Category Archives: Poetry

announcement, Blog Tour, book release, book reviews, Poetry

Day 2 of the WordCrafter “Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons” Book Blog Tour – Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro

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Welcome to Day 2 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons Book Blog Tour, where we’re sending off the sixth volume of the Poetry Treasures anthology series, Seasons.

Each volume of this poetry anthology series features the work of the talented poets, spotlighted as guests on Robbie Cheadle’s blog series, “Treasuring Poetry”, from the previous year. Seasons’ poets were guests in 2025.


For this tour, you’ll meet two poets at each stop, with fun facts about them and reviews of their work. Some of the contributors also share guest posts or poetry readings. Today, we’re introducing Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro.

And we’re giving away three digital copies of the anthology in our Giveaway. Each comment earns a chance to win, so be sure to give a shout out and let us know you were there.


Giveaway


We’re giving away three digital copies of Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons.


Follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop for additional entries.
Winners are selected in a random drawing following the tour.

Tour Schedule
Mon. – Cindy Georgakas (Reading) & Kevin Morris – Poetry by Mich, Hotel by Masticadores, Masticadores Phillipines
Tues. – Jean-Jacques Fournier (Reading) & Colleen Chesebro (Reading) – Dragons Rule OK
Wed. – Freya Pickard & V.M. Sang (Reading) – JoyNealKidney.com
Thurs. – Joy Neal Kidney & Yvette Prior – Roberta Writes
Fri. – Michelle Ayon Navajas (Guest Post & Reading) & Marsha Ingrao (Guest Post & Reading) – Prior House
Sat. – Nolcha Fox & Robbie Cheadle – Writing to be Read

Introducing Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons

Picture caption: Cover of Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons

Blurb
Open the cover
and you will discover
Poetry Treasures
from the guests on
Robbie Cheadle’s 2025 
“Treasuring Poetry”
blog series
on Writing to be Read.
 
Join poets Robbie Cheadle, Cindy Georgakas, Freya Pickard, V.M. Sang, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Marsha Ingrao, Nolcha Fox, Joy Neal Kidney, Kevin Morris, Jean-Jacques Fournier, Melissa Lemay, Yvette Prior, and special guest, Colleen Chesbro share their personal seasons of poetry.

Purchase link
https://books2read.com/PT6Seasons


Meet Jean-Jacques Fournier


Jean-Jacques Fournier is a native of Montréal, in the province of Québec, Canada. He continued his studies while in the Canadian Navy and travelling substantially over the world. He started writing in earnest while living in California in the early eighties. In the process of reinventing himself numerous times, his penchant for the language of poetry seemed best suited, for him to express his emotions and life experiences. He then spent several years pursuing his writing in the south of France, during which time he published his first three books.  He has long since moved back to Canada and is presently living in the Eastern Townships of Québec. He has published twenty-one books of poetry to date.


Jean-Jacques Fournier’s blog is Poetry on a canapé 

Picture caption: Author photograph of Jean-Jacques Fournier

Fun Facts about Jean-Jacques Fournier


He’s always loved France, had moved to France, married a French woman, who in the end pulls him back to Canada.


Because he was constantly on the move, he was never truly interested in animals but now, he is surrounded by two indoor cats, as well as birds, racoons, deer, chipmunks, coyotes, foxes who all inhabit the garden.


He loves dancing since he was young and now, basically still young considering years passed, he continues dancing but mostly with the words.

Poetry Reading: “I the Bumble Bee – in bombinate flight”https://youtu.be/ETprgKugzfM

A review of Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – (review by author Paulette Mahurin)

Picture caption: Cover of Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – by Jean-Jacques Fournier


From the lovely cover of “Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence” designed by Marianne Dessis and the book’s various represented artists like Paul Klee included on the pages of this special book of poetry to all the words depicting the human experience, I am stunned by masterful poetry. This is a special book of poetry and author Jean-Jacques Fournier has a great gift in his usage of words. A minimalist, he writes vast emotions that run deep and strong of all that it is to be alive. Each and every poem, unique in its message, draws the reader into thoughts and emotions. Way too many to enumerate on. This was an enticingly enjoyable book right down to the last poem: “Ye May Not Hear-past silent fear” with its beautiful artwork by Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis – Silene, which was my favorite. Kudos to the author for this lovely achievement.


