Author: Mike U.

“I am the Coin that Falls Between the Cracks” published at LatinosUSA

On By Mike U.In Poetry32 Comments

Hello, everyone. I’m excited to let you know my poem “I am the Coin that Falls Between the Cracks” is now available at LatinosUSA. Much gratitude to Editor Nolcha Fox for publishing this piece. Sincerely appreciated, Nolcha.

“I am the Coin that Falls Between the Cracks”
© 2024 by Michael L. Utley

“parts of me have died
that no one will ever know
nor will ever mourn
and why should they
I am just a remnant of myself
writ small among the vagaries of life

I am the coin that falls between the cracks
the sub-aural hum of power lines
the mote-specked silence of barn lofts
the dull glint of galaxies
as seen through rheumic eyes
I am the shadow
in the corner
of my cold
listless
mind…”

You can read the rest of my poem here:

https://latinosenglishedition.wordpress.com/2025/02/21/i-am-the-coin-that-falls-between-the-cracks-by-michael-l-utley/

I hope you’ll consider following and subscribing to LatinosUSA–a place of unique visions and creative voices from around the world.

“The Daisy Ring” published at Hotel by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry36 Comments

I’d like to let you know my poem “The Daisy Ring” has been published at Hotel by Masticadores. Many thanks to Editor Michelle Navajas for sharing this poem. I’m truly grateful for your kindness, Michelle.

“The Daisy Ring”
(c) 2021 by Michael L. Utley

“I found thee in a faerie copse…”

“Hmm?” she murmured
Her gaze caught somewhere
In the rainy neon night-world
Beyond the coffee shop window
Her fingers weightless
Feather-like
In my hand
Ethereal
Furnace-hot

“I found thee in a faerie copse
Alighting on each flower fair
And as I ‘proached thee in the hopes
Of snaring thee in lovers’ ropes
Thou disappeared into thin air…”

She looked at me then
A faint smile teasing
Her lips
“Your poetry is terrible,” she said…”

You can read the rest of my poem here:

“The Daisy Ring” by Michael L. Utley

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 (14)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry33 Comments

Hello, friends. Just a quick note to let you know the latest installment of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (14)” is now live at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. As always, sincere thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte for sharing this mini-collection. I hope these resonate with you.

“A Few Haiku (14)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#79)

Under darkened skies
Of depression even my
Shadow flees from me

…..

(#80)

Light devoid of warmth
Casts the moon as villainous
Skulking through the trees

…..

(#81)

Myths of ancient days
Etched in runes on ruined wood
Worm trails on old trees

You can read the rest of this mini-collection here:

A Few Haiku (14)

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.

“Sea of Trees” published at MasticadoresCanada

On By Mike U.In Poetry33 Comments

I’m excited to announce my poem  “Sea of Trees”  has been published at MasticadoresCanada. Sincere thanks to Editors Juan re Crivello and Ray Whitaker for sharing this poem with their readers. Much appreciated, Juan and Ray.

“Sea of Trees”
(c) 2019 by Michael L. Utley

“To slake my thirst
With dew from leaves that never see the light
Arboreal the tears that fall and quench
The darkest dreams

To fill my bowels
With loam whose cloying scent bespeaks of death
Arboreal the taste of living earth
My hunger begs…”

You can read the rest of my poem here:

Sea of Trees by Michael L. Utley

Also, please consider following and subscribing to MasticadoresCanada, where you’ll discover plenty of quality writing to stimulate you imagination.

“A Few Haiku (13)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry46 Comments

Hi, folks. The latest installment of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (13)” is now available at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. Many thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte for sharing this mini-collection. Here’s hoping you enjoy them.

“A Few Haiku (13)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#73)

Those who lost their way
In Aokigahara
Must be remembered

…..

(#74)

In the sea of trees
Koto and shamisen play
Sorrowful dirges

…..

(#75)

When the mist is thick
I can’t see the whip-poor-wills
Calling out to me

You can read the rest of this mini-collection here:

A Few Haiku (13)

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.

