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Thank you for popping in! Some of you may know me as Children’s Book Author, Danna (Banana) Smith, but I also write poetry for adults and young adults. With this blog, I aim to carve out a dedicated space for adult readers and writers of all levels to engage with poetry. Whether you are new to poetic forms or a seasoned writer, Poetry Pop offers a welcoming environment to read, learn, create, and share our mutual passion for poetry.

Most posts include step-by-step instructions on a specific form, and the “worksheets” tab above provides a valuable collection of downloadable templates that I’ve created to assist you in your creative writing.

I’m happy you’re here, let’s play with words!

from my blog

  • Poetry is a Verb: Let’s Move from Thinking to Doing
    Hey there, fellow word-lovers! Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. Staring at a blank page, waiting for that golden, perfect idea to float down from the heavens. We think of writing—especially poetry—as this quiet, intensely cerebral activity. We sit still, we think hard, and… Read more: Poetry is a Verb: Let’s Move from Thinking to Doing
  • Write Your Own Word Play Poem Challenge
    I’m excited to share a new piece of Word Wandering—a form of word play poetry inspired by the brilliant concept developed by author and poet, Nikki Grimes and featured on Today’s Little Ditty. This particular poem took shape quite spontaneously while I was on a recent, restorative vacation in Carmel, California. The environment there proved to be an irresistible catalyst for creation.
  • Travel Journaling: Haiku on the Northern California Coast
    My husband recently retired so we decided to take off for a month and be beach bums on the northern California coast. Rather than keep a written journal to document my trips, I like to poetically record what I see in my travels, much like… Read more: Travel Journaling: Haiku on the Northern California Coast
  • The Complexity of Betrayal: Reflections in Haiku
    I usually write “happy” poetry, but sometimes my moods and thoughts turn toward the sadder times of my life, reflecting on the complexities of human emotions and the experiences that shape me. This is one of those times.
  • Poet-Tree
    More fall poetry? Yes, please! Here is a fun poem I wrote this year that celebrates the whispers of autumn in nature and reminds us to take a moment to enjoy the beauty around us. Let’s appreciate the simple joys of the season together!
  • Cinquain Poetry: Easy Steps to Create
    If you avoid some poetry forms due to their complex rules, the cinquain (Sin-Kane) could be perfect for you! Today, I’m sharing a fall cinquain and the simple rules with the hope you’ll grab your Poetry Pop Journal and take this Poetry Pop Challenge to… Read more: Cinquain Poetry: Easy Steps to Create
  • Celebrating Autumn: A Poem Tribute to Fall
    Happy Fall! It’s the season of pumpkin spice, woolly sweaters, and autumn poetry! As the leaves turn to pretty hues of orange and gold, I find myself reflecting on the magic of this time of year. Today, I want to welcome the season with my… Read more: Celebrating Autumn: A Poem Tribute to Fall
  • Guest Pop: The Poetry of Anna Banasiak
    Today, I’m happy to share three beautiful poems by Anna Banasiak, a talented poet who evokes strong emotions and imagery. As a devoted Poetry Pop subscriber, Anna inspires others with her creativity, focusing on love, nature, and the human experience.
  • Explore My Bath Bomb Recipe and Poem About Relaxation
    I often make bath bombs to stock my bathroom or give as thoughtful gifts to friends and family. These delightful creations are not only easy and inexpensive to make, but they also add a touch of luxury to your bath. I enjoy experimenting with different… Read more: Explore My Bath Bomb Recipe and Poem About Relaxation
  • Celebrate Summer Poetry with Poetry Pop Blog Hop
    Occasionally here on Poetry Pop, you’ll see a Poetry Pop Blog Hop post. This is when we take a field trip and hop over to another blog to see what’s going on. Today we are heading over to Matsyaa Lyfe blog (life with a “why”)… Read more: Celebrate Summer Poetry with Poetry Pop Blog Hop
  • Celebrating Sisterhood: A Poetic Tribute
    The bond with a sister is truly something special. It’s a relationship woven with shared history, steady support, and an understanding that often is hard to put into words. On National Sister’s Day, I’d like to take this moment to honor that connection through poetry.
