On the Web articles
from Sol-Magazine
updated 12/6/2003


This page contains current On the Web articles and those from past issues of Sol.
 

SUBMIT WEBSITE INFORMATION FOR POSSIBLE REVIEW!

NONPROFIT SITE:  Have you recently visited a good non-profit poetry or writing website you'd like to recommend to others?  Send the website name with the URL plus your comments to Mary Margaret Carlisle, Managing Editor:  Sol.Editor@prodigy.net

PERSONAL WEBSITE:  Sol Magazine Members are invited to submit  the URL of their own poetry sites for possible review.  Send the name of the site with the URL plus your full name and any comments to Mary Margaret Carlisle, Managing Editor:  Sol.Editor@prodigy.net

NOTE:  We do not review personal poetry websites unless they belong to a Sol Magazine Member.  We do not review commercial, political, or religious websites, or those that use graphic or scatological  language.

 
Reviews:


December 2003   ON THE WEB
"Amaze - The Cinquain Journal" 
by Gary Blankenship, Assistant Editor
Amaze - The Cinquain Journalhttp://www.amaze-cinquain.com

Sol members Deborah Kolodji (a 2003 Sol poet laureate finalist) and Lisa J. Cohen will amaze you at their web pages devoted to the Cinquain form, appropriately titled Amaze.  Deborah, co-founder and editor, and Lisa as webmaster, publish two issues of poetry each year, both on the web and in print.  Submissions are welcomed throughout the year and, if accepted, are posted on a flow basis.  Amaze's co-founder and editor emeritus, Denis Garrison, had to give up the website for health reasons.  He taught a variation of the form, linking the first and last lines of the formal Cinquain form, and his article on this form can be found at Amaze.

According to its mission statement, "Amaze is dedicated to developing, promoting, and publishing Cinquain in the traditional form established by Adelaide Crapsey."  Amaze is also interested in developing and publishing other forms of the Cinquain, such as Mirror Cinquain and Cinquain Cycles.  A comprehensive resource for all aspects of the form, containing links, history, essays, and news, Amaze is currently the best place for Cinquain information on the web.

Be amazed.  Drop into Amaze and enjoy a true American wonder, the Cinquain.


 

September 2003 ON THE WEB - 

"Writers Monthly - Poetry & More" 
by Gary Blankenship, Assistant Editor

Writers Monthly:  http://www.writersmonthly.com/index.html

Writers Monthly is a full service E-zine published in San Diego, CA, that supports writers of every genre via workshops, reviews, original work, interviews, contests, event listings, essays, and odd-ends.  Sol poet, Terrie Leigh Relf, has been their Poetry Editor since early 2002. 

As Poetry Editor, Terrie chooses poets to be published, answers questions from readers, and writes a general information column titled Poets Workshop.  Examples of past topics are:  resurrecting dead poems, finding poetry in everyday life, how to write a sestina, and horror poems. Her articles feature sample poetry and well-researched links to other web sites relating to the subject. Terrie occasionally features interviews of poets. 

Asked for her goals as an editor, she replied: "To see writers succeed, assist new writers, and promote writing. Win-win." Those are good goals for any editor, and Terrie succeeds in spades. Writers Monthly notifies subscribers of each new issue, so if you find this E-zine to your liking, it could be convenient and easy to make Terrie's poetry pages a regular stop. 


 




 
 
 
February 2003 ON THE WEB

"Poets & Writers - Venerable and Responsible Quality"
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief

Poets & Writers, Inc.:  http://www.pw.org 

Thanks to the faithful and forward-looking work of editor Elliot Figman over the past 25 years, Poets & Writers has emerged as truly a leader in its field.  It offers news, links, services, and the semi-monthly print journal, Poets & Writers Magazine.

A visit to this resource center opens a doorway a real wealth and variety of information and resources.  It is a home where a writer, poet, or teacher at once feels comfortable surrounded by the best of what makes the literary craft a noble pursuit.

Of particular interest to teachers is the "online only" Teachers Guide section of the magazine, useful for any who wish to use Poets & Writers as a classroom resource.  Much work has been done to help the teacher with lesson plans, via sample assignments, discussion starters, and a "Resources" page of valuable books and web site addresses.

