
The last eighteen months have been very eventful for me, with my life being a whirlwind of things happening, both bad (multiple bouts of illness and a family crisis that unexpectedly took half a year to resolve) and good (dozens of publications in poetry journals and anthologies, featured readings across Massachusetts, and even a few fairly prestigious awards including the Stanley Kunitz Medal in 2023 and the Frank O’Hara Poetry Prize this year). Being so active in my local poetry community which I love so much (I’ve been either hosting or attending an average of three local poetry events a week when not sick) has been really wonderful, but unfortunately, it also has taken up so much of my time that I have neglected this incredible online community of fellow poets, writers, and bloggers which I value just as much. I must apologize to you all for shamefully not posting on Paul’s Poetry Playground since last September, and express how grateful I am to all of you who are amazingly still regularly viewing and leaving likes for this blog. Although things haven’t seemed to have calmed down all that much for me, I am happy to announce that Paul’s Poetry Playground is finally being re-opened for play and I intend to write a post at least once a week, if not more. Thank you so much, dear readers, for your continuous interest and support, and I pledge to try not to let you down again. See you soon!

Mazel Tov
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Thank you so much!
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Welcome back!
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Thank you so much! It is good to be back…
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Welcome back, Paul!
I too have been out of action for 18 months and am now retaking my seat…
John in Manchester, UK
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Thank you, John! I’m so glad to hear you are back too and look forward to reading your blog again…
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Welcome back and it sounds like poetry has been the culprit that has kept you away.
gone on walkabout
a traveling magician
weaving spells with words
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Thank you, you are so kind and also correct! Your words are so beautiful…
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You’re very welcome and thanks, Paul.
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Paul. Dear friend. You’ve been so supportive to me. So happy to see this post. Very happy.
Sorry about the toll things took. Unpredictable life! Happy the good news is very good.
Omedetto 🎉 on the prestigious awards—the Stanley Kunitz Medal in 2023 and the Frank O’Hara Poetry Prize this year)
You’re happening and becoming the sum of you. Love it.
Hope to see more posts from you my friend. Blessings.
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Dear Selma, please forgive me for taking so long to respond (once again, things happening in my life has been distracting me). Thank you so much for all the kindness and support you have continuously shown me! I will try to keep posting using your own incredible blog and dedication to writing to inspire me.
Thank you again, Selma, my good friend!
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No need for apologies, pardner 🤠
I’m here. To encourage and support. Keep keeping on. Here’s looking at ya’ 🙇🏽♀️ 🍻
Be well please.
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It’s good to see a new post from you, Paul!
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So sorry for such a tardy response, but thank you so much, Liz, for such a nice welcome back!
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You’re welcome, Paul!
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