Purchase Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – from Lulu here: https://www.lulu.com/shop/jean-jacques-fournier/poetry-in-brief-a-blissful-silence-/ebook/product-9vppw2.html?srsltid=AfmBOooRgWPVvjnWCRJTOlOhMUNgzKa7UNzAFgbFECsxQhkepWVd1d_T&page=1&pageSize=4


And from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Brief-Forever-After/dp/B0GT7CJ29R


Meet Colleen Chesebro


Colleen M. Chesebro hails from the heartland of the Midwestern United States. After graduating, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, launching a lifelong journey of self-exploration. Following a successful career in accounting, Colleen returned to her creative roots, reigniting her love for poetry. Today, she enjoys crafting poetry, flash fiction, and both creative and nonfiction work.
In addition to her poetry books, Colleen has contributed to numerous anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry.
She actively supports her writing community on tankatuesday.com, by hosting a community syllabic poetry challenge called Tanka Tuesday, and by co-editing the Sunflower Tanka Anthology with Robbie Cheadle. This annual syllabic poetry anthology celebrates tanka, tanka prose, and other experimental tanka forms.
Residing in her dream home in mid-Michigan, Colleen enjoys the beauty of the Great Lakes with her husband and their two (unicorn) cats, Chloe and Sophie.
You can find her at Tanka Tuesday on http://www.tankatuesday.com.

Picture caption: Author photograph of Colleen Chesebro


Fun Facts about Colleen Chesebro


When I served in the USAF, I lived in England for several years. 


I crochet old-fashioned doilies with thread.


I’m taking a class in Jungian psychology and dream tending. 

Poetry Reading: “The Fight for Spring” (Haibun)
https://youtube.com/shorts/KMhNk_dNFNU?feature=share

A review of Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka compiled by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle (Amazon review)

Picture caption: Cover of Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka compiled by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle


Sunflower Tanka 2025 anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose and Experimental Tanka begins with an introduction and a short explanation of the different forms of poetry included in this collection: Tanka, Tanka Prose, Bussokuseki, (a new form for me to try,) Rensaku, Experimental Tanka, Garland Tanka, Tanka Puente, and Taiga!

The topic is dreams. And what dreams they are for poets to indulge their creative juices in! Resulting in such a range of marvellous interpretations.

You’ll find poems from a wide variety of international poets to connect with. There are 54 poets in the 2025 anthology!

It is lovingly compiled by the contributing editors, Robbie Cheadle and Colleen Chesebro with a short analysis of their favourite poems at the end.

It’s a delightful collection and a great introduction to new poets to enjoy as well as old favourites to return to again.

I bought a paperback copy. What a treat.


Purchase Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Sunflower-Tanka-Anthology-Prose-Experimental/dp/B0G51RKG61

Wrap-Up


That wraps up Day 2 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons. Join us again tomorrow over at JoyNealKidney.com, where we’ll be meeting Freya Pickard and V.M. Sang.

Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!

announcement, Blog Tour, book release, Poetry

Trailer for Poetry Book

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I am delighted to say that at the end of this month, an anthology of poetry will be released. It’s called Poetry Treasures 6. Seasons, and, I’m excited to say, some of my poetry is featured.


Here is a link to a video trailer: https://youtube.com/shorts/NUxIn1dcghg

Do pop over and have a look.

There’s also a blog tour happening next week. Wednesday’s visit will feature me! and includes a link to me reading one of my poems.

Tour Schedule

Monday, April 20th, 2026: Hotel by Masticadores, Masticadores Phillipines will feature Cindy Georgakas and Kevin Morris

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026: Dragons Rule OK will feature  Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro   

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026: Joy Neal Kidney will feature Freya Pickard and V.M. Sang

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026: Roberta Writes will feature authors Joy Neal Kidney and Yvette Prior.

Friday, April 24th, 2026: Priorhouse blog will feature authors Michelle Ayon Navajas and Marsha Ingrao

Saturday, April 25th, 2026: Writing to be Read will feature Nolcha Fox and Robbie Cheadle.

All the poets here would be delighted if you’d visit.

If you want to know where you can buy the book, click the button.

Seasons.

