January 2020

Happy New Year sweet friends, poetry fans, fellow writers~
This month, I'd like to thank Glenn Lyvers and the staff at Poetry Quarterly for, once again, selecting one of my poems for publication! It's a true honor. You can find out more about Poetry Quarterly and Prolific Press and place orders, here:
www.PoetryQuarterly.com
~~~

ALSO:  Don't forget to stop by my website at: poetrybysamantha.weebly.com, or follow me on Twitter @honestypoetry
~~~

In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy my new poem, Preparedness...

Preparedness

If a meteor comes, I'm pretty sure we'll be ready.
The canned goods are stocked.
We even remembered the can-opener.

When the meteor comes, I hope we'll be ready.
I put fresh batteries in the flashlights.
And we have a box of candles, too.

When it happens, we're definitely ready.
We have a First Aid kit, with a bunch of
Ointments I don't know how to pronounce.

When it's time, we're fine.
We love each other.
That will always be enough.
~

**Read 'em, Or Weep**
(Just a reminder, I receive no compensation
for book recommendations in this section!)
This month, I'd like to recommend some fiction for a change! Anyone who enjoys a good spy/mystery novel will have a hard time putting down Agent Running in the Field by John le Carré. It's set in modern England, and le Carré weaves a lot of current events into the tale of a semi-retired spy, his family, and their friends and colleagues. The end sets up nicely for a sequel. Highly recommend this fun read!
~~~
Here's wishing you a very happy new year, and a wonderful month.
Thank you for allowing me to share my work with you!

March 2020

Hello sweet friends, poetry fans and fellow writers,

This is a bit of an unsettling time in many national and international affairs. I certainly hope this email finds you well, and that you stay that way! I'm inclined to share two poems this month. The first of which was published by the lovely Spring Ulmer in a hand-crafted chapbook which was produced by West Chester University (PA), in response to the Ebola virus which ravaged western Africa several years ago.
The second poem I'll share below is one of my most recent pieces. I hope you'll take a moment and enjoy what I have to share with you.

Pandemic 
 
As sickening death
Surrounds
 
A wanton cry
Resounds:
 
"Be more! Do more!"
It begs,
 
Prove that compassion
Is not dead--
 
A privilege reserved
For the select.
 
For, in a generation
Whose great iniquity
 
Is the practice of
Decided-neglect,
 
The true pandemic
Threat, is Apathy.
~

Bumper Sticker Politics 

There's a bumper sticker,
"If you don't stand behind our troops,
Feel free to stand in front of them,"
With a picture of a pointed gun.
 
I think as a part-time Pacifist,
I’m supposed to be offended.
But I’m not, because I know advocating for peace and diplomacy
Means keeping our troops out of harm’s way. And that is supportive, truly.
 
However,
As a part-time Poet,
It turns out, I’m quite offended
By such a violent image and concept.
 
Because while folks proudly display their pro-war stickers,
Or loudly advocate for Second Amendment Rights,
They’re simultaneously
Trampling on our First one: Freedom of Speech.
 
Did you know there’s a restriction on it?
It’s simple. Our speech shall not incite violence.
So, pointing guns at those of us who choose peace,
Is as ironic, as it is weak.
 
Meanwhile, the politicians who
‘Stand behind’ our troops,
Are really only back there
Cowering, pushing them off to perish.
~

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for recommendations in this section.)
This month, I happily recommend "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes. Some of you may be familiar with other titles by this author. This is the first I've read, and
I look forward to reading others!

May 2020
Today is a beautiful spring day where I live, and it's hard to believe much of the world remains crippled by Covid-19. But I hope, wherever you are, your spirits can be lifted by the simple things like springtime, friendships and poetry!

