderful author and poet D L Finn for reading and reviewing. And for being my first review and my first 5 star review!


Thank you so much to Amy B Garratt Author and Poet for reading and reviewing and creating this lovely graphic for me. Amy is a fantastic poet you will find on Instagram.

Thank you to a new reader Reggie for the above quote via Book Sirens!

E E’s name came to my mind while reading M J’s poems; I felt a similar sweetness, honesty, pleasant rebelliousness and force in their writing. The major concerns are about readership: is it the same numeric audience today like one hundred years ago? And who’s still reading poetry in 2024? We witness the fact that it is more and more difficult for the modern society to cultivate reading habits and a culture of written (and published) words, when it lacks a reading culture. Thus, I ask myself: how brave must an author be to write poetry in the 21st century?

Mrs Mallon proved (again) her bravery in the first line of the poetic flank on the publishing battlefield. I have come to believe that almost ninety percent of the art of versification is about courage, and that the courage to spend time with yourself and write poetry is much more than daring of letting lines go; it’s about allowing the life experiences to inevitably unfold and evoke powerful pictures in the reader’s mind. And yes, poems don’t exist on their own, but are co-created by observers; like beauty in the eyes of the beholder. No question or doubt about it.

“I can still feel her lips on mine
Salty like the caramel snack
That she turned down for peanuts.
My hands caress her breasts
They sit up pert. Asking – no begging to be touched.”
~ fragment from ‘Valentine’s In Chocolates’ Review Quote – Dan Quijote Book Sirens. Thank you so much for Dan for his considered and utterly wonderful 5 star review!

Thank you so much to Richard Dee for featuring me on his blog. Below is a snippet of his wonderful review. Touched to read that I am amongst his favourite poets! Please pop over to his awesome blog to read the full review: https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/book-review-purely-poetry/

Thank you so much to author, poet and short story writer Sally Cronin for not only reading and reviewing but also featuring me on her blog. How awesome is that! https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2024/05/18/smorgasbord-new-book-spotlight-and-review-poetry-shh-purely-poetry-sensual-love-and-relationship-poems-by-m-j-mallon/

Love in the romantic sense is a heady complex combination of physical and emotional attraction to another, sometimes bordering on the obsessive that completely takes over to the point of shutting out everything around you. Senses are heightened bringing a new perspective to the most mundane of activities, sights and sounds.

The author captures the depth of this sensual awakening and also the changes it brings to our lives in her poetry.  The poems start slowly taking the reader through courtship into full blown relationships highlighting the highs and the lows along the way. The path of true love is not always smooth and as well as passion, one needs forgiveness and compassion. Review Quote Sally Cronin.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329/

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329/

Amazon Spain: https://www.amazon.es/Shh-Purely-Poetry-Sensual-Relationship-ebook/dp/B0D12C3329/

The paperback will be out soon. I will be making a separate announcement about when it is okay to order.

In the meantime, please do support me by sharing the good news and downloading your kindle copy.

Many thanks.

A new review, many thanks from Julia Sutton, 5 stars!

Early Book Review & Feature Shh, Purely Poetry #thankyou #review #poetry @RichardDockett

Thank you so much to Richard Dee for this early book review and feature for my latest release due out 2nd June.

REVIEW

Well, where do I start?The author paints a picture in every poem, cleverly intermixing themes and providing a running commentary on aspects of love as part of life.With sections called LOVE IS FUEL, THE SUMMER & WINTER OF LOVE, LOST LOVE/DISCOVERING LOVE, LOVE, LIFE, WAR & FORGIVENESS, STRANGERS IN LOVE, QUIRKY! and SENSUAL SIGHS, there really is something for every mood, every stage of love, seduction and sensuality.The wordplay is deft and draws on powerful imagery, like this, from Breakfast Nibbles,Avocado spread on toast,Like her bikini, green, shiny,lush,Skimpy but oh so satisfying!or this, from Punk Music Babe,bold eyes blink in shadows,saucy salmon pink arch of eyebrows,her unrealluscious lookexcites me.There are so many other great examples, but I can’t show them all. Get a copy, you won’t be disappointed.This volume is recommended for anyone who likes to be taken on an exploration of the beauty, joy and exhilaration that can be found in relationships.

CHECK OUT THE FEATURE: https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/book-review-purely-poetry/Get your copy with these links.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D12C3329

Amazon UK:

Amazon Canada:

Amazon Spain:(English Edition) https://amzn.eu/d/biJvDBl

Shh, Purely Poetry #earlyreview #feature @sgc58

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring me on her wonderful blog today. A new release, ✨️ different (never written sensual poetry before,) but early reviews have been good.

Hope it will appeal!

Shh, Purely Poetry – pop over to Sally’s blog to find out more!

