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2 year poetry contest, Boston Poetry Magazine, Brian Miller, poems poems poems, winnah winnah chicken dinner
School is back in session.
It’s been two weeks for us and the year is already flying by. For some students, it seems, they are still waking up from summer break. Yesterday I had several talks with students and today I am meeting with parents—in hopes that this year may be different than last for some students.
One of the great challenges with teaching is finding the best way to reach a child and balance that with holding them accountable to learning. There has to be effort from the student, because life definitely will not just give you what you want.
Learning is an essential element of life…I am always learning new things.
At the end of August, I passed my four year anniversary of writing poetry. My first poem came only as a challenge from a friend who enjoyed my prose. I am still just figuring this thing out. smiles.
One of the fringe benefits of OpenLinkNight to me is seeing how each of you write, how you turn a phrase, how you tell a story, how you structure you poem. Maybe I am easily amused, but reading—is another form of study.
What I glean from reading goes into my tool box, to be used in a future poem.
Keep that in mind as you head around the poetry trail tonight and as you are letting other poets know what you appreciate about their verse…this is an investment in a future poem of your own.
Welcome to OpenLinkNight everyone, my name is Brian Miller and I will be your host this evening. Before we get started, we have some business to attend to…announcing the winners of our 2nd year anniversary poetry contest with Boston Poetry Mag.
As you will remember the top three poets are included in their upcoming anthology and the top ten will be published on their website. With out further ado, the top three poets are…
Kelly (mrs mediocrity)
Kelli (mama zen)
Jennifer (poetry laundry)
..and I will announce the 7 others that make up the top ten on monday
Congratulations poets, well done!
Alright, time to get our poetry on, if you are new here, let me tell you how it works:
- Write a poem and post it on your webpage.
- Click on the Mr. Linky button below and enter your name and direct URL to your poem.
- Read others and share your thoughts on their poem: what did you like, what line will stick with you, what did you appreciate about the way they approached the poem?
- Promote yourself and OpenLinkNight on the social media of your choice. Us ethe hashtag #OpenLinkNight or @dversepoets so we can promote you as well.
- Have fun. Read. Learn. Make friends. You never know…
See you out on the trail. ~Brian
dVerse 
Congrads to winners and on the anthology!
hiya j….congrats to everyone…it was def an easy selection…
Brian, Thanks for tending bar again. 🙂 Speaking of school, this year has been strange for us because my son started college with the summer term at The Art Institute of Portland so “back to school” doesn’t mean much to us this fall. It’s kind of weird not having to do all those back to school things I’ve grown so accustomed to. Anyway, I got my link in and will be back in a while to read some poetry. Peace, Linda
it’s the first year for us as well that none of our kids will go back to school after the summer break… feels kinda strange..
ah, the start of college is a whole new animal too…he has lots of independence….look for you in a bit linda…smiles.
Hi, Brian, and congratulations to my friends Kelly, Kelli and Jennifer!
Our friend Glenn Buttkus convinced me to post something different tonight. A somewhat poetically written story of the Old West. Hope my Texas readers don’t hate it. Heck I hope ANYBODY will like it. Via con dios, ya’ll. 😉
nice…i am anjoying glenn’s western and look forward to popping over to read yours here in a few….
Mr. Linky was broke when I came, said I was number one, such a cheating thing haha
ha – that was just to give you a blissful second ya know..smiles
I never end up being the number Mr. Linky says I’m going to be. I really don’t trust him in that regard, but otherwise am just grateful that he is there. 🙂
ha. linky was fooling, esp after you killed me in your poem, just saying…smiles.
Congratulations to Kelly (mrs mediocrity), Kelli (mama zen), and Jennifer (poetry laundry) . I’m looking forward to reading your poems.
most def…figured i would put their ‘tag lines’ as many may not know them as their real names….smiles.
Happy oln everyone and a happy poetic anniversary to u Bri.. I’ll just be doin some ole snooping in… and congrats to the top three poets!!
snoop on brother….how are you?
Congratulations, very worthy winners indeed! Look forward to reading and hearing more about this.
I also have a (far more modest) celebration of sorts – my 100th poem in 19 months. Previously, I hadn’t written poetry since high school. A lot of the poetry of the past few months has been inspired by you all, so take a bow!
woohoo…100 poems is def a feat! that is very cool that you started writing again…i used to write songs in high school which is kinda like poetry but….
(I am having problems commenting here for some reason, trying again… )
Oh my gosh, you should see the big happy dance I am doing over here! What an honor, and thank you so much for presenting us with such a fabulous opportunity!!
