i got rhythm

walking creates rhythm taken in

by mind as well as body

creating a repeated beat in poetry

composed while on a stroll

ah, the tricks poets learn

or fall into to further the art

that nourishes their soul

rare publisher

i met our publisher in lunch and joyous conversation

Charles Portolano has reached out and given

to so many of our Writers in the Grove

in print in his beautiful The Avocet nature poetry quarterly chapbooks

and on-line in his weekly collections

Charles, our feisty and insightful “Sicilian from New York”

has created a unique attitude in the publishing world

by deliberately fostering community among poets

recognizing needs and finding ways to give special attention

where he knows it would not come naturally

it is my privilege to know Charles in person, now, too

            mjNordgren  2/24/2022  Scottsdale, Arizona