Seven years of archived back-issues are available.  The sum total of knowledge in all these issues is enormous.  If ever there could be a single place where the serious student of poetry and literature could go to mine a wealth of online treasure, "Poets & Writers" (www.pw.org) is that place.
 


 
 
 

November 2002 ON THE WEB

"Watching An E-Zine Evolve And Mature: Little Brown Poetry"
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief

Little Brown Poetry:  www.littlebrownpoetry.com

Having stopped by this site now and then over the past couple of years, this editor can attest to how it has matured into a fine, nicely established website.  Sam Siegel's vision has evolved into a worthy E-zine complete with front and back cover art.

The poetry in the current issue, "September 2002 - Volume 3, Number 8," of this New Hampshire based periodical, is thoughtful and appealing.  "On a Beach in Tunisia," by Jeffrey C. Alfier, is captivating yet completely unpretentious.  Several other poems made for enjoyable reads, with dozens of poets featured during the year 2002 alone. 

The main page offers many features including back issues, special articles, and an extensive Links list.  Submission guidelines invite amateur poets and writers to contribute a variety of works. 

Although its presentation style necessitates frequent line-breaks, Little Brown Poetry offers a unique and refreshing concept that makes a positive contribution to the world of online poetry magazines.  Add this site to your Favorites List and enjoy!
 


 
 


 
October 2002   ON THE WEB
(Re-)Discover Zuzu's Petals
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
Zuzu's Petals Literary Resource:  http://www.zuzu.com
Zuzu's Petals Quarterly Online: http://www.zuzu.com/zu-link.htm

Its name taken from the famous movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, Zuzu's Petals is a wonderful website.  It features thousands of links of literary interest including its own quarterly poetry e-zine.

There are twenty issues of the poetry e-zine from which to choose; the latest issue, "Transitions," features about 20 submitted poems, four fiction pieces, and two articles of commentary.  The poems are of high quality, thought-provoking and sensitive to the human condition.  True to the role Zuzu's petals played in the movie classic, this website presses gently with the poignancy of that which has been lost as well as with the fresh vision that comes after what was lost is found again, with talismanic seriousness.

The stated mission of Zuzu's Petals is to "unearth and present the best resources for creative people on the Internet."  It has won the praise of such reviewers as The Book Lover's Guide to the Internet, Your Personal NetGuide, and the author of writers.net.  Continually updated, Zuzu's Petals is a dynamic and vibrant source of information and inspiration.


 
 

September 2002  ON THE WEB -
"Fine as Moonlight"
A review of “Poetry Website” 
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
Poetry Website - http://www.susanlovefitts.com

Sol Magazine member and award-winning Texas poet, Susan Love Fitts showcases her poetry at a simple yet elegant web site.  Humbly entitled "Poetry Website," the site's presentation is as engaging as it is easy-going. 

Nine of her poems are featured, including a gripping account of a woman and her dying son, written from the woman's viewpoint.  Fitt's use of alliteration and repetition are effective in coloring her narratives, distinguishing them from ordinary free verse.  "Gothic Women," about three women from two Tennessee Williams novels, makes excellent use of alternative long and short lines to accentuate the drama in her reflections.  Each poem is well-written and a pleasure to read.

In addition to the poetry, Fitts includes a handful of links to quality Houston-area sites, her very interesting biography, and several reviews of her recently published book, "Licking the Bones Dry."  As relaxing as lemonade in the shade yet fine as moonlight on a clear Texas night, Susan Love Fitt's Poetry Website is well worth the visit.
 

Susan Love Fitts is the host of Poetry Nite Live!, a monthly poetry reading at a bookstore in the Woodlands, Texas.  Susan, several other Sol members, and a group of local poets were photographed by our Staff Photographer, Leo F. Waltz, at an event in August, 2002.  This feature may be viewed at: 
http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/sol.editor/woodlands/

 
 
 

August 2002  ON THE WEB
"POETRY FOR THE PEOPLE"
A review of The Writer’s Hood
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
The Writer's Hood:  http://www.writershood.com

This site bills itself as the “first multi-genre magazine without a print counterpart on the Web," and "a virtual neighborhood of genres nestled in the cyber shade."  Among the ten genres offered "in support of veteran and amateur writers" is a Poetry section edited by Sol contributor and contest winner Gary Blankenship. 

