Edgar Allan Poe described poetry as “the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.”
When I was in high school, I envisioned poets with an aging grace, sitting at a table by candlelight using a quill pen. I never imagined that poets could begin as young and vibrant outliers who changed the world with words.

Poetry is more of a verb than a noun.
When I read poetry out loud to an empty room or under trees, I sense a call back coming from the world around me, reminding me that words ignite our imagination. Poetry encourages us to explore a deeper understanding of our connection to the present, even as it places us within the history of humanity.
This past week, Colleen Chesebro introduced me to the art of crafting syllabic poetry.
Colleen believes that the art of crafting poetry strengthens our writing skills. In her book, Word Craft: Prose & Poetry: The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry, she writes: “When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery.”
I am thrilled that Colleen gave her permission to recite her poem, “Luna’s Soft Glow.”

silver Luna’s soft glow highlights night
sky echoes stars, hoarfrost lace glints
upon fallen leaves of gold
tree shadow skeletons
shiver in the wind
autumn rushes
in the cold
before
dawn.
Colleen M. Chesebro
Word Weaving # 1: A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse
Until next time we meet, keep reading and reciting poetry.

Everything so stunning, and of course Poe. Magicians of words დ
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I agree – Poe was a master. I recited The Raven a few months ago. I confess that I had chills when I read “And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted—nevermore!”
Thank you for your visit and comments. Always a joy to have you stop by…
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Thanks so much, Cindy. ❤
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I didn’t actually know what syllabic verse was, how it is constructed, so had to look it up. Interesting indeed! Another example I found was Thom Gunn’s Considering the Snail: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52887/considering-the-snail.. But Collen’s book looks interesting. Sadly it’s not in our library’s catalogue. But I’ll look out for this all the same. She’s clearly a poet who likes to share her skills in a creative way.
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I am delighted that you listened in, Margaret. I was not familiar with syllabic poetry, other than Haiku. I loved the poetry of Basho:
Winter solitude-
in a world of one colour
the sound of the wind.
Basho Matsuo
But I had no idea the extent of this poetry form. I am looking forward to exploring syllabic poetry. Colleen’s book is excellent – clear instructions and examples. I also have “The Moons of Autumn – A Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse” Colleen and JulesPaige were the editors of this poetry collection where poets featured their syllabic poetry.
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I’m definitely interested to find out more. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Thanks for your kind comments, Margaret. I also sponsor a syllabic poetry challenge here: https://wordcraftpoetry.com, if you’d like to join in. You’re always welcome to flex your poetic muse with us. ❤
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Well… challenge accepted – thank you. I know myself well enough to realise it may take me a week or two to get into gear. But one day soon …
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We all learn how to write the forms together. I’ve got instructions to help you, so you’ll do fine. ❤️
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I’m on the case!
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How lovely, especially the follow on re Colleen. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Very nice to come home o.
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Welcome home. I would have loved to join you In Edinburgh and walk the Royal Mile and hear bagpipers playing near St Giles Cathedral. Looking forward to our discussion!! Sending hugs!
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Thanks for reading and listening, Shey. I’m thrilled you enjoyed. ❤
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Great, evocative poem by Colleen; perfect recitation by you, Rebecca, accompanied by that wonderful music; and a memorable quote by Poe. A very nice way to start a Monday morning. 🙂
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Sunday nights were always to the most difficult for me because of the transition from rest to full engagement. When I was in University, I started to add a thought/quote (my love of quotes had its origins during those years) on Sunday night to focus on in the coming week. I found that I was more relaxed on Monday mornings. Liz Gauffreau introduced me to syllabic poetry and recommended that I connect with Colleen. We have an amazing blogging community.
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Thank you, Dave. Syllabic poetry is quite profound. The brevity of words requires the perfect word choice. It’s liberating to write. ❤
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Lovely and interesting!
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Many thanks for your visit and heartwarming comments, Marland!
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You’re welcome, Rebecca!
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Thank you kindly, Marland. ❤
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You’re very welcome!
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Thank you for providing this lovely evening respite, Rebecca–and thank you, Colleen, for writing “Luna’s Soft Glow.”
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Thanks for your lovely support, Liz. ❤
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Rebecca, thank you so much for featuring my poem. I feel so special having you read my poetry. I can’t thank you enough. ❤
