Sat, 11 Oct 2025 21:37:45 -0400WeeblyTue, 28 Nov 2023 13:23:16 GMThttps://www.marykeatingpoet.com/blog/when-poetry-calls-youfollowAs the days grow shorter in the Eastern hemisphere and temperatures drop below freezing, I enjoy withdrawing inside and reflecting on all there is to be grateful in life.


Six years ago, I started writing poetry after decades of sporadic spurts. Life as a lawyer since 1985 consumed my time, and I needed a creative outlet on a more consistent basis.
In hopes of honing my craft and stop writing mediocre poems, I began taking classes online with Billy Collins (Master Class), University of Pennsylvania’s ModPo which introduces you to contemporary poets (free), Westport Writers’ Workshop, Gotham Writers Workshop, and Hudson Valley Writers Center.


In addition to the workshops, I joined several poetry groups and began signing up for open mic performances, both online and live. Recently, I’ve been enjoying free workshops and interviews of poets online with Tim Green, Editor of Rattle Magazine.


Over the years, these courses and workshops inspired me as well as improved my poems to the point of them becoming published and two being nominated for a Pushcart prize. In addition, through the connections I made, I put together a poetry collection that became the first book in verse to win When Words Count Book Contest. Recalibrating Gravity will be published next Fall by Woodhall Press.


This month I am honored to join Scribes*MICRO*Fiction as their Poetry Editor.


Also, this month Wingless Dreamer (located in India) published my poem “Treat for a Treat” in their international anthology, All Hallows Eve. The book is available on Amazon. I was delighted to discover one of my mentors, Ed Ahern, of the Poet’s Salon (co-leader of an online poetry group with Alison McBain) and Managing Editor of Scribes*MICRO*Fiction,
also had a piece published—illustrating how small the world can be.


If passion calls you, follow your dreams. You’ll be surprised where they will lead you, and the wonderful people who will fill your life to guide, inspire, and love you.


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