Good morning, poets! It's Tuesday, and Monkey has a challenge for you. Today we're keeping it simple: a haiku. A haiku is just three lines: 5 syllables 7 syllables 5 syllables Write about anything that caught your attention this morning—a sunrise, a cup of coffee, birds outside your window, your dog snoring at your feet, or a single thought you just can't shake. The beauty of a haiku isn't in using big words. It's in capturing one small moment that says something much bigger. Drop your haiku in the comments, read a few from your fellow poets, and leave some encouragement along the way. Let's fill Monkey's Corner with tiny poems that leave a lasting impression. 🐾 Ready... set... haiku!

He doesn't chase the wind the way he used to. He watches it now, like an old friend passing by. The gray around his muzzle didn't arrive overnight. It came one season at a time, alongside every adventure, every muddy trail, every stick he proudly carried home as though he had discovered treasure. His steps are slower now. The stairs ask a little more of him. Cold mornings settle into his bones. He sleeps longer, dreaming, I hope, of fields where his legs were young and every sunrise promised another adventure. Yet when I reach for my keys, his eyes still shine. Not because he wants the longest walk just because he wants to be with me. That's the beautiful thing about old dogs. They stop counting miles. They only count moments. A quiet afternoon beside your chair. A gentle hand resting on their head. The sound of your voice saying their name as if it has always been the most important word in the world. One day, I'll notice he doesn't hear me call. His leash will hang by the door, his bowl will sit untouched, and the house will somehow become far too quiet. But love like his doesn't leave with the footsteps. It settles into the floorboards, waits by every doorway, rides beside me in an empty passenger seat, and reminds me that the greatest hearts sometimes beat beneath four paws. Growing old is never easy. Not for us. Not for them. But if love leaves silver around a muzzle, then he has earned every single white hair. And I would choose every one of them again.

I'm excited to announce that the Strickland Publishing House Community is now open! This is more than a place to publish books—it's a community built for authors at every stage of the journey. Whether you're writing your very first manuscript or preparing to publish your next bestseller, you'll find guidance, resources, encouragement, and a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed. Inside you'll find: ✍️ Publishing tips and training 📖 Book formatting and design advice 🚀 Marketing strategies for authors 💬 Questions and answers with real support 🎯 Behind-the-scenes looks at the publishing process 🌟 A place to grow as an author If you've ever dreamed of holding your own book in your hands, this community was built for you. I can't wait to welcome you inside and help you bring your story to life. Welcome to Strickland Publishing House. Let's stop waiting... and start publishing.

Write a poem about a place in nature that still holds someone's memory.

☕❤️ If you've ever been encouraged, inspired, or challenged by this community, here's a simple way to help us keep growing. The Art of Poetry has always been about giving poets a place where they are seen, heard, and valued. Every prompt, every challenge, every anthology, every contest, and every opportunity we create takes time and heart. If you'd like to support what we're building, we've added a Tip Jar. There is never any pressure and it's never expected—but it is always appreciated. Every dollar helps us continue creating new content, supporting poets, publishing books, and building an even stronger community for writers around the world. Thank you for believing in this dream and for being part of this incredible journey. ❤️ Every poem matters. Every poet matters. And so does every act of kindness. https://cash.app/$artofpoetry2026 https://buy.stripe.com/14A9AS6X97mUasBfR80Jq05