**NEWS**
As you know, April was National Poetry Month. During April, it was a great joy for me to participate in an online ekphrastic (poetry based on artwork) challenge coordinated by Mr. Paul Brookes of "The Wombwell Rainbow." Heartfelt thanks goes out to Mr. Brookes for this opportunity! You can view the artwork by the talented Jane Cornwell, and the corresponding poems from the entire month of April at:  https://thewombwellrainbow.com/2020/05/03/the-collected-april-2020-ekphrastic-challenge-includes-audio-featuring-the-art-of-jane-cornwell-and-poets-ali-jones-susan-richardson-samantha-terre/
In other news, during April, I was thrilled to learn of an organization which does poetry outreach to the incarcerated. I shared my poem titled "Ascension" with the non-profit Healing Broken Circles, which had requested poetry from around the globe for a special project in Ohio. Thank you to Pablo Tanguay for the opportunity of outreach to this unique population. You can learn more about Healing Broken Circles here:  https://www.healingbrokencircles.org/

**POETRY**
Please enjoy a sample of my recent work:

Conveyances

I got your message.
It wasn't tucked in a bottle, sealed
In the traditional way with cork and wax,
Set to sea
On the off chance of
Someday being found.

It was somehow more direct,
And yet, more subtle, written
In the sunshine
Reflections
On the vast waters
Of your soul.

It's frustrating, at first,
When information's not delivered
Where and how we've sought so long.
Sometimes though, it's more important
To receive what's freely given
Than fulfill the cliche's of expectation.
-

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)
Due to coronavirus lockdowns, I am once again recommending a re-read of the classics, or any other book you can access from the convenience of your own bookcase! This month I'm featuring Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities." The craftsmanship of his words in this classic novel, make a clear case for the book's longevity. If you own it, or can put your hands on it, you'll enjoy learning (or re-learning) the historical significance and rich imagery that have propelled this book through time.

"A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery
to every other." -Dickens

July 2020
Dear poetry fans, fellow writers and friends -
Here we are in July! It has been an eventful month already, and we're only a week in. Below, please find a sample of my recent work and poetry news. I do hope this newsletter finds you and yours healthy and safe. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of sharing my work with you!

**POETRY**
Maturity

Knock me down. Then,
Build me up again - block by block,
A stack of children's toys
Spoiled by the fall.
So, in the rebuilding, I may
Come to understand
What really matters.
-

**NEWS**
It was a joy this week to have received my copies of Labyrinth from Lucky Jefferson! My poem "Picking Sides" was included in this issue. You can check out their website here:
https://luckyjefferson.com/

**MORE**
I'm excited to have my new poem "Smoothing Out the Wrinkles" coming soon on Creative Drive Podcast! Many thanks to J. Alejandro for this opportunity! Check out the Creative Drive Show website/podcast for yourself at:  https://idlewy.blog/

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)
This month, I recommend House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. I'm a bit late to the party, as I believe this book received a lot of attention several years ago. However, it is truly worthy of praise. It's beautifully written and insightful, with easy transitions between two protagonists instead of one. Just a lovely read! If, like me, you hadn't picked it up yet,
be sure to give it a try.

September 2020

Hello sweet friends, fellow writers, poetry fans -
The strange year that is 2020, continues. My hope for you this month is that you'll remember to take breaks,
take walks, drink water, and feed your soul!

~~NEWS~~I was honored to receive the news that
four of my pieces have been selected for inclusion in a forthcoming publication from Plants & Poetry!
You can view their website here:
https://www.plantsandpoetry.org/journal
The publishing date has been set for September 15.

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)

This month, I highly recommend the book turned AMC/Netflix series, "Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring" by historian Alexander Rose. For anyone who enjoys history, you will eat this up! And for those who prefer fiction over non-fiction, don't be intimidated. This is not a dry, textbook-style history book. You can easily read it in a weekend! A brief excerpt regarding one of the key historical figures is as follows:

"Benjamin Tallmadge, who settled in Litchfield, Connecticut, became a wealthy man thanks to his investments in the Ohio Company and was in 1801 voted to Congress on the Federalist ticket, from which perch he attacked Jefferson and Madison on several occasions. Described as a 'Puritan humanitarian' by his biographer, Tallmadge believed the continued acceptance of slavery will 'ere long...call down the vengeance of Heaven on our heads,' cofounded the Litchfield Auxiliary Society for Ameliorating the Condition of the Jews, and donated large amounts to local churches."
