[John Isbell]

Hi folks,

On the theme of art in poetry, it's perhaps worth mentioning that The Ekphrastic Review now has month-long reading periods spaced throughout the year, and the June period has just begun. It's a Canadian journal that publishes ekphrastic poems, translations, and short fiction alongside (my favorite part) the artwork that inspired you. They also have writing challenges. I've published several poems with them, I think their presentation is lovely myself. It's about five years old. Lorette Lukajic is the editor.

https://www.ekphrastic.net/

Cheers,
John

[F.F. Teague]

Hi John,

Thanks for this link; I agree re. the presentation. The octopus picture is particularly interesting, I think. Congrats on being published. My most recent artwork poem was inspired by a painting by my gran, who was an artist. It was daft and fun to write.

Best wishes,
Fliss

[John Isbell]

Hi Fliss,

Yes, that was a Hokusai octopus, I see. Unexpected! I don’t believe I have any paintings by my gran, a fact which I can only regret. I’m glad you had one by your gran to inspire you.

Regards,
John

[John Riley]

I have another prose work coming up with Lorette later in the month. I've published several works there. It's fun.

[F.F. Teague]

John I., when I moved into my new flat I considered Octopus Energy as my electricity supplier because I liked the look of the little pink octopus logo, lol. I feel a bit wrong about that now. But here's the piece I mentioned (on my blog, as it isn't fit for the 'sphere; it carries a whimsy warning).

John R., congrats on your publishing successes :-)

Best wishes,
Fliss

[John Isbell]

Thank you for that link, Fliss - I too enjoy light verse, in fact my only published volume is nowt but that (Allegro). I think my favorite moment is "Coo stared with open beak," but there are several. And is Godalming where Charterhouse School is? The name sticks in my mind...

Cheers,
John

[John Riley]

My point was write some suitable poetry and submit. It’s a fun journal. John can testify to that. I wasn’t bragging about success.

[F.F. Teague]

Okay, John R.; well, I shall see whether I can write something suitable. I'm happy to give anything a try.

John I., you're welcome. This particular poem is one of our lightest, I think. I'll take a look at your Allegro.

Thanks for enjoying Coo's open beak. Coo has been looking like that today too, having made the acquaintance of someone rather famous in Poetry Land. And yes, Charterhouse School is in Godalming.

Best wishes,
Fliss

[John Isbell]

Perhaps Coo has made the acquaintance of Rita Dove? She is rather famous!

John

Rita Dove: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=...AAAAAdAAAAABAI

[F.F. Teague]

'Indeed, John; Rita Dove is rather famous,' Coo responds, 'but the famous person whom I have met is male. We shall reveal his identity in due course' :>)