Gary's page immediately makes the visitor feel welcome and comfortable.  This is poetry of the people, by the people, for the people.  His monthly message invites the reader in, to stay awhile and to participate.  He concludes with a short poem of his own, in a highly descriptive style which might remind one of Robert Bly.  Visit Gary’s page at: 
http://www.writershood.com/htms/poetry.htm

This month, offerings from other writers at the site include fifteen poems and an essay, most with invitations to respond by clicking "Critique."  All include information about the poets.  These features foster a greater sense of closeness, and even of belonging.  Four months' worth of back issues are also provided.  Overall, this is a well-done web site in its presentation, quality, and personal touch.
 


 
April 2002  ON THE WEB
"A Professionally Acclaimed E-Zine"
A review of Poetic Voices
by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
Poetic Voices:  www.poeticvoices.com

Poetic Voices is one of only two poetry websites in Writer's Digest's 2002 list of the Top 101 Websites for Writers (the other being the Academy of American Poets, www.poets.org, see Sol's "On the Web" review from April 2000).

This fine-looking e-zine was begun in 1997, and is updated monthly.  Its staff includes three editors and five writers.  The current home page features a Table of Contents that includes these links:

  • Appearances/Readings ("what's going on around the country in poetry and the arts")
  • Ask Poet (and editor "answers all of your questions on poetry and poets")
  • Columns/Commentary
  • Conferences/Workshops/Residencies
  • Contests/Awards/Grants/Fellowships ("listing of more than 50 contests, awards, grants and fellowship opportunities")
  • Editor's Picks of Essays on the Net
  • Features ("more than 60 exciting and informational features and interviews")
  • Links ("more than 700 links" to various kinds of websites)
  • Mechanics of Poetry ("articles on different styles of poetry, studies of the craft and other essays and columns")
  • News ("press releases and other timely events and notices")
  • Poetry ("poems written by our readers")
  • Publication Opportunities ("more than 100 listings of publishers and guidelines to help you get your poems in print")
  • Reviews (includes a fine review of Sol's very own Features Editor's book of selected poetry, "Words Elude Me..." by Paula M. White, in July 2001)
  • Submission Guidelines
  • This is a most impressive website for its thoroughness and devotion to so many aspects of the art of poetry.  Although it sponsors no contests of its own, Poetic Voices looks like a good source of a variety of information, and is well-worth bookmarking for return visits.  Sol salutes its poetic
    brethren at Poetic Voices.

















     
    March 2002   ON THE WEB -
    "Homegrown and Heartfelt" 
    by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief 
    (c) the poetic page:  http://community-2.webtv.net/TENAJ/thepoeticpage/index.html
    Editor:  Janet Parker

    For National Poetry Month we showcase an excellent homegrown web site, "(c) the poetic page."  This site proves that one need not have a professional degree in web design to put together a site that is well-organized and uncluttered, pleases the eye, and features meaningful and enjoyable poetry.

    The site is divided into five sections, "the poetic page," "the haiku page," "where poetry lives," "yummy leftovers," and "a bit of nonsense."  Ms. Parker, one of Sol Magazine's own poets and a most gracious hostess, posts outstanding and award-winning poems by a variety of writers including an occasional "featured poet," and invites readers to submit poems for posting consideration. 

    A real treat on the "nonsense page" is the delightful poem "Stammer Grammar" by William Middleton,  but the entire site is truly a feast.  Plan on bookmarking "the poetic page" for frequent return visits.


     
     
     

    February 2002   ON THE WEB
    Poetry On The Peaks
    A Mountain-Top Experience
    by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
    Poetry on the Peaks  -  http://dialoguepoetry.org/mountain_readings.htm

    It is said that poetry lifts humanity to a higher plane of reality.  This is borne out at this site.  Here is a unique combination of poetry from Amichai to Whitman, and many of the world's best-known mountains, ranging (pun intended) from Aconcagua to Whitney, offered in the form of two drop-down menus at the right side of the home page.

