Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry. A published author, Colleen is also an editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse, also found on wordcraftpoetry.com. Colleen’s mission is to bring the craft of writing syllabic poetry to anyone who thinks they can’t be a poet.
Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for the Carrot Ranch literary community at carrotranch.com. Colleen’s poetry has appeared in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures1 & 2” a collection of poetry from the poet/author guests of Robbie Cheadle on the “Treasuring Poetry” blog series on “Writing to be Read."
Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.
Find Colleen at Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com.
How wonderful! There are so many leaves across the backyard of the building where I live. I thought of your post when I opened my blinds 🙂 Happy weekend to you too!
Thank you. It all started with the fall color. I wanted to write about my tree we planted this year. It is an Ohio Buckeye. I loved the yellow blossoms. The seeds will have to be dealt with but you must accept the good along with the bad. 😀 <3
I didn’t realize it was a buckeye tree. My boys went to school in Ohio and outside the elementary school building there were two huge buckeye trees. The school children collected the buckeyes and brought them home. I found stray buckeyes all over the house.
We’re Listed in the TOP TEN Poetry Blogs at RankedBlogs.com! Thank You for your support.
Vote for Word Craft: Prose & Poetry at Top Ranked Blogs
Colleen M. Chesebro—Prose Metrist
Crafting Syllabic Poetry is my Ikigari 💜
One day, I stumbled across the Japanese word Ikigari. After some research, I discovered iki means life. In Japanese, Gai means worth or value. When these words combine, they form the definition of ikigari, which is life’s worth. It’s often translated or interpreted as a reason for getting up in the morning. So, yes, writing syllabic poetry is my ikigari.
I also believe writing syllabic poetry strengthens our writing skills. When we create poetry, we gain command of language; cultivate a healthy vocabulary, master literary devices such as metaphor, simile, alliteration, hyperbole, and allegory. We learn to work in imagery. We connect with our ikigari.
When I’m not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find me digging in my garden, or playing with my two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. I live in East Lansing, Michigan with my husband—my soul mate. Most days you can find me writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
Industry Standards Checklist for a Professionally Published Book: ibpa-online.org
Disclaimer: My book review posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission to fund my reading habit if you use the links on my book reviews to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in books that I can review. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Thank you.
This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
Thanks for stopping by! <3
August Specific Form: Yvette
August Photo Prompt: Reena
August Theme Prompt: Sarah
I couldn’t wait ’til tomorrow, haha, though technically it is tomorrow! This was breathtaking, lady. Very beautiful….you’re truly gifted.
Okay, now I’m going to sleep! haha.
Thank you. I kept looking at my almost naked tree. The words just flowed. ❤️
A beautiful story of changing seasons Colleen, I love your words 🙂
Thank you Madeeha. It has gotten cold here in the mountains. 27 degrees F. Brrr. ❄️❤️
Enjoy the frosty winter but stay warm Colleen 🙂
Thank you. Each season has its beauty. 🤗
Good read
Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 💖
I love trees and love your wonderful homage. Thanks, Colleen!
Thank you, Olga. The cold winds are blowing! It was 27 degrees F!
Colleen, words and photos are perfect as usual.
Hello, Bernadette. Thank you. My poor tree is almost naked! I had to memorialize my Ohio Buckeye. ❤️
Absolutely Marvelous! 🌹
Thanks. I can’t believe it’s winter already!
It’s not Winter til the snow hits, then sadly remains. 😀 😉
Here in the mountains that is not far off. <3
Then you are one step closer to being inspired by that which only the beauty of Winter provides. 🙂
True! What beautiful words. <3
Awesome, I love this… There is a tree that I have photos of from season to season.. I’ll have to dig those up and honor her. <3
I love my Ohio Buckeye. We planted her this spring. You should totally honor your tree! ❤️
Incredible combination of words and photography. I could envision it on display as a collection. Minutes to assemble, a year in the making!
Melissa, thank you for your kind words! 💗
It was my pleasure, had to let you know!
Now I can go to bed feeling accomplished. 💖
Sleep well my dear. X
Good night. 💗
Marvelously done–5 Stars!!
Thank you. It was the orange color that got me thinking. Glad you enjoyed it. 💖
Most welcome–it’s always interesting what specific thing evokes a poem!
Great piece, I really enjoyed it!
Thank you. 💗
Such pretty words for the life of the tree 🙂 It’s a wonderful season to be out in nature!
Thank you, Christy. I went for a long walk with my dogs today and it was pure bliss. Happy weekend. Hugs! <3
How wonderful! There are so many leaves across the backyard of the building where I live. I thought of your post when I opened my blinds 🙂 Happy weekend to you too!
How beautiful, Christy. Thank you. <3
This is absolutely beautiful. The pictures describe the seasons well.
Thank you. It all started with the fall color. I wanted to write about my tree we planted this year. It is an Ohio Buckeye. I loved the yellow blossoms. The seeds will have to be dealt with but you must accept the good along with the bad. 😀 <3
I didn’t realize it was a buckeye tree. My boys went to school in Ohio and outside the elementary school building there were two huge buckeye trees. The school children collected the buckeyes and brought them home. I found stray buckeyes all over the house.
LOL! That is the best story. Yes, the buckeyes will be a nuisance. 😀
Beautiful. <3 Love trees and love the seasons.
Thank you. I agree. Autumn is full of inspiration. I love all the seasons and love how we can all relate to the changes of each. Happy Sunday! <3
I want to do that with our mountains – create a lovely photograph for each dramatic season for the trees. One of these years, I will. Loved this post.
That would be perfect, Pat. Thanks it was fun to keep track of our first Colorado tree. ❤️