Thank you again Prolific Press for including my poem in the 2018 Spring issue of Poetry Quarterly. This is the winners issue and features an excellent collection of poets including the Rebecca Lard Award Winner: Suzanne Cottrell. This issue can be purchased from the Prolific Press bookstore.
Thank you Tanka Journal for including my poem in your collection. It has been fun to discover a new style of poetry. The tanka style originates in Japan and it was often used as a short form way to send a message that expresses romance, desire or gratitude. If you want to learn more about this style click here. Check out my latest poem for free in Issue 6
If you are looking for a set of poems to add to your library, this volume can be purchased from the Prolific Press bookstore here: Issue 6
I am including a brief exploration of this poem, to provide a little more insight into my creative process. Please read the poem before you continue with this post. I feel that it is important to experience art.
Crows Gather in Mass
Tanka poems usually have two sections to them and this poem is no exception. The first part of the poem has crows gathering before the dawn. They represent the edge of darkness that lingers before the sun rises. The second part of the poem shows the crows becoming guides as the shadowy figures retreat, bowing to the new day. This poem attempts to create powerful and explosive imagery as two forces exchange control of the sky.
Thank you again to Prolific Press for all your continued support and thank you to those who inspire me to keep on writing.
-Zach Agnew
A big thank you to Three Line Poetry for including my poem in your publication. This journal always has amazing work from poets all around the world. Keep up the great work! Check out my latest poem for free in Issue 46
If you are looking for a set of poems to add to your library, this volume can be purchased from the Prolific Press bookstore here: Issue 46
I am including a brief exploration of this tiny poem, to provide a little more insight into my creative process. Please read the poem before you continue with this post. I feel that it is important to experience art.
Horizon Lines Shift
The horizon has often been a focal point in both my writing and my photography, which is funny as the horizon is pointless. Yet there is just something awe inspiring about the way it wraps around our world. The first line of this poem represents a change as a shifting horizon usually means a change in perspective. Yet the next line shows that this change is not a good one as the subject of the poem appears to be in distress. The final line is used to demonstrate two things. First, it shows the finality of death, like the horizon which is unending. Secondly, it uses the word embrace to show that the subject has accepted their fate.
Thank you again to Prolific Press for all your continued support and thank you to those who inspire me to keep on writing.
-Zach Agnew
A big to thank you to Haiku Journal for including my haiku in your publication. The Prolific Press team always puts together amazing collections of poetry. Check out my latest poem for free in Issue 54
If you are looking for a set of poems to add to your library, this volume can be purchased from the Prolific Press bookstore here: Issue 54
Below is a little summary of the poem to give you a little bit more insight into my thought process. Please read the poem before you continue with this post. I feel that it’s import to experience art.
The Silence Shatters
Haiku is one of the most beautiful forms of poetry out there. It is like a punch of imagery to the imagination. Its goal is to evoke emotion in a familiar and comfortable rhythm. The first line is used to set the tone and leave a question in the readers mind. The image of silence shattering is uncomfortable, because it offers many possibilities and directions. This is followed by revealing that it was the gulls who broke the silence, but at the same time they are breaking through the darkness of the night as they call forth the dawn. Both the coming light and sudden noise represent change and how it can both be predictable and sudden. Even though it can be jarring, it can also be comforting as we bath in the possibilities of a new day.
Thank you again to Prolific Press for all your continued support and thank you to those who inspire me to keep on writing.
Zach Agnew 