Hi, folks. My poem “Threads” is now available for your perusal at Manuela Timofte’s blog In A Love World. Many thanks to Manuela for her kindness in sharing this poem with her readers.
You can read my poem here (no teaser this time as it’s a very brief poem):
Also, please consider following and subscribing to In A Love World, a place where wonderful poetry abounds.
Hey, friends. The estimable and supremely talented Nigel Byng has graciously featured my poem “Wisdom” in his Exploring Poetry initiative on his blog Helping You To Succeed. This series explores the poetry of various authors as Nigel reads each piece and takes a deep-dive of analysis and interpretation to explore beyond the words. I am absolutely honored and humbled to have one of my poems included in this series. Nigel is an accomplished storyteller and poet, and his kindness and generosity are well-known in this WordPress writing community. He makes it his mission to lift up fellow writers, to shine the light on others, and to offer compassionate support and encouragement. He most definitely represents the very best of this community, and it’s my profound pleasure to call him my friend.
You can check out Nigel’s reading and analysis of my poem here:
Also, be sure to take your own deep-dive into Nigel’s short fiction and poetry on his blog. He is blessed with uncanny ability and keen insight into the human condition. Simply put, he’s brilliant.
Thank you, my brother Nigel, for this wonderful gift. You presence in this community is a godsend and I’m beyond grateful for your kindness and support.
Hi, folks. My poem “Heroic” has been published at Manuela Timofte’s blog In A Love World. Many thanks to Manuela for sharing this poem. Truly grateful for your kind gesture, Manuela.
“Heroic”
© 2013 by Michael L. Utley
The kid was too young
This distant uncanny boy
Face absconded
Into the murky depths of his
Drenched and threadbare
Crimson hoodie
Eyes mere pinpricks
Of sentience in the shadows
Where his face should be
On this pouring midnight
Sidewalk where even the rain seemed
Exhausted in the scornful cones
Of streetlamp illumination
And unseen clouds sighed above
Too tired for the bluster and pretense
Of thunder
And he sat there in this mess of a night
On a bench where no bus would ever stop
For anyone at anytime for any reason
Staring into the distance at both
Something and nothing at once
Moveless save for an occasional shiver
Waiting for someone or something
Or perhaps nothing at all…
You can read the rest of my poem here:
Also, please consider following and subscribing to In A Love World, a place where wonderful poetry abounds.
Hello, everyone. My new short creative nonfiction story titled “The Graves of Saint Paul” is now live at Hotel by Masticadores. I’m truly grateful to editor Michelle Navajas for sharing this piece with her readers at Hotel. It’s a bit of an anomaly for me as I generally write poetry exclusively. Back in my younger days (prior to giving up writing for twenty years out of frustration), prose was my vehicle for expressing myself, and although none of my fictional pieces from my early years found a home at a publishing house, they still hold meaning for me. It was a thrill to actually complete a short story again after thirty-three years, and I hope this is only the beginning and that more will come. This piece is based on elements of fact, with a bit of creative license included. Thanks a bunch, Michelle, for this opportunity.
“The Graves of Saint Paul”
© 2025 by Michael L. Utley
“My mother lay in the ground at my feet beneath sun-bleached summer grass and faded plastic flowers and a headstone I hadn’t seen for nearly ten years. Her name, Victoria, clung to the gray stone above a bas-relief of pines and wild flowers and blue birds. She’d asked for a cross on her headstone—made it clear to everyone that she desired her faith to be front and center after she died—but my father, in his infinite malice and pettiness, had chosen some random wilderness picture rather than honor her wish. Just one more reason I hated him.
And now, his name sullied my mother’s headstone.
Ten years. Ten years of shame and regret. I hadn’t visited my mother since the headstone was erected shortly after her burial. For months after her death, I made excuses to avoid the trip to town, to the cemetery. At first, it was too raw, too soon. Maybe in a few weeks, a month or two, then I could do it. And then my life flipped upside-down again and I relocated out-of-state unexpectedly and that felt like a more legitimate reason, but I always intended to visit her grave like a good son should. Except…except maybe I wasn’t such a good son after all…”
You can read the rest of my story here:
Also, please consider following and subscribing to Hotel by Masticadores, where you’ll discover a world of wonderfully imaginative and profound writing.