-A. Rose

Until next month~

November 2020

Dear poetry fans, fellow writers and friends,
November has arrived! And with it, a few bits of news. I hope you'll take a moment to check out these lovely publishers (below) who have kindly selected my poetry for publication. My heartfelt thanks goes out to each of them!
 
"In Parentheses" has published my poems Morning People and Alliances. Check them out here:
http://magcloud.com/user/inparenth/
--
"Poets' Choice" eZine has published my poems Future Remorse, Springtime Isn't Always Optimistic, and The Malnourished. Order your copy here:
http://www.poetschoices.com/
--
"The Daily Drunk" is a fun publication which has published my poem Procrastination. You can view it here:
https://inparentheses.art/2020/10/15/now-available-in-parentheses-volume-6-issue-2-contributor-list/
--
"Dwelling Literary" has selected my piece Thanksgiving Leftovers for its upcoming "Home for the Holidays" issue. Learn more here:
https://www.dwellingliterary.com/
---
 
"READ 'EM, OR WEEP" (I receive no compensation for recommended books.)
Approximately twenty years ago, I heard about a book called "The Fourth Turning" and have wanted to read it ever since. But as it happens, this one got back-burnered until now! I'm so pleased I have now had the chance to read this book and happily recommend it to you. Written by William Strauss and Neil Howe in 1997, it provides keen insight into the cycles of American culture and even the current circumstances of our times. I believe it would appeal to anyone who is interested in history, sociology, political science or the economy –
and I hope you'll give it a try!
"Just as no single style of leadership or hero worship is suitable for every turning, neither do any of today's familiar political philosophies offer the right answer for every turning."
-Strauss & Howe
 
May your month be blessed, and
don't forget to exercise your right to VOTE!!

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)
As you may recall, at the beginning of quarantine I spent a good bit of time reading and recommending some classic novels.
Now, in this final installment of my 2020
"Read 'Em, Or Weep" series,
I return to a recommendation of one of the classics with Sister Carrie, written by Theodore Dreiser, and originally published in 1900. You'll love the easy to read descriptions of a young woman setting out to conquer the world, but first having to figure out how to navigate it, as well as her encounters with the plight of working-class urban America, and her journey through the nuances of relationships. Hope you'll give it a read!

"There seems to be something in the chill breezes which scurry through the long, narrow thoroughfares productive of rueful thoughts. Not poets alone, nor artists, nor that superior order of mind which arrogates to itself all refinement, feel this, but dogs and all men. These feel as much as the poet, though they have not the same power of expression. The sparrow upon the wire, the cat in the doorway, the dray horse tugging his
weary load, feel the long, keen breaths of winter."
-Theodore Dreiser

Peace and Happiness
to you and yours,
Samantha

2020 - The Year That Wasn't
(A note from Samantha):
Welcome poetry fans and friends, For many years, I've proudly shared a FREE monthly eNewsletter. You can sign up below! In 2020, my writing career changed along with the world around us. During a time of social isolation, it seemed even more urgent to share a message of self-awareness as a means to social awareness. I began posting my eNewsletters for all to read. I happily leave this archive here, as a reminder of the progress we've made together. May peace find you.
All my best, Samantha

February 2020

Good morning poetry fans, fellow writers and friends~
I hope this month's eNewsletter finds you well!
 
*LUCKY JEFFERSON*

Today I'd like to thank the editors and staff over at Lucky Jefferson for selecting one of my poems for their May/June issue. As always, it is a huge honor to have a piece selected for publication, and I do not take it for granted. Lucky Jefferson is a fairly new publisher which opened their internet doors in 2018. You can learn all about them, and place orders on their website: https://luckyjefferson.com/ More details about the May/June issue will be forthcoming!
