(Photo by Dawn Pisturino. Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.)
I woke up the other morning with this haiku in my head. I hadn’t used my Photoshop account for a while, so I created this post using one of my photos. Enjoy!
Dawn Pisturino
April 24, 2023
Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
(Photo by Hayley Maxwell on Unsplash)
Three-Penny Memories: A Poetic Memoir by Barbara Harris Leonhard (2022).
Available on Amazon.com.
Barbara is a retired English teacher (ESL) whose award-winning work has appeared on Spillwords, MasticadoresUSA, and other poetry sites and magazines. Most recently, her poetry appeared in Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women (2022), edited by Gabriela Marie Milton, and a #1 Amazon Bestseller. She currently serves as the editor of MasticadoresUSA.
Penned with heart-felt love, devotion, and pain, this memoir is an honest family portrait that mirrors both the mother and the daughter. The bond between mother and daughter is complex, but Barbara beautifully describes both the comfortable and uncomfortable sides of this relationship. Anybody who has cared for a parent suffering from Alzheimer’s, will relate to Barbara’s experience. Anybody who has missed out on motherhood and lost a child, will find Barbara’s story deeply moving. But there is no self-pity here. She has written about her life with honesty and compassion. She has experienced trauma and heartbreak. But she accepts what life brings and looks hopefully to the future instead of staying shackled to the past. She presents herself as strong, determined, and willing to learn from life’s lessons. She has written a remarkable collection of poems that are powerful in their very simplicity. Whatever trauma and pain you have endured, her poems will edify and uplift you in a positive way. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
In writing about her miscarried child, she says:
“You left my broken womb
as the bloody remains of what
was never to come. I still feel you
in the waves, the flow
of my sacral river – your tears?
Your fears I’ve abandoned you?
No, Honey. No! I’ll never forget you.”
Finally, her experiences with encephalitis and her mother’s Alzheimer’s:
“Not enough that I am
the spitting image of Mom
and her namesake.
We both experienced
a brain injury. The encephalitis
burned away my young memories;
Alzheimer’s, her short-term ones.”
Barbara has been nominated for a Pushcart award for her poem, Mom and I Play Lassos with Our Hysterectomy Scars, a deeply provocative and sensitive poem which is included in this collection.
Website: Extraordinary Sunshine Weaver
Lost in the Hours: A Poetry Collection by River Dixon (2020). Available on Amazon.com.
River is a multi-talented poet, fiction writer, and publisher at Potter’s Grove Press. His fiction leans toward the dark side. But his poetry is honest, raw, straight-shooting, and direct. The first thing you come to realize when you read his poems is that River is a realist, not an idealist. There are few hearts and flowers here. He writes with power, intelligence, profound understanding, and articulate expression. He shares a healthy cynicism about life and the world in general. I like his poetry because he says what many of us are only thinking. He’s not afraid to criticize the status quo:
“While you drown in a shallow pool
Of only three inches of self-worth
They taught you well
How to hold your own head under
And convince you of rainbows
While they blot out the stars
One by one . . .”
His works are also available from Potter’s Grove Press, along with other avant-garde authors.
Websites: The Stories In-Between
~
Dawn Pisturino
November 19, 2022
Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
(Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash)
I recently embarked on a Poetry Book Reading Marathon since so many of my WordPress friends have created and published poetry collections. Since they’ve been supportive of me, I want to support them! I will be posting a series of reviews of their books.
The Muse’s Bad Touch by Bogdan Dragos (2021). Available on Amazon.com.
Bogdan is a Romanian poet who appears regularly on MasticadoresIndia, MasticadoresRomania, and Gobblers & Masticadores. His poetry is dark and rich, like strong expresso, and leaves you questioning your own reality. He explores the darker side of life with characters that can only be described as eccentric, exotic, and deeply disturbing. His ability to test acceptable social boundaries and express a point of view that would shock most people, is what defines his work. In this collection, he writes about his dark muse:
“After all
a poet can’t live without
his demoness
to which he sometimes refers to
as muse.”
Website: www.bogdandragos.com
My Inspired Life: A Poetic Journey by Michele Lee Sefton (2020). Available on Amazon.com.
When I met Michele on WordPress, I sensed right away that she is a woman who possesses a beautiful soul. I regularly follow her blog, which truly is inspiring; so, it was only natural that I would read her book. Michele’s inner music resonates as a lovely song, a joyous dance, a raucous cheer for the strength and beauty of women everywhere. She shares her inspiring journey with positivity and hope, reinforcing those qualities in others. Her uplifting thoughts, words, and emotions make the daily struggle worthwhile. She approaches the world with quiet dignity, joyful pride, and a sincere expression of faith in herself and the people around her. She embraces life for all it is worth:
“Before the brush and palette are put away a final time
I too will live vibrantly and outwardly —
living a life that is uniquely mine.”
Website: www.MyInspiredLife.org
~
Dawn Pisturino
Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
KILLERS
A killer rampaging a town,
Ran into a carnival clown.
