Articles written by Kerry Michael Wood

What is Helium

About me - Kerry Michael Wood

I am a graduate of Yale University with a Master's degree in English. I am busily retired and live in Pacific Grove, CA. I am attempting to market my self-published memoir, "Past Imperfect, Present Progressive. I spend much of my spare time at the computer

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Writing: 7 of 505
Sonnet OneWhen gray hours loom, I hide away and write.I trip all over unpoetic feet,craft metaphors arcane and recondite,expose my heart with candor indiscreet.Poetry requires the pensive mood.My mind's odd clutter yields forgotten toys.Like mice, my furtive fancies oft intrude,and measured syllables resound with voice.Then i... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Remembering a wonderful teacher: 1 of 35
My most wonderful high-school teacher was Reverend James Hansen. I developed a friendship with the man that was deeper than any student-teacher relationship I have had before or since. He possessed a commanding personality and a sparkling wit. Father Jim did not know how to be perfunctory. He was memorable as much for his hum... More..
Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing Examples of metaphors and how to use them: 1 of 35
A metaphor is an implied comparison of things basically unlike one another. When Paul Simon writes, "I am a rock. I am an island," we know that he is not penning a literal truth. Rocks and islands don't write or sing songs; however, the objects selected convey meaning that has more emotional appeal than any literary self-desc... More..
Arts & Humanities > English Language The most misused word in the English language: 1 of 27
This topic, if addressed accurately, is one that presents a problem with Helium's length minimum and insistence on exactitude. First there is the temptation to pluralize "word" to "words," since misused language is heard and read every day. Writing 400 words about common language errors would present no problem. One could li... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Poetry analysis: The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe: 1 of 26
Poe earned a bit less than 10 dollars for this poem, which is one of the most famous in American literature. The author was often asked to recite it at literary gatherings and loved to oblige. He would first request for the stage lights to be turned down. His recitation was so dramatic that his audience thought they could hea... More..
Sports & Recreation > Sports & Recreation (Other) Best of 2008: Athlete: 1 of 26
Most people will write that the outstanding athlete of 2008 is Michael Phelps and offer as proof his eight Olympic gold medals. I cast my vote for the Jamaican sprinter with the descriptive surname Bolt. I only wish I could come up with some obscure foreign language in which the man's given name, Usain, could be shown to mean... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Flowers: 7 of 162
JARDIN ETYMOLOGIQUE I rap with sod rhapsodically I raise both hues and cries. My posies blend melodically In rants and lullabies. Prim pansies ponder pensively, In phrases frankly French, They blush at fennel's flattery- That seedy, seasoned wench. Sweet violets inviolate Encircle sheepish phlox. Remembrance bides in rosem... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Family ties: 5 of 114
OLDER SISTERAlarm goes off. And she beginsMatutinal routine.(My mother taught me that big wordSaid it came from matinee.)Showered, shampooed, she shifts(She calls it, "putting on her face")To her dressing table.Hands summon eye-liner.Nearly invisible tracing,With magicBrightens azure orbs.Companion line on upper lidCurves clo... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: A kiss: 1 of 22
KissesA while ago my dog sidled up to my big easy chair and licked my elbow. I knew exactly what that meant. She had been seated before me for some minutes, staring at me unblinkingly and hypnotically with her deep brown eyes. I had ignored her and continued to read my paperback thriller of the moment.The little tongue lap on... More..
Arts & Humanities > Poets & Poetry Poetry analysis: When I Consider How My Light is Spent, John Milton: 1 of 20
Though blind when he composed his greatest poetry, John Milton could think in iambic pentameter. Over a period of four to five years he dictated to one or another of his daughters the epic poem Paradise Lost. A shorter sequel, Paradise Regained, and the drama Samson Agonistes followed soon after. Ludwig van Beethoven, stone d... More..