    Spectacular mountain photographs and panoramas await behind each selection of a mountain, along with information about a climb and a poetry reading to be held on that mountain.  There is detailed information about each mountain and a poem appropriate to the setting.

    For each poet selected, there is a photograph and sample poem or couplet about a mountain experience.  It is a pleasure to pass through this listing of well-known and not-so-well-known writers.  "Sestina: Here in Katmandu," by Donald Justice, is one of several truly fine poems featured at this site.

    Impressive for its creativity and clever association of mountains and poetry, this web site is indeed a delightful celebration of both.  It is well worth perusing at leisure for enjoyment and a bit of an education.
     

    Do you have a favorite poetry website you would like reviewed?  Contact our Editor-in-Chief, Craig Tigerman, at craigtigerman@prodigy.net and he may consider reviewing your suggestion for our next On the Web feature. 



     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    January 2002 ON THE WEB
    "By Jan Haag, Poetic Forms & More"
    a website review
    by Craig Tigerman, Editor-in-Chief
    "By Jan Haag, Poetic Forms & More" 
    http://janhaag.com/POpoetry.html

    If ever there were a web site so engaging, engrossing and enveloping as to merit getting lost in it all day, it would be here in Jan Haags's poetry pages.  Well-organized and so easy to navigate, Ms. Haag's site presents hundreds of thoughtful, well-written pieces by a prolific, discerning, artistic and deep-thinking writer. 

    Heading the list of sixteen collections is a four-part compendium, "Poetic Forms in English," conceived as an exercise "to write at least one poem in each of the Poetic Forms Used in English."  She states that there are now 338 form poems posted, each bearing its form name.  What a wonderful way to honor our great poetic heritage and treasury, while developing one's own writing repertoire to its fullest! 

    "Traditional forms are no doubt the greatest honing device for language ever invented," Ms. Haag writes.  She asks the reader to engage her in discussions about any of the forms.

    Her other collections have enticing names.  These invite exploration into "Architecture and Archaeology Poems," "Flora and Fauna Poems," "A Feminist Daughter's Father Poems," "Fame and Fortune Poems," and "The September Poems." 

    There is much to be savored and enjoyed at Jan Haag's web site.  Sol Magazine recommends this site for Bookmarking, a keeper for sure.
     



     


    November 2001 ON THE WEB
    A New Poem Every Day
    by Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor
    POETRY DAILY:  http://www.poems.com

    A refreshing web site worth bookmarking is "Poetry Daily - a new poem every day."  Appealing for its simplicity, the home page offers three main links: Today's Poem, Featured Poet, and Featured Book. 

    Fortunately there is also an "archive" link, to get to poems that were previously featured, an entire year's worth of poems to browse and savor.  The selections are almost exclusively modern American, with a healthy balance of minority poets from Native American to Asian-American to African-American to Arab-American. 

    Poetry Daily" is a valuable place to find a wealth of today's poetic voices in creative expression.  Over time, the "featured books" segments alone would become an amazing personal library of possibilities if one were to begin them now. 


     



    October 2001 ON THE WEB
    Modern American Poetry Site 
    by Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor
    Modern American Poetry Site:  http://www.english.uiuc.edu/MAPS

    If reading a poem leaves you yearning to know more about its author and its meaning, check out a new website, the Modern American Poetry Site. 
    (Be sure to type MAPS in capital letters.) 

    Created by Cary Nelson, editor of the Anthology of Modern American Poetry (Oxford University Press, 2000) and professor of English at the University of Illinois, this 10,000-page website features biographical information, illustrations, manuscripts, bibliographies, interviews, book reviews, and even syllabi so that the materials can easily be used as  teaching tools. 

    Scrolling down through the list of 161 poets featured so far at this site, one sees a few familiar names from the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, e.e. cummings.  There are also a number of well-known contemporary poets, like Robert Pinsky, Stanley Kunitz, Yusef Komunyakaa, and many lesser-known but critically acclaimed writers.  The breadth and depth of materials available is simply extraordinary, an ideal resource for serious students and researchers of poetry and poets.