The clown drew a knife
And took that man’s life,
Then started a spree of his own!
July 16, 2011
~
THE WITCH AND THE BURGLAR
A witch riding home on her broom
Spied a burglar trashing her room.
“I’ll get you for this!” she said with a hiss.
His head was soon found in Khartoum.
July 17, 2011
~
AN UPPITY CAT
A cat who liked veggies and cheese,
Refused to eat mouse canapes.
“I just can’t abide that tough, hairy hide.
I’d rather eat onions and peas!”
July 16, 2011
~
LIZZIE BORDEN
When Lizzie got awfully mad,
She hacked up her stepmom and dad.
The ax at her feet, she giggled and bleat,
“Why am I so terribly bad!”
September 26, 2011
~
The Sorcerer from Beijing
A sorcerer born in Beijing,
Found a magical jade dragon ring.
It breathed out green smoke,
Transforming that bloke
To a blood-thirsty cannibal king!
July 14, 2011
~
LIZZIE BORDEN II
When Lizzie got awfully mad,
She hacked up her stepmom and Dad.
Amazed by the mess, she had to confess:
“What a rip-roaring party we had!”
September 27, 2011
~
The Sorcerer from Beijing II
A sorcerer born in Beijing,
Found a magical jade dragon ring.
It breathed out green fire, burning all his attire
Except for one shoe and stocking!
July 7, 2011
~
The Man in Galloway Bay II
A man lost in Galloway Bay,
Cried out in a very loud bray,
“I’m lost in the sea, someone please rescue me!
I’ve been swimming for more than a day!”
July 7, 2011
~
The Old Man from Brazil II
There was an old man from Brazil,
Who ate ‘til he made himself ill.
He gave up the ghost, said good-bye to his host,
And flew home to his house on the hill.
July 7, 2011
~
A Nasty Old Gnome
A nasty old gnome name o’ Bill
Liked to puncture old teeth with a drill.
He gathered some bones from the graveyard he owns,
But that skeleton wouldn’t sit still!
February 5, 2012
~
The Man in Galloway Bay III
A man lost in Galloway Bay,
Cried out in a very loud bray,
“I’m lost in the sea,
Someone please rescue me!
The fishermen think I’m filet!”
July 7, 2011
~
All limericks by:
Dawn Pisturino
March 10, 2022
Copyright 2011-2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
SPIDERS
A girl who ate spiders for lunch,
Found shiny black widows to munch.
The poison contained in their bodies remained,
Giving that girl quite a punch!
July 12, 2011
~
SPIDER CIDER
A girl who liked spiders inside her,
Washed them down with a very fine cider.
“Two parts cyanide makes them slither and slide,”
She wrote to her secret confider.
July 13, 2011
~
SPIDERS II
A girl who liked spiders to eat,
Found poisonous spiders a treat.
Their sweet-tasting nectar
Began to infect her,
Turning her into dead meat!
July 13, 2011
All limericks by:
Dawn Pisturino
March 2, 2022
Copyright 2011-2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
The Queen of Hearts made cherry tarts
On Cupid’s Special Day.
The Knave of Hearts threw out those tarts
And stole the Queen away.
His bow was strong, his arrows sharp,
He drew with deadly force.
His missile pierced the tender heart,
Killing her, of course.
With hungry zeal, he yanked the heart
From Queenie’s bloody chest
And feasted on her royal blood,
Rating it the best!
Dawn Pisturino
December 16, 2011
Copyright 2011-2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
My Grandmother’s Nose
My grandmother’s nose was too long for her face
So it lay ninety years on the floor.
It was longer by half than my poor Grandma Grace,
And it weighed not a feather-weight more.
She was scorned on the morn
Of the day that she was born,
But my grandmother took it in stride.
She colored that schnozzola
With a cherry red Crayola
And painted yellow polka dots inside!
April 12, 2012
Raggedy Ann Loses Heart
Raggedy Ann liked to dress up and play
By the fire on a cold winter day.
When flames burned her dress, she cried in distress
As her candy heart melted away.
November 1, 2011
The Postman and the Snail
A postman delivering mail
Was attacked by a slithery snail.
Quickly, he trod on that fierce gastropod,
Fighting him off tooth and nail!
July 19, 2011
The Sailor and the Whale (1)
A sailor who kidnapped a whale
Got the ransom but landed in jail.
“Am I dumb!” said the crumb,
As he sucked on his thumb.
“I shouldn’t have sent him by mail!”
July 19, 2011
The Sailor and the Whale (2)
A sailor who kidnapped a whale
Got the ransom but landed in jail.
“Am I dumb!” said the crumb,
As he sucked on his thumb.
“There isn’t enough to make bail!”
July 19, 2011
The Man from New York
There was a young man from New York
Who stuffed down a very large pork.
He doubled in size, for he wasn’t too wise,
And popped off his head like a cork!