  • Exploring Spider Lilies: A Haiku Challenge
    Spider lilies, with their spidery petals and bright colors, bring beauty to late summer and autumn. While many flowers fade, these mighty blooms appear, making them the perfect subject for poetry about resilience, change, and the cycle of life. However, as you examine them, other,… Read more: Exploring Spider Lilies: A Haiku Challenge
  • Poetry Pop Shop: Unlock Your Poetry Potential with This Guided Journal
    Periodically, I write a Poetry Pop Shop post on my blog to share interesting gadgets and books for readers and writers. Today, I want to introduce you to a poetry book with guided prompts that I think you will love.
  • 🎆Honoring Freedom: A Children’s Poem for July 4th
    It’s Independence Day in the U.S., a time to celebrate our freedom and remember those who sacrificed for us. I’m proud to be an American and grateful for our service members who protect our liberties. As we enjoy barbecues, fireworks, and parades with loved ones,… Read more: 🎆Honoring Freedom: A Children’s Poem for July 4th
  • Let’s Play a Poetry Game: Choose Your Inspiration
    Pick a number between one and nine, then slide the cover to reveal the visual prompt you can use to write a poem this week. The numbers are in random order in the lower right-hand corner of each photo. If the image loads with the… Read more: Let’s Play a Poetry Game: Choose Your Inspiration
  • Zen Pop: The Superpowers of Motherhood— A Poetic Tribute
    Periodically, on Poetry Pop, you will find a Zen Pop blog post. These posts allow me to connect with you personally and offer some poetic support as we navigate life’s ups and downs. Today’s post honors my daughter, who recently became a mother and made… Read more: Zen Pop: The Superpowers of Motherhood— A Poetic Tribute
  • Summer Feet: A Poetic Embrace of the Season
    It’s almost summer! It’s time to kick off those winter boots and let our summer feet run free! And what better way to celebrate the coming days of summer than with a poem! As you will see, my feet are pretty happy about the changing… Read more: Summer Feet: A Poetic Embrace of the Season
  • ✏️Exploring Collective Nouns: A Fun Poetry Challenge
    Collective nouns are a blast! They’re those super fun words that let us talk about a bunch of people, animals, or things as one single unit. Even though there are multiple individuals, we treat the whole group like it’s one big, happy family. I challenged… Read more: ✏️Exploring Collective Nouns: A Fun Poetry Challenge
  • Discover ‘Born of Orange Blossoms’: A Seasonal Poetry Collection
    Announcing the arrival of my poetry book, Born of Orange Blossoms! This vibrant collection celebrates the beauty of nature’s cycles, with poems that capture the essence of each season. I’m so excited for you to experience it!
  • Challenge Yourself with Wordplay Poems
    I recently stumbled upon a challenge from Margaret Simon’s blog, reflections on the Teche. The challenge was to write a “Word Wandering” or “Wordplay” poem based on Nikki Grimes’ idea on Today’s Little Ditty. So, I thought I’d give it shot today.
  • Judy Zalesne Reflects on Billy Collins’ Profound Poetry
    Billy Collins is a renowned poet loved by millions for his accessible yet profound exploration of everyday life and the human condition. His unique ability to blend humor with poignant insights has captured the hearts of readers across generations. Among his admirers is Poetry Pop subscriber, Judy Zalesne, who has taken the time to reflect on her personal connection to Collins’ work. I’m pleased to share her beautiful essay on Billy Collins, which delves into the themes and emotions present in his poetry while illustrating how his words resonate in her own life. I think you’ll love this piece as it not only highlights Collins’ literary prowess but also invites you to consider the impact of poetry in our daily experiences.
  • Celebrating the Keepers of Knowledge: Happy National Librarian Day!