Smorgasbord New Book Spotlight and Review – #Poetry – Shh, Purely Poetry: Sensual, Love and Relationship Poems by M. J. Mallon

Shh Purely Poetry #Arcs #poetry #booksirens @booksirens #reviewers #preorder

My latest poetry collection is available to request via booksirens:

https://booksirens.com/book/BT9LY3L/HLK0JPD

A poem from the collection, The Eagle:

Blurb

A collection of poetic pieces about love, sensuality and relationships with various sections including: love as fuel, (food and coffee love,) the summer and winter of love, lost love/discovering love, forgiveness, strangers in love, quirky aspects and nature as sensuality.Inspired in part by daily prompt poems written for #the365poetrypromptchallenge, observations of places and people on my travels.

Alternatively, I’d be delighted if you’d like to support me by downloading a copy.

Currently on kindle preorder, releases June 2nd, paperback thereafter.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D12C3329/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D12C3329/Amazon Canada:

Amazon Spain:(English Edition) https://amzn.eu/d/biJvDBl

One of the poems in the collection is a collaboration between myself and the lovely originator of the amazing #the365poetrypromptchallenge, Melissa Davillio.

Blooms of Blossoming Mist.

24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge #poetry#tankatuesday #the365dayspoetrychallenge

Today, I am sharing my Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday poetry with some poems I’ve written for the #the365daypoetrychallenge on Facebook. I’m writing at least a poem a day, and today I wrote several! Currently up to day 47 in the challenge. All my poems are shared to my Facebook page which I’d be delighted if you would follow my progress there: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor

For Tanka Tuesday below you will find three kigo phrases that pertain to the northern hemisphere I’ve used one kigo phrase in each of my three poem with syllable count, 10,7,6.

• #1: “buying a new calender” (7 syllables)

• #2: “winter desolation” (6 syllables)

• #3: “trimming the Christmas tree” (6 syllables)

#1 Buying A New Calender


another new year approaching so fast
buying a new calendar
for you to fill with fun.

The winter desolation poem below is inspired by my daughter who lives in Manchester. She mentioned how rainy and gusty it has been with one lady nearly being blown onto oncoming traffic by the wind. She was telling me about it on the phone as she made her way home for a hot chocolate to get away from the wind and rain!

#2 Winter Desolation

this storm brings terrible gusts and such rain
a hot chocolate combats
winter desolation

The Seville photos were taken by me recently on our trip to see the Christmas lights!

#3 Trimming The Christmas Tree

imagine the brilliant task ahead

in Seville reaching that cross

trimming the Christmas tree

OR:

eating the chocolate santa real quick
foil wrapped baubles are all gone
trimming the christmas tree

Day 47 Haiku Inspired Forms #365daypoetrychallenge

Seasonal image 5 lines 7 words Ronkowitz

like nature try to preserve your energy
winter scenes are beautiful but bitter cold
look how thin the berry twigs are
brightest red holding promises dangling so merrily.
bringing much needed winter cheer to you.

Miku 3 line with syllable count, 2 3 2

pinecone
cinnamon
delight!

Photo taken in Seville, Spain.

Abbreviated haiku 3 5 3

Seville lights
bright cascading threads
shining stars

Or 7,2

Seville lights bringing such cheer
tonight!

Photo taken in Seville, Spain.

Ukiah 3 line, 19 syllable,  757 rhyme scheme aaa

such a pretty sight greets me
a star, bell and tree
i pause breathe in, smile and be

4 line haiku 17 syllables or less with 2 line phrases that jukstapose each other

look
snowy penguin 
wearing yellow sunglasses
on a balcony!

Image above taken by me in Tavira, Portugal.

6 line haiku bob-bon with 2 phrases the first 3 lines leading into the next three lines.

tranquil boat
still on the river
just lazing

a reflection
that topples me over
playfully

Or:

tranquil boat
still on the water
just lazing

i reflect
move on with dancing steps
jogging away

Monoku 17 syllables written in one line with 2 stops

The bird sits head bowed awaiting arrival of spring dreams of blue skies

©️2023 M J Mallon poetry and photos of Seville, Tavira Portugal.

24 Seasons Syllabic Poetry Challenge, No. 12, 12/12/23, Part II: Heavy Snow (December 7 – 20) Taisetsu 大雪24

365 Day Poetry Challenge #Mallorca #Travel #Poetry #Challenges #livinginthemoment

I’m participating in The 365 day poetry challenge on Facebook. This is organised by Melissa at The Poetry of Me MD: https://www.facebook.com/thepoetryofmemd

We are currently on Day 12 so apologies for not mentioning this earlier but I have been on holiday!

