"Vertebra" published in Clepsydra Literary and Art Magazine

 It is my pleasure to announce that my poem, "Vertebra" has been published in Clepsydra Literary and Art Magazine, Issue 3: Reflection. 

In "A Supermarket in California" Allen Ginsberg talks about "shopping for images" and I think that is a great deal of what poets do before we write. I am lucky to live on the border of a nature reserve with abundant woods and wetlands as well as a river in my backyard--almost any expedition out-of-doors means gathering imagery for poetry. This poem is one such creation. 

https://www.clepsydralit.com/issue-3-reflection

"Pulchritudinous" published in The French Literary Review

I am very excited to share this publication in The French Literary Review, which is a UK-based literary magazine with a francophile focus. 

My poem "Pulchritudinous" is written in tribute to the late French jazz pianist Michel Petrucciani. I hope he would have appreciated the sentiment of the poem. Somewhat like the word "pulchritude," Petrucciani was on the surface not a traditionally beautiful person, but he made art that was sublime.

Also, for your listening pleasure, here is a link to one of Petrucciani's most melodic compositions and his only actual music video aside recordings of live performances, "Looking Up" (do note the irony he himself enjoyed by playing on his stature and making it a theme of hope):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJfkyMCOsl4

"Labor of Love" published in Gabby&Min's Literary Review

I am very honored for my poem, "Labor of Love," to be published in the very first issue of Gabby&Min's Literary Review. They did a phenomenal and professional job--I am looking forward to seeing what they will contribute to the literary community in years to come!

This poem is dedicated to my husband, David, who has transformed our house and yard into both a home and a work of art. I love you.

Please check out my poem (p.67) and all the other talented work on their website: https://gabbyandmin.com/current-issue

Poetry Book "Leave No Wake" by Marie Gauthier

Marie Gauthier's new poetry book, "Leave No Wake" is a wonderful and very relatable exploration of an array of human emotions and experiences. She ties grief, parenthood, womanhood, and more to every day moments and routines. I'm looking forward to more of her work!

https://www.recorder.com/Shelburne-Falls-poet-explores-grief-motherhood-in--Leave-No-Wake--46512662

Author Photo of Marie Gauthier

Reliving Childhood and Exploring Immigration with Elaine Reardon in her chapbook "Look Behind You"

 I had a delightful conversation with poet Elain Reardon about her chapbook, "Look Behind You." In her writing, she explores family and culture through the lens of a child of immigrants from Armenia. Her book is sensual, bright, and relatable to most "melting pot" Americans.

https://www.recorder.com/Elaine-Reardon-Chapbook-32286723

Elaine Reardon with her chapbook at McCusker's Market

Publication in The Write Launch

Here is a link to three of my poems which were featured in The Write Launch. The titles are "Hidden Nature," "It Could Happen to You," and "Of One Mind."


https://thewritelaunch.com/2018/03/hidden-nature-it-could-happen-to-you-and-of-one-mind/

Ode to Rosie - Publication in The Mind's Eye

Here is a link to the sonnet "Ode to Rosie," which I co-wrote with my husband, David, in anticipation of the birth of our son. Rosie is our chi-terrier rescue dog, and as of now she is alive and well, though predictably confused as to why she has lost her status as the center of our universe.

It was published in Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts's literary journal The Mind's Eye for their issue dedicated to all things canine.

https://mindseyemcla.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/current-issue-ode-to-rosie-by-david-braden-johnson/

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc

Felix puts a horseshoe on his desk

Every time there is a test.

He had it with him the one  time he got an A

Luck must have been with him on that day.

Whenever there’s an important game,

Felicity wears a four-leaf clover on a chain.

The day she found it by the flagpole

She went on to score the winning goal.

But Ida studies hard to get good grades

While Felix wastes time at the arcades.

And as Ethan perfects his new routine

Felicity is at the beach applying sunscreen.

It’s a fallacy called post hoc, ergo propter hoc

That leads some to forego common sense for luck.

Ockham’s Razor

Some blades slice cleanly through stone,

But one, gentler than a blade of grass, can

Cleave or splice together the foundations of our knowledge.

This razor will have no effect on the stubble of a man’s cheek,

But the best thinkers use it most every day

And know its efficiency in cutting through the mind’s fog.

Though it cannot be bought, not being a material thing,

Good teachers will give it freely as a gift

The worth of which may not at first be grasped.

In case your teachers have been remiss, here’s a gift to you:

When caught between competing explanations of the world,

The best one tends to be the simpler of the two.