Congrats to Mama Zen and Jennifer and the other winners as well.
Happy Open Link Night, everyone! Tuesday really has become my favorite day of the week!
woohoo! most def….we had taken the names off of the pieces during judging so i smiled for you as well when we saw who had written them….so happy dance right back at you…smiles….
smiles….congrats to the winners… there were so many wonderful entries..it was a tough choice
Oh, I am sure it was, there are so many fabulous writers in this incredible community. I am floored!
it was def tight….we had 5 judges….and there was one point that separated the #3 and #4
Congrats to Kelly, Kelli, & Jennifer! Yes, school is back in full swing, so I thought I would resurrect an older piece and one that honors a scholarly genius – one who enjoyed learning his whole life. Thanks for all you do here, Brain and the gang, at dVerse.
cool..cant wait to pop over and read here in a few margaret…..
happy 4th anniversary, poet bri; congrats to Kelli, Kelly & jennifer; & happy OLN everyone… Week 111, eh? – i’m thinking that must have some special significance 😉
we are all number 1!!! ha. smiles…that is it…
Congrats to the top 3! Lunchtime post, back to read later. Brian, remember to pace your drinking, it’s so early in the year : ). A seltzer with lemon for me. ~ M
enjoy lunch…eating anything good?
ha.
Bravo to our top three poets! Well-deserved. And thank you, Brian. I enjoyed your post and the glimpse into the world of teaching and learning. I like your philosophy about teaching the kids the importance of personal responsibility…something, I fear, that has been compromised somewhere along the way.
i try…it is def all about finding that thing that gets it to light up for each student…learning their learning styles and things that are their strengths and building on that…
It’s so important to respect different learning styles, Brian. I’d enjoy sitting in on your classes!
ha. today every kid that got a math problem right got to shoot a paper ball at a trash can i was balancing on my head…yeah we have a little fun…smiles.
good afternoon poets! i am on my way out to direct traffic and get these kids out of here for the day…..be back in just a bit to catch up!
Congrats Winners! Looking forward to reading your new pieces!
hiya rhonda!
Hi Brian,
I see you and your positive karma are up to your good work as always… Unfortunately, I’m a bit to wrapped up this week to play much part, but hope to have something for next week and also to have time to catch up with others… However just wanted to stop by tonight and say sincere congrats to Kelly, Kelli & Jennifer. Kelli’s stuff I don’t know – so that is now going straight on to my short list for reading visits next week. All the best to everyone and enjoy your evening…
With Best Wishes Scott http://www.scotthastie.com
thanks for popping in scott…and looking forward as well to your prompt very soon…and always look forward to something new by you as well…
How cool. Congratulations to all the winners. Thanks for hosting Brian.
most def….good to see you myrna!
Congratulations to all contributors really like the variety each night brings.
Chris.
for sure chris…and i am sure as well that we will have another publication contest in the near future…so have your pens ready….smiles.
Congratualtions to our 3 winners; I’m sure there were loads of poems that came close though … smiles.
I’m a bit late into the Pub this evening, but I have a good reason. A visit to my link will explain why.
Have a good afternoon/eveing/morning everyone – and I’ll see you out on the trail.
ah mr. co pilot – a good reason indeed…smiles
you can fly? ok, i need to go read, but now we have someone that can fly around and pick us all up to do this for real? smiles.
Sadly no, I can’t fly. According to Pat’s post today, I know a poetical host who might have flight amongst his suite of superpowers … smiles
only when i wear spandex….smiles.
people fly away from me then.
haha
i almost fell asleep in a meeting this afternoon and having more meetings tomorrow…so.. early bedtime for me over here but will check back in the AM to read what you brought to the table… smiles
i hear you….i have meetings like every morning before work this week….blech….530 am tomorrow…no fun…get some rest…..
Schlaf gut, liebe Claudia … smiles
Late to the party – took a while to compose today’s offering but I’m putting up another of Judith Clay’s paintings with a sonnet to go with it. Congrats to our winners of the poetry contest, and hello friends and fellow poets. Will see y’all making my rounds.
ah it is a very cool response to the pictures from poetics….that makes like 4 or 5 of us now that got double time out of those pics…smiles….
Hi Brian, thanks for hosting. Congrats to the top three winners. I am again a bit late getting here, my work day just ended.
Pamela
smiles. i understand the feeling…about to take a break and drive home myself….on top of teaching i have to direct traffic til the parking lot is empty so that puts me way behind…smiles….
how is this week going?
