On 21st December 2011 a shy, middle-aged man from Scotland crept nervously into the dVerse Poets Pub, dropped a link into Mr Linky for the first time and then snuck quietly out again, stopping only long enough to leave a comment and then read a few of the poems that others had posted before he’d plucked up enough courage to add his to the list. Four people followed him out, read his poem and left comments on his blog –

and from that moment I was hooked.

Now, just 15 months later, it is my pleasure to welcome you – one and all – to the pub for Open Link Night 83. I don’t know exactly what we’ll be serving up tonight – that depends entirely on what you choose to bring – but I do know there’ll be poetry, and lots of it. Most likely there’ll be responses to previous prompts; there’ll be some form poetry and lots of free verse; there’ll be romance, emotion, at least one limerick, some haiku, maybe even a rant or two, but whatever your taste, you’ll almost certainly find it catered for here.

If you are new here, let me tell you how it works; for the regulars, here’s a reminder:

• Write a poem and post it to your webpage.
• Click on the Mr. Linky button below and enter your name and direct url/web address to your poem
• There you will also find the list of those participating this week. You might want to refresh this occasionally or check back in as there are people joining over the next 33 hours.
• If it’s your first time here, please leave a comment to say so. That makes it much easier for us to find you and encourage you by visiting your site.
• Read other poets that have linked. Let them know what you thought, how the poem moved you, what you think of their style, what caught your attention. The not-so-secret formula to receiving more comments on your blog is to read and comment on the linked poems. Please don’t forget to return the favour of those who have visited and commented on your work.
• Encourage others to participate through social media, promote your own piece and others.
• Have fun meeting and engaging with your fellow poets.

I can hear crowds of poets gathering at the doors, chanting “Why are we waiting?” so I think it’s time for me to retire to a safe position behind the bar and activate the automatic door release. Here they come!

Happy Tuesday everyone ~ Tony