 

*POETRY QUARTERLY*

In addition, as I mentioned last month, I'd like to thank the good folks at Prolific Press for including my poem "First Existential Crisis" in their latest print issue of Poetry Quarterly. I received my copies recently, and was thrilled to be included in this fine publication. You can order yours here: https://poetryquarterly.com/
 

*HONESTY online*

In other news, my website (Honesty chapbooks) has had a makeover this month! Although it looks a bit different, as always, you can find links to my social media, and of course many samples of my work at: https://poetrybysamantha.weebly.com/ I hope you'll scoot over there and check it out when you have a moment.
 
Thanks for letting me share my news with you!
 
*READ 'EM, OR WEEP*
(I receive no compensation for books
​recommended in this section.)
This month, I'm enjoying a book titled "Away Off Shore, Nantucket Island and Its People, 1602 - 1890" which was written with style and grace by Nathaniel Philbrick, an award winning author. I'm learning so much history about Nantucket, its settlers and the Native Americans who dwelt there before them. If you enjoy American history, this is a good pick for you!

May your month be blessed!

April 2020

Dear friends, fellow writers, and poetry fans-
Last month, I opened my email by mentioning the "unsettling time" we were experiencing, and this month is sadly no different! As all of you writers out there will likely agree, such times often inspire the words that shape our poems, essays and novels. Something about hardship drives us to our distinctly human need to verbalize and connect--as is the case for me. Below, please find my poem, "COVID-19 Exposure" and then, if you are inclined, act on your convictions, make phone calls to your loved ones, email your Representatives about your concerns, and make sure your neighbors have the supplies they need at this time.

COVID-19 Exposure

“First, the exhaustion sets in.”
There’s a sense that things aren’t right.
It’s, finally, been publicly revealed they aren’t.

Citizens have no insurance and
Hospitals need more ventilators,
Especially ones in lower-income areas.

“You might feel okay, or optimistic at times,
Attempting to focus on a regular task.”
Looks like the country’s economic relief legislation is going to pass!

“But it quickly fades as a lack of appetite returns, with dulled senses.” There’s a general depression over the state of the world, in its sickness,
Pleading for a genuine environmental fix.

“Then, a persistent cough sets in with chest tightness and shortness of breath.”
A collective panic-attack takes over, coursing through our diseased Body,
As we question the will for a full, systemic recovery.

"Speaking with a loved one can make a world of difference."
Speaking candidly with neighbors and strangers
Could bring our world real change.
~

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(As a reminder, I do not receive compensation for recommendations listed here.)
This month, I am re-reading Willa Cather's classic book, "O Pioneers!" Since most of us are in quarantine, and may not have access to this particular book, I'd suggest grabbing any classic novel or book you have on your own bookcase (perhaps something you've been putting off reading?) and dive right in. For a brief while, your mind and heart will be transported away from today's cares.

"A pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves."
-Willa Cather

Thank you, as always, for your friendship. I pray over you, and hope you are staying home and staying healthy as this crisis washes over our globe.

June 2020

Hello friends, poetry fans and fellow writers-
As I'm sure many of you can relate, even as a writer, it's hard to find appropriate words for what we're witnessing in American history this month, and have been throughout this year so far. Nevertheless, I hope you are safe and well.

