Category Archives: 30 for 30 Poetry Celebration

German Expressionism-Max Pechstein 1881-1955 Nude Figure 1920 Graphite on paper As my head crushed the pillow, My last thoughts were of a nude I had seen in the National Gallery. Not of her ample breast, Nor the exhibit label, But … Continue reading →

My Mothers Are LadybugsCarnivorous guardian angels slipthrough window cracks in search ofgnats or half empty glasses of juice.Their razor mouths chewthe dust of fitful sleep. When I wake,my mind is neater for it.They swarm around the bedpost and under pillows—bold … Continue reading →

God CallsGod speaks in Her own voice,raspy from cigarettesand tequilla shots.“I hear you’re feeling down,She says, “You want to lie, under the bedcovers and drown.One more teacher shot,another six-year-oldwith a gun in their hands.You can’t stand the soundwhen the gun … Continue reading →

Stymphalian Shadow Oh Artemis, goddess of the hunt, why do you sic your pet on those who have done you no wrong? Be gone Ares, god of war, stop the Stymphalian shadow. Break its wings, catch its beak, let it … Continue reading →

I Dream I’m peeking out at the sliver of light Visible because the crimson blanket Draped over the standard rectangle On the side of our backroom bedroom Tries to cover a narrow concrete alleyway Where the sound of a passing … Continue reading →

The Tribunal The idea was to speak but none of us spoke. We stood in a line. Moonlight wouldn’t reveal what lay in shadow and our silence felt no echo between us. Like the darkness inside a cave, that complete. … Continue reading →

Copyright 2020 Marian Kaplun Shapiro. Marian Kaplun Shapiro, a practicing psychologist, is the author of a professional book, and seven books of poetry. She was twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Upbringing, her latest collection of graphic poems, was published … Continue reading →

Greetings fellow poets and poetry lovers. As you may be aware, tomorrow, April 1, marks the beginning of National Poetry Month which was started back in 1996 by the American Academy of Poets. Ever since then, National Poetry Month has … Continue reading →

I’m pleased to announce the eleventh annual 30 for 30 Poetry Celebration, sponsored by Potomac Review, which will once again take place this year on my web site, www.mikemaggio.net This year’s theme is as follows: Dreaming of Dreams.  Specifically, I’d … Continue reading →

Hello all: Derek Kannemeyer, this year’s judge, has chosen Cheryl T. Cooley, as our winner in this year’s 30 for 30 for her poem “Nina Simone’s Three-Room Childhood Clapboard House.” Congratulations Cherryl! Cherryl will received a one-year subscription to Potomac … Continue reading →