Congratulations, March Cohen has published a book of his poetry: "A Dance with the Cosmos"

via Marc Cohen

"A Dance with the Cosmos"

"I would like to announce that Simon & Schuster has just published my poetry book titled, "A Dance with the Cosmos."

I would like to thank, and add that there is an acknowledgement page in the book;

Michael Cohen , Sean Sylver , Gail M. Cohen, and Kelly Phelan for the editing and proofreading efforts. A special thanks goes out to Amy Adams for the artwork for the cover!

The book is currently available in paperback and hardcover at the link below. In the search box, use the title to find the book.

The poetry book includes about 20 nature photographs that match the theme of the various poems.

Thank you everyone who has read my poetry, and made this an exciting adventure!"

Order a copy -> https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/870852-a-dance-with-the-cosmos

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FueuJ7rSu/

Voices of Franklin: Reflections upon a gift of conversations received from a friend called necessity*

*With apologies to John Tobias

During that autumn 

As the leaves started to 

Change color and fall

Creating a carpet of crunches

While the temperature remained summer like 

But without the thunder storms to 

Roll thru and break the heat

Even if momentarily 

While the drought monitors crept higher

And higher, inducing restrictions 

On outdoor water use

During that autumn

Which definitely was 

Created by the biennial election

There were multiple conversations 

And the conversations ruled

Schedules to coordinate

Times to agree upon,

Zoom info shared, then connecting

Sound check, 

Background check,

Lighting check,

Find the button and we're on

How to get at the questions

Folks wanted answers to

Without being so direct,

Abrupt, or unfriendly

We created the context,

The setting, neighbors 

Meeting neighbors

Some closer than others

Some we'd met before

Some we hadn't yet

Until there, virtually, we were

Together to get their story

Their point of view 

Recorded to share

Wind down to a close, 

Then editing, Cut this, 

Queue this, upload that, 

Send this, wait for their response

And when the recording 

Was approved, it was

Shared, some more widely than

Others, somehow that is always

The case, some candidates generated

More interest by being new

Less familiar than the

Incumbents whom folks seem

To know enough of

To not need anymore

When the recorded conversations 

Came to a close

Other conversations began

Folks following up with candidates

Candidates following up with

Each other, making the meet &

Greet circuit, making the rounds, 

To address all the questions,

Provide all the answers

On the website, the pages 

Are rich with links

To the conversations, 

Video and audio, 

Along with historical data, 

Info on what was done before

And may need to begin again

To further the conversation

And become closer neighbors

Than we were when 

The conversation started

When the biennial election is

Over, the results tallied,

Perhaps they'll be a new set

Of folks at the table

Now with the task of

Providing oversight

To our Town, our services

Which we need, some of which

Some of us

More than others

And so by necessity 

This autumn the conversations 

Continue, neighbors with neighbors 

To find the solutions

That can be possible

Steve Sherlock

Franklin resident

originally shared with the Senior Center Writers Group and posted to

https://www.quietpoet.com/2025/10/reflections-upon-gift-of-conversations.html

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Reflections upon a gift of conversations received from a friend called necessity*

DEBUT of New PUBLIC ART at the Franklin Sculpture Park

The Town of Franklin is proud to present The Healing Word: Poetry for Awareness and Connection, a new public art installation making its debut this September at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

Created in honor of National Suicide Awareness Month (September), this project invited local poets and writers to share original works exploring themes of mental health, healing, and hope.

DEBUT of New PUBLIC ART at the Franklin Sculpture Park

Eight poets were compensated for their contributions through the FY25 public art earmark secured by Senator Rebecca Rausch. Their words now stand as works of public art—offering space for reflection, connection, and compassion, while demonstrating the power of the arts to support both emotional well-being and the local creative economy.

Featured Poets: Jamie Brannon, Marc D. Cohen, Rachael Dubinsky, Alan R. Earls, Takaaki Matsumoto, Ella Mooradian, Ali Rheaume, and Stephen Sherlock

We invite you to visit the Sculpture Park, spend time with these moving works, and experience how poetry can bring awareness, healing, and community connection.

Photo album of the individual displays ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjcEPwhaMQUk9Cnb8

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Content Advisory: Sensitive Material

The poems presented in this series share (the poets) personal reflections of mental health, healing, and recovery. Some works may include references to depression, trauma, grief, or suicidal thoughts. This project is part of a community-wide effort to use art as a means of fostering empathy, understanding, and hope. While these pieces express individual experiences, the Town of Franklin does not promote or endorse suicide, self-harm, or any form of violence toward oneself or others.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, support is available. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org.