    April 16th marks a special day for book lovers and knowledge seekers everywhere: National Librarian Day! It’s a day to celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to connecting us with information, stories, and community. And let’s be honest, where would we be without them?
  • Grab Indie eBooks for $0.99-$1.99 at PoetryPalooza!
    PoetryPalooza is happening now! For the next three days, April 12-14, 2025 , indie poets (including me) will be offering their eBooks for $0.99-$1.99 and optional discounts on print books across platforms like Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and direct sales sites like Gumroad, Payhip, KoFi, and direct from their publisher.
  • Celebrate Baby Milestones with Poetry
    Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Lee Wardlaw and her lovely poetry book for babies, My Book of Firsts: Poems Celebrating a Baby’s Milestones—plus an interview where we get to peek inside Lee’s brain and see just how she went about writing this poetic book!
  • Celebrate National Haiku Day with This Handbook
    In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day on April 17th, I’m excited to introduce a “how to haiku” handbook for ages 8 and up. This book teaches simple ways to write haiku while encouraging creativity and worth in one’s poetry. It offers a mix of techniques, motivation, and playful templates for haiku crafting, and I hope it will be shared with children, teachers, librarians, and parents on Haiku Day and beyond.
  • Celebrating Poetry in the Digital Age
    Remember the “old days” when you wanted to enjoy poetry? You’d find it in a book. These days, we often turn to the screen for our pop of poetry. This got me thinking that poetry in modern times is like a parade. Poems of every subject and tone march across the screen for all to see. And we, as readers, writers, and lovers of poetry, can join in the parade whenever we want (no shoes required). Of course, for me, random thoughts like this often turn into a poem. Cotton candy, anyone?
  • Join PoetryPalooza 2025: $0.99 eBooks & Book Giveaways!
    If you love poetry and are looking for your next great read, PoetryPalooza is the place to be! I’m excited to be participating in PoetryPalooza 2025! For three days only (April 12-14, 2025), indie poets will be offering their eBooks for $0.99-$1.99 and optional discounts on… Read more: Join PoetryPalooza 2025: $0.99 eBooks & Book Giveaways!
  • Breaking Up with Winter: A Poetic Reflection
    Here in northern California we enjoyed a few warm days, where the sun painted the landscape in vibrant colors and coaxed us outdoors, but this week we are back to windy, rainy weather that feels relentless and dreary. You might feel the same way wherever… Read more: Breaking Up with Winter: A Poetic Reflection
  • Tea-Inspired Poetry
    I’ve been posting my thoughts here for many years so by now it’s safe to say you know a bit about me. It’s true that I LOVE tea (I simply can not live without it!). One day, I became tea-inspired. I steeped myself in thought and came up with a mixed “tea” bag that I’m sharing with you today! Do your take your poetry with cream and sugar?
  • The Art of Palm Reading and Poetry: Alphabet Poems
    I recently read a poem by Jane Yolen (forgive me, I can’t remember the name of the poem) and there was a line, midpoint, that read “the alphabet of death.” That line struck a chord with me. This is the poem that came of that… Read more: The Art of Palm Reading and Poetry: Alphabet Poems
  • Zen Pop: Embrace Age with Wisdom and Humor
    Today is my 62nd birthday and I find myself waxing philosophical about aging. With every challenge I face, I am reminded of my resilience and the importance of pursuing my passions, whether it’s traveling to new places, exploring creative endeavors, or deepening my connections with loved ones.
  • Inspiring Poetry Prompts for Creative Writing
    We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up.
  • In Remembrance: A Poem for My Mother
    My sisters and I buried our mother on January 6th, four years ago. I posted this poem a few years back but wanted to share it with you again today in her remembrance. May she continue to rest in paradise.
