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Melanie Weldon-Soiset

Melanie Weldon-Soiset

Connecting curious people with poetry and prayer so that we can find our true homes

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“A Blessing for My Neighbor Jim” [poem]

January 27, 2023January 27, 2023 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ 2 Comments

Check out my new poem, "A Blessing for My Neighbor Jim."

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Why the Stakes are High: Poetry, the Bible, & the Slaughter of the Innocents [commentary & sonnet]

December 27, 2022December 30, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

How does poetry impact our spiritual formation, as well as our ability to read the Bible? The challenging text of the slaughter of the innocents in Matthew 2 offers a powerful case study.

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“Etymology of the Word ‘Parable'” [contest-winning cinquain poem]

December 23, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

I'm thrilled to announce that my poem, "Etymology of the Word 'Parable,'" has won the 2022 WWPH Writes the Holidays Contest :). Check out my poem, and an explanation of its form, here.

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New Opportunity: Personalized Poetry Feedback (Gift Certificates Also Available!)

November 30, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Give yourself, and/or a beloved poet in your life, the gift of personalized poetry feedback.

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“How to Do Nothing” [villanelle poem]

August 18, 2022December 4, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Check out my latest poem "How to Do Nothing," which is a villanelle. I also offer an explanation of how villanelles work, as well as famous examples of this dance-like poety form.

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“After I Close a Beloved Book” [poem]

August 9, 2022August 15, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Check out my new poem, "After I Close a Beloved Book." I'd love to hear what you think! 🙂

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“A Lullaby Patchwork Quilt” [cento poem]

July 18, 2022January 25, 2023 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ 1 Comment

Check out my cento poem "A Lullaby Patchwork Quilt," as well as an explanation (and contemporary examples) of the cento form.

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“Autobiography of an Origami Lantern” [poem]

June 22, 2022June 29, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Check out my new poem "Autobiography of an Origami Lantern," a poem whose insights surprised me after I gave myself permission to play with origami earlier this year.

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“Cabin Fever Compels Me to Bike to the Anacostia River” [verse paragraph poem]

May 9, 2022June 29, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ Leave a comment

Check out my verse paragraph poem "Cabin Fever Compels Me to Bike to the Anacostia River," along with an explanation of the verse paragraph form, some famous contemporary examples, and a verse paragraph writing prompt!

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“A Turn in the River” [chiastic poem]

May 2, 2022June 29, 2022 ~ melanieweldonsoiset ~ 1 Comment

Check out my new poem "A Turn in the River," and learn about the ancient (and Biblical!) poetic form known as chiasm.

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Older posts

My name is Melanie, and I’ve worn many labels over the years: poet, pastor, teacher, student, immigrant, #ChurchToo survivor. I’ve learned, however, that the label that fits best is “child of God.” One day that phrase will be my epitaph. Until then, you’ll find me at my best resting in a hammock, biking on local DC green ways, or enjoying a fire by the hearth on a cold winter’s night.

Categories of Poetry Posts

#ChurchToo Abditory Literary Magazine abuse Advent Amethyst Review announcement art Bible blessing book review centering prayer Cloud of Unknowing commentary contemplative practice COVID critique ekphrastic poetry embodiment everyday pandemic life feedback groups home interview journey kintsugi memoir narrative medicine National Poetry Month parallel chart poem poetic process poetry feedback group poetry process poetry prompt prayer Quitting Time rough draft serendipity sermon trauma Veneta Masson war website World War II wounds writing prompt

The power of the pen: our writing can harm, or it can heal. How do we know the difference? What standards and metrics can help us measure our literary legacy? Rejection. Poetry has a long history with the word “rejection.” In my next newsletter, I’ll consider the delicate dance of poetry and rejection. The relationship of the two can be a volatile one, but also one that’s filled with potential and insight. Feel free to sign up for my poetry and prayer newsletter (link in bio) to learn more. With Christmas presents barely unwrapped, many churches across the world this Sunday will turn to one of the most disturbing texts in the entire Bible: Matthew 2 and the slaughter of the innocents. Earlier this year, I sat down with this text, looked it in the eye, and used the best language possible to communicate with it, which is poetry. Matthew 2 itself includes poetry, and poetry must continue to exercise voice in the face of such vice. I therefore wrote a sonnet in response to the slaughter of the innocents, in the voice of a person I'd be inclined to hate. Read more (#LinkInBio) about why the stakes are high for poetry and the the Bible, especially with texts like the slaughter of the innocents. Grateful for the seemingly little gifts today: a gentle sunrise through the pine trees, a creamy cup of eggnog coffee, and the holiday cards that friends and family kindly sent me. My gift to y’all today is to pass along this gorgeous, handmade card from my friend @lindsey_a_pharr . Peace to you and to yours, friends. I’m thrilled to share that my poem, “Etymology of the Word ‘Parable,’” has won the 2022 Washington Writers’ Publishing House “Writes the Holidays” contest! A huge bow of gratitude to contest judge @brandelfdeb and the WWPH team for this honor. Back story, as well as an explanation of the poem’s distinct form, is in the link in bio :). This past weekend, my friend @jengirard2013 introduced Brian and me to Baltimore’s Miracle on 34th Street. Apparently since at least 1947 (!), some neighbors in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore (of John Waters and the musical “Hairspray” fame!) have decorated their 34th Street homes for Christmas. Each home seemingly chooses its own theme: one blazed its love for Ocean City beach and Maryland crabs, one decorated for Hanukkah, several demonstrated art displays and QR codes to offer contexts, one celebrated famous children’s holiday books, especially the Polar Express, and one leaned into the vintage kitsch vibe with Sesame Street, Looney Tunes, angels, and other ornaments that almost certainly bridged the gap in age from 1947 until now (!). Another neighbor nearby had a TV set up, along with lounge chairs, for any passerby to watch “The Grinch” on repeat. I enjoyed basking in the glow of this very Baltimore winter wonderland, including the artwork of a local tattoo studio we passed on the way to 34th Street. #christmaslights #miracleon34thstreet #baltimore #baltimorelights Stumbled upon this lovely chalk art in my neighborhood recently :). Oh, hello, ginkgo! Can I be honest, y’all? I’m really not a big Halloween fan. Or at least not a fan of the ghouls and goblins. I prefer All Saints’ Day, which was yesterday, November 1st. Today is All Souls’ Day, which extends the goal of All Saints’ Day in remembering the beloved departed. I’ve never been to Mexico to observe a Day of the Dead celebration, but I’m grateful for a neighbor who decorated her yard, including the gorgeous calavera, and papel picado fluttering in the breeze, for this year’s holiday.
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© Melanie Weldon-Soiset, 2023. This web site is the online home for my creative endeavors. The content offered here does not necessarily reflect that of my church, and/or any other employment that I have. To quote excerpts online, please link back to my original article. For all other uses, please contact me. Thank you. 

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