I am regularly reminding young writers and poets that it is perfectly natural to include the writing of others in your writer's notebook. Such collecting serves to remind us that we learn from an appreciation of the fine work of others.  Poems, quotes,  extracts, as well as words I wish I had written are all part of the continuing collection of words spilling across the pages of my notebooks. Such writing samples can inspire our own writing; help us strive to uncover our best words.  I also remind the inexperienced writer how important it is to acknowledge the original source of that writing. We must attribute, to the writing we collect from other writers, all due respect.  When the words of other writers nestle among our own, we are challenged to lift the quality of our own writing. So, this post features some examples of poems shared by fellow 'Poetry Friday' poets that have found their way into my notebooks. They are there to remind me of what is possible. I hope you e

What is a kenning you may ask?  The answer is simple - it’s just two words, often nouns, brought together - and in doing so they give something a new image, identity or meaning. Kennings are great for reading, writing poetry and even performing. Importantly, they also encourage wordplay. Frequently, when kennings are created,  the second word ends in the -er sound.  Right now you are a kenning - A ‘word – reader!'  The Vikings invented kennings over a thousand years ago, For example their kenning for a sword was ‘skull splitter’!–  When using kennings in your poems, it’s a good idea to make quite a few kennings. That way, the reader gets a clear picture of your intention. It also helps if you add a little rhyme at both ends of your poem.  It acts like a sandwich and help to bring your poem to a satisfying ending.  You can make a kenning poem about almost anything under the sun -the earth, the sea, a forest, a river and so on.  What follows is a Sun Kenning written by U.K. poet, Ja

In recent years, I have explored a surprising number of poetry forms that rely on syllables for their structure. Among the forms I have featured on these pages you will find -Haiku, Tanka, Dodoitsu, Nonet, Etheree, Shadorma, Clogyrnach, Kimo a nd Naani poems.  All of these poetry forms require the use of pre-determined syllable rules to give them individual identity. Sound good? Of course, there are many more poetry forms that use syllables - some traditional, others more recently invented. They deserve my further attention.  I realize I have a lot more of the poetry terrain to explore. I find that an exciting prospect... Right now, though, I am keen to revisit Etheree poems!  They remind me of staircases when complete. I enjoy the challenge they present. If you haven't tried Etheree poems before, please consider them as a new poetry project! It is once again, Poetry Friday and our genial host this week is Elisabeth Norton  at Unexpected Intersections . Elisabeth shares one of her