soldered heart

I see you
in the majestic & the forlorn

a depressive state
bereft
of indifference, and of alienation

tales
of evenings
alone

a soldered heart
wanting to learn more

about peace
and love

a tangent scale to climb
when

hanging
upside down from
the clouds
in the starry sky


Photo by ausbitbank, Pixabay

Twitter #vss365 prompt words used: bereft, evening, solder, tangent. Follow me on Twitter here.


MasticadoresIndia/USA Publications

I am always honored to have my poetry in MasticadoresIndia and MasticadoresUSA. It is a blessing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Terveen, and Barbara for always supporting my work; and, thank you to each of you for continuing to read, like, and comment on my poems on these two exceptional online magazines.

Here are my two newest pieces.

I would be honored if you would read them when you have a moment, thank you!


Book Reviews

Archery In The UK

A good friend of mine and publisher of #1 Amazon Bestseller Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, Ingrid Wilson, released a new book recently. Archery In The UK is a collaboration with Nick Reeves, and is a beautiful and passionate book.

Once I started reading Archery In The UK it was hard to put down. The book mixes poetic forms, inviting the reader on a journey of beautifully flowing language, touching hearts, and minds, and leaving me teary-eyed, joyful, and inspired. It is an amazing collaboration.

I highly recommend Archery in the UK, which you can purchase on Amazon here.

The Light in The Cave

The Light in The Cave, by Tricia Sankey is a wonderful Novela full of richly crafted details, and characters developed with depth, and an intensity that fills the reader with a desire to read more, and more. I enjoyed the way Tricia developed the characters and the plot line in a way that left me guessing as to the story behind the story until well into the later chapters, which is where we find that the characters weโ€™ve come to know and love are not exactly who we thought they were. The Light in The Cave is an amazing work of science fiction. I highly recommend reading this wonderful book.


Jeff Flesch

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Jan/Feb 2022 Author of the Month, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #anxiety, #archeryintheuk, #beauty, #calmness, #depression, #determination, #experimentsinfiction, #happiness, #heart, #ingridwilson, #joy, #life, #love, #masticadoresindia, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #nickreeves, #pain, #peace, #perserverance, #poem, #publications, #quietude, #reslience, #review, #sorrow

seeding love

I stare
into the essence of nature
transfixed

by webs
of confusion

leaving me disjointed
with feelings
once held in common
and in season

a hibernation
from pain, and from sorrow

seeding
a living legacy of laughter, and of love
in its place

making
the whole word dissipate


Photo by ausbitbank, Pixabay

Twitter #vss365 prompt word used: hibernation. Follow me on Twitter here.


MasticadoresIndia/USA Publications

I am always honored to have my poetry in MasticadoresIndia and MasticadoresUSA. It is a blessing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Terveen, and Barbara for always supporting my work; and, thank you to each of you for continuing to read, like, and comment on my poems on these two exceptional online magazines.

Here are my two newest pieces.

I would be honored if you would read them when you have a moment, thank you!


Jeff Flesch

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Jan/Feb 2022 Author of the Month, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #clarity, #confusion, #cosmos, #essence, #illusion, #legacy, #life, #love, #masticadoresindia, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #poem, #publications, #reality, #seeding

honeycomb

I want to play with the nature
of pain

and hide
the existence of tears
dwelling
within the chambers of change

a doppelgรคnger
made from the cusp of our love
frosted over
with the nest of

a honeycomb

encircled
by clouds hanging upside down
from

the starry sky above


Photo by FreeCreativeStuff, Pixabay

Twitter #vss365 prompt words used: want, change, doppelgรคnger. Follow me on Twitter here.


MasticadoresIndia/USA Publications

I am always honored to have my poetry in MasticadoresIndia and MasticadoresUSA. It is a blessing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Terveen, and Barbara for always supporting my work; and, thank you to each of you for continuing to read, like, and comment on my poems on these two exceptional online magazines.

Here are my two newest pieces.

I would be honored if you would read them when you have a moment, thank you!


OUT NOW! Hidden in Childhood, A Poetry Anthology, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton

Hidden in Childhood, A Poetry Anthology was released this past week, and it skyrocketed to the #1 spot on Amazon New Release for several days. I am honored to have two pieces published in this gorgeous anthology. Thank you Gabriela for always supporting my work, for being an amazing friend, and for continuing to create new opportunities for writers all over the world to have their voices heard, and their stories read.

If youโ€™ve not yet picked up a copy of this gorgeous anthology, please do so with the link above. Thank you!