     


    August 2001 ON THE WEB
    "Haijinx"
    by Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor

    HAIJINX:  http://www.haijinx.com

    "Putting the hai back in haiku," is the motto for Haijinx, a website devoted to the study and advancement of haiku.  This double-entendre (or is it triple?) signals a worthy effort, as "hai" means "yes" in Japanese while suggesting a "high" quality job while putting the "hai" back in haiku.  There is much to gain in the understanding of this Japanese art form, for it is far deeper than writing a three-line poem with 5-7-5 syllables per line. 

    Haijinx, edited by Mark Brooks, is an international website, featuring contributors from England, Japan, as well as the USA.  Audio downloads are available in Japanese as well as in English, as are some of the articles.  The current issue features 14 pages of "haiku and haiga," with beautiful poetry and artwork, plus features, articles, and spotlights. 

    It is heartening to see such a fine creation as Haijinx on the web.  We recommend you bookmark this site and visit often, to read for both pleasure and study. 

    An exclusive interview with Haijinx editor Mark Brooks appears in SPOTLIGHT, http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/sol.magazine/spot0102.htm


     


     
     
     


    June 2001 ON THE WEB

    "Verbivore Reviewed,"
    by Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor.

    Richard Lederer's Verbivore:  http://pw1.netcom.com/~rlederer

    This is a delightful and insightful romp through the oddities and subtleties of the English language, and thus a useful resource for poets whose craft is with words.  It bills itself as the site "woven for wordaholics, logolepts, and verbivores."  Verbivores "devour words" just as herbivores devour herbs, Dr. Lederer explains. 

    Author and lecturer, Dr. Lederer's books and speaking schedule are numbered among the links on the main page.  Looking beyond those items, one finds a collection of "Looking at Language" articles, a bibliography of recommended linguistic resources, a listing of organizations one may be interested to join, and an impressive collection of links to various websites which alone is worth the visit to this website. 

    The "Ask Richard Lederer" link invites personal email contact to discuss "questions and comments about all aspects of language -- word and phrase origins, political correctness, dialect and slang, and grammar and usage," and requests you to share "your best snippets of language humor."  This openness to the public underscores the overriding atmosphere of warmth and human kindness that pervades this valuable website.  Recommended for bookmarking.



     


    "An Unexpected Treasure: 
    The Poetry & Literature Center of the Library of Congress," 
    by Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor.

    Library of Congress online:  http://lcweb.loc.gov
    Poetry & Literature Center:  http://lcweb.loc.gov/poetry/poetry.html
    Online Catalog:         http://catalog.loc.gov

    The Center includes pages featuring the Stanley Kunitz, U.S. Poet Laureate; Poetry Cybercasts, an Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature; and information about upcoming events, awards and fellowships.  There is also a "Related Links" page which leads to the Academy of American Poets, Poetry Society of America, the Writer's Center, and others. 

    Although a few pages were last updated in May of 2000, most are up to date, leaving the impression that our government's official library is much more than a stuffy storehouse.  Rather, it is a treasure trove made wonderfully accessible to all citizens, any time, via this web site. 

    The Online Catalog is particularly useful for researchers and others who wish to locate specific materials quickly.  Bookmark the Library of Congress! 

    Craig Tigerman, Lead Editor


     

    February 2001 ON THE WEB
    The National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc.
    by Craig Tigerman, 
    Lead Editor, Sol Magazine
    http://www.nfsps.com is the website for the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. On their home page are links to: History, Poetry Contests, Manuscript Contest, Student Awards, Scholarships, Publications, State Links, and more. There are also links to seventeen State Societies' web sites, and a complete listing of all the State Societies.

    The NFSPS sponsors fifty annual poetry contests with cash prizes. It also sponsors a contest for a collection of poems by one poet, and two scholarship awards to college juniors and seniors. In addition, $500 will be divided among the top ten poems received from students in grades 6-8, and another $500 among the top ten poems received from high school students. There is much more value offered by this organization; bookmarking this web site is a wise first step.

