Glowing Sunrise, Published at Spillwords Press

I am excited to announce that my poem, Glowing Sunrise is now available at Spillwords Press. A big thank you to Dagmara K., and the whole team at Spillwords for publishing this piece, and for their continued support.

Glowing Sunrise

one, two, and three
are the stars
I count in the sky

there are so many more thoughโ€ฆ

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


Photo by Fausto Garcia Menendez


Submissions are open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.

#poetry, #connection, #contemplation, #earth, #grateful, #humanity, #joy, #life, #love, #nature, #poem, #publication, #sky, #spillwords-press, #world-gratitude-day

the nexus

dark and light
a playful design

and entrance
into

a world seen, and unseen
where heart and mind

create the nature of reality

a savior

in between
the play of consciousness
and the depths of the sea

hidden
underneath the nexus of humanity


Photo by tommyvideo, Pixabay


Twitter #vss365 prompt words used: dark, entrance, play, savior. Follow me on Twitter here.


Submissions are open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.


#poetry, #consciousness, #darkness, #heart, #life, #light, #love, #mind, #nature, #nexus-of-humanity, #perception, #poem, #reality, #worlds

Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: New Reviews

Iโ€™m sharing a few more reviews today of #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow. I am humbled and honored by the beautiful words contained in all of the reviews my debut poetry book has received over the past two weeks. Such an amazing experience, all of this has been.

Here are the newest reviews.

Suzette Benjamin, of Suzette Bโ€™s Blog

5.0 out of 5 stars

ย A dance in poetic song!

Jeff Fleschโ€™s well-presented poetic ensemble Nature Speaks, vibrates human emotion with nature as its membrane.
It draws the reader into the connectedness between feelings and experiences in/with/among who we are and are becoming.
Jeff Fleschโ€™s talented gaze at human brokenness and the joy seeping
through love and life, lifts the reader through natureโ€™s lens unto fervent hope.
One of my many favorites from this adept collection resonates with this aspect of natureโ€™s parabolic lens; a lens that reveals what lies in oneโ€™s heart, bubbling up ever so gently, through a walk among the trees.
I found the following a summative glimpse into the poetโ€™s perspective, which I think the reader will enjoy. That nature is a reminder of the primal nature to which all life belongs. It is that place of respite from the shackles of the everyday grind.
Therefore the line in โ€œSelf Bloomโ€ which reads: โ€œI dance to the tune of the moon learning more about nature,โ€ does that for me. What imagery and solace abounds in that swath of poetry!
The reader will not be disappointed (O thomk) with โ€œNature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: Poems by Jeff Fleschโ€ either as a companion at the end of a day, or as an early morning meditation song.
Overall, I relished reading these poems as a โ€œdanceโ€ to the tune of natureโ€™s heart song wrapped in hugs.

Cassa Bassa, of Flicker of Thoughts

4.0 out of 5 stars

ย Nature gives us space to process our feelings and emotions.

The writer is connected to nature, the everyday wonders we often ignore. It provides a safe place to process at times complex emotions. Itโ€™s healing to read this collection of poems.

Elisa Bobbiesi, of @wildolivewrites

5.0 out of 5 stars

A restorative and uplifting collection

This enchanting collection of poems is filled with depth and heart. There is a softness, a hopefulness to his writing, even when expressing painful emotions. Intricate textures of nature are woven throughout, like meditations, reminding us to connect to and fully appreciate the world around us.

Kym Gordon Moore, of From Behind the Pen

5.0 out of 5 stars

ย A Dance with Nature

Jeffโ€™s collection of poetry reminds me of looking at nature and life through the lens of a child. The gifts of nature are ours to reflect on the majesty of life, caretaking, and living. His poems meander through the realms of imagination, creativity, and appreciation for the blessed gifts Mother Nature offers us. This book is like dedicating a love story to the amazing facets of the gems that nature beholds. You can find a piece of yourself throughout the morsels of stanzas offered in this collection.