Poetry

Time Passes

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This is the poem for today from my poetry book, From January to June, One Poem a Day. In it there is one poem for every day of the year, including an extra for leap years.

This one is considering how quickly the years go by, especially later in life.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Time passes.

Tick tock. Time slips by,
One tick at a time.
The older we get, 
The faster it goes
I’m wondering why.

Tock tick. Time flows on.
It feels just last year
I could run quickly,
Pick up a hay bale
Throw it to the sheep.

Tick tock. Time goes forth.
It plods without care
Of how bodies grow old
But minds remain young
Think still they can do.

If you enjoyed this poem, or even if you didn’t, I welcome your opinion. Please leave any comments in the comments box.

If you would like to read more of my poetry, click on the image of the poetry book in the sidebar. This will take you to where you can choose to buy from your favourite online platform.

announcement, awards, Poetry

A Deserved Nomination

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I suggest you go and read Michael Uttley’s poem for which he’s been nominated. It’s a powerful work and thoroughly deserves to win.

I’ve Been Nominated for Author of the Year for the Spillwords Press 2026 Awards
Poetry, World War 1

Remembering Armistice Day: A Reflection on WW1

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Today is Armistice Day, the day when peace came to the world after WW1. It was said to be the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For convenience, I suspect, it seems to have been moved to the nearest Sunday,

As I’m having to spend a lot of time trying to get through checking the edited manuscript of my latest WIP, I’m unashamedly reposting the one I posted for 100years since the end of that dreadful war.

Britishtrenchww1

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

I’ll never truly understand
How World War 1 began.
The death of Archduke Ferdinand
Started the deaths of many more,
The young, the old, the rich, the poor.
All died with guns in hand.

02grandad

My Grandad went with Uncle Jim
And Our Poor Willie, too.
They sent them off, singing a hymn.
Grandad went to Gallipoli,
Uncle Jim left his love, Polly.
Gas in trenches did kill him.

I cannot see, in my mind’s eye
Grandad with gun in hand.
A peaceful man, sent out to die.
He fought for us, for you and me
So we can live and so that we
Safely in our beds may lie.

015gtunclewilly1

Grandad came home, and Willie too,
But millions more did not.
Their duty they all had to do.
They died in fear, in noise, in blood.
Everything was caked in mud.
Yet in those fields the poppies grew.

The War to end all wars, they said,
So terrible were the deaths.
The youth of Europe all lay dead.
Yet 21 short years to come
Another war. Once more a gun
In young men’s hands brought death.

One hundred years have passed since then.
What have we learned? Not much!
Too many men are killing men.
Wars still abound around the world.
Bombs and missiles still are hurled
At those who disagree with them.

My Grandma always referred to her brother as ‘Our Poor Willy’. No one knows why she called him that, though.

Please leave a comment. I love to hear from you and of your thoughts.

This poem, and others, can be found in Miscellaneous Thoughts. You can buy it by clicking on the cover in the sidebar where you will be taken to the online store of your choice.

The book is available in a number of formats.

Halloween, Holidays, Poetry

Halloween 5

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Halloween

Darkness creeps
Fear seeps
Human sleeps
Spirit sneaks.

Graves reopen
Dead awoken
Tombs are broken
Terror unspoken.

Ghosts do ride
Far and wide
Those who died
Will not hide.

Stay in bed
Shun the dead
This night of dread
Till dark has fled.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

If you liked my poems, this one comes from the book, From July to December. One Poem a Day, Book 2. You can buy it by clicking on the book cover in the sidebar.

Halloween, Holidays, Poetry

Halloween Poetry 4

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Samhain

Don’t go near the graveyard, darling.
Samhain is tonight.
Don’t go near the graveyard, darling. 
The dead will walk this night.

Keep your candle burning, darling.
Keep it glowing bright.
Keep your candle burning darling.
Be sure it gives you light.

The bonfires have been lit, darling.
To fill the dark with light.
The bonfires have been lit, darling.
Their flames reach such a height.

Put your home fire out, darling.
Be sure to do it right.
Put your home fire out, darling.
From bonfires we’ll re-light.

Put food by the door, darling.
Leave it in plain sight.
Put food by the door, darling,
For our dead to have a bite.

