so glad we are doing this again. not gonna lie, as my daughter would say: the poetry marathon is not for the faint of heart. or hand. but it IS for the lover of worded challenges. the lover of variety. even the lover of pushing yourself beyond your imagined limits of endurance.

it is also a fabulous way to connect with other poets … share feedback … learn and discover things about others as well as yourself.

with all that said, this year i’ll be writing from northern VT, which has been home for over 20 years. however i’m soon to resume permanent MA residence. as a recent widow, i will return to the modest cottage by the sea (where I wrote for the last marathon) that has been the home of my heart for many decades.

with me on this writing journey as on others will be one dog and one cat, both approaching ten years of age and both gentle, caring companions. i am likely to listen to music during the marathon; and to alternate hot and cold drinks. i am also very likely to do squats and push-ups between writings to keep the blood flowing to my extremities and avoid cramping of legs, arms or fingers. finally of course i’ll keep a good supply of really dark chocolate at hand. also fresh fruit and roasted almonds.

i’ll compose on my computer in order to save my hands for the important tasks of hydrating and unwrapping chocolates.