Five Recent Poems in The Fictional Cafe

Five new poems were published in The Fictional Cafe.

In "Knights that Pass in the Ship," we see the contrasting perspectives of two knights. One is constantly on the lookout for danger, while the other chooses to savor the view, exposing his heart to potential harm. It's a reflection on how we each choose to navigate the world.

"Newsworthy" is a commentary on the overwhelming amount of devastating news that often overshadows personal achievements. It was inspired by the day my first book was published, a joyous occasion that seemed insignificant amidst the world's tragedies.

"Buried Reason" is a contemplation on the cycle of life and death. I draw parallels between the burial of the dead and the fertilization of the earth, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms.

In "Systolic," I reflect on the impact of work-related stress on health. The poem was inspired by a personal experience, where I noticed a rise in my blood pressure upon returning to work after a relaxing staycation.

Finally, "Backyard Weeds" is a meditation on our place in the world. I suggest that humans are no more consequential than the weeds in our backyard, a humbling reminder of our place in the grand scheme of things.

 

Read poems in The Fictional Cafe at the following link: https://www.fictionalcafe.com/week-4-eric-forsbergh-susan-simonds-and-eric-goodman/

Sparks of Calliope Publish Two Recent Poems

Two of my recent poems, "As for the Ticket" and "Thanks for the Socks," have been published in Sparks of Calliope: A Journal of Poetic Observations.

Sparks of Calliope is known for its emphasis on reflective and thought-provoking poetry.  Hopefully these two poems, and others included in the issue, will give you something to think about.

You can find the poems at the following link: https://sparksofcalliope.com/2023/10/25/two-poems-by-eric-d-goodman/ 

"Control" and "Social Media Boycott" published in Bourgeon Literary Journal

"Control" and "Social Media Boycott" published in Bourgeon Literary Journal.

"Control" is a reflection on our relationship with technology and the ease with which we often surrender control to it. It's a commentary on our reliance on digital tools and the longing for someone else to navigate the complexities of life for us.

"Social Media Boycott," on the other hand, explores our connection with social media and the impact it has on our lives. It delves into the anticipation of birthday greetings on our electronic wall and the sense of loss when a social media boycott coincides with a personal celebration.

Find the poems in Bourgeon Literary Journal: https://bourgeononline.com/2023/05/two-poems-by-eric-d-goodman-2/ 

Yorkshire to Publish Poetry Collection

Big news on the publishing front! My first book of poetry, Faraway Tables, is being released by Yorkshire Publishing in spring 2024! The acceptance even came with a modest advance. 

Although I have written poetry before, I’ve focused most of my writing career primarily on prose: fiction and creative non-fiction. As the pandemic found many of us shuttered up in our homes, I found myself drawn to poetry—reading it and writing it. It would seem that being home and no longer needing to commute would provide more time for long-form writing, but I felt as though I had less focus time during the pandemic than before. This is partially what attracted me to poetry. 

Poetry seems a perfect form for today’s society—short, concise, and able to get a point or feeling or idea across succinctly. That appealed to me as a reader, and especially as a writer. Rather than jot down and file away ideas that came to me for future stories, novels, or plot development, I was able to use them as the basis for poetry.

The pandemic was also a time to question life as we know it, to reminisce about life as we knew it, and to consider what life will be as we emerge back into a new normalcy. Poems proved an ideal vehicle for such a mood and frame of mind.

The result, for me, is my first collection of poetry—Faraway Tables.

About 40 of the poems from Faraway Tables have been published or accepted for publication in literary journals, magazines, both online and in print. Many of them have been or will be shared here.

Stay tuned to www.Writeful.blogspot.com for more details as they become available.

My Lithuania Story in Baltimore Style Magazine

 

Before I set part of my novel, Wrecks and Ruins, in Lithuania, I visited the nation myself and wrote some travel stories about my time there.

Explore my travel story and photographs published in Baltimore Style Magazine: “Lithuania, You Say?”

It’s a sneak peek at some of the settings you’ll find in Wrecks and Ruins. 

https://www.baltimorestyle.com/lithuania/