    From their introduction: "The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) is a non-profit organization, exclusively educational and literary. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of poetry with respect to national cultural heritage. It is dedicated solely to the furtherance of poetry on the national level and serves to unite poets in the bonds of fellowship and understanding."
     



     


    December 2000 ON THE WEB
    Map of Austin, Dream Forge, Poet's Porch
    by Craig Tigerman, 
    Lead Editor, Sol Magazine

    Dream Forge WebZine Poetry Lounge: 
    www.pcisys.net/~drmforge/poems.htm

    This site embodies the vibrant cultural crucible of Austin, Texas.  On the home page, one may elect to visit Poetry Archive, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Humor/Cartoons, Columns, Online Novels, Book Reviews, Movie Reviews, Book Store, and more.  The Dream Forge home page also features an offering of fresh poetry one could spend half a day reading.

    Map of Austin Poetry: 
    www.austinmetro.com/poetpage.html

    The home page includes an index to dozens of issues of Stazja's e-zine, "Map of Austin Poetry."  Mailed to subscribers twice monthly, this e-zine includes Austin poetry events and topic-of-the-month poetry submissions.

    Poet's Porch: www.poetsporch.com

    One may link to videos of poetry slams readings at Poet's Porch. This site includes audio clips of poetry.

    This month we salute editor Stazja McFadyen.  She is a prolific literary enthusiast, providing a wealth of online contemporary poetic treasures at her Dream Forge, Map of Austin, and Poet's Porch web sites.

    For an interview with Stazja, and to read some of her poetry, go to: 
    http://pages.prodigy.com/sol_magazine/spot0012.htm

    (C) 2000 Sol Magazine
     


     


     


    Http://Moondance.org
    Celebrating Creative Women
    A review by Paula Marie Bentley
    What a find on the web!  This wonderful e-zine is dedicated to the celebration of the nurturing and unique power of women;  it is open to male and female contributors, but the topic slant is toward women.  There are myriad categories for luxurious browsing, including Art (with exquisite artwork), Poetry (each poem illustrated by a keen picture), Song & Story, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Inspirations (individuals speak of inspiring moments or remembrances).  Each category yields a bountiful harvest of unknown writers who bring their hearts to the page.  Peruse "The Ten Commandments of Creative Women" for inspiring thoughts.  You may find yourself unable to stop browsing once you began.  Each area is crosslinked to other areas, making it an endless journey through the collective psyches of many.  The e-zine is open to all public contributions, making it a delightfully Wordsworthian adventure -- "in the language of [wo]men" -- this is truly a site to enjoy and be inspired by, whether you lean toward Mars or Venus.    Moondance's Poetry Editor: Susan Ellis

    Paula Marie Bentley, www.crosswinds.net/~catpoet


     


    from August 2000
    ON THE WEB
    "Under the Limbo Stick"
    A review of the website of Maryann Hazen-Stearns
    by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor
    "Under the Limbo Stick" 
    http://www.geocities.com/Faerhart/

    Published in many books, magazines, journals and various web sites, Maryann Hazen-Stearns' record as a poet speaks for itself.  On her web site are samplings from several of her chapbooks including "Life Among the Lesser Gods," poems for and about women survivors; "An Underworld Awaits: Poetry From Beyond," poems of the supernatural, macabre, gruesome, and just plain weird; and the forthcoming chapbook, "Hamster T. Rodent," for kids, grownups, and hamsters. 

    A regular Sol Magazine contributor, Ms. Hazen-Stearns' award-winning style ranges from earthy, intensely physical, sensual poetry to her penetrating story-telling.  "Under the Limbo Stick" is an impressive, worthwhile web site for all who seek quality in modern poetry. 
     
     

    Craig Tigerman - http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman


     


    from May 2000
    ON THE WEB
    Read it Your Way
    by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor 
    http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman

    "The Ballad of Sand and Harry Soot" http://wordcircuits.com/gallery/sandsoot
     

    For a truly delightful, entertaining poetry experience, see "The Ballad of Sand and Harry Soot."  Stephanie Strickland presents thirty-three pieces of a storypoem that can be read in any order.  She and Janet Holmes married the craft of poetry with the technology of the Internet to create a new variation in the enjoyment of story.  Besides the captivating poetry, each frame features a fascinating artistic image as well.  A standing ovation to this truly creative web site. 
     

