Here is my reading of the poem, 'Summer In The Hills- Monbulk Memories' from my 2016 anthology -'I Bet There's No Broccoli On The Moon' made possible by my recent visit to Monbulk, where I spent my formative years. -my fortunate years. It's Poetry Friday and this week's host is Carol from Carol's Corner, who is highlighting the concept of being 'woke.' Carols sees it as being aware your surroundings and challenging how we strengthen our relationships with the government, with community, and nature.To be woke is to fight for your civil rights, and the rights of your neighbors... To be woke is to understand that equality and justice for some is not equality and justice at all. We must stay alert. We must ask hard questions. We must stand for what is right, even when it is difficult and scary. Carol presents the poetry of three young female poets who have collaborated on a book suitably titled 'Woke.' A laudable pursuit... You can find out ...

  A Rispetto, an Italian form of poetry, is a complete poem of two rhyme quatrains. Rispetto, (Italian for respect) plural rispetti, is a Tuscan folk verse form. The Rispetto has a rhyme scheme of ABAB (first quatrain) CCDD (second quatrain) . In its earliest form the rhyme scheme was usually abab abcc. Later, the scheme abab ccdd became more prominent. However  other variations can also be found. The form reached its pinnacle of both artistic achievement and popularity in the 14th and 15th centuries, particularly in the work of Politian, who is said to have written some 200 rispetti.  Earlier this week I returned to my childhood town of Monbulk. Scouted around my old  haunts for a few hours, quietly reminiscing. Spent some time rewalking the old track through the forest beside the Sassafras Creek. As boys we caught rainbow trout, blackfish and yabbies on our regular visits. The old wooden bridge over the creek has met a sad end. There was a time when we rode our bik...

Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonants of words.  It involves the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of a series of closely connected words.  Alliteration does not depend on letters but on sounds, so 'Kerry came' is alliteration, even though  the words start with different letters. The word -alliteration is derived from the Latin word, 'Latira'. It means 'letters of alphabet'.     If you have had experience with tongue twisters, you've met alliteration. ' Show Shawn Sharon's shabby shoes.' is an example of alliteration. Alliteration is used by many writers and poets as it adds style to the sound of the words.  British poet, Michael Rosen believes literary elements like alliteration possess secret strings that sew the selected words together. I really enjoy using alliteration. In fact, I have to guard against over using it at times, such is its appeal to my ears. In the poem below, I have deliberately liberally ...

A form of poetry called Naani , was created by one of India’s renowned poets, Dr. N Gopi. Naani is a short form of poetry, and shares some similarities with haiku. Like the Japanese form, Naani poetry has a set line- and syllable-count.   It is a 4-line poem containing a total 20-25 syllables. Subject matter is not confined to nature or a particular subject. It is fairly wide open. The term ‘naani’ refers to an expression of one and all.  The Naani poem frequently touches upon emotions, relationships, and the human condition, depending upon human relationships and current statements for its spark. It is slightly less structured than Haiku.   I like this affirming Naani poem by Julia James. It follows the Naani guidelines with  4 lines and 24 syllables. Balancing Act Life is a tightrope Sometimes you will fall But step out in faith You are only inches off the ground  Julia James. It has inspired me to trial a Naani. My poem incorporates rhyme, but it is...