"Things I'm Not Good At" by Jeff Moss + Broccoli Soup with Roasted Lemon + Contest Winners

I know I'm not the only one who doesn't like ironing. So let's have it. When it comes to domestic tasks, what do you really, really dislike? My shortlist consists of ironing, taking out the trash, and changing the sheets. Luckily I married a man who happens to have the very skills I lack. I'm really happy about this, by the way, because like any partnership, the things he generally dislikes, like laundry and dusting, I don't really mind. This poem by Jeff Moss captures the give and take, hinting at the mischievous note we've all played at one time or another, because if you don't like doing something, you must not have been blessed with the skills necessary to do it, right?

Five Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month + A Giveaway

April is National Poetry Month!

To get festive, here are a few things you can do:

  1. Subscribe to Poem-A-Day through the Academy of American Poets. Free verse delivered to your inbox. 
  2. Read this poem by Wendell Berry. It will inspire your writing. 
  3. Brush up on Philip Levine, the current Poet Laureate
  4. Has the Poetry in Motion project appeared in your city? Consult the atlas!
  5. Watch this brief TED video featuring Billy Collins discussing his animated poetry project.

Also, I'm giving away two copies of the April edition of Poetry Magazine, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

To enter, leave a comment sharing what your favorite poem is. I'll put everyone's name in a bowl and choose two winners on Saturday, April 7th.

"The Bagel" by David Ignatow + Avocado Wasabi Bagels

When was the last time you felt unabashedly silly? When did you run down the street, skipping, or scream on a roller coaster, or trip and fall in a public place? Most of the time we're buttoned up, trying to do everything we can to remain poised, but today's poem removes us from all the formality a bit and reminds us of those rare moments when you realize you're in the midst of a potentially embarrassing moment but choose to laugh instead of burrow away. (Also, I must thank Kelsey for sending this poem my way!)