Tag: Poetry

#TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge #Trees #Reed #Celtic #Astrology #Abhanga #Manchester #Travel #Humour

This week Colleen asked us to check out this blog to find out what kind of tree we are! Being a huge nature and tree fan I couldn’t resist!

Here’s the link. https://onetreeplanted.org/pages/what-kind-of-tree-are-you

Outcome: I am apparently a REED, The inquisitor – a secret keeper who digs to discover the real meaning and truth of things. And guess what… I love a good story!

REED – THE INQUISITOR

OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 24

Recently, I was in Manchester visiting my daughter, travelling around the city on trams, happily eavesdropping. Yes, I admit it, being nosy is one of my favourite pastimes!

On one tram, a group of young men were chatting about their late night. One said, “I hope you are not going to bend me like a pretzel again tonight like last night…”

Ha ha! Well, let’s just say, my author’s imagination was doing crazy somersaults imagining what he meant by this! It seems to be an acrobatic thing… tiktok, google and see. And has some sexual connotations?

I have written another poem which I intend to include in a poetry collection I’m currently working on with a sensual/love/humour theme. More about that later… It’s in early draft stages at the moment.

So, for now, this is the tame version of Bend it Like a Pretzel… The Clue On The Tram.. A Reed, Pretzels and Lads.

Abhanga are written in any number of 4-line stanzas with 6-6-6-4 syllables each. L2 and L3 rhyme. The end rhyme scheme is abbc. Don’t forget to title your poem. 

The Clue on The Tram… A Reed, Pretzels and Lads

Hey! Want to… guess my tree?

It’s bound to be a reed

Of course it is, indeed!

Count on it dear!

***

I confess, so obsessed,

Eavesdropping is my thrill,

I always crave my fill,

Give it to me!

***

Now, let me say, how odd,

Whatever can that mean?

Crazy! Is this a dream?

Or a new fad?

***

Bend it like a pretzel…

What an odd phrase to use!

Could it be from Youtube?

No! Manchester.

***

Lads after a night out,

Mind boggles twists and turns,

Drunken schenanigans,

Loose talk ears prick,

***

I can’t help it, love it!

More gossip, let’s indulge,

Cool stories, let them bulge.

More, let’s write more!

To join in the challenge:

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/07/04/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge-no-327-7-4-2023/

Enjoy these pics of Manchester…

Of trees and forests…

Here is one of my collections devoted to trees and magic!

#TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 324, 6/13/2023 #Eagle #Poetry

Eagle soars above

Blue skies and hills his domain

Watch him for a while

Be part of his sacred truth

Honour him by flying free

Eagle Symbolism and Meaning and the Eagle Spirit Animal

Eagle freely roams

Master of the vast blue skies

Hope expands on wings

Bravery to be admired

Such foresight he carries far

My paperback poetry and prose books are currently on offer for a limited time: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/06/16/paperback-offer-poetry-compilations-nature-family-memoir-offer-poetrycommunity-bookreviewers/

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/06/13/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge-no-324-6-13-2023/


See my recent travel posts:

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/06/08/tanka-tuesday-spedlins-castle-spedlins-castle-scotland-poetry-tanka/
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/06/12/travel-diary-june-2023-aveiro-travel-aveiro-city-portugal-moliceiro/
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2023/06/08/travel-diary-june-2023-coimbra-portugal-coimbra-city-travel-botanicalgardens-university-trees-bambooforest/

#TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 323, 6/6/2023: Spedlins Castle #spedlins #castle #Scotland #poetry #tanka #travel

I had the great fortune to stay at Spedlins Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland with hubby and friends in July 2022 for a old mates University reunion. This is without a doubt, a stunning place, definitely, a location to inspire colour poetry! Actually, I think this would be a wonderful location for a writer’s retreat.

For my 1st poem, I chose the colour Green and prompt word, Earth Magic.

Green topiaries, lawns,
A garden of earth magic, 
Old friends reunite,
Curious nooks and crannies, 
Confessions and ghosts.

What a view!
Relaxing place to unwind 😌
An open door… and beautiful views.

My next poem is inspired by an open white window, (see below,) and the ghost, ‘James ‘Dunty’ Porteous who was the miller for the Village of Milhousebridge and delivered bread to the Baronet, Sir Alexander Jardine, at Spedlins Tower. James was well known for his quarrelsome nature,’ he was purported to be trapped under the staircase trap door at Spedlins Castle! Do not fear, the ghost has apparently long since been exorcised! Nevertheless, I do sense some unusual happenings at Spedlins… That’s it charm! Watch out for bats, white stone geese and creepy goings on.