This has been a fun activity to do, and less daunting than doing Nanowrimo which I was considering. I should really be doing Nano to finish my novel but poetry won!

I’ve kept up each day writing 12 poems to date.

I wrote a few poems during my recent trip away to Majorca, (an early birthday treat!)

Here is one inspired by that trip…

Living In The Moment 

Living in the moment the cock crows announcing a new day.

Today Majorca, tomorrow Portugal.

We live this life of travels, new experiences, admiring each spectacular sunset.

Music strums the tunes of new adventures.

Wine tasting in a Mallorcan Bodega?

Talking to friends trying new foods,

Olives, local cheeses, nuts and dried fruit,

We remember bbq fish at Fuseta in Rui’s,

The sea sparkles sublime with crystal blue waters.

In Parc National de Sandragó  the ocean’s beauty is protected by cleansing algae.

In deeper waters near our hotel the evening sea is deep, black and sleek as ink.

High winds bring stormy seas and high winds,

Whilst in Palma, a man exercises near the rocks!

We laugh as sprays of water soak us.

Remembering similiar days in Cascais,

Sunshine smiles, storms, and rain bring laughter,

The cockerells and hens roam free

beside the families of feral cats

Listening to the beat of our soul

We discover new ways to live.

©️2023 M J Mallon

The Day 1 prompt was to compose an ocean related poem.

And given that I was in Majorca and saw a yacht named Ron Punch I inevitably thought of my dad, Ron. Who loves the sea, loves boats and wouldn’t say no to the odd tipple or two in his time. Now 94 he is less able sadly to go adventuring as he used to.

Ron, a drinker, was,

His yacht, Ron Punch, now lays docked

Oceans long since tamed,

Tales all told, he ponders, life,

Storms long forgotten.

He misses old times,

Such rare days his young self had,

Sighs, saluting waves.

©️2023 M J Mallon

Here are some photos from Parc National de Mondragó, as you can see it is an unspoilt, beautiful spot!

If you would like to read more of my poetry please follow my author FB page: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor

Bye for now,

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Happy Halloween #poem #celebrate with me #poetrycommunity Midnight Roost #anthology

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Strictly Come Dancing

One step, two step 🎃 halloween monsters assemble,
Stretch, shuffle, begin,
Cha cha, quick step, disco, rude dancing,
Welcome! Wicked🧙‍♀️ witches, 😈 demons, 🧛‍♀️ vampires, and ghostly divas.
Cheer! To the discordant music of the long since and recent dead.
Meet our amazing judges.
From the wild side, Lou Reed,
For his renowned eccentricity, David Bowie,
Offering gentle criticism, and celebratory wishes, Prince.
For a grungy peace, love, and empathy vibe, Kurt Cobain,
What talented judges! Hip hoorah!
So, play nice, no cheating,
Rules… Dancers listen carefully!
Witches wands are strictly forbidden,
Ghosts, no fading in and out,
Demons keep to the dark side,
Vampires don’t eat before the competition!
Judges decisions are final,
The winning dance will be…
Written in the unholiest blood!

Image AI created

Words all my own.

©️2023
M J Mallon
Kyrosmagica Publishing
All rights reserved.

In honour of David Bowie, and Prince, two favourite music artists of mine, and my husband’s extra two: Kurt Cobain and Lou Reed.

Hope you have a fun Halloween.

The blog tour for Midnight Roost has finished. It has been wonderful experience to be a contributing author in this anthology!

Midnight Roost is now available via most distributors through Books2Read: 

https://books2read.com/u/318L0l 

20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare.

Kaye Lynne Booth, Chris Barili, Christa Planko, DL Mullan, C.R. Johansson, Joseph Carrabis, Keith J. Hoskins, Mario Acevedo, M.J. Mallon, Michaele Jordan, Patty L Fletcher, Paul Kane, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Rebecca M. Senese, Zack Ellafy, Sonia Pipkin, Denise Aparo, Robert Kostanczuk, Isabel Grey & Julie Jones

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/10/22/blog-tour-midnight-roost-anthology-blog-tour-wordcrafterpress-midnightroost-readingcommunity-booklovers-whattoread-booksworthreading-halloweenreads-robertaeaton17-godsangel1-josephcarrabis-paulkanesha/
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/10/12/latest-news-midnight-roost-anthology-anthology-bookcommunity-blogs-paulkaneshadow-josephcarrabis-godsangel1/

Check out all the story readings on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/@wordcrafter6447/videos

My reading from The Cull, Midnight Roost:

Wild Hope by Donna Ashworth #poetry #netgalley #review #bwpublishing @Donna_ashworth

Synopsis

‘Beautiful and uplifting’ Davina McCall

‘So inspiring, so heartfelt … the way Donna writes is beyond beautiful.’ Lisa Snowdon

Uplifting inspiration from the Sunday Times bestselling author of I Wish I Knew

Wild Hope is Donna Ashworth’s powerful new collection of wisdom to help us find hope, peace, self-acceptance and inspiration on the days we feel worn down, helpless or sad. Written with love and understanding, Donna reminds us that amidst our daily struggles and constant outpourings of bad news we have so much to hope for, and that every one of us can play a part, big or small, in making the world a better place.

