April is National Poetry Month...

For centuries, the works of poets have graced the pages of English literature books, captured our thoughts in the form of greeting card expressions, and have even served as lyrics for popular songs we snap our fingers to.

From Elizabeth Barrett Browning, to Robert Frost, to Maya Angelou, to Common, they have inspired, enlightened and enriched us.

Accordingly, April has been designated by the American Academy of Poets as National Poetry Month.
It's a great time to visit your local library and read some old classics, or explore the writings of modern day poets.

It's even an opportune time for you to try your hand at creating an original piece or two.
It can be fun, as well as cathartic.


And just a friendly reminder here... that my collection of verse, "Street Talk and Moore" is still available for your personal reading enjoyment, or as a gift for a friend, relative, teacher, or loved one at Amazon.com.


Happy National Poetry Month...

In Honor of National Women's History Month

Happy Women's History Month.
Women are among my favorite creative inspirations.
So today I'd like to share a piece penned many years ago, on a fabulous female, still so near and dear to my heart.

I hope you enjoy!

MY BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAY ROSE

 

In these times of toil and strife,

There's a very special person in my life.

One on whom I can always depend,

To stick by me to the unforeseeable end!

 

When things didn't look so terribly bright

And there was just a glimmer of light,

She was there!

Through the good times and the bad,

Simply said--she's the best friend I ever had!

 

She's prime and pretty--Chantilly lace--

But manages to keep me in my place!

And if things are not in order

As she deems,

Just ask the kids how she screams!

 

Yet, I love her still

And I'm glad for a wife I chose,

Happy Birthday!

My beautiful, dutiful

Birthday Rose!

 

 

(c) 1993 A.D. MOORE

Keep Warm Thoughts During this Frigid Weather...

Old Man Weather seems to have arrived in full force this year.
From frigid temperatures, to record-breaking snow, to high and damaging winds.

As a result, many of us find ourselves seeking the comforts of home and warm, simple, safe pleasures. Why not make the best of it?

It's a perfect time to devote to catching up on your reading or creative writing projects.

With this in mind, I'd like to send a friendly reminder of my latest release: Vignettes of Vietnam.

You'll find interesting reading to pass the time and stories that will stay with you long after you've completed the book!

It's available online at Amazon.com, along with my poetry collection "Street Talk and Moore."

Discover what the buzz is about; order your copies today!

They also make great gifts.


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

A Valentine's Day Tribute...

In keeping with the theme for this month, I'd like to share a poem on a subject that's near and dear to us all.

Happy Valentine's Day. May it be filled with beautiful memories, however you define it.

LOVE

 

What is love?

Is it the rapture

That elevates the soul

Like the emergence

Of a spring dawn?

 

And fill the heart

With a sensation

Like no other

It has ever know?

 

Can it be the blossoming

Of a summer's rose?

Or the repetitive echos

Of a newborn baby's cry?

 

Perhaps it is the warmth

Of a mother's hand

That wipes away the tears

From an infant's eye

Who is wrought with pain

It can not explain.

 

(C) A.D. Moore

Honoring Martin Luther King's Birthday

YET, I DREAM

 

I dream of kings and queens

Of far away kingdoms,

From days of old,

With corn-rowed tresses

And ebony faces.

 

I dream of my forefathers,

Chained and shackled,

Brought to a distant land,

A home forever,

The motherland to see no more.

 

Bought and sold,

Their labors utilized

In the forging of a new nation

Called America---The Home of the Brave

And the Land of the Free.

 

I dream of Benjamin Banneker,

Crispus Attucks, Nat Turner, Den Mark Vessey,

Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington,

W.E.B. Dubois, Jean Baptiste DuSable,

George Washington Carver, Carter G. Woodson,

Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King...

 

I dream of Harriet Tubman,

Sojourner Truth, Mary McLeod Bethune,

Phillis Wheatly, Madame C.J. Walker,

Ida B. Wells, Mahalia Jackson,

Marian Anderson, Marjorie Stewart Joyner...

And other sisters and brothers

Who lit and carried the torch,

Then left it----That we might see the way.

 

I dream! I dream! I dream!

Yes, Yet I dream!

(C) 1995 A.D. Moore

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

A New Year of Endless Creative Possibilities!

A happy belated New Year to my fans, friends, and followers!
It's a special time indeed.
A new year serves like a blank canvas. It is ours to create our own vision for the future.
...To learn from mistakes of the past and move forward.

What dreams have you had on "hold status"?

Perhaps it's been to write a book. Or to publish your first article? Or to go back to school to enhance your employment opportunities.

Whatever your goal is, why not make this year the "setting" of your own personal success story?

You're never too old to start anew.

Remember: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

Wishing you a year of prosperity, peace, progress, and optimal health!



Image: Stuart Miles

 

How to Have More Holiday Cheer! (Spiked Punch Optional)...

 

Season's Greetings!
It's that time again. The time of year that brings about holiday cheer, and good times with those who are near and dear. But, not for everyone.
Many Americans deal with bouts of depression brought on by memories of a traumatic past, feelings of isolation and loneliness, or even unhealthy thoughts.

Perhaps you're one of them.
Whether you've been "naughty or nice" here are some timely tips to get through the holiday with more joy and less grief.

• Keep proper perspective and balance. In other words, don't over-indulge in shopping, drinking, or over scheduling of tasks. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and "full" of seasonal regrets.
• Remember to count your blessings. Through all the "hustle and bustle" be mindful of your daily blessings and the "divine" reason for the season.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Sometimes this can be your family members; sometimes it's not. Choose accordingly.
• Check out some of the new holiday movie releases at your local theatre. Or watch some old favorites at home, and have a "viewing party" with concession stand snacks. 
• Forget your diet for a day. Enjoy the richness of well-prepared meals made by loving hands.
• Don't stress out over things you can't control. Remember and recite the "Serenity Prayer."

Keep these tips in mind for a more enjoyable, peaceful holiday experience.

On a separate but related note...
for those in search of quality, affordable gifts for friends and family members, my books are now available at Amazon.com.

Wishing you and yours a soulful holiday season with as much warmth as cocoa!