An omniscient narrator dramatizes the musings of a man whose thoughts and actions vaguely imply the concept of karma-reaping and sowing.

Dec 2, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

Connotation is an important literary term for writers, readers and poetry students. This simple, conversational explanation has clear examples.

Nov 29, 2011 – James Parsons

Ron Riekki's poem "Marquette Branch, Oct. 26, 2009" is an exceptional example of "Ars Poetica," a poem about how to write poetry.

Nov 28, 2011 – Amy Lynn Hess

In this poem, an insulting phrase becomes an expression of endearment.

Nov 27, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall

Dr. Siegfried Iseman is the typical Spoon River speaker who blames others for his own destructive path.

Nov 25, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

Chapman's cowboy tells a humorous little tale about a "drug store toilet set," a new schoolmarm, and a brawl that sent her packing.

Nov 18, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

Poetry is more than a creative expression: it is a valuable healing tool! Learn about the healing powers of poetry and how to craft a poem.

Nov 17, 2011 – Meegan Simpson-Cooke

This Christmas poem narrates an intriguing little story of three lonely cowboys camped far from home who yearn to celebrate a traditional Christmas.

Nov 11, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

"The Orchid Flower" argues that death is beautiful.

Nov 10, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall

George Trimble deems himself a victim of his wife's mischievous goading and now lies unmourned in his Spoon River grave.

Nov 4, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

The Romantic Poet, William Wordsworth's home, Dove Cottage, and the surrounding countryside were inspirations for much of his poetry.

Nov 3, 2011 – Terrie Plowman

"Retirement Home Melee at the Salad Bar" pokes fun at the rumor mill from a safe distance.

Oct 31, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall

In Frost's poem, "Directive," the speaker philosophizes about the nature of worldly temporality.

Oct 28, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

The poem's speaker does an existential 180 in 20 lines.

Oct 24, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall

Named for America's first feminist writer, Margaret Fuller Slack laments motherhood that crushed her dreams of greatness in becoming the next George Eliot.

Oct 21, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

In this poem, an idiom becomes more than just a tired saying.

Oct 18, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall

Johnson's speaker offers an imaginative, dramatic rendering of the origin of creation.

Oct 14, 2011 – Linda Sue Grimes

Some poems are almost prayers: they arise mysteriously from deep within the poet; and they soothe our souls. First Lesson is such a poem.

Oct 13, 2011 – Leah Abramovitz

Michael Blumenthal - award winning poet, an author, educator, lawyer, psychoanalyst and editor, views himself as "just an ordinary guy from the States".

Oct 13, 2011 – Lesley Lanir

The speaker trusts enough to be trusted.

Oct 10, 2011 – Matthew Birdsall