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HI Rebecca, a lovely poem of Colleen’s, although, I must admit I was hoping for The Sleeper by Edgar Allan Poe when I saw the introduction.
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What a great idea, Robbie. Will look for The Sleeper!!
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I like “Poetry is more of a verb than a noun” because that is what Poetry is for me. Words that are chosen are carefully selected. When I was a child in early grades, I had a teacher who instructed her students to select words that rhythmed to be used at the end of each line. She maintained that this would force us to think through the meaning and make each sentence sound musical. I am glad that this was her approach to teaching “:verse”! I appreciate your approach when commenting on this subject, thank you very much! !
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Absolutely beautiful poem and video. Well done, my friends! ❤️
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I am delighted that you listened in and joined the conversation and that we connected, Tina. I am looking forward to our ongoing conversation.
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It’s a pleasure to meet and connect, Rebecca.
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So beautiful Rebecca. So nice to hear Colleen’s poetry read by you. ❤
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I am honoured that Colleen gave her permission for me to recite her poem. I am so excited about syllabic poetry. Thank you, Debby for your support and encouragement. It means a great deal to me.
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My pleasure Rebecca. And I’m glad to hear syllabic poetry has caught your interest. I look forward to reading some. ❤
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You chose a stunning poem to share, Rebecca. I love the magical imagery and tone of the piece. Colleen’s book is a wonderful resource for poets, and her blog is amazing. She’s taught me a lot about syllabic poetry, and made me a believer in its beauty and accessibility.
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Many thanks for joining me under Luna’s Soft Glow, Diana. I have Colleen’s book in both Kindle and in paperback form, and am looking forward to exploring syllabic forms of poetry. I especially appreciated that you used the word “accessibility” in your comments. Colleen demonstrates that poetry belongs to us all.
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She does. She’s especially wonderful at that.
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Thank you for sharing!!!
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Many thanks for sharing Colleen’s wonderful poetry.
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I’m giving you – and Colleeen – honourable mention in my latest post: https://margaret21.com/2022/07/14/people-tell-you-all-the-time-poems-do-not-have-to-rhyme/ Happy Thursday!
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Many thanks, Margaret for sharing a brilliant celebration of your poetry. You made my day pure sunshine and inspired me to embrace a poetic journey. Sending hugs!
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And hugs to you too! I’m feeling the warmth of the blogging community today!
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🤗🤗🤗
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Colleen, thank you for allowing Rebecca to recite this amazing poem of yours!
IMHO, Rebecca is the best reciter around. I love her voice, and she takes great care to deliver its dramatic flair.
This post is a pleasant surprise. Rebecca has recited/read poems by some of the most famous, and I love that you are here.
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I am delighted that you felt the gentle energy that flowed from Luna’s Soft Glow. I love the night light. Colleen captured the essence of an autumn evening. The statue of the woman is Guanyin or Guan Yin (Kannon in Japan). She is the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. Her name means “the one who perceives the sounds of the world.” Many thanks, Resa! I love our conversations.
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Ahh…interesting!
Where did you find the statue, Guanyin?
Yes… Luna’s Soft Glow holds a gentle energy.
Compassion is underrated and underused.
Love our chit chats, too! xo
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This photo was taken on our visit to Japan’s Shimabara Castle, located in present day Nagasaki prefecture. There is so much history to places such as this castle. I understand that in 2006, the Shimabara Castle was listed one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation.
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Amazing! Love that Japan has so many castles, so it can have a list of the 100 finest.
Casa Loma is Canada’s castle. Technically, it’s only an almost castle.
Other Canadian castle claims are … meh!
BOY! Would I love to capture one of my Art Gowns on the steps of Castle Loma!
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I would love to visit Casa Loma. Don and my son Thomas visited when we traveled to Toronto. I was in a meeting that day- who had the most fun that day! Hmmm????
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Hahaha! They did!
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Not trying to underrate conversations with the use of chit chats…LOL 😵💫
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🤗🤗🤗
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Lovely ♥️
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Many thanks for joining in the evening, Vicky!
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Lovely poem and recitation. Thanks for sharing, Colleen and Rebecca.
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Thank you for your visit and comment, Bette. I very much enjoyed reciting Colleen poem!!
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