Poems Between Friends

I’m popping in with a Poetry Swap package all the way from Southern California. I only took part in one Poetry Swap this season. And it was a right choice. Because when I wasn’t writing Poetry Swaps, I was writing picture books. Two rhyming manuscripts that have winged their way to publishers, and I’m feeling chuffed… and hopeful. Submissions – but not yet acceptances. (Not setting myself up for disappointment!) But I’m glad I hadn’t committed to more swaps, or I probably wouldn’t have had that little snippet of (unexpected) time and inspiration to write with such joy.

But by the same token, I was so glad that I *did* have a poetry swap! Because there is nothing quite like crafting a poem for a friend. A friend who gets poetry! It is a true gift that Tabatha gives us year after year, and I cannot convey how much I love it! (AND Tabatha is hosting the Poetry Friday link-up today. How perfect!🙃)

I always have such joy in the creating, that I completely forget that someone is doing the same for me! But look at this joy-burst Denise sent me! I can just SEE the fun she had in the making!

I especially love that cow!

I really loved the way Denise closed her accompanying letter. ‘Blessings to you this Winter day!’ Yep – it’s winter here. Thank you for noticing, Denise. Your package was received with delight!

You can see my poem for Denise on her blog. (It’s a wee-bit prickly.)

Thank-you to all the Poetry Friday peeps who found me on my new Substack space last week. I’ll be there again next Friday. The plan is to post to my Substack on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month. The 1st Friday of the month will be deliberately pitched to Poetry Friday. But sometimes other newsletters will too (since the space is where I’ll be talking picture books, poetry and verse novels) – so I’ll link in as it fits. 🙂 I’m still getting to know that space – but I’m not stressing it! Slow and steady is my pace.

Have a great week!