Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "poems"

Hello, my wonderful readers!

Pack your bags and come along with me on my latest literary expedition, "Countries in Poetry"! Picture this: a delightful journey around the globe, not by plane or train, but through the magic of poetry. This isn't just a book; it's a passport to every corner of our magnificent world, one poem at a time.

In "Countries in Poetry," each nation gets its moment in the spotlight. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene islands of the Pacific, every poem is a window into a country's soul. Imagine feeling the warm breeze of the Caribbean through a stanza, or the rich history of Europe unfolding in a verse. Whether it's the colorful festivals of Brazil or the tranquil landscapes of Norway, each poem captures the essence of its country.

I am incredibly fortunate to have journeyed through almost 30 countries in my lifetime. The process of researching and writing this book has only deepened my desire to explore even more of the world. Each nation offers its own unique sights, flavors, and experiences. My hope is that through the pages of this book, you'll get a taste of the diverse and rich tapestry each country presents.

This collection is my ode to the world's diversity. It blends cultural wonders, historical landmarks, and natural beauty into a tapestry of words. As you flip through the pages, you'll embark on a journey that transcends boundaries, where each country tells its own story, filled with unique flavors, sights, and sounds.

"Countries in Poetry" is more than a poetic exploration of the globe. It's a celebration of our world's incredible tapestry. Whether you're a globetrotter, a culture enthusiast, or just someone who loves to dream about faraway places, this book offers a fresh, engaging perspective on the many places that make up our shared planet.

So, come along on this poetic adventure and discover the world in a way you've never experienced before. Each page is an invitation to travel through the heart and soul of a country, to see the world through the lens of poetry.

I can't wait to share "Countries in Poetry" with you and hear about your favorite journeys through its pages. Let's embark on this poetic globe-trotting adventure together!

Happy reading, and here's to discovering the beauty and diversity of our world, one poem at a time!

Cheers,
Samuel DenHartog

Hey there, poetry lovers!

Today, I'm delighted to share my newest creation, "Odyssey of Feelings: A Poetic Journey". This isn't just a collection of poems; it's an expedition into the vast, uncharted territories of human emotions, all explored through the beauty of verse.

In "Odyssey of Feelings," each poem is a voyage into a different emotion. Imagine riding the waves of joy in buoyant, uplifting stanzas or delving into the depths of sorrow in verses that resonate with the soul's quiet ache. From the fierce blaze of anger to the tender whisper of love, every poem is an intimate exploration, a lens magnifying the intricate details of our emotional landscape.

When I read some of these poems to my wife, her reaction was a mix of laughter and introspection. She said, "I never knew emotions could be this colorful and vivid. It's like you've painted an entire world with your words!"

Whether you savor the nuances of feelings, love poetry, or are just seeking a deeper connection with the human experience, this book invites you to embark on a journey unlike any other. Discover the multifaceted world of emotions, where each feeling is celebrated, examined, and transformed into a piece of lyrical art.

Join me on this odyssey of feelings, where we navigate the seas of human emotions and find beauty in the ebb and flow of our inner worlds.

Enjoy the ride!

Warm regards,
Samuel DenHartog

Hello, lovers of the sun, sea, and sand!

My latest creation is a poetic voyage that captures the essence of a day spent by the ocean's edge. "Barefoot at the Beach" invites you to shed your shoes, along with your worries, and step into a world where the boundaries between the self and the sea blur into one harmonious existence.

Imagine feeling the sun's warmth as it dances across the sky, the playful tickle of sand between your toes, and the soothing rhythm of waves that whisper tales of timeless ebb and flow. Through a series of vivid, free-form poems, we'll explore the simple pleasures and profound moments that a day at the beach can offer—from the first golden rays of sunrise to the rich hues of the setting sun.

So, grab your favorite beach chair and a cool beverage, and prepare to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the ocean and the poetry of the beach. Let's celebrate the beauty of being present, living in the moment, and finding peace in the natural world around us.

See you at the beach,
Samuel DenHartog

Greetings, night wanderers and culinary trailblazers!

It’s time to once again don your darkest aprons and light the candles for an enchanting journey through the moonlit paths of global cuisine with "The Vampire's Cookbook: Volume II." If you thought our first foray with Lucien Bellerose, the vampire chef with a penchant for the sanguine, was a feast for the senses, prepare to be bewitched by the even richer flavors and even more tantalizing tales we've brewed up in this sequel.