You can read more about poor Dunty here: https://ghosts.fandom.com/wiki/Spedlins_Tower

White window ajar,
Tranquil scene that time forgets, 
Cruel dungeon's trapdoor,
Abandoned man, peace broken,
Confessions and ghost stories.

And my next poem is inspired by this beautiful single yellow flower on a tree…


Spedlins fairytale,
Blushing photos, lover's art,
Single yellow bud,
Clarity, sunshine and joy,
Brushstrokes, love, lush green spaces.

Here’s a photo of the steep staircase… thank goodness for comfy shoes and that rope to hold onto. We weren’t sleeping up on the highest floor but some of our friends were!

So atmospheric!


There are bookcases everywhere! And art, memorabilia and photographs.

M J Mallon

And beautiful walks…

This blog post, poems and photographs are copyright © M J Mallon 2023

To join in this week’s wonderful #TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry follow this link:

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/06/06/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge-no-323-6-6-2023/

I hope you enjoyed Spedlins. I loved it

Book Graphic

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

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Book Review: Small Wonders: Reflective Poems @GodsAngel1 #bookreview #poetry

Small Wonders: Reflective Poems, by Kaye Lynne Booth, a unique poetry anthology from executive editors Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle.

This unique collection includes the poetry works of a lifetime by Kaye Lynne Booth. A combination of visual images and poetry create a poetry collection like none which have come before. These heartfelt poems are sure to touch either your heart, or your funny bone, providing a gought-provoking forum for unique and original poetry which won’t be easily forgotten.

Small Wonders releases on June 6, 2023.

Publicity Information for Small Wonders: Reflective Poems,
by Kaye Lynne Booth,

published by WordCrafter Press

SYNOPSIS

Small Wonders: Reflective Poems features the poetry and visual images of poet and author, Kaye Lynne Booth in her debut poetry collection.

The world is filled with amazing things, if we will just stop a moment and take notice. In this vast universe, we are but tiny individuals, filled with awe and amazement. From reflections on first love, to reflections on growing old. The poems within these pages express a lifetime of unique reflections in Small Wonders.

“Whether chasing moles in the garden or fantasizing about the life of a cat, Kaye Booth’s poems find playfulness, humor, levity, and often beauty. Small Wonders is a delightful compendium of poetic forms—from pantoums to Shadormas. Each poem is an invitation to see the world with new eyes.”—Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, author of All the Honey and Hush

My review

Small Wonders lets you creep into Kaye Lynn’s heart and soul to stay there for a while. It’s a comprehensive, personal and eclectic mix of poetry which I really enjoyed.

Kaye Lynn Booth’s poetry collection begins with a lovely forward from fellow author and poet Robbie Cheadle.

So many darn good poems, these are just some of the highlights for me…

Poems to make you smile such as: Angels Among Us, and Two Little Fairie Princesses inspired by the author’s grandaughters.

As well as this, expect thoughtful reflective poems like Intimacy and the Harlequin Dance.

Nature is a theme too, which I love – The Cherry Tree – about nature’s bounty and  study some birds in – Birdwatching.

Another topic handled with great understanding is aging given the author’s role as an experienced carer for many years –  There Was A Time (reflections on aging.) Welcome To Memory Lane (caring for the elderly.)

Humour is never far away : A Mole In The Garden (the frustration of which I have experienced! Written with relatable humour.) Up There On The Mountain, Alone (this made me laugh too!)

My ‘Vette (how we get attached to our cars, so relatable!)

Emotional/love/loss themed pieces such as:
A Single Heartbeat, Love Lies Bleeding, After Twenty-six Years.

And poems about writing! What’s not to like?  Poems such as: My Muse, The Library, What Is Sleep?

Other favourite poems include – Early Morning, Close Your Eyes And Dream, Sun and Shade and Voices.

A highly recommended poetry collection, aptly named. 

My rating 5 stars

Many thanks to the author for an ARC copy.

 Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6WZ6E

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaye Lynne Booth is a multi-genre author, editor, and founder of WordCrafter Press. She recently republished her first western novel herself. She has also published a short fiction collection and a paranormal mystery novella, in addition to the many short fiction stories in the six short fiction anthologies from WordCrafter Press. In addition, she has had short fiction and poetry published with Zetitic: A Record of Unusual Inquiry; Across the Margin, Colorado Life Magazine, Manifest West by Western University Press, The Collapsar Directive and Relationship Add Vice by Zombie Pirate Publishing, Nightmareland by Dan Alatorre.

