Month: October 2024

My Poem “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” Nominated for Publication of the Month for October 2024 at Spillwords Press

On By Mike U.In Poetry53 Comments

Hey, everyone. I’m excited to announce my poem “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl” has been nominated for Publication of the Month for October 2024 at Spillwords Press. To be nominated along with so many other talented writers is both an incredible honor and deeply humbling. I’m grateful to Dagmara K. and her staff for publishing my poem and for this wonderful opportunity.

If you’d care to cast your vote for my poem, all you need to do is register at Spillwords Press (it’s free and takes only a couple of minutes). Voting concludes October 30, 2024. You may cast your vote by following this link:  https://spillwords.com/vote/

People who know me understand that self-promotion is not my forte so this sort of thing is a bit awkward for me. It’s my sincere hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote. I’d be beyond delighted to have your support. I’ve always believed my poetry should do the talking, not me, so if you find my poem worthy of your vote, I’d appreciate it so much.

Congratulations and all the best to the other nominees. 

“A Few Haiku (4)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry28 Comments

Hi, folks. The fourth installment of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (4)” is now live at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. I’m most thankful to Editor Manuela Timofte and her staff for publishing this mini-collection. I hope you like this selection.

“A Few Haiku (4)”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#19)

In the autumn copse
Naked gods shiver as wind
Snatches leafy cloaks

…..

(#20)

Field work is done
Village sings its evening song
My heart waits for me

…..

(#21)

When leaves fall earth mourns
And heaven cries; when I fall
Who will weep for me

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

“Threads” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry22 Comments

Hey, everyone. A poem of mine titled “Threads” has been published at Gobblers by Masticadores. A big thanks goes to Editor Manuela Timofte and her staff for sharing this piece with their readers. Thank you kindly, Manuela!

“Threads”
© 2012 by Michael L. Utley

“Hope
Hangs by the
Thinnest
Thread

As does
The
Deadly
Spider…”

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

“I’ve Come at Last to Anhedonia” published at Hotel by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry25 Comments

I’m excited to let you know my poem “I’ve Come at Last to Anhedonia” has been published at Hotel by Masticadores. Sincere gratitude to Editor Michelle Navajas and her team for sharing this poem with their readers. Thanks so much, Michelle!

“I’ve Come at Last to Anhedonia”
(c) 2023 by Michael L. Utley

“I’ve come at last to Anhedonia
that bleak and melancholy land
beyond the god-forsaken desert sand
far ‘cross the sea of memories
where sunlight fades and none has e’er returned

the forests filled with stunted things
that in the shadows furtive lurk
rise forth from mires amid the murk
of blackened loam and caustic springs

and yellowed grasses’ brittle bones
that slough and sigh in bitter breeze
a desiccated meadow’s wheeze
a mournful death-rattle intones…”

You can read the rest of my poem by clicking this link. Also, please consider following and subscribing to Hotel by Masticadores, where you’ll discover a world of wonderfully imaginative and profound writing.

“A Few Haiku (3)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry35 Comments

Hi, friends. The third installment of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (3)” has gone live at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. Kindest thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte and her staff for publishing this mini-collection. I hope these find favor with you.

“A Few Haiku (3)”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#13)

Dying winter sun
Bleeds on pallid frozen earth
Crimson filigree

…..

(#14)

Empty robin’s nest
Jagged pieces of spring sky
Litter ground below

…..

(#15)

In the sage shadows
Horned toads skitter hastily
Tiny dragon kin

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

“A Few Haiku (2)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry39 Comments

Hey, everyone. Another of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (2)” has been published at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. I’m truly grateful to Editor Manuela Timofte and her staff for publishing this mini-collection. I hope you enjoy it.

“A Few Haiku (2)”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#7)

Stormy autumn sky
Chickens huddle in dim coop
Murmur quietly

(#8)

Forest song is hushed
Hallowed autumn rain demands
Silent piety

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