Congratulations.. to all the winners, I look forward to read all entries… Tonight, I have not written any entry… I’m in Bucharest on business, and have not had any time left whatsoever… I hope I’ll be able to come back and read a little… but It’s late, so I must get some sleep…
get some sleep…stopped by your place earlier to check and you had nothing since like sunday….so i was wondering…hope business goes well for you …smiles.
hey great to be here. congrats to the winners.
always great to have you here brother…
Hey Brian – congratulations to winners. Good luck at school! k .
thanks k…smiles….
Congratulations to the winners! Am not in a good place today and feel stuck in expressing myself. Still withdrawing from antidepressant which is depressing. *snork* Writing complaint letters to pharma sites to do something positive. Eyes/dizziness from going from 15 to 10 mg…just as bad as going from 100 to 50. Sorry. Affecting my whole world including dVerse. Hugs and thanks to those who visit.
smiles…you should write the complaints in verse….
sorry you are not having a good day….
be by shortly….
Congratulations to the top three winners!! How exciting can’t wait to see the other winners!
most def…will have them in the post on monday and they will be posted on the website as well….that is my fault…left my notebook at home today…its been a long day here….smiles.
Congratulations on 4 years of writing poetry, Brian!! That’s very cool. And it really IS interesting to see everyone’s style and what inspired them to write something to share with us today. Thanks again for tending bar!! And on to the next four years!!!
amen. i have the bug now…it wont go away…smiles….
Hi everyone,
congratulations to the winners of the poetry contest, and happy 4th poetic anniversary, Brian!
My post is somewhat unusual today..but it does contain a poem, and it has to do with school. I appreciate your reading it.
I’m off to read Mr. Linky.
Sasha (a.k.a. The Happy Amateur)
ah cool…we like unusual…smiles….be over in a few to check it out….
Love what you say about learning Brian. Every minute of every day, if we’re lucky, we’re learning. Being here is a wonderfully enriching experience.. thanks everyone! And congrats to the winners – great to have your work recognized in another forum. Bravo!
smiles…thanks becky…hope you are having a great day!
Congratulations to the winners! 🙂
I’m so proud of you guys. 🙂
most def…great to see you charlie! cant wait to see what you brought us today….
You will flip out of your seat. 🙂
Trust me. I wrote this poem at 2:00am I was having visions. I don’t sleep much. I’m constantly writing.
ha. it was def a vision…
i want some of what you are having…smiles….
wicked title too…
I have natural highs..:)
Hey Brian, prepare yourself for a happy poem revised from one a week or so ago. Congrats on year four of your poetry and a new school year. Super congrats to poets who won publication in the anniversary contest–Kelly, Kelli, and Jennifer. Hurray! I look forward to reading the poems in the magazine!
I saw the film “The Butler” earlier today (senior day at AMC) and highly recommend it! Such good acting, so many memories, and truthfully it has been a while since I cried so much or laughed as heartily. I’ll be back later to read after supper. Yum.
oh i so want to see that movie!
good i want a happy poem as well…smiles…..i need it, its been a long day….
hi Brian and everyone at d’verse today. thanks for hosting Brian, you sure make it look easy. congratulations to all the winners, i ‘m so happy for all of you. what a huge affirmation of your work, and i hope it inspires you all to continue writing such wonderful poetry..
thank you all here at d’verse
ah and thank you for playing…
ah if it were only easy…we would all do it eh? smiles.
we find our way..
Oh holy heck! I was in the waiting room at the dentist office when I read this in my feedly. I’m sure I had to have been the happiest person there! They probably thought I was a crazy lady because I was smiling way too big for such an occasion-ha… Wow, thanks so much for this opportunity and to the judges whose job could not have been an easy one. Kelly and Kelli are amazing poets so it’s a doubly great honor to me to be chosen alongside them. School doesn’t start around here until September 4 (which is also my son’s birthday, and as you can guess, he’s not all that happy about it lol). Looking forward to reading some great poetry tonight!
oh its hard for me to be happy at the dentist…haha…
oh what a birthday present for your son as well…ack…smiles…
and congrats poet.
Dude, I’m late to the party as always, after today…my order is a long island ice tea please barkeep…
i will join in one…ha.
Congrats to the winners! I love there link ups and so glad to see them come out swinging victorious! We are starting school next week…and mercy, since I am the teacher and parent of self proclaimed child who knows EVERYTHING, I best be prepared! Happy Writing, Brian. Thanks for hosting…here’s a toast to the start of a new school year- may it go well for us and those we influence- may it all be for good.
oopsie on the “their”, THERE, ack…oh I hate when I write so fast I do that!
most def…each day is a battle but also the most rewarding thing as well…shaping those young minds…
clink*
Posting a bit of a poetic rant, be forewarned! Can’t wait to read all the great poets coming out for the 111th!
ha. 111th…sounds like a military batallion…smiles….rant on…cant wait…be over in a few….