She also recently served as a student editor on the editing team for the Gilded Glass anthology under Kevin J. Anderson and Allyson Langueira, and produced through Western State Colorado University, and published  Weird Tales: Best of the Early Years 1926-27, with Jonathan Maberry.

PREVIOUS TITLES

Previous WordCrafter Press poetry titles include Behind Closed Doors, byRobbie Cheadle, Feral Tenderness, by Arthur Rosch, Poetry Treasures poetry anthology, and Poetry Treasures 2:Relationships, Poetry Treasures 3: Passions.

 

https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor/

 

#TankaTuesday Weekly #Poetry Challenge No. 322, 5/30/2023: Spirit Animal

As part of Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday challenge we were asked to take a quiz to discover our spirit animal. Mine turned out to be a butterfly which is quite striking given that yesterday I was walking by a pathway I often take in Tavira, Portugal.

There, I was struck by the sight of a beautiful butterfly with vibrant markings on its bright wings. It made me stop in my tracks! That’s no surprise as my life is going through much change at the moment – seems so appropriate!

What It Means To Be The Butterfly (From Quiz)

The butterfly is one of the most emblematic totem animals symbolizing personal transformation. If you see the butterfly as your totem or spirit animal, pay attention to the areas in your life or personality that are in need of profound change or transformation. Perhaps, this animal totem guides you to be sensitive to your personal cycles of expansion and growth, as well as the beauty of life’s continuous unfolding. An important message carried by the spirit of the butterfly is about the ability to go through important changes with grace and lightness.

Shadorma

The Shadorma consists of a six-line stanza (or sestet). Each stanza is written as 3-5-3-3-7-5 for a total of 26 syllables with no set rhyme scheme. When writing a Shadorma, I would concentrate on a specific subject.

Butterfly Hello



Butterfly

Pause, to say hello


Darling soul

Bring me joy

Welcoming my steps forward


I  feel your love here

Butterfly Cinquain

Butterfly cinquain is a nine-line syllabic titled form with the pattern 2-4-6-8-2-8-6-4-2. 

Beauty
Flutter to me
You land so light and free
Was it circumstance that we met?
Or fate?
To follow is to discover
My enriched path to take 
Gentle totem
Bright wings

The cinquain is a five-line, non-rhyming poem featuring a syllable structure of 2-4-6-8-2. Cinquain poems need a title. Choose words that create drama that builds into the fourth line. The turn occurs on line five, the most important line. This is where you change your focus away from the drama in some interesting way.

This Changing Life 

Sweet wings
Flutter and land
Alighting on a leaf
Embracing change with your counsel
This life

To join in: https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/05/30/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge-no-322-5-30-2023-spirit-animal-poetry/

Some photos of lovely Tavira… such tranquillity.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L/

Book Review: Do What You Love #thankyou @smithavishwana4

Many thanks to Smitha for this lovely detailed, thoughtful review of my poetry memoir Do What You Love. Delighted!

Do What You Love’ by MJ Mallon is a quick read of 58 pages. It’s a sweet reminder to live life, look back to see how far you’ve come, appreciate all that’s got you this far and look forward to the future.

To read the full review, thoughts and excerpts please follow the link to Smitha’s blog.

https://smithavpennings.com/2023/05/22/book-review-do-what-you-love-by-mj-mallon/

Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Meet the Authors 2023 – #Poetry Harmony Kent, #Poetry M. J. Mallon, #Historical #Family #Romance C.E. Robinson | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for featuring myself, Harmony and Christine in the above promotion.

Sally kindly featured my poetry collection, Do What You Love which is available to buy in kindle and paperback via Amazon.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXJq8

Do What You Love was awarded a special 5 star badge by Amazon Blue Tick Influencer N.N. Light. Below is the link to the media kit.

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/11/04/media-kit-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-flashfiction-new-book-release-writingcommunity-poetrycommunity-mediakit-paperback/

Feature When Women Inspire @ChristyBis #womenshistorymonth #women #poets #inspiring

Thank you so much to Christy for inviting ❤️ me to contribute for Women’s History Month. I’m discussing a new Portuguese poet, Florbela Espanca, and my love of poetry.

Do popover to Christy’s blog to read all her wonderful posts and contributors for Women’s History Month.

