2016 is off to a good start for me, with four poems accepted so far for publication, and one reading in Pittsburgh.

The poems accepted are:

“Although I Have Made My Father into a Bird” by Tahoma Literary Review. I really admire this publication, and am glad they chose this poem. It discusses my father’s mortality, and is more abstract than my other work, perhaps because it is such a difficult subject for me to address head-on.

“When the Trolley Driver Says ‘Take Care'” by Bone Bouquet. They are a wonderful all women’s journal based out of Brooklyn, and had accepted another poem of mine back in October. When they were preparing proofs, they returned to my submission packet and decided to snag not just one, but two! This poem is both about joy, and crippling depression. It is like many of my other poems (almost wrote “mother poems”) in that way.

“You Glad I Wrote this Poem?” by Redivider. Such a good journal, and an editor there, whom I’ve never met, was particularly encouraging of me to resubmit after another poem got some attention during reading for their contest. “You Glad I Wrote this Poem?” is about oranges, love, and puns. It is one of my favorite poems I have ever written.

“After Staring at a Kandinsky” by Tinderbox Poetry Journal. When I saw this relatively new journal had published Feats of Poetic Strength Reader K.T. Landon, I knew I had to submit. There are many other poets they’ve published I quite admire, so I am so glad this poem found a home there. “After Staring at a Kandinsky” has similar themes to “When the Trolley Driver Takes Care.”

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Speaking of Feats of Poetic Strength, at my Pittsburgh reading I was so glad to rub shoulders with three of the past readers, MaryAnn L. Miller, Elizabeth Hoover and Sarah Boyle. We four and several other poets (including JC Todd) wrote poems in response to abstract paintings, then gathered at the art gallery and read them to a surprisingly large crowd.

Below are some photos from the event, called Transactions.

Going clockwise beginning from upper left, that’s me with the painting I wrote in response to, and my poem on the wall, which if you would like to read I would be happy to send to anyone. Then the fabulous MaryAnn L. Miller, who played a major part in coordinating the event, below her is Elizabeth Hoover, then Sarah Boyle, JC Todd, and above her is the photo of myself with the artist of “my” painting, LJ Palmer (a wonderful wonderful man).

Finally, today is a very special poet’s birthday, and I wish her one! I “Brad”ly wish I were there to celebrate it with you!

It is also my Uncle Vince’s birthday. He has been my poetic patron for many years, starting with slipping me a crisp bill in a handshake when I was nominated for my first Pushcart. It made me feel like a man. I hope you have a great day Uncle Vince!

Here’s to another four poems getting accepted in February. Just kidding, that won’t happen! Even in a leap year!