Hey, friends. Nine days remain until the release of Michelle Ayon Navajas’ book After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology. March 8, 2025 will herald the arrival of a vitally important collection of poetry and prose dealing with violence and abuse and the stories of those who have survived and shared their personal experiences. You can read more about this anthology here:
In the lead-up to the book’s release, Michelle has been kind enough to feature short contributor profiles of those whose work appears in the anthology. Her graciousness in recognizing these authors is so appreciated. Recently, she featured my profile, and you can check it out here if you’d like:
I’m honored and humbled to be a part of this initiative to raise awareness for this significant cause. Michelle’s advocacy and hard work have done wonders for victims of abuse and violence, saving lives and helping people heal and find the light of hope again. Sincere thanks, Michelle, for allowing me to participate in this endeavor. ❤️
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:
Here’s wishing Michelle all the best with this significant project. May it inspire hope in all who read it.
“Wisdom”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley
I attain wisdom
not from church or pagoda
temple or tabernacle
but from wood and stream
respite achieved through contemplation
of cloud reflections on cobalt alpine tarns
hammocked among granite crags and tors
restoration gifted by toes-in-sand
scamperings on dayspring sea shores
as gulls cavort and sand pipers tempt fate
balance granted by spinning constellations
as Luna tends her silver star-gardens
and earth dreams its pensive dreams
there is wonder
in the fractal crevasses of konara bark
the labyrinths of sandstone lichen mandalas
the ethereal traceries of ghostly hanging moss
promise in each acorn in every copse
as elder oaks impart their ken of centuries
and guard arboreal nurseries with burly boughs
conversation in breeze communiques
thunder rumblings and rain chatter
as heaven above bends earth’s ear
humor in toad-trills and reed whispers
the coquettish giggles of creek cascades
the curious musical burlesque of insects
there is hope
in sudden sunshine after a desert deluge
gilded god-beam-burnished cliff and canyon
arch and hoodoo ablaze with magic-hour fire
solace in quiet tide pools and silent autumn leas
the compassionate chants of mourning doves
the cusp-of-dawn stillness as the universe holds its breath
encouragement in emergent golden winter suisen
evening double-rainbows over August wheat fields
the strident arias of sparrow, lark and finch
renewal in gamboling days-old winter calves
early springtime rills’ first ice-melt
the preening petals of young columbines
but most of all
there is kinship
among everything that lives
all who call Earth home
sea, land and sky
and all who dwell therein
we belong together
not as masters of all
but companions to all
not as kings but stewards
fellow travelers on life’s journey
through glen and hollow
from peak to shore
sharing a common path
let us revitalize our love
for all things
let us return to
our proper place
let us embrace who we are
and why we are here
for that is the first step
toward true wisdom
(originally published at Spillwords Press, July 2024)
“I Can Hear the Water Cry”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley
misty river bank
I can hear the water cry
through its mournful veil
from whence your tears
my friend
from whence your sorrow
the stream of life
long and arduous
promises nothing
takes wantonly
yet gives freely
drowns dreams
yet slakes hope’s thirst
erodes time
yet blesses leas
with hue and humor
I have bathed my feet
in your cool waters
drunk from cupped hands
of your living essence
and watched
as villages flood
and crops perish
your fickle nature
both boon and bane
the rage of winter’s run-off
the futility of summer’s drought
the chaos of confusion
the trauma of neglect
regrets eddy
among the reeds
koi doze in shadow-torpor
levitating dragonflies iridesce
oblivious to your siren-song
your current inexorable
immutable
fate’s dynamo
what of your sadness
what fears drive you
what memories haunt
your hidden heart
speak to me, friend
share your burden
help me understand
your tears
there is purity
in kindness
absolution in love
such a pity
a solitary meadow’s stream
a rill of life
darkened by despair
I see you, stream
I hear your halting whisperings
I smell your vital fragrance
I feel your urgent motion
I sense your profound depth
you are not alone
my friend
the mountain cradles you
the forest shades you
the flowers dance
to your melody
let the sun gild your surface
let the moon caress you
let your heart be
unencumbered
flow, my friend
just flow
and all
will be forgiven
This ongoing initiative showcases blogs with fewer than 500 subscribers which I think are deserving of more attention. Hopefully these blogs will spark your interest and you’ll check them out. It’s my way of spreading awareness of talented writers whose work I admire.