Jeff Flesch

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Jan/Feb 2022 Author of the Month, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #change, #healing, #hidden-in-childhood, #life, #love, #masticadoresindia, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #number-1-best-seller, #pain, #poem, #publications, #sky, #stars, #transformation

watching wicked

I sit in silence
watching
wicked blues, and greens
arise

across the horizon of mind

a prompt
and nature of cosmos
in, and out of time

days once lost
are now filled with love, and with the
promise

of you close
realizing this truth

I hold tight
and never let you go


Photo by M_Graham, Pixabay

Twitter #vss365 prompt words used: wicked, prompt, day, lost. Follow me on Twitter here.


Prized Possession, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, Prized Possession, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you, Barbara Leonhard, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for your continued support, and for publishing this piece.

Prized Possession

I look in the mirror
and find
a reflection, known to none, yet
known to all

a persona of nature
and of soul, dancing within
an interlude, a prized possession โ€“
desireโ€ฆ

Iโ€™d be honored if you would read the full poem here. Thank you!


Here is the last poetic response to the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration that I have written at this time. If time permits, I will write poetic responses to the last 4 or 5 beautiful poems that were submitted to this collaboration.

Rise Again

sitting with the feelings that arise
it was your eyes
I

always looked into
like the sun

among
a shadowed world

grays, mixed with other fragrant
colors

creating
a burgeoning in my heart

when you chose to depart
this plane for another, it kept me
lingering

among the pain and mourning
deep within

though I now realize
this pain wasnโ€™t a sin

so, I rise again


Rise Again was inspired by the poem, The Resurrection of Red by, Camellia.


Jeff Flesch

#1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Jan/Feb 2022 Author of the Month, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #30-poems-in-30-days, #awareness, #colors, #cosmos, #heart, #life, #love, #masticadoresusa, #mind, #nature, #naturespeaks, #poem, #promise, #publication, #realization, #silence, #truth, #watching-wicked

weathered bones

I skirt
and flirt
with dangerous territory
when thinking
of youโ€“
you
remind me of all that was once
true

in life, in love, and in
the texture of weathered bones
drawn closed

like shutters upon my eyes
I

rely upon the truth
to open up
yet, also know the pain of the mountain
tops
call me home

where danger, and safety
resonate as equals

when you are close


Image by Counselling, Pixabay


Courage Resurrects, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am honored to have my new poem, Courage Resurrects, published at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you Barbara Leonhard for supporting my work, and for all that you do

I would be honored if you would go here, and read my new poem. Thank you!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

May your 2023 be filled with peace, love, and joy, and may all of your dreams come true.


Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #closed, #connection, #danger, #fear, #healing, #heart, #loss, #love, #masticadoresusa, #mountain-tops, #nature, #open, #pain, #poem, #publication, #realization, #safety, #weathered-bones

dusted stars

I live along thin
and narrow streets, and
there are dreams
which always seem to
be

hiding
just behind the next bend
in the road

where
a flower grows
from a seed

and a building
comes to fruition
from steel, and cables
released

from
the center of the Universe
a quantum theory
practiced underneath

the dusted stars
sparkling across the sky

a realization of truth
weโ€™ve known
have forgotten, and remember
to scale this night


Photo by Prawny, Pixabay


Threads, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am honored to have my new poem, Threads, published at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you Barbara Leonhard for supporting my work, and for all that you do. I look forward to working with you more in the new year!

I would be honored if you would go here, and read my new poem. Thank you!

Book Reviews

As you all know, I began the year with a wrap-up post each month, and in each of these posts, I included book reviews. Due to the preparation for, and release of #1 Amazon Bestseller Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, the demands of my job, and other personal responsibilities, the monthly wrap-up posts didnโ€™t make it too far into the year, yet I did continue to read and review some amazing books. Here are a few more of these reviews.

40 Poems at 40, by Ingrid Wilson

40 Poems at 40, by Ingrid Wilson is a brilliant compilation of poems that takes the reader into their heart. A journey through pain, suffering, and great elation and joy; Ingrid connects to the reader through experience and through nature, by creating and weaving elegant language around the challenges and opportunities we all face in life. Challenges and opportunities of confidence, resistance, love, beauty, rapture, hope, sadness, and much more are contained in this beautiful book. Ingrid walks the reader by the hand through each poem, carrying them with an elegance and cadence that leaves the reader wanting more. 40 Poems at 40, by Ingrid Wilson is a treat, a delightful read that every reader will connect to, and love. I highly recommend this wonderful compilation.