Do not be afraid, darling.
They see that we’re alright.
Do not be afraid, darling.
No harm from them tonight.

But evil spirits come, darling.
We must put them to flight.
But evil spirits come, darling.
Them we must try to fight.

Go and watch the bonfires, darling.
Stand in their bright light.
Go and watch the bonfires, darling
To keep us safe this night.

This is another poem from Miscellaneous Thoughts. The book contains poems of a variety of kinds and of different themes. Click on the image in the sidebar to go to your favourite online store.

Halloween, Holidays, Poetry

Halloween Poetry 3

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Hallowe’en

The moon has hidden her face tonight
Turned away from the Earth.
The clouds are scurrying away in fright
From what the night may give birth,
For tonight the veil is thin.

The wind is blowing the leaves around.
They hide in crannies and nooks.
Cowering, shivering, hope not to be found
By phantoms, ghosts and spooks,
For tonight the veil may tear.

Build a bonfire, create some light.
The spirits are afraid.
They like the shadows, shun what’s bright
And lurk within the shade
For tonight they cross the veil.

Ghouls and spectres, wraiths and shades
Return to Earth tonight.
We’re filled with dread as daylight fades.
The smallest sound will give us fright
For tonight the veil has gone.

If you like my poems, please comment in the comments box. This and the other poems can be found in my poetry book, Miscellaneous Thoughts. You can buy it by clicking on the highlighted text or the book cover in the sidebar.

Halloween, Holidays, Poetry

Halloween Poetry 2

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There were several festivals that were held by the ancient pagan Celts, one of which was Samhain (pronounced Sowain). In order to wean them away from their pagan worship, Pope Gregory III, in the 8th Century, established November 1st, which had been the pagan New Year, as All Saints’ Day, and November 2nd as All Souls’ Day (all those Christians who had died unknown).

Thus there was a link to Samhain because it was thought by the pagan people that the dead could return to their old homes to visit their descendants. Sometimes an extra place was set at the table and food left for them.

They also believed that devils, demons and the like could also come, and so they lit bonfires to scare them away. (UK residents note that we have a remnant of those bonfires on November 5th.)

This poem references the thought that our dead loved ones can visit us on this night.

This poem refers to my father who died when I was just three years old.

A Father’s Hallowe’en message.

I Died.
I didn’t want to go.
I left my wife and daughter so
I cried.

I thought
I could no longer see
All their future without me.
I fought.

I found
That each All Hallows Eve,
I could return—I need not grieve.
Not bound.

I come
To them each Hallowe’en.
They do not know. I am not seen.
I’m dumb.

They live
And I surround them both
With all my love. I am not loath
To give.

Here ends my tale.
I will be filled with endless glee
When they come to dwell with me
Beyond the veil.

Halloween, Holidays, Poetry

Halloween Week. Day 1

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As it’s Halloween week, I thought I’d post a few of my Halloween poems. I’m going to post one each day until Halloween itself.

In the Haunted House

The wind it blows cold.
Like ice down my back.
I try to be bold, 
But courage I lack.
In the haunted house.

It seemed such a lark
When we set off tonight.
But now it’s gone dark
And we shiver with fright
In the haunted house.

Jane said. ‘We’ll have fun
On Hallowe’en night.’
But when slow footsteps come
She screams out in fright
In the haunted house.

‘Let’s take candles,’ said Pete.
‘More authentic for light. 
And something to eat
If we’re staying all night
In the haunted house.’

Jack thinks it’s a game
Till the candles blow out.
Not one single flame.
He gave a loud shout
In the haunted house.

The temperature sinks.
‘That means ghosts are here,’
Said Pete, who still thinks
There’s nothing to fear
In the haunted house.

The door starts to creak.
It opens so slow.
Our knees have gone weak.
I wish we could go
From the haunted house.

But nothing is there 
As we huddle in fear.
Not one of us dare
To get up and peer
In the haunted house.

All night there are groans.
We hear footsteps, we swear,
And the rattle of bones.
Something is there 
In the haunted house.

We laugh at our fear
As we make our way home.
In daylight it’s clear
No spirits do roam 
In the haunted house.

The noises we heard?
Just the sounds of a house
Cooling down, and a bird
Not one single ghost
In the haunted house.

Do you celebrate Halloween? How do you celebrate?