Month: March 2024

“In Time to Come” published at Gobblers & Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry53 Comments

I’m pleased to announce my poem “In Time to Come” has gone live at Gobblers & Masticadores. Many thanks to Juan Re Crivello and Manuela Timofte and their staff for this opportunity to share my poetry with their readers. It’s an honor and I’m truly grateful. Thanks so much, Juan and Manuela!

“In Time to Come”
(c) 2017 by Michael L. Utley

“She had that look about her again
Eyes like chips of coruscating amber
Caught in the westering sun
Her over-there gaze snagged
On some distant memory
Like thorn-caught thread
Hands prim and pale
In her denim lap
Amid foxtails and dandelions
And oak shadows…”

You can read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Gobblers & Masticadores, where you’ll find some wonderful writing and plenty of food for thought.

“Clarity”

On By Mike U.In Poetry57 Comments

“Clarity”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley

in my twilight world the seasons blur
snow on flowers, freezing summer rain
I seek clarity

dim uncertainty
gloaming settles on this silent vale
neither night nor day exists for me

in the mist beyond the frozen stream
yurei whisper in the burning woods
Yomi’s fey lament

nowhere left to go
hesitance and indecisiveness
stranded on the threshold of the fates

in the heavens moon eclipses sun
as Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto
fervently pursues

Amaterasu
fulfilling his futile destiny
casting earth below in shadow gloom

machinations of the earth obscure
as this spinning orb succumbs to guile
in its rayless fugue

and all eyes fall, dazed
as the haze of chaos binds and blinds
my discernment crumbles into dust

truth has lost its glimmer and its sheen
pyrite baubles magnified as gold
in one hand a rose

in the other hand
a dagger; the heart of man depraved
confusion’s inferno conflagrates

forests turn to ash, and ash to snow
bitter flakes descend upon the tomb
of veracity

cloak in acrid pall
verity’s forlorn sarcophagus
candor’s mere slowly evaporates

I can’t tell the darkness from the light
hope, despair—awareness betrays me
every day the scale

of acumen fails
there is naught left but to close my eyes
and weep for lucidity’s demise

Joni Caggiano’s new book One Petal at a Time to be released in March 2024

On By Mike U.In Previews / Reviews36 Comments
Author Joni Caggiano

Hey, folks. I want to share with you the exciting news of the upcoming publication of my friend Joni Caggiano’s book, One Petal at a Time, a collection of poetry slated to be released in March 2024 by Prolific Pulse Press LLC.

Those of you who know Joni are already aware of her kindness, compassion and stalwart support for her fellow writers, in addition to her unsurpassed gift for words. For those who don’t know her, an introduction is in order. Joni is an internationally published poet, author, photographer, artist, wife and mother. She is an Adult Child of Alcoholics and has experienced—and overcome—a severely dysfunctional childhood to blossom into a beautiful soul brimming with light and love. One of Joni’s hallmarks is the warmth and sincerity of her support for fellow writers and artists. Whenever I post a new piece of poetry, I can’t wait to see what Joni has to say, and her words never disappoint. I share a particularly unique bond with Joni as I come from a severely dysfunctional family and my own childhood was rife with experiences no child should have to endure. In this regard, her friendship and support mean so much more to me because she understands on a fundamental level what it means to face darkness as a child, and her inner strength and faith allowed her to survive and flourish. Joni uses her platform as a writer to help bring awareness to the plight of childhood dysfunction and abuse, and gives hope to all who read her work. Her poetry is both surreal and profound, with imagery that at times startles and enlightens. Her prose spins tales of poignancy and sorrow, as well as strength and perseverance. Her photography conveys the wonders of nature.

One Petal at a Time will also feature the stunning artwork of the talented and estimable Francisco Bravo Cabrera, whose work is both highly creative and deeply emotive. You can view Francisco’s work on his blog, JaZzArt en Valencia.

My good friend and fellow writer Nigel Byng has begun a multi-part interview with Joni on his blog Helping You to Succeed. You can read the first installment of this interview by clicking this link.

If you enjoy powerful poetry that comes straight from a golden heart and soul, check out One Petal at a Time. Joni’s marvelous work can be found on her blog Rum and Robots.

UPDATE: My Poem “This World is Yours” named Publication of the Month at Spillwords Press

On By Mike U.In Poetry78 Comments

Hey, friends. I’m both excited and humbled to announce my poem “This World is Yours” has been named “Publication of the Month for Jan/Feb 2024” at Spillwords Press. Many thanks to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and affording me the opportunity to share my work with the readers at Spillwords Press. This unexpected honor caught me off-guard and it never would have occurred without the kind support of so many of you. Thank you so much—this means a lot to me. This is the best community imaginable. Congratulations to all the other nominees whose work is deserving of all the accolades it receives.

I want to give a special shout-out to my friend and fellow writer Nigel Byng, whose brilliant poetry was also nominated. You’ll always be a winner in my book, my friend.

You can read my poem by clicking this link.

Thanks, folks. I’m truly grateful.

“I Cannot Ask the Mountain” published at Chewers & Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry37 Comments

I’m happy to announce my poem “I Cannot Ask the Mountain” has been published at Chewers & Masticadores. Sincere thanks to Juan Re Crivello and his team for this opportunity. It’s always an honor to share my work at Chewers & Masticadores. Thank you, Juan!

“I Cannot Ask the Mountain…”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

“I cannot ask the mountain
To carry my burden
For it shoulders the
The cumbrous glacier
The forsaken tor
The desolate scree slope
It weeps already
At its heavy load
Remorseful streams
Of alpine tears
Flow into tarns of regret
Secret cirques of sorrow
Hidden in its granite heart…”

I’d be delighted if you’d read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, be sure to follow and subscribe to Chewers & Masticadores. It’s a wonderful place for those who love writing.