  • Nurturing Young Minds with Poetry
    Poetry, often seen as a niche form of literature, holds immense value for children. It’s more than just rhyming words; it’s a gateway to imagination, emotional expression, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
  • Golden Triangle Haiku Competition: Submit Your Work
    It’s that time again! Is your haiku tired of being tucked inside your notebook? Those three little lines will be jumping for joy if you enter them in this haiku contest (no entry fee). The submission period opens December 10, 2024, and closes January 19,… Read more: Golden Triangle Haiku Competition: Submit Your Work
  • Reflecting on Joy: A Winter Poem to Warm Your Heart
    🎄What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with poetry? Okay, and chocolate, gotta have chocolate! 🙂 As we gather around the glowing lights and the warmth of our homes, the spirit of the season calls us to reflect on the moments that bring… Read more: Reflecting on Joy: A Winter Poem to Warm Your Heart
  • Guest Pop: Explore Life Lessons Through Poetry with Frank Pasciuti
    My goal for Poetry Pop is to give others with a mutual passion for poetry a safe place to read, learn, and share poems. I love it when subscribers trust me to read their poetry. And I’m thrilled when they allow me to share their… Read more: Guest Pop: Explore Life Lessons Through Poetry with Frank Pasciuti
  • Photo Prompt: Forest
    We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up.
  • Guest Pop: Poetry by Bruna Beatrice
    I created poetry pop during the pandemic. My goal was to give others with a mutual passion for poetry a safe place to read, learn, and share poetry. I love it when subscribers trust me to read their poems. I also admire them when they… Read more: Guest Pop: Poetry by Bruna Beatrice
  • Hauling the Tide: Haiku Anthology
    I am proud to have one of my poems in the Haiku Society of America Members’ Anthology 2024! The book is packed with haiku inspiration! I enjoyed reading friends’ haiku in the collection and got to know other members of HSA through their work.
  • Zen Pop: When Science Fiction Becomes Reality
    Periodically, on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level. It is a way to give you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.
  • Haiku Travel Journal: Portola California
    The little railroad town of Portola, CA, lies in the heart of the Sierra Mountains. My husband and I recently rented a cabin there for a week of hiking and relaxing. Rather than keep a written journal, I like to record what I see in… Read more: Haiku Travel Journal: Portola California
  • Guest Pop: An Ode by Dawnn Vance
    Please welcome Dawnn Vance to Poetry Pop this morning! The blog inspired her to write a poem about her father, helping her cope with “23 years of grief.” Poetry serves as therapy for Dawnn, and she is excited to share her tribute, “Ode to a… Read more: Guest Pop: An Ode by Dawnn Vance
  • What the Heck is a Monoku?
    A monoku is a form of Japanese poetry consisting of a single stand-alone line. It focuses on brevity and simplicity, allowing for a powerful and concise expression of an idea or emotion.
  • Poetry Pop Shop: A Davon Ansley Poetry Collection
    On Poetry Pop, you will periodically get posts titled Poetry Pop Shop, where I introduce some writer-ly or reader-ly items I think you might enjoy. Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Living…, a beautiful book of free-verse poetry by Davon Ansley.
  • Healing Words: A Walk-In Poetry Pharmacy
    I came across this video of a walk-in poetry pharmacy (and bookstore) on Oxford Street in London where you can get an emotional RX to soothe your soul. Healing words with a dispensary of baked goods is my kind of store!
  • How Do You Haiku? On Sale Sept 5-12th
    If you’ve considered purchasing this haiku guidebook, now is the ideal opportunity, as the ebook version is now available at a discounted price of 2.99 for one week only!
  • In Grandmother’s Footsteps
    I have fond memories of my maternal grandmother. She was kind to me and loved nature and gardening. I knew she wrote poetry; she shared it with me often, her beautiful handwriting on pretty pastel paper. I’ve always attributed my love of poetry to her,… Read more: In Grandmother’s Footsteps
  • Digital Haiku
    Last week, I hopped over to Angie Quantrell’s blog, Love, Laughter, and Life, to discuss the many things you can do with haiku. One thing we talked about is Digital Haiku. Let’s create some today!
  • Poetry Prompts: Spin the Wheel
    We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up. I’ve created this spinning wheel to give you a little nudge.… Read more: Poetry Prompts: Spin the Wheel
  • Enter the 2024 Porad Haiku Contest
    Heads up! Do you have unpublished haiku lying around with nothing to do? If so, you might consider this contest. Entries are due by August 31, 2024.