This month, I wanted to share the special May Ekphrastic Challenge which was coordinated by Mr. Paul Brookes of "The Wombwell Rainbow." You can check out his site and some of the poetry and artists who participated in the May challenge, here:

https://thewombwellrainbow.com/2020/06/01/the-collected-special-ekphrastic-challenge-for-may-2020-the-first-sixteen-days-artworks-from-mary-frances-james-knight-and-sue-harpham-the-inspiration-for-writers-alex-mazey-ankh-spice-samantha/

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
( I receive no compensation for recommendations. )

This month's recommendation is a book my mom ordered for me, after hearing about it on NPR. It's entitled "Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer," which may sound like a new-agey self-help title or even a preachy Christian title, but is far from it! It is sheer joy and speaks to the very real consequences brought about by the posture of our hearts. Coincidentally, the author, Brother David Steindl-Rast is a member of a monastery my family and I drove past earlier this year, as it is roughly one hour from our home! I highly recommend the book, and hope
you enjoy the refreshing Truth it offers.

May your month be blessed, and
may we all seek solutions and progress together!

August 2020

And now it's August, once more. This month, I have the humble pleasure of sharing lots of publication news! And, of course, I've included a sample of my poetry for you to enjoy. I wish you and yours all the very best that can be found during this final month of summer (or winter, depending!).

**NEWS**
I was honored to have found a home for my poem, "Compartmentalize This," with  Ariel's Dream! You can learn more here:
https://arielspress.wixsite.com/arielsdreamjournal
My poem "Smoothing Out the Wrinkles" is live! J. Alejandro at Creative Drive Podcast has put together a very cool reading that I hope you'll spare a moment to check out, here:
https://idlewy.blog/2020/07/29/creative-drive-podcast-36-smoothing-out-the-wrinkles-by-samantha-terrell/ 
It was an absolute joy and surprise to receive an acceptance of two pieces by Literati Magazine, forthcoming in their Rejection Anthology. Find Literati Magazine (and Rare Swan Press) online, here:
https://literati-magazine.com/
A huge thank you goes out to Vijay Ramanathan at Nine Cloud Journal, who has accepted my poem, "Dumping Ash Trays Is Messy Business," for publication in their upcoming issue. Nine Cloud Journal is online at:
http://ninecloudjournal.org/
Last but not least, my thanks to Mr. Paul Brookes of The Wombwell Rainbow for posting two of my pieces around his Glad to Care Week theme, and my poem "Feeling, Ironic"
for (UK) National Marine Week. The link is here:
https://thewombwellrainbow.com/2020/07/30/fish-life-what-do-you-see-share-what-you-love-about-the-sea-using-nationalmarineweek-25th-july-9th-august-more-like-two-weeks-poetry-and-artwork-challenge-id-love-to-hear-all-about-your-favouri/

**POETRY**
This month I participated in Kent State University's
global peace poem initiative, established to honor the 50th anniversary of the Kent State protest tragedy. The stanza I contributed to their "My Voice" poem is as follows:

My Voice

My voice stands for the work of advocates,
The sweat of laborers,
The tears of lonely children.
My voice stands for endangered species,
The needs of our planet-home,
For peace among the cultures of the globe.
~

**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)
I'm reading/re-reading some more classics (It's a good year for that, don't you think?!). This month I read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Written in the 1940's, it was, in some ways, prophetic. And, what a poetically-written dystopian novel! I will leave you with an excerpt. This is Character Faber,
speaking to Protagonist Montag:
" 'All right, he's had his say...I'll say my say, too...But remember the Captain belongs to the most dangerous enemy to truth and freedom, the solid unmoving cattle of the majority. Oh God, the terrible tyranny of the majority. We all have our harps to play. And it's up to you now to know with which ear you'll listen.' "
-Ray Bradbury

Best wishes for a safe and healthy month!

October 2020

Dear poetry fans, fellow writers, and friends -
Welcome to October! On this first day of the month around the globe, as well as the UK National Poetry Day, I am anxious to share my latest poetry news and work with you.
I do hope you'll enjoy it.
 
Sending out my heartfelt thanks to the following publishers for including my work in their current and upcoming publications...
