worm 39

I just read through Worm 39, a poetry zine distributed by email. This issue has 29 poems. Before printing it, I deleted one poem because I could tell by looking at it I wouldn’t like it. I’m allowed to do that.

Another one I skipped because it appeared to be a witch poem, and I don’t like witch poems. Then I decided ok I’ll read it and it wasn’t really a witch poem. Showed me. I also don’t like feathers and cauldrons and cats much. I reserve the right though.

The rhyming poems were good! I’m practically a convert. My favorite among them was “McDarby’s Hymn.” Another, called “Jesus Christ, Superstore,” can be sung. Another, “Humiliation,” has a story behind it I couldn’t totally figure out. And another: “Mother’s Day.” It rhymed and it was short, and I go for short.

There were two poems I stopped reading mid-stream because that was how I felt. They started out fine, but at some point I just said no.

Worm accepts previously published poems. Some of the best in 39 were re-publishers. Despite many editors’ aversion to re-publishing, not everyone has read every poem that has ever been published.

Each of Worm's three editors chooses a favorite poem. None of my favorite three was among theirs. Mine were “Poem for a daughter who did not come home,” “Catastrophe’s Cusp” and “Boots.” I think. There were other good ones, too, like “Dream Song,” and the rhymers.

Michi is also in the issue with a poem called “How much ground would a groundhog hog if a groundhog could hog ground.” I said this to my kids the other day and they loved it.

If you want Worm 39, I can forward it.