When it rains by Shei Sanchez Editor's Note: This poem’s central theme discusses hurt and regret and how they linger, despite the inevitable movement of time.

An Incidental List of Loss by Tim Mayo Editor's Note: This poem’s imagery at first seems like a list of things to keep, but the end of the poem reminds us that all of life is ephemeral except love.

When a Poet Writes about Food by Lori Levy Editor's Note: This poem is not about food because the delicious imagery of food is about love.

For by Skinner Matthews Editor's Note: The wonder of imagery is that it can draw the reader into emotional intensity as though the story of love is easy, but it is not.

CLOSED to Submissions until July 5, 2026.

Mid-April by Anne Archer Editor's Note: This poem’s breathless run-on reflects the uninterrupted nature of hope within winter’s end—it happens when least expected.

From the archives — Advice from a Bat by Michael T. Young From the archives — Advice from a Bat by Michael T. Young from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, May 18, 2022

Saturday book feature — Ask the River to Talk About the Horses by Judith Waller Carroll Honkey-Tonk Girl from Ask the River to Talk About the Horses by Judith Waller Carroll (Moonpath Press 2026)

The Deeper Water Is Not over Here by Woods Nash Editor's Note: Rich imagery decorates this narrative poem that begins with peace, travels through chaos, and concludes with a lesson about acceptance.

Talking About My Generation by Carl Kinsky Editor's Note: This sonnet’s doesn’t feel formal because it offers truths disguised as lines in a poem.

Shadowfish by Richard Jordan Editor's Note: This poem at first seems to be about nostalgia (a weekend trip ruined by rain), but the lines insist it is about love.

Without a Word by Ray Cicetti Editor's Note: This poem’s focus on ordinary joys alongside sorrow allows the narrative of a life well lived with a chosen companion to unfold with quiet resonance.

From the archives — What Still Matters by Johanna Ely From the archives — What Still Matters by Johanna Ely from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, May 13, 2016

Saturday book feature — Hover Here by Marjorie Maddox Memphis from Hover Here by Marjorie Maddox (Broadstone Books 2026)

Invisible Illness by Ashley Nootnagel Editor's Note: The villanelle’s repetition is the perfect vehicle for illustrating the unrelenting social price of chronic illness.

Mothers of Rain and Weeds by Todd Van Grouw Editor's Note: This poem’s first line reminds readers that singular moments are often overlooked, and all too often, the most important ones in life.

Untitled by Nils Peterson Editor's Note: This poem’s basement is a superb metaphor for how the mind likes to remind you of your past when you least wish for it.

Another Cancer Fundraiser by Tara Iacobucci Editor's Note: This poem's excellent allegory happens within a genuinely poignant narrative, allowing readers to absorb difficulty via personal experience.

We are such stuff as dreams are made on by Ashley Nootnagel Editor's Note: This poem uses an old form to showcase the modern world’s most persistent trends with an excellent dose of impuissance.

From the archives — Faulty Wiring by Joel Best From the archives — Faulty Wiring by Joel Best from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, May 26, 2015

Saturday book feature — Secret Dance by David Stephenson Dawn from Secret Dance by David Stephenson (Cyberwit.net 2026)

The White Mare by Risa Denenberg Imagery begins this poem, leading the reader into nature that becomes the emotional framework for a life, and ending with a universal revelation.

A Love Poem For Another Dog Lover by Bob Bradshaw Editor's Note: This poem's delightful use of personification (and its nod to Emily) allows the idea of love to flourish the way a dog’s affection grows—with innocence and eagerness.

School Days by George Moore Editor's Note: This poem draws the reader into the life of a teacher until at the last stanza, one realizes that the students weren't the only ones learning along the way.

Blue Shadows by Jeffrey Harrison Editor's Note: This poem’s emotional framework rests entirely upon color—blue, lavender, purple—for joy and for mourning.

It is in Water that we Remember How Much we are Loved by Mark LaMonda Editor's Note: This poem speaks in metaphor because it is always better to learn via story than via preaching.