Selma in Japan, of Selma

5.0 out of 5 stars

ย Poetry that moves youโ€“ makes you feel something like an overflow

In reading Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow by Author Jeff Flesch, at times, I moved like the wind susurrating to a tree; at others, my soul overflowed and crashed like a waveโ€” my heart pulsed excitedly and smiled. Could be the nature theme, could be the words.ย 
The words, yes, the words!ย 
The authorโ€™s words recalibrate heart and soul, and if I had to choose just one poem to encapsulate what I mean, it would be โ€œThe Oceanโ€™s Rocks.โ€ I love the ending line, โ€œlove forms the center of our poetry.โ€ย 
There is much sorrow in Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow by Author Jeff Flesch, but the author finds a way of stirring us out of that dark place and into the love that abides in nature. Kudos! As we all know, love is the thing that makes the journey whole and worth it.
The poems are short, but each packs a beautiful cadence in the brevity and simplicity of the authorโ€™s vocabulary. And the freedom in the lineation of free verse poetry added to its charmโ€” giving me time to visualize. This โ€˜permission to pauseโ€™ endeared me to this poetโ€™s crisp style.ย 
Each poem ends in a blissful place which translates to each ending putting me in a better place.ย 
So glad I purchased the printed format. Touching it transports me to a good place.ย 
In closing, it was hard to read this lovely poetry collection and not nod in agreement: the world would be a better place if we could all see through Author Jeff Fleschโ€™s eyes. I cannot wait to read more by this author.ย 
5-star. I highly recommend itโ€”Selma in Japan.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Suzette, Cassa, Elisa, Kym, and Selma. Your reviews touched my heart, and I am grateful to each of you.


Submissions are open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.

#1-amazon-new-release, #poetry, #book, #life, #love, #love-and-sorrow, #nature, #naturespeaks, #poem, #publication, #reviews

Butterflies in the Night

I sit on the front porch
considering
the moon, and the train
coming
down the tracks

I can feel it, the anxiety
the streets, and this sensation
not

missing a beat

Kinda like when you see a star
in the sky

you relate to it

itโ€™s a mirror image of you, and you know why

Life is like this at times
full of whispers of insight

We simply need to remain open
to

the butterflies in the night


Photo by ArtTower, Pixabay


Submissions are open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.

#poetry, #anxiety, #awareness, #butterflies-in-the-night, #calm, #emotion, #feelings, #healing, #insight, #life, #love, #open-heart, #poem, #sensation, #senses, #stars

Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: New Reviews, and 30 Poems in 30 Days Begins on September 24

I am continuously humbled by the generosity and kindness of our loving community. I recently read two new reviews of #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, and they both touched my heart.

Here are the two newest reviews.

New Reviews

Sadje, of Keep it Alive

Nature speaks of love and sorrow is the debut poetry book of Jeff Flesch, but Iโ€™m sure there will be many more!
Jeff is known for his beautiful poetry and is quite active on his blog on WordPress. Jeff is a kind, considerate and caring person whose poetry also mirrors his personality.
The poems are both profound and playful. They take you in and make you think and then some would also amuse and entertain you. A beautiful book which you will read again and again.
This book is available in Kindle and paperback as well. Do pick u your copy today.

Carol Anne, of Therapy Bits

I just bought and read this powerful poetry book by Jeff Flesch!
Jeff has done an amazing job with his new book! I loved the feel of this book!
Every word was relatable and spoke to my heart!
If your looking for a good poetry book, pick up this book! You wonโ€™t be disappointed!
The poems are all so heartfelt!
Its available on amazon in paperback and on kindle.
Thanks for creating this wonderful book Jeff! I look forward to reading more from you!

Such lovely words, and wonderful people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Sadje, and Carol Anne. I am deeply touched by your beautiful reviews.

30 Poems in 30 Days

We are one week and one day away from the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration beginning. The poems that have come in are diverse, and absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to share them with you!

If you are still interested in submitting, please do. The submission details are located here.

Have a wonderful weekend!


#poetry, #30-poems-in-30-days, #book, #collaboration, #nature, #nature-speaks-of-love-and-sorrow, #poem, #poetry-reviews, #publication, #reviews

Gumdrops and Glitter, Published at MasticadoresUSA

I am pleased to announce that my poem, Gumdrops and Glitter, 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.

Gumdrops and Glitter

the sea rises over my heart
while I lean into love

like a fairytale, made up of gumdrops
and glitter, which never stops

enticing
the senses

even with a skewed perspectiveโ€ฆ

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


Photo by Agnali, Pixabay


Submissions are open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.

#poetry, #determination, #fairytale, #growth, #healing, #heart, #joy, #life, #love, #nature, #pain, #perspective, #poem, #reality, #resilience, #senses

heart strong

the pale
and lambent sky
is dried

and full of mist

swirling in colors, made of notes
a song

adrift

in the east
where my heart is strong
and just enough

with you

the music of my life
and my one and only love


Photo by brittanygraytoday, Pixabay


Twitter #vss365 prompt words used: pale, lambent, east. You can follow me on Twitter here.


Submissions are still open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.

