Poems Of Loss and Postmodern Love

Signature Poet Betsy Holleman and a Postmodern Love Sonnet

Betsy Holleman Reads Her Signature Poem - Do Not Say My Thoughts and Prayers Are With You

This week I had the pleasure of spending some Zoom time with my Surrey Street Poets colleague, Betsy Holleman Burke. I’ve known and worked with Betsy from my earliest days writing poems. I’ve also enjoyed helping Betsy design the manuscripts for her two published collections, All That Remains and Reclamation.

For her signature poem, Betsy selected Do Not Say My Thoughts and Prayers Are With You. We talked about the poem’s backstory and Betsy also read one of her delightful Hummingbird poems. Here’s the video of our discussion along with the poem reprinted below.

Betsy’s poems come from her experience, from her earned wisdom, and from her compassionate heart.

A Postmodern Sonnet of Love

Last week, facing a blank screen, I typed out these words: “Let’s make up a story about this line.” Following my imagination and trying to keep up with traditional Shakespearian sonnet form, I let the poem take me on an unexpected journey of sensual romance. I added some quirky music and there you have it. Take a listen.

One of the mysteries of romantic love is how it so often ends where it began.

Coming Up

Saturday, May 24, 2025, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Tamarind Festival at the University Christian Church 6800 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville MD showcasing Poetry X Hunger and more.

Monday, June 2, 2025, Café Muse Literary Salon Online will feature the 2025 Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, the Arts Club of Washington presents The Marfield Prize Public Reading, honoring Natalie Dykstra, author of "Chasing Beauty: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner".

Have a reading or event coming up? Let me know and I’ll pass it along. And as always, feel free to email me with questions or comments at henrycrawfordpoetry@gmail.com. Use the subject “Coming Up” Stay creative!

If you’d like me to list an upcoming poetry event in Everyday Poet, please let me know by emailing me at henrycrawfordpoetry@gmail.com. Use the subject: “Coming Up”.