Happy Beltane!

Today is the last NaPoWritMo post for 2021, including my Poem-A-Day practice. I kept up fairly well this year. I had a few days, I just couldn’t get there, but I made up for those days on the next day. Today, I share a butterfly cinquain.

Happy Beltane. This pagan sabbat called Beltane runs from April 30 through May 1 from sunset to sunset.

Beltane celebrates Life. This is the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. You wouldn’t know it around here in Michigan, with that cold north wind blowing. At Beltane, the Earth’s energies are at their strongest and most active. All life is exploding with fertility and at this point in the Wheel of the Year, Spring has definitely sprung!

Traditionally, Mayday was celebrated with the dance around the maypole. I remember observing this day in grade school when I was very young. We all grabbed a ribbon and danced in the spring breezes.

There is no reason why we can’t celebrate this year the same way. After the year of Covid, the meaning should be extra special. Get outside and dance under the moon!

Just dance!

"Dance Your Dance"

Beltane...
the dance of spring,
Mayday celebration
ribbons—weave magical powers
Earth dance
your way into liberation
move into the newness
find your own truth
be you!

©2021 Colleen M. Chesebro

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Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry

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.

17 thoughts on “Happy Beltane!”

  1. I remember watching my first grade or second grade dancing the maypole. I was not allowed, because it was a dance. oh well, I have a great imagination. 🥰

    Reply
    1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
      Colleen M. Chesebro says:

      Oh… I know some religions don’t allow dance. That’s sad. Dance is one of the simple pleasures in life. I think you should make up for it! Go dance under the moon tonight. I’ll be there… 😀 <3

      Reply
        1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
          Colleen M. Chesebro says:

          We will finally be clear tonight. ❤️

          Reply
        1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
          Colleen M. Chesebro says:

          Good for you, Ruth! <3

          Reply
  2. D.L. Finn, Author – Nevada City, CA – D.L. Finn is an independent California local, who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks and cedars, her creativity was cradled until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to her readers to join her.
    D.L. Finn, Author says:

    Happy Beltane, Colleen:)

    Reply
    1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
      Colleen M. Chesebro says:

      Thank you, dear Denise. And day to celebrate Spring is a good day. 🌸🌸🌸

      Reply
  3. Eugenia – Atlanta Ga – “Sometimes, the most meaningful messages are shared through the fewest words.” - Julie B. Campbell
    -Eugenia says:

    Happy Beltane, Colleen! 💖

    Reply
    1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
      Colleen M. Chesebro says:

      Thanks so much, Franci. It’s a cool, but sunny day! So much to celebrate! <3

      Reply
      1. Eugenia – Atlanta Ga – “Sometimes, the most meaningful messages are shared through the fewest words.” - Julie B. Campbell
        -Eugenia says:

        Most welcome! ❤️

        Reply
  4. Brenda Marie Fluharty – Brenda Marie Fluharty is a freelance writer, blogger, poet and author.  Brenda is a Reiki Grand Master. She has studied several Spiritual practices. Brenda has a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science from the University of Metaphysics. A few years back she decided it was time to share her knowledge, wisdom, and life experiences. She has been blogging for over 15 years. Brenda specializes in writing poetry, short stories, writing tips, and product reviews. Because of her spiritual background, she writes articles on spiritual healing, spiritual philosophy, dream interpretations, anything in the metaphysical field, and health and wellness essays and articles. She is the author of Writing Through the Soul.
    Brenda Marie Fluharty says:

    Happy Beltane. It is a magical time of year.

    Reply
  5. memadtwo – For more madness, follow me on Instagram @h_zimel methodtwomadness is a blog of two friends, Nina and Kerfe kblog is Kerfe's solo branch on the tree
    memadtwo says:

    Those are good wishes Colleen.
    I actually surprised myself and managed all 30 days.
    Now it’s back to irregularity. And unpacking and sorting… (K)

    Reply
  6. purehaiku – I write and publish traditional haiku on this site purely because I love haiku composed in the 5-7-5 syllabic structure.
    purehaiku says:

    it’s cold here too in England! but the countryside is turning green now!

    Reply
    1. Colleen Chesebro: WordCraftPoetry – East Lansing, MI – Colleen M. Chesebro grew up in a large city in the Midwest. Keen on making her own way in the world, she joined the United States Air Force after graduation to tour the world and find herself. To this day, that search continues. Today, she’s a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com, where poets learn how to create traditional and modern forms of syllabic poetry. Colleen created Word Craft Poetry as an uplifting community where poets can learn the basics of writing Japanese and American syllabic poetry by sharing their own poetic inspiration on their blogs through the challenge written in one of the following forms: haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, haibun, tanka prose, renga, solo renga, cinquain, and its variations, Etheree, nonet, shadorma, Badger Hexastich, and Abhanga. Poets receive positive feedback from their peers who inspire each other to stretch their creativity. Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in “Hedgerow, a Journal of Small Poems,” and in “Poetry Treasures,” and “Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships,” including several other online publications. She’s also received several awards for her flash fiction pieces from the yearly Carrot Ranch.com rodeo events. Colleen created Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in their book publishing needs. When she's not writing poetry or crafting short stories, you’ll find her digging in her garden, or playing with her two unicorn cats, Chloe & Sophie. Most days you can find her writing poetry on wordcraftpoetry.com. 💜
      Colleen M. Chesebro says:

      Same here in Michigan. Still chilly, but today the sun is shining. 🌸🌸🌸

      Reply

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