#poetry, #anxiety, #calm, #colors, #heart, #life, #love, #music, #nature, #poem, #resilience, #sky, #strength, #uneasy, #unknown

ghosts linger

ghosts of the past
linger

in my memory

with a sky full of love, dried
bone, and blood

which come

by land and sea, this onslaught
always pervades me

as I watch
the trees sway back and forth
remembering

the truth about this paradoxical life course


Photo by 12019, Pixabay


Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow has been #1 Amazon New Release for 8 of the psat 13 days, and on the top 20 Bestseller list much of this time.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this so.


Submissions are now open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration, and will remain open until September 23. The submission details are located here.



#poetry, #consciou, #contemplation, #healing, #heart, #introspection, #joy, #love, #mind, #nature, #pain, #past, #poem, #presence, #present, #sorrow

Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: New Reviews, and a 30 Poems in 30 Days Update

Iโ€™ve recently been reflecting more about how much of an honor it is to know that my book is in some of your homes, and in your hands. The feeling is one of deep gratitude and appreciation. A deep appreciation and gratitude for each of you. Thank you for always being here, for your support, and for your friendship.

Iโ€™ve also been reflecting upon the new reviews of #1 Amazon New Release Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow, which Iโ€™ve seen come up on Amazon and Goodreads. They are amazing. Here are the newest reviews.

Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: New Reviews

Paula Light, of Light Motifs II

5.0 out of 5 starsย A magical journeyโ€ฆ

Jeffโ€™s poetry is like a walk with a friend at dawn. He weaves earthy images with heartfelt emotions to create a beautiful tapestry of wonder. From his first poem โ€œNeutral Stances,โ€ which admits to mysteries of the heart, we take a journey through love and lossโ€“โ€œOcean and Sandโ€โ€“breathing in the scents and sounds of the natural world, until we come to a place where we glimpse the radiance of hope. Jeff transforms a simple โ€œBlueberry Treeโ€ into memoryโ€™s healing power. From great tumult, โ€œBlooming Tears,โ€ comes great peace, โ€œMystical Rain.โ€ Nestled within the sheltering trees and floral breezes, he transports us to a realm of magicโ€“โ€œThe Sweetest Lullabyโ€โ€“ which is available to anyone who opens their eyes and heart to drink in natureโ€™s lessons. โ€œMoments Graspedโ€ is the perfect finale. Illuminating!

Kathy L.

5.0 out of 5 starsย Love and nature beautifully intertwined

Jeff Fleschโ€™s poems use words to paint canvases in our minds. The theme of most of his poems deal with love and nature combined in a unique and engaging style that takes the reader on an enjoyable trek through the natural world around us, and the unseen one of our imaginations, where love resides in each leaf and blade of grass. Each poem is a testament to the eternality of nature, love, and not least of all, hope.

Sadje, of Keep it Alive

5.0 out of 5 starsย A beautiful book, which connects love to nature

I loved this book by Jeff Flesch. The theme of the book is so relatable as he links our love for each other to our love for the universe and the nature around us. A must buy for the lovers of nature and poetry.

Melisa Quigley, of M.A. Quigley, Writer, and Poet

5.0 out of 5 starsย Nature Heals

A sensory and at times metaphoric look at life through the Poetโ€™s eyes of the past and present using nature as a healer. Voyage with Jeff through Blackberry Brambles, Cascading Water, Cosmic Arts (my three favorites), and more. You wonโ€™t be disappointed.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Paula, Kathy, Sadje, and Melisa. I am touched and deeply honored by your beautiful words.

I will publish another post later this week with a few more beautiful reviews. Such an honor.

Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days Collaboration

I am overjoyed with the response thus far to the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days collaborative invitation. Every poem I received has touched my heart.

If youโ€™d like to be a part of this collaboration, submissions are currently open and will remain open through September 23. You can read the submission details here.


One last thing before we go.

About two months ago I was reading Off Center & Not Even, by Timothy Price, and there was this stunning image, which led the photos that day, you can see it here. I commented that I would love to have that image hanging on a wall in my house. Well, Tim responded with, what size would you like. I told him the size, and here is what it looks like hanging on my wall. I love it. Thank you again, Tim.


#1-amazon-new-release, #poetry, #30-poems-in-30-days, #building-community, #collaboration, #invitation, #love, #nature, #nature-speaks-of-love-and-sorrow, #poems, #reviews, #sorrow

natureโ€™s toil

north, by northwest
of my soul

I find natureโ€™s toil

where flowers bloom in my veins
and tears

soak
the soil
with your name

etched
in the blood of our love

a remembrance, of two
and a shadow from up above


Photo by matressa_, Pixabay


Submissions are now open for the Nature Speaks of Love and Sorrow: 30 Poems in 30 Days collaboration, and will remain open through September 23. The submission details are located here.

#poetry, #connection, #healing, #heart, #hope, #life, #love, #nature, #pain, #poem, #rememberance, #suffering