Poem Up in Anti-Heroin Chic: Letter from my Mom

Thank you to editor James Diaz for publishing another of my poems in Anti-Heroin Chic. This one, “Letter from My Mom,” is especially important to me. Not too long ago, a cousin who we have not seen in decades discovered a letter my mom had written to her long ago. She sent a photo of it to my sister. My mother was not a letter writer, and to read her words written when she still thought clearly–and when she also could see well enough to write–this was such a special gift. You can read my poem here.

The Storms

I received this stunning new journal, The Storms, in the mail a couple of days ago. I do mean stunning. It is really beautiful with thick pages, color artwork–and of course, amazing poetry. I am Sooooo excited to have a poem in this inaugural issue!

It feels extra special because I knew editor-in-chief Damien B Donnelly “way back when”–when he and I used to write poems to Jane Dougherty’s prompts. (Jane also has a poem in this issue). Since then, Damien has published his debut poetry collection, Eat the Storms, is the host of the popular Eat the Storms podcast, and has published other collections. Yeah, he’s poet rock star. šŸ˜ Gaynor Kane, who is a sparkling poet and artist and the author of Venus in Pink Marble and the new collection, Eight Types of Love, (in my reading queue) was the sub-editor. I loved the Belfast photos and paintings that Gaynor contributed for Paul Brookes’ ekphrastic challenge this past April. Congratulations to both of you for all your hard work and effort. You’ve truly created a work of art. šŸ’™

Review of River Ghosts

Luanne Castle has written the most wonderful review of River Ghosts, my first collection of poetry.

I am overwhelmed–and so thrilled by this thoughtful review. Thank you so much Luanne!

Available: https://www.amazon.com/River-Ghosts-Merril-D-Smith/dp/B09WZ8F9XJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OOEBCQBA2YJD&keywords=merril+d.+smith&qid=1653323972&sprefix=%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-1

My poem, “Souvenir” in Fenacular

I am so excited and honored to have a poem in the first issue of Fenacular, which offers ā€œcreative writing in response to fen art.ā€ I thank editor Kerry Byrne for including my poem. I have no connection to the fens, but I imagine some of the wetlands in my part of the world are similar–but without the cathedrals. šŸ˜

Portfolio #1 includes twelve responses to the beautiful painting Cow parsley bank by Claire McGinley (as well as her response to the written works).

My poem, “Souvenir,” can be accessed here.

Poems in Sledgehammer and Dead Skunk

I’ve had a couple of good poetry days, which I really needed. I am so pleased to have another poem in Sledgehammer. My thanks to EIC J. Archer Avary, who accepted this poem when I was feeling down. You can read my poem, “Theme and Variations” here.

I also have a poem in the very first issue of Dead Skunk. It definitely does not stink! My thanks to editors Suzanne Samples & E. Samples. You can read my poem “This is Not–and Is” here.

I made “non-sausage” rolls for dinner on Friday. The name came about because a friend used to make sausage rolls with Italian sausage. I adapted her recipe over the years, and now make a meatless and utterly delicious version.

Non- sausage Roll

Poem Up in Anti-Heroin Chic

My poem, “Small Bites,” is up in the most recent issue of Anti-Heroin Chic. My thanks to EIC James Diaz for accepting this poem, and for his consistently beautiful journal. The first anniversary of my mom’s death is in a little over a week. She died from Covid. Please get vaccinated when you can and continue to wear a mask.

You can read my poem here.

My Mom’s Last Birthday Party Remember when blowing out candles on a cake was something we did?

I’m linking this to dVerse, Open Link Night.