After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology curated by Michelle Ayon Navajas set to launch March 8, 2025

On By Mike U.In Previews / Reviews43 Comments

Hey, everyone. Some exciting info here. A new project by the wonderful and esteemed Michelle Ayon Navajas, internationally acclaimed author and editor of Hotel by Masticadores and Masticadores Philippines, has come to fruition and will be available March 8, 2025. After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology, the third installment of the After Rain Skies series which focuses on themes of surviving abuse and violence, features a global line-up of authors sharing their unique experiences of finding light and hope in the darkness. You can learn more about this important project here:

After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology – A Powerful Collection of Voices Against Abuse and Violence

Here’s wishing Michelle all the best with this significant project. May it inspire hope in all who read it.

“A Few Haiku (12)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry34 Comments

I’d like to announce the latest installment of my short haiku/senryu collections titled “A Few Haiku (12)” is now live at Gobblers by Masticadores. These small collections consist of six haiku and/or senryu. Much gratitude to Editor Manuela Timofte for publishing this mini-collection. I hope you like them.

“A Few Haiku (12)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#67)

Regret stills haunts me
Even though my heart tells me
I did all I could

…..

(#68)

When I am in need
God responds to all my prayers
“Return to sender”

…..

(#69)

The days come and go
But sometimes inside my heart
The night never leaves

You can read the rest of this mini-collection here:

A Few Haiku (12)

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.

Spillwords Press 2025 Awards–Voting ends January 31!

On By Mike U.In Poetry25 Comments
Image © Michael L. Utley

Hey, friends. Voting for the Spillwords Press 2025 Awards is wrapping up on January 31, so if you haven’t yet cast your vote there’s still time to check out the nominees and vote for those whose work appeals to you the most. My poem “This World is Yours” is nominated for Publication of the Year in the Poetry category and you can read it by clicking this link. Among the host of nominees this year are several of my blogging friends and I wish all of them the best of luck. We’re all in this together as a community, so a win for one is a win for all in my book.

To vote, you’ll need to register, but it’s painless and takes only a couple of minutes. Voting participation strengthens our writing community and fosters a thriving creative atmosphere, so please consider participating if you’d like.

You may cast your vote here:

https://spillwords.com/vote/

On a personal note, as I have no social media presence whatsoever, it’s been difficult to get the word out about my own nomination, so if you enjoy my poem, please don’t hesitate to spread the word. It would mean a lot to me for my writing to reach as many readers as possible.

Here’s wishing the best for all the nominees in all the categories. Thank you for the support you’ve given to us along the way.

My poem “This World is Yours” nominated for Poetic Publication of the Year for Spillwords Press 2025 Writing Awards

On By Mike U.In Poetry58 Comments
Image © Michael L. Utley

Hey, friends. I’m excited to announce my poem “This World is Yours” has been nominated for Poetic Publication of the Year for the Spillwords Press 2025 Writing Awards. This nomination 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 runs from January 26 through January 31. You may cast your vote by following this link:  https://spillwords.com/vote/

I’ve mentioned before that people who know me understand that self-promotion is not my forte so this sort of thing is a bit awkward for me. I don’t have any social media presence whatsoever so it’s difficult to get the word out. I believe these awards should be merit-based on the quality of the writing, not on social media popularity. It’s my sincere hope you’ll take a few minutes to read my poem and cast your vote, and if you enjoy my poem, please spread the word. 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 all the other nominees. 

“A Tanka Trio (2)” published at Gobblers by Masticadores

On By Mike U.In Poetry31 Comments

I’m happy to announce the second installment of my tanka series titled “A Tanka Trio (2)” is now available at Gobblers by Masticadores. Each of these installments contains three tanka (be sure to click this link to read all of them). Many thanks to Editor Manuela Timofte for sharing this installment. I hope these appeal to you.

“A Tanka Trio (2)”
© 2021 by Michael L. Utley

(#4)

Northern memories
Chill my heart as bitter cold
Crystallizes tears
Frozen shame adorns my face
Wind howls in my lonely soul

…..

(#5)

My heart spills itself
Upon the ground like untied
Bags of grain carried
Carelessly upon the back
Thoughtless birds feast on my tears

You can read the rest of this tanka installment here:

A Tanka Trio (2)

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.