This week’s featured blog is Peggy Writes, a truly wonderful inspirational blog by Peggy Stroud. I first became aware of Peggy’s blog a couple of years ago when she left a nice comment on one of my posts. While checking out her blog, I immediately noticed a couple of things: Peggy is an excellent writer, and her sincerity, honesty and enthusiasm really shine.
I was struck by the easy flow of her words and how she conveys important messages in a seemingly effortless manner. Anyone who writes well knows that effective writing is difficult to achieve and requires not only talent but years of practice. Peggy’s writing shows a dedication to her craft that produces results that are both educational and enjoyable to behold.
Peggy’s natural inclination to support and encourage others is boundless, her kindness refreshing. I often refer to her as a “light-bringer” due to the hope offered by her messages. She is someone I consider a dear friend, as well.
I asked Peggy if she could provide a few words about her blog and herself:
“I have always loved working with children, reading and writing. After a much-loved career in teaching, a blessed time as a stay-at-home mom, and a stint as bookkeeper for my husband’s business, I and my husband retired to the foothills of Virginia. I began my new calling as a Christian blogger and hopeful children’s book writer. I publish two blogs each week, one for adults and one for children so that families can be in God’s word together.”
Here are some examples of Peggy’s writing:
For adults: “Shine Like the Light of Dawn!”
For children: “Brighten Someone’s Day!”
I’m well aware of Peggy’s aspirations of publishing children’s books. It’s my great hope that she succeeds in this quest. Her talent and dedication are obviously apparent, and her background as a teacher and mother offers her a uniquely qualified perspective. So, never give up on your dreams, Peggy!
I hope you’ll take some time and explore Peggy Writes. It’s a place of light and hope.
Let’s spread the love and support our fellow bloggers.
“Stream Among the Reeds”
(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley
stream among the reeds
peeks at me through cattails
laughs and runs away
do you know you have my heart
do you, little one
I am but an old man now
nearing the clearing
in the woods where I will lie
among columbines
and verdant ferns to make peace
with the universe
every season has its end
every leaf must fall
Luna’s aspect silver-sheened
cycles heavenward
but you, my fair lithesome stream
whose silken skin glows
gilded ‘neath this summer’s eve
whose siren-song calls
forth the sweetest memories
from a lifetime’s font
of sorrow and bleak despair
whose ethereal
caress balms this broken soul
you, my little one
nurture and rejuvenate
keeping hope alive
koi kitsune dragonfly
tree and earth and sky
all accept your gracious gift
but what of you, friend
what recompense lies in store
for your kindly ways
koi glide somnolently in
slow shadowed currents
oblivious to your touch
wary kitsune
drink covertly, disappear
into bamboo groves
gone without a second thought
dragonflies alight
absent-minded and aloof
on reeds and never
acknowledge you smiling face
as you watch amused
do you ever wonder, friend
if anyone cares
does your joyful mien disguise
a heart bereft of
love, a loneliness so deep
it cripples you and
leaves you reeling as you wend
your way on life’s path
through wood and meadow and cleft
choking back your tears
I am not long for this world
but I’m here for you
my friend, let us sit and talk
and commune beneath
this willow upon your bank
let us share our souls
let our words pierce through the veil
that obscures our hearts
let us spend what time is left
in good company
years ago you smiled at me
peering through the reeds
and that’s made all the diff’rence
in the world to me
you’ve made all the difference to me
Silent Pariah 