If The Stars Die - poem

Love makes its own light. 

Rebirth - a poem

 Keep going. Keep growing. 

The Heal Instead of Hide - poem

 Something I've been learning...

A Hidden Song

 Hear the song within and let it move you.

Reading the Obituaries of Stars - poem

A poem about our mysterious existence.

If you enjoy this style of writing, check out my book
Taste the Wild Wonder

A Thousand Other Lifetimes - poem

 

Between Breaths - a poem

A little poem pondering our mortality.

From my book Taste the Wild Wonder.

The Legend of the Jack-O-'Lantern - Picture Book Review

 

The Legend of the Jack-O'-Lantern  - my wife, Christy Ann Martine's first book for children - is a unique Halloween-season story told in rhyme about how two cute witches first clash, then team up to invent the jack-o'-lantern. The book's vibe is cozy and non-scary, making it perfect for reading aloud and for bedtime stories.

Early readers will be able to easily follow this rhyming story. The vibrant, whimsical artwork contains many imaginative visual elements and details to hold a child's attention, encouraging deeper, sustained engagement—a great thing in our fast-paced, device-driven world.

Throughout this tale of the two witches, a cute cat and mouse coexist peacefully and appear in various humorous ways, adding to the fun of the story. I had the privilege of serving as editor on this book, so I know firsthand the amount of care and love that Christy poured into it.

If you're looking for a cozy Halloween picture book for ages 3–6, please check it out.

Time Has Flown - Poem

From my book Taste the Wild Wonder 

Listen for the Lost Song - poem

 From my book Taste the Wild Wonder: Poems.

The Weight of the World - Poem

 If you're a caring person who feels overwhelmed by constant awareness of the world's suffering, this poem is for you.

Yugen - a Poem

 From my book Taste the Wild Wonder.

Things Poems Have Said to Me

 

Things Poems Have Said to Me

"Notice the beauty in the world."
"Love is still worth believing in."
"Does your heart remember this?"
"Let me surprise you with these words."
"Here is a little order in the midst of chaos."
"I know it hurts to be human."
"I have felt what you are feeling."
"You are not alone."

— John Mark Green

Poems Are Soul Technology

 Poems are soul technology...

Hearts Most Beautiful - poem

This one is for all the beautiful hearts in the world.

Wisdom From Your Wounds - Poem

 This life will try to break you...

Tourniquet - A Poem

 Writing can be a way of making sense of our thoughts and feelings. A way of finding healing.

Pilgrimage - A Poem About Embracing Uncertainty

 Once upon a time, I thought I had the answers...

The Comfort of Books

 When I was young, libraries and books were a magical escape from life's pain. Can you relate?

Hold on to Nature's Heartbeat

May the rhythmic rolling motion
of the ocean's ceaseless waves
bring you comfort in the chaos
of these strange, uncertain days.

      — John Mark Green