As I sit down to write this, I can't help but feel a bit like the underdog at a superhero convention, confessing that I still tie my cape with a granny knot. It's awkward and a bit embarrassing, but it needs to be said: your well-intentioned boycott against Amazon is putting the squeeze on my little indie poetry press. And believe me, it’s not just a gentle hug; it’s a full-on, constrictive squeeze. The Paradox of the Amazon Beast Let's address the elephant—or, should I say, the giant—in the room. Amazon. For many, it's the corporate beast, the behemoth of commerce, that seems to devour everyt ..read more

"Come Sit By My Fire" by Fortune Maine is a poetic journey that transcends the simple act of reading; it is an invitation to a sacred space of reflection, healing, and profound self-discovery. Through Maine's eloquent verses, the reader is guided through the valleys of personal darkness and into the light of self-acceptance and renewal. This collection is not merely a book of poetry but a conduit for transformation, offering solace to the weary and enlightenment to seekers of inner truth. Maine's work is imbued with the wisdom of lived experiences, a testament to the resilience of the human sp ..read more

In the realm of poetry and prose, where the raw and the refined intertwine, Faye Alexandra Rose crafts a space that is unapologetically hers. With "Wild Women," she embarks on a journey not just through the pages of history but through the very essence of what it means to be seen, labeled, and ultimately, misunderstood. This collection is a reflection, a manifesto, and a deeply personal exploration that resonates with the tenacity of the human spirit. The inception of "Wild Women" is as compelling as the narratives it houses. Rose reveals that the spark was ignited during her Master’s disserta ..read more

During the chaos, when words seem to falter, and the world’s cacophony drowns out the reason, poetry emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. In times of crisis—be it global pandemics, social injustice, natural disasters, or personal turmoil—the distilled language of poetry provides solace and a profound sense of understanding and community. This article explores the transformative power of poetry during such times, shedding light on how this ancient art form continues to offer comfort, inspire change, and unite people across the divides of time and space. Poetry as a Mirror of the Human So ..read more

In a world that often feels fragmented and overwhelmed by the cacophony of daily life, poetry emerges as a beacon of clarity and connection. It's a form of expression that transcends boundaries, languages, and cultures, reaching deep into the human soul. Today, we're exploring why poetry, this ancient art form, holds more relevance and power in our modern lives than ever before. The Timeless Voice of Humanity Poetry is the voice of humanity across ages. From the epic tales of Homer to the reflective sonnets of Shakespeare, and the poignant verses of Maya Angelou, poetry has always been the med ..read more

Mercies by Anne Sexton is a breathtaking collection of poetry that delves into the complexities of the human experience with honesty and vulnerability. Whether she is writing about love, loss, or the search for meaning and connection, Sexton's words are always authentic and deeply felt, and her ability to convey deep emotion through her writing is one of the standout features of this collection. One of the most poignant and powerful poems in this collection is "The Truth the Dead Know," which explores the theme of loss and grief in a way that is both raw and honest. In this poem, Sexton writes ..read more

Slam poetry is a form of performance poetry that originated in the 1980s in Chicago. It is characterized by its use of spoken word, rhythmic delivery, and emotive language to convey a message or tell a story. Slam poetry is typically performed in front of a live audience, and the poems are judged by a panel of judges or by audience members. The goal of slam poetry is to create a powerful and engaging performance that connects with the audience and elicits an emotional response. Slam poetry has gained popularity in recent years, with slam poetry events and competitions taking place all over the ..read more

The sonnet is a classic poetic form that has been beloved by poets and readers for centuries. A sonnet is a 14-line poem that follows a specific rhyme scheme and structure. The most famous sonnet form is the Shakespearean sonnet, which consists of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet. The rhyme scheme for a Shakespearean sonnet is abab cdcd efef gg. Sonnets were popularized in the Renaissance by poets such as William Shakespeare and Petrarch, and often explore themes of love, passion, and loss. The compact and structured nature of the sonnet form has made it a popular ..read more

Corinne Owens, a talented writer and filmmaker, recently unveiled her latest creative endeavors to the world. Hailing from the American South, Corinne's artistic journey led her to Ireland, where she pursued literature and drama at University College Dublin in 2013. Her unique experiences living in three different countries, including a return to the United States for a year of teaching in Nashville, TN, have significantly influenced her work. Corinne's latest release includes a short film series titled "These Matterless Things" and her inaugural poetry collection, "The Sea Sleeps in the Chest ..read more

Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, and playwright who was one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance and a pioneer of the protest poetry movement. Born in 1902 in Missouri, Hughes grew up in Kansas, Illinois, and Ohio before moving to New York City to attend Columbia University. It was during this time that Hughes began to develop his literary voice and to explore the themes of racial inequality and social justice that would become a hallmark of his work. Hughes is perhaps best known for his poetry, which was characterized by its rhythmic, musical style and its focus on ..read more