Here is the link to my post:

https://whenwomeninspire.com/2023/03/23/poet-florbela-espanca-mj-mallon/?amp=1

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

MJ Reviews: Lion Scream by @RobertaEaton17 @bakeandwrite #wildlife #poetry #southafrican #habitat #environment #climatechange

Blurb


“In this reflective collection of syllabic poetry, poet Roberta Cheadle weaves words, emotions, and images as she recounts her soul-stirring journey around South Africa in 2022. She highlights the plight of the animals in the face of the Sixth Mass Extinction, during a visit to Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve. Lion Roar is a poetic and photographic roadmap to the heart & soul of South Africa with highlights about the increasing impact of global warming on humanity and the greater planet. A must read!”
—Colleen M. Chesebro, Author of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry

My ARC review

Thank you so much to the author for a copy. Here are my thoughts on this book.

Lion Scream is a wonderful collection of well written, accessible, evocative poetry and stunning photography primarily about indigenous species and landscapes of South Africa.

The images and poetry transport you to South Africa; they compliment each other and are beautiful. It is obvious that the author, Robbie Cheadle is passionate about these magnificent animals and the ever growing concerns and cruel practices of rhinos being dehorned for their tusks, poachers, endangered species, climate change, conservation and the illegal trade in exotic pets.

Robbie Cheadle lives in South Africa and has visited facilities such as Ukutula which is a world-class research and conservation facility, specializing in Genetic Mammal Research and Predator Conservation, which she mentions in this book.

In Lion Scream Robbie Cheadle includes links to several youtube videos which is a welcome addition to this marvellous book.

Here is an extract poem which I loved.  In Lion Scream it is illustrated by an amazing photo of a lion up a tree!

Tree Lion.

Muscles of iron crouch
He propels upward
Settling his bulk into the crook of a branch
A unique position
To survey and wait
***
Great head moving smoothly
Mane protecting neck
His expression is smug; can I see a smile?
Relishing his power
A king on his throne
***
An unobservant bird
Settles on the pond
He springs, slick and fast; I hardly see him move
Just a splash of water
And a spray of blood

I also loved the amusing photos and poems about buffalos, (entitled: Don’t Be Fooled: I’m Africa’s most dangerous animal.)

There are the ugly five: warthogs, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, marabou storks, vulture, as well as lizards, weaver birds, flamingo, duck, and a cute and funny peacock romance.

Cheeta, tiger, wild dogs, antelope, black jacked jakal, monkey, giraffe, hypothalamus, crocodiles, hadeda (her pet bird,) woodpeckers, dung beetles, African bees, spiders, dragonflies, locusts and more!

“Cheetahs are also victims of the illegal trade in exotic pets as many of them die during transportation.”

The final section highlights sunflowers and the environment plus beautiful photos and accompanying poems of shadows, reflections, sounds, and fire.

This is followed by a short fiction tale, The Nutcracker, a tale about the sixth mass extinction, global warming, mental health, the careless use of medication to treat mental health issues, plastic pollution and cruelty to animals.

There is something for everyone in this beautifully illustrated, and must buy book. It would make a wonderful resource for schools too as it is educational and informative.

A fabulous read. 5 star without a doubt!

Some of the videos in the book… but for all the youtube links do buy a copy of the book.


REVIEW: Do what You Love #Poetry #prose #photography @NNP_W_Light

I am absolutely thrilled with blue tick influencer, and professional reviewer – N. N. Night’s review of my latest book.

N. N. Lights Review:

A creative approach to poetry and prose I thoroughly enjoyed. MJ Mallon uses her imagination to reflect on life using conversations with the three Fates as a vehicle. I’m familiar with the multiple myths about the Fates (three sisters who guide mortals using the past, present, and future) but never have I read such a tender depiction.

The poems are beautiful and easy to understand. Each poem conveys a moment, an emotion, an experience, which relate to life. Themes detailing a life filled with beauty and love are evident and allow the reader time to ponder.

The prose illustrating conversations with the three Fates is, by far, my favorite part. The writing is imaginative, creative, and flows without effort. The dialogue speaks to the heart of the matter, the reason for everything (both good and bad): live a life well lived.

The writing itself is emotive and has a meditative quality to it. MJ Mallon chooses words like an artist chooses paint colors before creating a masterpiece. Each word by itself doesn’t mean much but when put together transforms the reader. It’s an artform and one I admire.

If you’re looking to make a change in your life or want to escape for a short time for reflection, pick up this book. A delightful, inspiring collection of poems and prose.

Rating: 5+ stars

Buy it Now:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63114445-do-what-you-love

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-and-flash-fiction-by-m-j-mallon

More details here:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/do-what-you-love-br