Hi Brian, Finally made it in from work, good to be here! Congrats on your 4 year anniversary, my friend! I too, started in 2009, as a kind of catharsis after loosing my job of 18 years. Four years, many new friends and hopefully much improvement later, and I am still writing! Extending my congratulations to Kelly, Kelli and Jennifer on their achievement, too! Heading inside to read now, got some catching up to do!
ah, dropped the ball dropping you in today ginny…smiles…work was a beast…meeting-ed to death today….the thing is to keep writing…
and we are always getting better…
Thanks for tending The Pub – (sauvignon blanc plese) 🙂 Congrats to all the winners. I posted mine in the wee small hours of the morning but shall link up now.
wee hours…that is reserved for coffee in my neck of the woods but…ha..
good morning…
and a good morning to you *smiles*
smiles.
Happy Open Link Night, everyone, congratulations, winners, and happy school year to all who are marking that as well.
good evening marilyn…
I’ve been writing poems for 4 years too, Brian.
very cool…we are of the same poetry generation…smiles
Brian, you’ve been at it longer than me, old man!
I’m so excited and thrilled about the contest. Thanks for the opportunity and congratulations to all the winners!
old man…ha…remember i turned 40 last week…i resemble that remark now…smiles.
I just wanted to pop in and say hello. I was in a car wreck yesterday so I didn’t get to write anything, and I’ve been running around so much I didn’t have time to search for an oldie to post. Congrats to the 3 winners!
ugh, i am glad everyone is ok laurie…geez….life comes at you fast…
So true. And luckily we were hit on my side instead ot Katie’s side!
Congrats to the winners of the poetry contest! And to Dverse as well, inspiring such awesomeness. On a mini-break, but I’ll be back writing soon 🙂 ~ peace, Jason
enjoy your break jason…
Hello Dverse ! It’s great to be here again, so sorry I m late.I’m probably the only person without a cell for the web left out there. Congratulations Brian on your 4th year in the delicious land of poetry. And all the best for a fabulous school year! Congratulations to the anthology winners!! ( this was the first time I could see a menu for past posts, is today only when they are viewable?
no we usually keep them on the side there…odd that you were not able to see it before…hmm….just coming back online and will be over in a min…smiles.
Congratulations to the very deserving top three!!!
anna!!! how are you?
In transition – my mother is retiring and moving in with us, I am dissolving my businesses and looking for nonprofit work, and I am in the process of selling off several assets. It’s overwhelming but it’s always wonderful to be reminded that poetry is alive and well here at dVerse :D. Thanks for always keeping the pub open, warm and inviting. You all are lovely.
Hi there!! Linking up for the first time ever! Hope I’m doing it right!!
welcome to dverse….hey you got the link right…and brought a nice poem too…smiles…mingle around…there are good people among us…
Brian, congrats on meeting the 4 year mark! That’s quite an achievement. I think a 5 year poetry party is in order for next year. :smiles:
Congratulations to Kelli, Kelly, and Jennifer! It wasn’t an easy decision but I’m glad to have been a part of it. I also can’t wait to promote the amazing poetry you’ve written.
most def…and thank you for the opportunity to team up with you man…
You’re the comment king man…. commenting everywhere, and fast, too. haha. The pleasure was mine. Any time I can help dVerse out, or any of its members, gimme a shout.
have you ever me a pub owner who wasnt sociable…smiles.
Thanks so much Mike!
Hello everybody, hope you have a great week ahead! Keep writing 🙂
hiya, that blessing returned back to you….smiles.
Congratulations Winners!!
good morning panchali
Wow…congrats to the winners!! Mention of school made me nostalgic…
smiles…i am glad you have such good memories of school….
good morning poets…i am between meetings this morning…and playing catch up as i can…..will get to you though…smiles.
Hey Brian ~ congratulations to winners, and here’s a shout out to everyone – I found this poet named jonahboat who is new here and asked me to post his link for him, who I found to write consistently fabulous poetry ~ please show him some love !!!!!
Actually I do not know wether it’s a him or her !!
just dropped in on them…and def enjoyed the trip…
Thanks for the cool playground.
oh yeah you should try the monkey bars…smiles.
So great to find this group and interact with all these wonderful poets.
Dropping in to congratulate the three winners.
Congratulations Kelly, Kelli, and Jennifer!