I don’t usually post two reviews immediately one after the other, but I was asked to review this collection of poems, so here is another.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book of poems comprises thoughtful images. Kevin Morris writes beautifully about his life experiences. He contemplates mortality in his poems, but not in a morbid way.
His thoughts from hospital, where he underwent an operation for a brain abscess, give us an insight into his thoughts on this close brush with the Grim Reaper.
The poems in memory of his friend are touching. Here is one of my favourites.
Your Shadow
On a day in early spring I heard the birds sing As we walked together And, as we walked, I wished to talk With you my dear old friend. But it was my shadow That walked in sunshine For you have crossed the line Where all things end.
I cannot cry Or go where you have gone, Yet our friendship lives on And one day I will become A shadow in sun And shade For life is made Of fleeting shadows. And I know That I must one day go Where you have gone. But other men May see my shadow Walking beside them And know me And their own mortality.
I also enjoyed the one he wrote to his guide dog, Apollo.
Dog and Human (Dedicated to Apollo)
You know not what I write As day turns to night But lie near me Unaware of our shared mortality. We love our walks. You just do What dogs do— While I have my thoughts Of endings And how I envy you!
I enjoy Morris’s unusual rhyme schemes. They make the poems interesting and unusual. And I love the cover.
This is a wonderful collection of poems, and I fully recommend them to you. Even if you’re not a poetry person, you will be sure to find some you enjoy. They will give you food for thought.
I give it 5*
The explanation of my ranking of books doesn’t fit with poetry as it’s for novels.
Have you read ;any of Kevin Morris’s poetry? What did you think of it? Please leave your comments in the comments box.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author) 