  • Poetry Pop Blog Hop: Love, Laughter, and Life
    I hopped over to Angie Quantrell’s blog, Love, Laughter, and Life, this week to talk about what you can do with haiku other than write, read, and share it. You might be surprised by the fun you can have with haiku! Come on over and… Read more: Poetry Pop Blog Hop: Love, Laughter, and Life
  • The Power of Poetry for Kids
    From the time I could read and write, I’ve loved words. It is no wonder that I saved this aptly named book for fifty-some-odd years, tucked away among my childhood treasures.
  • Poetry Pop Blog Hop: How to Teach Leveled Haiku and Explore Creative Applications
    A huge thank you to Patricia Newman for the opportunity to hop over as a guest blogger to her amazing STEM & Language Arts Blog, LitLinks. In the post, we explore how to teach leveled haiku to different age groups based on my book “How Do… Read more: Poetry Pop Blog Hop: How to Teach Leveled Haiku and Explore Creative Applications
  • Poetry in Picture Books
    If you are familiar with children’s literature, you know that many of these books are bursting with rhymes and poems. While some are stories written in rhyme (one big poem), others are dedicated solely to children’s poetry, aiming to spark a love for verse in… Read more: Poetry in Picture Books
  • Visual Prompt: Snowy Haiku
    We are in the middle of June and it’s super hot here in northern California. For today’s poem, I chose a refreshing snowy picture from the stash of visual prompts here on Poetry Pop to write about. Enjoy and stay cool out there!
  • Guest Pop: Matthew Johnson
    Periodically on Poetry Pop, we enjoy a Guest Pop where a guest poet pops in for a visit. I’d like to welcome, the very talented Matthew Johnson to the blog today. I had the pleasure of interviewing Matthew and am excited to introduce him and… Read more: Guest Pop: Matthew Johnson
  • More Fun with Haiga Paint Blots
    A while ago we explored creating Haiga using paint blots (read the post here). Often called Zen Art, Haiga (hi-gah) combines Haiku and drawings on the same page. The poetry and the images work together to strengthen one another. A swipe of paint on paper… Read more: More Fun with Haiga Paint Blots
  • How to Use Metaphors in Poetry (with Template)
    Unlike a simile, which uses “like” or “as” to compare two things, a metaphor directly states one thing is another. It makes a comparison between two things that are otherwise unrelated. The comparisons are usually vague, making the reader work to figure out what is… Read more: How to Use Metaphors in Poetry (with Template)
  • Paint Chip Poetry: I am Grateful
    Don’t tell the home improvement stores, but I have been writing poems with their paint chips for over 20 years.
  • How to Write an Ode: Ode to Poetry
    There is something about writing an ode that makes me feel silly. I suppose it’s because the dramatic flair of the form forces this introvert to go all “theatrical.” It pushes me far from my comfort zone. With that said, today, I’m sharing a bit… Read more: How to Write an Ode: Ode to Poetry
  • How to Write Gunsaku: Happy Spring
    Have you ever written a collection of individual haiku on the same subject? If so, you have written an ancient Japanese poetry form called gunsaku (goon-sah-koo).
  • Guest Pop: Thomas McRae
    Periodically on Poetry Pop, we enjoy a Guest Pop where a guest poet pops in for a visit. I’d like to welcome, Thomas McRae to the blog today. I had the pleasure of interviewing Thomas and am excited to share some of his free verse… Read more: Guest Pop: Thomas McRae
  • Official Poetry Pop Journals Now Available!
    I am pleased to announce that we now have an official Poetry Pop Journal! Available in paperback and hardcover and two colors and finishes, it’s the perfect way to add a pop of poetry to your day! Record notes from the blog and keep your… Read more: Official Poetry Pop Journals Now Available!