With poems such as ‘That Thing You Do’, ‘Through the Wringer’ and ‘Rope Ladder’, Donna helps us to remember that most people in this world are good, and that acts of kindness and love within our individual spheres of influence, however small, all contribute to a better future. She also gently guides us, no matter how busy or overburdened we may be, to practice better self-care and self-acceptance.

Hope exists when nothing else can. On the darkest of days Wild Hope will help you find more light.

My review

Wild Hope leaves no hopeful stone unturned! There are so many poems in this collection and each one is so special. Donna’s poetry is simple to understand, and relatable. The considered topics are dear to my heart, such as: mother and daughter love, being proud of you, living life to the full, seizing each day, being who you are and living with nature, and the moon and the planets. Finding joy in the simple but memorable moments of life. There is an abundance of positivity, love, compassion, understanding and humour in this collection. At a time when we all need a boost so much!

It’s the kind of poetry you could dip into whenever you feel the need. Or if, perhaps you are going through a particularly difficult time. The poems on grief, women and growing older were positive, and illuminating. I’m sure they would be a much needed anchor to those in need.

This is a real mood booster would highly recommend!

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for a copy which I read freely. All opinions are my own.

My rating 5 🌟

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Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine @sgc58 #thankyou #review #poetry #nature #forests

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for dipping into her archives and resharing her previous review of my poetry collection: The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet. How kind. I really appreciate 🙂

From Sally’s blog:

My review for the collection This is a poetry and flash fiction collection seeped in nature and illustrates the love the author has for the environment, particular the forests. The first pages share the delightful love story of the Hedge Witch and the Musical Poet, bringing two solitary characters together in the sanctuary of a magical forest far from the human world. This story is followed by poems and flash fiction, some of which are poignant such as the tribute to a ginger cat in Chester, Don & I, and bewilderment voiced in The Network of Trees as they stand in danger from the human need for progress. There is also the sad reflection that much of the beauty and adventures to be found in the forests are being missed as children find themselves engrossed in the online world instead. The author makes sure to include the fun they could be enjoying instead. The Teddy in the Woods probably should come with a tissue alert. There are some reminders of poems from another collection which I also enjoyed Mr. Sagittarius Poetry; one of my favourites being Rainbow – Parasol of Light. In the second section of the collection there is a series of poems inspired by other writers.

Source: Smorgasbord Posts from my Archives – Previous Reviews from 2022 – The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Book Review Writing Through The Soul by Brenda Fluharty #book #review #poetry

Synopsis

Writing Through the Soul is a collection of poetry your soul can’t ignore. Author Brenda Marie Fluharty has put together a group of poems speaking to the souls of all mankind. These poems will make you laugh, cry, smile and even wonder why. The poems cover many aspects of the soul; from the questions, we all ask to the heartbreak of the loss of loved ones. Writing Through the Soul has poems giving you a better understanding of spiritual awakenings, growth, and meditation. There are even poems covering the many trials of having a writer’s soul.

My review

Writing Through the Soul A poetry Collection by Brenda Fluharty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Brenda Fluharty’s, Writing Through The Soul, an inspiring book of poetry, explores the human condition, our soul’s journey, how we strive for happiness, love, completeness and growth in life.

There are poems about her son, her mother in law, mother, husband, family, birds and nature, friends and strangers, Monday morning chaos and her great love of night time poetry crafting.  And..  believing in yourself and  your writing self!

It is a personal, spiritual and at times religious collection, where Brenda refers to her angels and love for her dear departed grandfather.

Favourite poem titles include: love yourself, the crow, birds following me, the forest heals my soul, writing helps you heal, through the eyes of a child, he and she, the stranger in the street, mother, mother-in-law!


A short excerpt of this lovely poem.

Medium

I can see things
No one else can see.
Hear spoken words
No one else can hear.

Spirits from other places
Come to me.
I can see and talk to them.

If I tell anyone,
They will think I am crazy.
Maybe I am.

No one else
I know does this.
I am different
I can see the land’s past.
I can see the future for some.
I am a medium!




View all my reviews

My recommendation:

Recommended for poetry readers who like spiritual, religious and personal collections. And writers who understand what it is to write, with the trials, tribulations and all!

More reviews coming soon!

Bye for now…

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