Join us on Sunday afternoon in Sylva, NC

The North Carolina Writers' Network and NC Writers' Network-West are honoring Kathryn Stripling Byer this Sunday. 

Read more here.

One Last Poem for April

Poetry can say so much in a few words. But each word is important and must say more than the language we use every day. By writing poetry, I have learned how to read and understand poems by others in a deeper, more meaningful way. I advise my students who write prose, to read poetry and try to write poetry. Poetry is a way to put forth an idea  or a story in a concise manner, to say something in a few words that leave a lasting impression.

The use of metaphor increases the reader's understanding and draws him deeper into the poem. I learned to use at least one metaphor in every poem I write. 

Our Loss

for my brother, Ray

Family,

like threads tightly woven

in a fine tapestry --

fiery reds, cool blues, pale yellows.

Family,

like the petals of a rosebud

curving close around each other,

maturing, gently falling

to die upon the ground.

Family,

like a clump of grass.

Disturb one blade,

affect all that remain.

You were plucked from us,

and now we don't know

which way to lean

when the winds blow.

            ----Glenda Council Beall