July 11, 2011
Dawn Pisturino
Copyright 2011-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Artwork by John Federis
(Warning! If you hate going to the dentist, don’t read this poem!)
The Dentist
by Dawn Pisturino
Now I’ve got you in my chair,
You’re not going anywhere.
So open wide, let me in,
And let the painful games begin!
See that molar on the right?
It’s in the socket way too tight.
Here’s my plier. Please don’t move.
I’ll pry that sucker from its groove!
Look, there’s a cavity over there.
My drill’s all ready. Please don’t stare!
My hands are shaking, can’t you see?
I need your confidence in me.
Oops! The blood is squirting out.
I didn’t mean to make you shout!
Your bloody tongue is in my hand.
Sit down! Don’t even try to stand!
Come back! I need to suture in—-
Oh well, another toothless grin.
February 6, 2012
Published in the April 2012 issue of Underneath the Juniper Tree.
Copyright 2012-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Artwork by Ken Lamug
Poem by Dawn Pisturino
CHELSEA HAD A LITTLE LAMB
Chelsea had a little lamb,
Its fleece was black as soot.
And everywhere that Chelsea went,
That lamb was underfoot.
It followed her to school until
The cooking class went wild
And served that lamb with mint and dill,
One chop for every child!
October 6, 2011
Published in the December 2011 issue of Underneath the Juniper Tree.
Copyright 2011-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Artwork by Jason Smith
Poem by Dawn Pisturino
DIRTY DONALD
Dirty Donald!
His hair, full of lice,
Grows down to his shoulders,
A haven for mice.
His teeth are all rotten,
Mildewed and black,
His tongue is so long,
He could pass for a yak.
His breath stinks of corpses
Dug fresh from their graves,
A delicate morsel
He constantly craves.
He glares at the ravens,
Surrounding his head,
With murderous eyes,
Pronouncing them dead.
Then yanks out their feathers
And nibbles their toes,
Lining them up
In neat little rows.
His clothes are so tattered,
The buzzards all say,
“What a fine looking fellow!
Let’s eat him today!”
July 3, 2011
Published on Underneath the Juniper Tree, July 17, 2011.
Published in the August 2011 issue of Underneath the Juniper Tree.
Copyright 2011-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
Illustration by Job van Gelder
Poem by Dawn Pisturino
Down in the Graveyard
Down in the graveyard by the old oak tree
Roamed an old mother zombie and her little zombies three.
“Fresh meat!” cried the mother. “Tastes sweet!” cried the three.
And they ripped out the intestines from the caretaker, Lee.
Down in the graveyard by the mausoleum door
Lived an old mother werewolf and her little wolfies four.
“Fresh fat!” howled the mother. “Tastes great!” howled the four.
And they tore into the belly of the visitor, Lenore.
Down in the graveyard by the rusty old gate
Hung an old mother vampire and her little vampies eight.
“Fresh blood!” squeaked the mother. “Tastes good!” squeaked the eight.
And they sank their greedy fangs into the gravedigger, Nate.
Published in the September 2012 issue of Underneath the Juniper Tree.
Copyright 2012-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
THE SCREAMING SKULL
by Dawn Pisturino
The skull screams when the moon is bright,
Warning of evil a-foot in the night,
Calling to phantoms hidden from sight,
Keeping them all at bay.
Shrieking aloud when the zombies fight,
It glows in the darkness, waking with fright,
Shivering children, crying for light,
Fearful ’til break of day.
High on a shelf, when the bats take flight,
The dead skull cries with all its might,
Disrupting dreams, however slight,
Sending them all away.
September 20, 2011
THE GHOST
by Dawn Pisturino
Creeping footfalls on the stair warn me that a ghost is there.
Shivering in my bed with fright, the door creaks open . . .
I TOLD YOU HE WAS REAL!
(good night)
January 5, 2012
THE FAIRIES
by Dawn Pisturino
Deep within the forest,
Inside a magic ring,
Fairy lads pluck at their harps
While fairy maidens sing.
Queen Mab, arrayed in starlight,
Sits upon her chair,
Plotting all the dirty tricks
No other folk would dare.
Last spring they stole poor Margaret,
Sound asleep in bed.
They laid her in the Irish Sea
With stones beneath her head.
The fishes kept close vigil,
Traditional at wakes.
“Too bad,” remarked a hungry shark.
“A lovely corpse she makes!”
January 19, 2012
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
All Poems Published on Danse Macabre du Jour, October 30, 2013.
All poems copyright 2011-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
By Dawn Pisturino. Published on Underneath the Juniper Tree July 31, 2011. Graphics by Rebekah Joy Plett.
The Man in Galloway Bay
A man lost in Galloway Bay,
Cried out in a very loud bray,
“Please come rescue me, hungry sharks can’t agree,
Am I breakfast or dinner entree?”
By Dawn Pisturino. Published July 11, 2011 on Underneath the Juniper Tree.
Copyright 2011-2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.
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