From the archives — As Spring Greens the Walk by Devon Balwit From the archives — As Spring Greens the Walk by Devon Balwit from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, May 5, 2022

Saturday book feature — Sky Over by Lana Hechtman Ayers “Brother, What a Night It Really Was” from Sky Over by Lana Hechtman Ayers (Fernwood Press 2026)

The Same Calabash by Obiotika Wilfred Editor's Note: From the first line, this poem compels and teaches the reader about human nature set within the inexorable environment that can either nourish or destroy us.

Chat Prompts in my 30s by Emily Adamek Editor's Note: This poem serves as a sequel to Google Searches in my 20s, continuing the theme of self-awareness while expanding into questions about our society and our inevitable slide into technological dystopia.

Green by Christine Potter Editor's Note: This poem’s first, unforgettable image sets the tone for the rest of the lines—mindful and nostalgic all at once.

What is love but a long conversation by Laura Buxbaum Editor's Note: This poem’s title ushers the reader into the speaker's life which is filled with the most ordinary of wonders.

Tiny House by Nicole Michaels Editor's Note: From the first line, this poem declares the importance of small things of joy in a life beseiged with ideas that try to convince us otherwise.

From the archives — Well within the stretch by Charles Carr From the archives — Well within the stretch by Charles Carr from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, April 2, 2018

Saturday book feature — From Pawprints to Flight Paths: Animal Lives in Verse by Martin Elster Hawk Feather from From Pawprints to Flight Paths: Animal Lives in Verse by Martin Elster (Kelsay Books 2025)

My Apologies: A Golden Shovel by Laura Daniels Editor's Note: Sometimes a bit of poetic levity is sorely needed, no apologies necessary.

Past Due by Drew Pisarra Editor's Note: This villanelle’s repetition allows the speaker to ruminate on past choices with empathy for what could have been.

In Case You Had Forgotten by Brian A. Hickey Editor's Note: This poem’s enjambment and sharp imagery carries the reader into an emotional narrative that feels both true and universal.

Raining in Sintra, Portugal by Sara Letourneau Editor's Note: This poem’s central message is offered via narrative and image until the final three lines press home the lesson with emphasis.

The Hippolyte Rocks by Cally Conan-Davies Editor's Note: This beautiful sonnet explores the feeling of flow when the mind becomes disembodied while simultaneously experiencing everything all at once.

From the archives — Rhyme’s Purpose by Lisa McCabe From the archives — Rhyme’s Purpose by Lisa McCabe from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, April 7, 2022

Saturday book feature — Running Toward Water by Jenna Wysong Filbrun Mo[u]rning from Running Toward Water by Jenna Wysong Filbrun (Shanti Arts 2026)

Are We Still Human? by Harrison Cashmere Editor's Note: This poem reminds humanity to not look away from our true nature, however painful.

From the Moon by Betsy Mars Editor's Note: This ghazal’s imagery reminds us that wonder continues to coexist with its opposite.

On the Eve of What I Believe Will Be Our Annihilation by Diane LeBlanc Editor's Note: This poem’s short lines and cascading imagery transports the reader into a moment of calm and perspective that is sorely needed.

Vultures by Siham Karami Editor's Note: This poem’s skillful description of vultures conveys the weirdest dichotomy—how awkwardness and grace can coexist.

For Reasons I Can’t Fully Explain I Find Myself in Church on Easter Morning by Penelope Moffet Editor's Note: This poem reminds us that it is never quite possible to recapture the innocence of childhood.

From the archives — Happiness arrives by Devon Balwit From the archives — Happiness arrives by Devon Balwit from Autumn Sky Poetry DAILY, April 14, 2023

Saturday book feature — Keeping Room by Ann E. Wallace Paper Trails from Keeping Room by Ann E. Wallace (Nixes Mate Books 2026)

Summer Pod Children by Brennan Thomas Editor's Note: This poem somehow manages to combine the trauma of a difficult childhood with the wonder of possibility.