Once Upon A You And Me, Anabel Kluny

Once Upon A You And Me, by Anabel Kluny takes the reader through the world of the seen and unseen, and everything in between. Anabel invites the reader to reflect upon the love felt within their heart, as they engage in beautiful words and imagery, evoking sentiments of deep love, transformation, self-awareness, passion, destiny, and much more. Anabelโ€™s poetry speaks to the soul through vivid and engaging language focusing on the inner and outer worlds, and their connections to each other. Once Upon A You And Me is beautiful, expressive, and is a must read. I highly recommend this gorgeous collection of poems.

Kindled Roots, Love Poetry, By Ujjal Halder

Kindled Roots, Love Poetry, by Ujjal Halder takes the reader into the heart and mind, exploring the paradox of life, through manifestations of nature, and a self awareness that leaves the reader reflecting deep within themselves. Ujjal explores pain and love via transformation, and relates these concepts and the experiences behind them to nature in a language of love. Kindled Roots, Love Poetry, by Ujjal Halder is a book full of heart, leaving the reader questioning their perceptions of our individual and collective connections to nature. A lovely read.

Write Out Loud, by Daphny Nianghoi

Write Out Loud, by Daphny Nianghoi is an exploration of the deepest and darkest places we all navigate as human beings, from horribly traumatic events to the breaking of oneโ€™s heart again and again; yet, this book shines through the authors beautiful heart and deep love for everyone and everything on this planet.

Daphny expresses resilience stunningly, leaving the reader with tears streaming down their face, while also feeling that internal smile bourgeon like the sun; knowing that even in our darkest hours we will be okay.ย 

Daphny also expertly evokes nature though beautifully imagery connecting that which we see to every fiber of who we are as human beings. Write Out Loud is a gorgeous book, which will leave you feeling connected to the beauty of nature and humanity. I highly recommend this lovely book.

I still have lots of books to read and review, and will continue to share these reviews when they are complete. If youโ€™ve not yet picked up copies of these amazing books, I recommend doing so.


As we continue through the end of this year, and into next year, I will continue to read all of your wonderful poems, writings, and posts on the weekend. I will also post once a week on the weekend. This new blogging schedule will continue into the foreseeable future, making room for my new job and life responsibilities, which are super exciting. I will have more to say about these new developments in future posts.

Alright, thatโ€™s all for this week.

I wish you all a beautiful Sunday, and a glorious coming week.

All my love and blessings,

Jeff


Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #book-reviews, #dreams, #dusted-stars, #growth, #hidden, #insight, #life, #love, #masticadoresusa, #memory, #nature, #poem, #punlications, #realization, #reslience, #seeds, #truth, #universe

Lilac and Mint, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, Plum Trees, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you to Gabriela Marie Milton, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for their continued support and for publishing this piece.

Lilac and Mint

I walk toward the moon
lilac and mint waft through the night
a fragrance

bruising my heart, and
hard to define

itโ€™s youโ€ฆ

I would be honored if you would go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!


Photo by LalalaB, Pixabay


Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #connection, #dream, #haunting, #heart, #heartache, #loss, #love, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #poem, #publication, #reminiscence

Plum Trees, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, Plum Trees, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you to Gabriela Marie Milton, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for their continued support and for publishing this piece.

Plum Trees

plum trees always take
my breath away

as in their shade, we play
with notions of hope and trust

and a little bit of the magic seen
within the last bunchโ€ฆ

I would be honored if you would go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!


Photo by ArtTower, Pixabay



Jeff Flesch

Author, #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow

Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

Author of the Month, Jan/Feb 2022, Spillwords Press


#poetry, #dream, #flowers, #heart, #hope, #life, #love, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #plum-trees, #poem, #pulication, #trust

rainbow trim, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, rainbow trim, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you to Gabriela Marie Milton, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for their continued support and for publishing this piece.

rainbow trim

folded end over end, like a piece
of steel

with rainbow trim

a fascinating deluge of colors
vibrant and felt within

my heart

it beats to a steady rhythm, resonatingโ€ฆ

I would be honored if you would go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!


Photo by allyartist, Pixbay


#poetry, #healing, #heart, #hope, #loss, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #pain, #poem, #publication, #rainbow, #resonance, #suffering

stone colored glass, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, stone colored glass, is now available at MasticadoresUSA. Thank you to Gabriela Marie Milton, and the team at MasticadoresUSA for their continued support and for publishing this piece.

stone colored glass

I often think about the past
itโ€™s like looking through stone colored glass

hazy, and filled with trauma, a cold place
inside my chest

lingering among flowers, thought and feeling

reconcile meโ€ฆ

I would be honored if you would go here, and read the rest of my poem. Thank you!


Photo by sjainart, Pixabay


#poetry, #believe, #hope, #life, #love, #masticadoresusa, #nature, #pain, #past, #poem, #present, #publication, #reminiscence, #trauma, #trust