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Celebrating The Poetry of Others

 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 enjoy and appreciate them as much as I do...







And just like that, it is once again, Poetry Friday! Our host this week is Marcie Flinchum-Atkins. Marcie presents the Sealey Challenge, where participants take up the challenge of reading a poetry book each and every day in August. She also shares a Haiku...


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  1. Marcie Flinchum Atkins30 July 2022 at 10:26

    I really love that you print these out! Such a great idea and right up my alley!

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    1. Alan j Wright30 July 2022 at 14:08

      Thank you Marcie. I felt it was a fitting way to celebrate the inspiring words of my fellow poets. A way of honouring their creative work, their passion for language.

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  2. Anonymous30 July 2022 at 22:41

    Such a great reminder to tell students to write down the inspiring work of other writers. The work from PF you shared is fabulous! So many inspiring writers. Thank you, Alan!

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    1. Alan j Wright1 August 2022 at 14:26

      Thank you for this affirming comment. And you are right, so many inspiring writers who provide untold treasure with such potential to raise us up!

      Delete
  3. Patricia Franz31 July 2022 at 04:42

    Very fun to see past Poetry Friday gems lifted up this week! And yes, so important that you credit the writers (curious... is permission required prior to posting like this? I'm new to this and am wondering...). Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright1 August 2022 at 14:31

      Gems indeed Patricia. I have presented works that are in the public domain, previously published/ shared and would never consider such an action should it involve any financial gain. The motivation here is to highlight the exemplary texts of my fellow Poetry Friday participatory poets. That is why acknowledgement is critical. The same goes for my own work.

      Delete
  4. laurasalas31 July 2022 at 23:01

    YES! Such an important concept. When I first became interested in writing poems for kids, I read so many anthologies, and then I would print out on index cards some favorites. I compiled those into mini photo albums. I still have and love them. Now that so many of us make imagepoems, I'm realizing a Pinterest board would be a great place for me to compile ones I love. Thank you for this post! I'm off to make that board.

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    1. Alan j Wright1 August 2022 at 14:33

      Laura, even as poets we remain hunters and gatherers, it seems. I'm glad you have been inspired to undertake new actions.

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  5. Linda Mitchell1 August 2022 at 13:44

    This...THIS is how we learn. Thank you for showing a peek at your notebook. It's wonderful to see words of PF friends that struck you as significant and good for your notebook.

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    1. Alan j Wright1 August 2022 at 14:36

      Thanks Linda. Yes, it is how we learn, and grow as writers, poets and curious learners. You are right in suggesting the collections of such gems are good for my notebook. They also challenge me to raise the bar on my own work, my own words.

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