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Good one, Michael

Actually, a long time ago I self-published 2 poetry chapbooks. I didn't know then to call them that. One I had the local paper in Thermopolis, Wyoming print 100 hundred of them. I have 2 left. That was in 1980. The other one I did on my computer in Lukachukai, Arizona in 1999. I have one copy, gave ...

Wow, well-told and a thriller. Love boomerang that has mind of its own.

Thanks Bob for being so generous. I just can’t so far get this poem right. I like the first version I wrote over at Waters best, but the other poets seem to think it needed something more and they’re probably right and this isn’t it either.

I’m interested in seeing the responses you get. I’ve never come close to publishing any chapbooks or anything else, so I can’t help you.

Searched The Internet Again My ex came to Arizona to find me; I'm sure of it. I passed right by her at the Chinle Bank without knowing, could have reached out, touched her like the money I withdrew. Her sister, Maggie, driving the car. When I met Theresa she was a teller at my bank in Thermopolis. ...

Lost Another One I can knead my shoulders to a point. I can listen to the innocence of those near. The muscles in my legs stiffen, then shiver so the whole bed shakes. Unaware, the sheets flutter like frightened butterflies. The nightlight holds my life in its filament. A thread to unravel to the e...

bhowellsinnard@gmail.com I'm not representing any other board. This is my original, unpublished poem: Love in the Mountains of Wyoming Heat lightning like fireflies on steroids dart in summer dark. Mountains. Their presence felt though unseen in the moonless sky. Stars veiled by a swathe of stratus ...

Thanks, Bob, that was supposed to be “booted”, a term used by needle users to shoot up a drug such as heroin.

Shotgun Wedding In two days I'll get married, the fourth time. My second marriage I walked down the aisle asking myself, "What the hell are you doing?" then said, "I do." This latest one saved my life, met her in treatment. She had lots of clean time, gave a talk. She was beautiful, a former actres...

Wow, congratulations, Bob, well-deserved. Wouldn't doubt that it will win.

Thanks Bob,Ken

Thanks, Bob

I nominate Ken’s In the Name of the King

And Bob’s How You Met Your Wife

Yes, Frank, a great accomplishment, and we at The Block, Siva, Ken, Bernie, Michael, you, and others too many to remember all must give honor to The Block. There have been lots of wins for the Block. I've learned a lot here.

Hate to burst your bubble, Frank, but I've been here since 2008 and maybe earlier, and I've won or placed for The Block at IBPC, fifteen times. It's in the archives at IBPC. I left for a while and came back.

I believe you make a valid point. The Block does have a well-known history. And because of poets like you, Bob, and Michael, there have been many recent wins at IBPC. I’m surprised that hasn’t attracted other poets.

BTW, I emailed IBPC a few days ago, too. Have received no response , yet.

the alligator sleeps under the sun's blazing comfort i can't let go of his jaws he's helpless as long as i hold on if he stirs i pet his tummy it's soft the color of a cloud he drifts to sleep again as if floating down a river dreaming of a little boy to eat they say let go he sleeps i can't i've b...

I’ve been to St Augustine. Don’t remember it very well. I was 9 or 10. But I do remember I got to hold an alligator’s mouth shut, pet it’s belly, and put it to sleep.

As I said somewhere else this is a great poem, giving the readers so many things to question within themselves and ponder. And to inspire to seek Justice.

This is great, Bob. Love the eavesdropping line, the whole poem. If you want to get rid of one “other”, just change it to “A few approached

Yes, you’re so right and I tried at first for something simple and gave up to quick and jumped in too soon with this same crap. I’ll give it some time.

A-Muse Do women have male muses? Do poets have the same sex muses? Is it important to the poet? Can a muse be an animal? Can a poet have a pantheon of muses? Can you be a poet without a muse? Can muses exist without poets? Do poets invite their muses or do they just show up unannounced? Do muses sp...

Thanks,Bob, revised last 2 lines but don’t think it’s right yet.

Thanks Bob