Poetry has always provided a way for me to more fully participate in life. It is a siren song. I respond to it with a barely concealed passion. I listen to my world and share what I have discovered. Poetry floats in the air surrounding me- or so it feels. It is an impulse I respond to willingly. This intangible urge to connect brings forth the words. Words have always gained my attention quite effortlessly. To take possession of them and apply them with deliberate and considered purpose has filled me with excitement all my life. All The Worlds I Live In All the worlds I live in All the worlds I see Won’t fit into one mouthful When words spill out of me Sometimes they’re words of fire That emerge with spark and flame Sometimes they’re gentle whispers My worlds are not the same. © Alan j Wright It's Poetry Friday! This week our host is Michelle Kogan . Michelle's post focuses on 'birthdays' and she presents a number of poems and artistic works to highlight this special, o...

  Literacy experts Sharon and Phil Callen from Cue Learning joined me recently to talk about ways to bring poetry to life in the classroom. Here for your listening enjoyment is the link to that learning conversation: Poetry Podcast EPISODE NOTES In the ongoing discussion about the importance of poetry for literacy, this episode draws on the important insights and practical tips from highly experienced education expert Alan Wright. Alan is an education consultant and author who has worked extensively in the United States and Australia, promoting best practice in primary and secondary schools and at a systems level. While based in New York (2001-2006) Alan worked across primary, middle and high schools supporting teachers, school districts, regions and school leadership teams, effecting improved learning outcomes for students in literacy. This consultancy work took him into more than 100 schools, predominantly in the urban schools of the New York City School System. Working with the...

A recurring concern in Australian society in recent times has been the behaviour of a significant proportion of men in relation to women. A series of deplorable crimes and misogynist actions and the continuing scourge of domestic violence across all stratas of our nation makes this a critical conversation, be it an uncomfortable one.  This is not a new phenomenon, but rather an enduring societal issue that continues to be raised as needing resolution, but sadly lacks committed action at several levels of society, in particular governmental levels- a place, not surprisingly, dominated by men.  Domestic violence and harassment is an abuse of power. It is the domination, coercion, intimidation and victimisation of one person by another using physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional means within relationships (intimate) and within workplaces. As a male, my first responsibility has been to listen to the individual and collective voices and stories of women who are speaking ...

Skeltonic Verse is named after its creator, English poet John Skelton (1460-1529), who tutored King Henry VIII when he was just a prince, spent time in prison, was censured by the Church and in general, seemed to have a great amount of fun. If you feel a strong urge to rhyme, this poetry form may be the way to go. Skeltonic verse should not be confused with the Blitz poem format I have shared previously, which uses a series of short lines to work down the page.   Skeltonic verse has a few simple rules: Lines are short with two or three stresses they have irregular rhymes they have irregular rhythms they have no stanza breaks and occasionally include some alliteration.                                                                                          ...

Living close to Melbourne, in the southern part of Australia, we experienced a somewhat  wetter, cooler summer this year. We were left wanting more after such a protracted Covid lockdown. We were however grateful for the reduced risk of bushfires.  So now that we are inside autumn, the balmy weather has come as an unexpected joy. Across the Easter break, the weather was without a doubt- delightful. It was an absolute cracker! A spirit lifter. I freely admit autumn is a season I find most appealing. Softer light, crisp morning air and balmy afternoons are easy to embrace. Autumn is all about change and change is what we make it. It can be exciting, invigorating, challenging and stressful, or a mix of many feelings.  The world around us is in constant change- clouds roll across the sky, night follows day, flower bloom and die, leaves change colour and fall. We constantly shift through the seasons. I am therefore looking closely at the world beyond my window and paying close...

  Poetry is capable of delivering so much to a reader. A lot of poetry sings and dances when we read it aloud. Poetry can also laugh and cry. It can shout and whisper. Poetry delivers emotion by drawing on a wide range of moods and feelings.  Best of all poetry does these things while using the very best of our words in tight spaces. This is what gives poetry it spark! Minimal words, maximum delivery. Poetry is as varied as life itself because it draws so much from the life we are here to live.  Importantly,  poetry is accessible to everyone of us. Anyone can write poetry should they choose to try. In order to write poetry however, it is essential to read a lot of poetry. You must read what you wish to write. This is what will make poetry your friend and trusted companion. Notice what poets are choosing to write about and also take note of the many ways they present poems on the page. Poetry offers such a feast of choices.  By reading poetry you gain a clear sen...

In  this post I am sharing a poem that focuses on the sense of sound. For the last few days I have wandered into different rooms of our house, at different times of the day. I consciously sat still and listened to the sounds around me. I recorded them in my notebook. In writing my poem I took those notes and shuffled, shaved, chopped and polished them in order to achieve my desired line order.  You might consider finding an alternative quiet place for yourself-a park, a garden or green space, a riverbank, a  valley, a shoreline and sit undisturbed for a while and listen...   It is often said ideas surround us and if we sit still for a while they will reveal themselves. My poem is quite obviously a list poem but it is also an exercise of observance. Poets need to invoke the senses, either individually, or in concert. It sharpens your observational skills. Hope you enjoy the 'sound' of my poem... Heard Around The House Sit still, Listen, Can you hear them? The sharp sl...

I am currently in the city of Darwin located in Australia's 'top end.' I am working with schools and presenting teacher workshops across this week. I enjoy working with these educators and have been privileged to work with them since 2014. Today I present some poems that owe their origins to time spent in this tropical region where the wet and dry seasons impact lifestyle dramatically. Prehistoric Predator He glides through the murky water Eyes snap-locked on his prey Silent assassin Waiting for strike time Waiting Waiting For that certain moment He pounces The water churns Blood in his nostrils Teeth in his prey Death rolling fury Away Away The victim drowns  The monster dines Before gliding away Ancient reptile Calculating Crocodile . ©Alan j Wright Black Kites Gathering Against a clear blue sky curtain Of a Darwin day Black Kites flock Soaring effortlessly On the breezes of the dry season Twisting their forked tails Dipping Wheeling Sky dancing In a...