 
BIG NEWS:
Ink Pantry
Ink Pantry has kindly posted four of my pieces! Thank you Deborah Edgeley! You can check them out here:
http://www.inkpantry.com/poetry-drawer-four-poems-by-samantha-terrell/
JRMP (Joan Ramseyer Memorial Poetry) Contest
It was an honor to make it through the first round of finalists, and though I didn't advance, I am excited to have my poem "Capitulation" included in the Sunbeams anthology. Check it out here:  https://bramseyer.wordpress.com/joan-ramseyer-memorial-poetry-contest/2020-jrmpc-winners-community-and-activism/
 
Poets' Choice
I'm so happy to have found a home for my poems "The Malnourished," "Springtime Isn't Always Optimistic" and "Future Remorse" with Poets' Choice eZine. You can learn more here:  http://www.poetschoices.com
 
BIGGER NEWS:
Plants & Poetry
Plants & Poetry has selected my work for their fabulously designed eChapbook. If you don't check it out for all the great poetry, I hope you'll give it a click for the very cool artwork. I was especially honored to learn a portion of my poem "Conservationists" will be used for the cover of their October issue! Thank you Jamie Nix!
https://www.plantsandpoetry.org/whenpensbloom

BIGGEST NEWS:
It's a dream come true to have found a publisher for one of my full-length manuscripts!
My poetry collection Vision, and Other Things We Hide From is now under contract for publish in 2021. Thank you River Dixon and Potter's Grove Press for this incredible opportunity. You may learn more about Potter's Grove, here:
https://pottersgrovepress.com/
 
**READ 'EM, OR WEEP**
(I receive no compensation for book recommendations.)
This month, I'm reading The Crash of 2016 by Thom Hartmann. It was a somewhat prophetic book when written and, though several years old now, is perfectly relevant and informative today. See excerpt: 
"The spectacle of national elections confronts us every other year, but behind the pomp and circumstance our democracy has corroded into an oligarchy, as billionaires finance their own political candidates and corporate-funded think tanks do the work once reserved for elected representatives of writing and passing legislation. Stripped clean and hollowed out, the United States is more vulnerable today than it's ever been..."
​-T. Hartmann
For anyone interested in learning more about the politics behind modern American economics, and the economics behind modern American politics - you'll benefit from this read.

December 2020

Good morning, poetry fans, fellow writers and friends,
December has arrived and with it, my wishes to you for a wonderful month. Without further ado, I'd like to extend my gratitude to the following:

Fevers of the Mind for the forthcoming publish of my poem, "Regaining Wonderment."
Check them out, here: https://feversofthemind.wordpress.com/
Route 7 Review for the forthcoming publish of my poem, "Never Too Old for Nursery Rhymes."
Their website is: https://www.r7review.com/
Skyway Journal for the publish of my poem, "Conveyances."
Find them here: https://skywayjournal.wordpress.com/
Dwelling Literary eZine for the publish of my poem, "Thanksgiving Leftovers."
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER:  Use Dwelling Literary as a virtual Advent calendar! Each day a new window on their website will light up with a piece of "Home for the Holidays" literature. Check out their "dwelling" here:  https://www.dwellingliterary.com/
And, last but not least, Carla Woodburn, of Sunny G Radio in Glasgow, for airing the audio of my poem, "Post-Post-Apocalypse" last week. She also was very kind to interview me for a future show! I'll be sure to let you know when it's set to aire. In the meantime, tune in for some great poetry on Thursdays (2p EST/7p GMT) over at: sunnyg.com

Below, please enjoy a recent sample of my work:

The Year That Wasn’t

March became April,
Then,
June – now, November.
There’s not much March
Left to be had, but
It’s not giving up yet.

It’s a shadow
That won’t fully pass over –
Shifting endlessly back and forth.
So much happens between the shadows, but
When you’re focused on their lingering
Silhouettes, it’s hard to process the surroundings –

The ball games and camping trips,
Gardens weeded,
Wine poured.
Looming darkness, curtains close,
Year’s ended –
March remains, even as a new year threatens to begin.
~

---