    You may choose to read the Ballad in any of three ways:  Random, Complete, or Link-driven reading.  In Random reading, choose an order in which to view the thirty-three frames.  In Complete reading, frames are presented in pre-determined order, by clicking on the image in each frame to proceed to the next frame.  In Link-driven reading, click on either of two link-words given in each frame to go to another frame.  Whichever method chosen, you are in for a real treat.


     


    from April 2000
    ON THE WEB - 
    Visit the Academy of American Poets Web Site!
    by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor 
    http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman

    The Academy of American Poets:  http://www.poets.org
     

    This is an inspiring and ambitious web site.  In addition to April's extensive "National Poetry Month" section, the Academy maintains regular pages for Awards and Programs (including highlights from past issues of the Academy's quarterly journal, "American Poet"), discussion forums, extensive literary links, "Poetry Exhibits" (including a "listening booth" and ten topical presentations, both historical and thematic), a national Calendar of Events, and more. 
     

    The "Find a Poet" link will take you to an alphabetical listing of about 200 poets, with more being added all the time.  Click on Sylvia Plath and go to a page with biographical notes, selected bibliography, links to Plath exhibits within the Academy's web pages, and a generous list of links to other Plath sites on the Web.
     

    Go back and click on one of the thematic Exhibits, "Serious Play:  Reading Poetry with Children." It is an informative article "intended to offer...ideas on how to help your children to join America's vibrant poetry community."  This is followed by links for ideas on teaching poetry to children. 
     

    Check out one of the historical exhibits, "Influences from the British Isles," and be treated to a well-written article presenting 20th century British poets from Yeats to Seamus Heaney. 
     

    Bookmark www.poets.org as a primary source of quality information for poetry in America.  We commend the Academy of American Poets for making such fine use of the Internet to promote our literary craft. 
     


     


    from March 2000
    ON THE WEB - "Cindy Drew's Cat Pages" 
    by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor
    http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman

    Cindy Drew's Cat Pages, http://cindydrew.com/cats
     

    For some delightful reading, even if you are not a cat-lover, check out the poetry on Cindy Drew's website.  The home page offers a variety of serious, light-hearted, and entertaining links for cat keepers. 
     

    "Cat Poetry," on the Table of Contents, takes you to a page featuring three short poems by Rachel Gold, a Mother Goose rhyme, and an index to sixty-four other cat poems submitted by various writers.  Guidelines for submitting your own cat poems are included. 
     

    I could not help but smile while reading Nuskat's "Mittens and Paws," about the exploits of Meowser and Arfer (a noble cat and a mischievous dog), or "Dish Bottom Phobia," by a sixteen-year-old tabby named Bam Bam, translated into English by Sharon Goodman. 
     

    These poems are clever, humorous, and touching, revealing the hearts of both the cat keepers and the felines who own them.  My three-year-old cat Alex may write poetry some day, if he ever gets bored with napping, eating, and watching birds outside.  When he does, I'll certainly consider submitting his work to Cindy Drew's Cat Pages.


     


    from Feb 2000
    ON THE WEB - "Poem-a-Day" 
    by Craig Tigerman, Assistant Editor
    http://sol-magazine-projects.org/prodigy/craig_tigerman

    Poem-a-Day - http://www.daytips.com

    Many poets read poetry for enrichment, personal enjoyment, inspiration and example.  What easier way to read poetry daily than to have it delivered free to your electronic doorstep?  The Daytips website enables you to subscribe to a variety of categories, including Poem-a-Day.  "From Walt Whitman to Carolyn Forche, we send a poem by exceptional poets to your e-mail...Monday through Friday." 
     

    Daytips guarantees, "We value your privacy: your email address will never be sold, leased, or used for soliciting."  Mickie Kennedy does a wonderful job providing this service to the on line poetry community.  Check it out! 
     




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