  • Writing Down the Bones Deck #51 (Plus Death Poems)
    The book Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg has been relished by writers in their practice for over 30 years. The author also created a deck of 60 cards, each with new topics on one side and a short lesson on the reverse.
  • Picture Haiku: Chrysalis
    Spring weather comes early here in Northern California so it’s a great time to venture out to my garden and prepare it for planting. While cleaning up last week, I found a curled leaf on my patio and snapped this picture:
  • Zen Pop: Mindful Moments in Nature
    Periodically on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level and giving you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.
  • How to Write a Pantoum Poem (with template)
    Once an oral form of poetry, the pantoum is a poem form from 15th century Malaysia and is popular among French poets. The twenty-line rhyming poem works best when written on an emotional topic like memories, history, family issues, or grief.
  • Birthday Acrostic Poem
    Today is my birthday, and on this day it’s a tradition here on Poetry Pop to share my birthday acrostic poem to celebrate all birthdays in the coming year.
  • Poetry in Education
    You might remember the poem, Nine Parts of Speech, from your childhood. Written in a catchy rhythm, we learn the parts of speech which we use when writing or speaking English every day. The poem was written by student, Green Baker of Freedman’s School in… Read more: Poetry in Education
  • Haiku on the Dark Side
    Mostly, I read and write uplifting or humorous haiku. But haiku isn’talways frog ponds and cherry blossoms. There are sad, dark, and macabrehaiku (and senryu) that are less frequently shared.
  • Burial Day: A Free Verse Poem
    My sisters and I buried our mother on January 6th, two years ago. So, she’s been on my mind more than usual. Today, I want to share the poem I wrote in her memory. May she continue to rest in peace. <3
  • Fun with Magnetic Haiku: Raindrops
    Do you know how when you go holiday shopping and see something you have to buy for yourself? Yep, me too. :) I treated myself to this little Haiku Magnetic Poetry Kit and have had so much fun sorting through the words to create unique haiku.
  • Merry Christmas From Poetry Pop!
    I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued participation on poetrypop.com, whether you read, wrote, or shared poetry throughout the year. I am grateful for you and this creative space where we can celebrate our collective passion for poetry and words. I’ll… Read more: Merry Christmas From Poetry Pop!
  • Photo Prompt: Squirrel
    We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up.
  • How To Write A Concrete Poem
     In a concrete poem (aka Shape poem), the words are written in the shape of the poem’s subject. How the poem looks on the page adds to its meaning and impact on the reader. A poet may also use different fonts, symbols, colors, and… Read more: How To Write A Concrete Poem
  • Best Holiday Gifts for Poets: Poetry Pop Shop
    There are just 35 days until Christmas but you still plenty of time to shop online for the poet, reader, and writer in your life. I’ve gathered a handful of my favorite gift ideas that are sure to bring joy to the creative soul at… Read more: Best Holiday Gifts for Poets: Poetry Pop Shop
  • Visual Prompt: Nature is My Church
    We’ve all been there, pen in hand, waiting for a poem to arrive. Poetry prompts are a great way to get the juices flowing on those inevitable days when a poem doesn’t show up.
  • Tattoo Tanka
    I was in the mood to write tanka today and I thought it’d switch things up by writing one inspired by one of my daughter’s tattoos. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this done before, I’m calling it Tattoo Tanka.
  • Found Poem: Look for Me Among the Flowers
    Found poetry is the literary version of a collage. The poems are made up of words taken from a printed document like a newspaper article, a speech, or in this case, the introduction of the coffee table book Seeing Flowers by Robert Llewellyn and Teri… Read more: Found Poem: Look for Me Among the Flowers
  • A Publication Celebration and Interview
    I’m happy to have my newest book, “How Do You Haiku?” featured on Matt Esenwine’s blog this Poetry Friday! Head over to Radio, Rhythm, & Rhyme for my interview with Matt on the making of the book and to celebrate with us!