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More of my poetry can also be found at quietpoet.com. The work selected is linked to here

https://www.quietpoet.com/2024/12/whats-next.html

Songwriting/Poetry Circle at the Norfolk Public Library - Oct 23

Songwriting/Poetry Circle at the Norfolk Public Library - Oct 23

"Residents of Norfolk (and neighboring communities) are invited to share songs or poetry; listen to others' songs and poetry; and provide encouragement and constructive advice (if requested) related to the process of writing songs and poetry.

Songwriters and poets at all levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to attend! So, bring your voice, lyrics, poems, guitars, etc.

We'll supply the room, rapt attention, light snacks, some music stands, and a keyboard. It's okay to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

If there is suitable interest, we will consider making this a regular event.

Have a comment or question? Send us a message, leave a comment, or email us at ncc@norfolkmass.gov.

We hope to see you there!"

Shared from -> https://fb.me/e/9z8T6nIhY

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 17, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events 

• This segment repeats the conversation with FHS student Tuhina Pal and the book of poetry she wrote on her path to recovery https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/tuhina-pal-talks-about-her-book-they.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

This week the Turntable Show airs the Eric Clapton "Slowhand" Album Hour and the Clapton Vibe Playlist Hour.  “Slowhand” was released on November  25, 1977 and was hugely successful commercially, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 and going multi-platinum.  It established Clapton as a solo artist who could balance artistic integrity with massive commercial appeal.  

The album includes big hits:  “Lay Down Sally”;   “Wonderful Tonight”;  and “Cocaine”.  Over his career, Clapton has reportedly sold 280 million records worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling music artists in history.   

The Playlist Hour includes special live cuts and studio hits across Clapton's Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos,  and solo recordings.  Enjoy listening to the music from one of the world's most influential rock n blues guitarists of all time.  

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 080 - The Thousand Hour Lesson Chapter 4, The Writer's Group, Love, Memorial Day, and much more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about their group, Bob gives us the fourth chapter in The Thousand Hour Lesson, love poems, an unlikely hike, Memorial Day, and why would anyone?

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-080-the-thousand-hour-lesson-chapter-4-the-writers-group-love-memorial-day-and-much-more-

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Senior Center Poetry Day - Oct 25, 2017 (video)

From deep in the Franklin TV video archives comes this recording of the Poetry Day held at the Senior Center on October 25, 2017.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4LPTfBJ_vk

Franklin Public Schools Students Revive Tradition with Poetry Day at Senior Center

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that sixth-grade students from Team Lightning recently brought smiles, poetry and thoughtful reflection to the Franklin Senior Center, reviving a treasured tradition that began in 2012.

After a pandemic pause, students recently returned to the Senior Center for a Poetry Day. Guided by educators Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster, the students delivered memorized poems and original analyses.

sixth-grade students from Team Lightning

"All of the Team Lightning educators were delighted with the top-shelf performance of the students," said Corey. "It was a joy to return to this tradition and witness the pride and effort our students brought to the experience."

Students dressed sharply for the occasion, a decision many believed added to the impact of the performance.

"It showed everyone that we're the real deal!" said student Eliza Menard.

"Dressing up improved our performance because it set the tone that we're serious, focused, and disciplined," said student Sebi Ciporkin.

Beyond public speaking skills, students embraced the cultural and emotional depth that poetry offers.

"I am glad we celebrated Poetry Day because we heard and learned a lot of different poems representing different cultures and people," said student Gabby Kepple.

Student Jordan Marin reflected on the highlight of the day: "The best part of Poetry Day for me was seeing all the seniors so happy when we shared the poems with them."

Many students expressed pride in what they had accomplished.

"It was a good time and practicing for our poems taught me a life lesson — practice makes perfect," said student Antony Wisa.

Student Biana Laterra commented that she was proud of "remembering the poem and analysis and being brave enough to do it."

Others shared the personal meaning behind the event.

"I am glad because my grandma and her friend were there, and they said it made their day and that it is so nice to see that people are still saying poems," said student Harry Schlieke.

Franklin Public Schools would like to thank Ariel Doggett and the entire Senior Center staff for their warm hospitality and for helping make the event such a success.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students for the poise and creativity they showed during the Poetry Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful words and heartfelt delivery were a powerful reminder of the connection between generations, and the impact young voices can have on a community."

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If you can keep your head when all about you   

    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

    But make allowance for their doubting too;   

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;   

    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;   

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

    And treat those two impostors just the same;   

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

    And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

    To serve your turn long after they are gone,   

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,   

    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

    If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Copyright Credit: n/a

Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if---