  • Zen Pop: Hope Matters
    Periodically on Poetry Pop, you will see a Zen Pop blog post. These posts are my way of sharing on a personal level and giving you a bit of poetic encouragement while traversing this beautiful (and often challenging) thing we call life.
  • Author Interview: Haiku Makes Me Happy
    I am pleased to share my interview with Literary Titan about my new how-to haiku handbook and why I wrote it. Click the bolded title below for the scoop!
  • How to Create Haiga (With Paint Blots)
    Often called Zen Art, Haiga (hi-gah) combines Haiku and drawings on the same page. The poetry and the images work together to strengthen one another. Japanese poets often created Haiga in ink with simple brush strokes. In my book, How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step… Read more: How to Create Haiga (With Paint Blots)
  • Writing a Mask Poem: Who Am I?
    A mask poem (also called a Persona) is written from the point of view of an object, an animal, or a person (other than yourself). Can you guess the subject of the three mask poems below? Read the poems then click the right arrow for… Read more: Writing a Mask Poem: Who Am I?
  • How Do You Haiku? A Step-By-Step Guide with Templates—Now Available!
    I am happy to welcome this “how to haiku” handbook into the world (for ages 8 & up)! I fell in love with words from the moment I met them and wrote my first poem when I was eight years old. This is the book… Read more: How Do You Haiku? A Step-By-Step Guide with Templates—Now Available!
  • How-To Poems: How to Be Star Jasmine
    Have you ever written a How-to Poem? In this poetry form, the poet walks the reader through a process, teaching them how to do something new and entertaining them along the way. You can guide your readers on how to find a husband, how to race… Read more: How-To Poems: How to Be Star Jasmine
  • Picture Haiku: Tomato Leaf Massacre
    My garden has been kindly offering all kinds of veggies, zucchini, peppers and yes, fat juicy tomatoes for months. But as we near the end of summer, the snails have been enjoying the fruits of my labor as well! So today, I’m sharing a picture… Read more: Picture Haiku: Tomato Leaf Massacre
  • Guest Pop: Connie Goldsmith Writes Catku!
    Periodically on Poetry Pop, we enjoy a Guest Pop where a guest poet pops in for a visit. I’d like to welcome, Connie Goldsmith to the blog! Connie’s day job has her living the life of a middle grade and young adult nonfiction writer, but… Read more: Guest Pop: Connie Goldsmith Writes Catku!
  • This and That (SUMMER)
    Well hello, summer! We’ve officially hit the summer season and that means it’s time for a This and That seasonal poem. It’s been fun to write about each season in this form. You can check out winter, spring, and fall‘s poems here.
  • Travel Haiku: Lake Davis, CA
    Haiku is about paying attention to a moment in nature and capturing that moment, like a snapshot, on paper with words (before it disappears).  My husband and I recently took the jeep up to Lake Davis near Portola, CA in northern California to celebrate our… Read more: Travel Haiku: Lake Davis, CA
  • Found Poem: Tiny Budda
    Found poetry is the literary version of a collage. The poems are made up of words taken from a printed document like a newspaper article, a speech, or in this case, the book, Tiny Budda. The poet selects words from the document and rearranges them… Read more: Found Poem: Tiny Budda
  • I Am Offering This Poem To You: A Golden Shovel Poem (with template)
    Golden Shovel poetry is a poetic form in which you borrow a line, or lines, from someone else’s poem, and use each of their words as the end words in your poem. Preferably, you write your poem in a way that feels like a continuation… Read more: I Am Offering This Poem To You: A Golden Shovel Poem (with template)
  • This and That (Spring)
    One fall I went walking with a friend on a nearby trail, the colorful leaves crunching beneath our sneakers. We were talking about the russet beauty all around us, pointing out this and that as we went along. I thought a poem, in the form… Read more: This and That (Spring)
  • Fun with Junk EMail: A List Poem
    My computer recently crashed and when it was up and running again, I found all of my junk mail had bailed the confines of its folder and was hanging out in my actual inbox. I spent hours sifting through what was junk and what was… Read more: Fun with Junk EMail: A List Poem