As Lucien continues his eternal quest for the ultimate dining experience, we venture from the fog-covered alleyways of London to the bustling markets of Jakarta, uncovering the secrets behind dishes that blend the traditional with a touch of blood. His culinary voyage is a testament to the unifying power of food, crossing borders and cultures, and infusing each recipe with the exotic essence of vampiric lore.

So, whether you're a connoisseur of the cryptic or simply a foodie in search of your next culinary adventure, this book invites you to explore the flavors of the world through the eyes of the immortal. I’ve mixed a little humor, a pinch of horror, a lot of lust, and a generous pour of gastronomic genius to create a collection that's bound to become a staple in the kitchens of the adventurous.

Join Lucien as he dices, simmers, and serves a banquet that bridges the gap between the living and the eternal. Remember, in Lucien's kitchen, the night is always young, passion is always in the air, and the flavors are immortal. No garlic? No problem. We're here to show you that the world of culinary wonders is vast, vibrant, and sometimes vampiric.

See you in the kitchen,
Samuel DenHartog

Are you ready for an adventure that soars beyond the ordinary? My spellbinding new children's book invites young readers to explore a fantastical world where each letter of the alphabet is represented by a delightful dragon with its own unique tale. From Amelia, the adventurous apple eater, to Zara, the zealous zoo zipper, these dragons are fun creatures who can't wait to introduce kids to the wonders of the alphabet!

Each page of this enchanting book turns into a vibrant, action-packed story that not only captivates but also educates. As children meet each dragon, they're learning about the joy of discovering new words. Imagine your child's delight as they join dragons who dance under the moonlight, forge friendships deep in enchanted forests, and spread their wings high above cloud-capped mountains.

Perfectly suited for children aged 4-7, this book is a magical introduction to literacy that goes beyond the traditional ABCs. It's about sparking curiosity, inspiring adventure, and creating moments of wonder with every flip of the page.

Whether it’s story time before bed or a daytime adventure in reading, these dragon tales offer endless enjoyment and learning opportunities. So, let your child open this book and let their imagination fly high with the dragons of the alphabet.

Who knows what heights they’ll reach?

Enchanted by dragons,
Samuel DenHartog

Are you ready to sprinkle some magic dust on your child’s alphabet learning? My latest children's book, "Alphabet Fairies" is a gateway to a magical realm where each fairy, from Ariel the Artistic to Zinnia the Zestful, brings a letter of the alphabet to life. Crafted especially for kids aged 4 to 7, this enchanting book combines the joy of fairy tales with the essential building blocks of learning—letters and values.

Imagine a place where streams sparkle under the dance of tiny fairy feet, and meadows bloom with flowers whispering tales of courage, kindness, and friendship. In "Alphabet Fairies," your child will not only learn their ABCs but also the values that make us better friends and kinder people.

Perfect for bedtime stories or a fun, educational session in the classroom, "Alphabet Fairies" ensures learning is always wrapped in fun. Whether read aloud or explored independently, these tales are sure to inspire little ones to dream big and learn eagerly. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find their favorite fairy dancing between the pages, ready to lead them on an adventure of a lifetime!

I believe in fairies,
Samuel DenHartog

When I set out to create this collection, I wanted each letter of the alphabet to come alive with its own spirit and story. The result is a playful parade of animal characters, each matched to their letter not only by name, but by the words and world around them. From the determined stomp of a Daring Dolphin to the slow sway of a Sleepy Sloth, every page invites young readers to explore language through rhythm, rhyme, and imagination.

Some animals build, some bounce, some whisper. Each poem introduces a new personality, using simple vocabulary that is fun to read aloud and easy for children to remember. There is a quiet joy in discovering how letters can sound, feel, and move when paired with a creature who fits them perfectly. The pages are filled with acrobatic alliteration, but the real magic comes from watching kids laugh or lean in as they meet each new character.

"Alphabet Animals" is a collection of short adventures, each told in six four-line stanzas that carry rhythm, warmth, and a sense of discovery. Whether it is the Kindhearted Kangaroo tying bows or the Rowdy Raccoon rattling cans, every poem turns a letter into a moment worth remembering.

This book was made to be read aloud, whether at bedtime, in the classroom, or during any quiet minute when curiosity strikes. It was written with early readers in mind, but it belongs to anyone who enjoys a story told in rhyme and animal characters who stay with you long after the page is turned.

There is something magical about watching children light up when a story meets their imagination right where it lives. This book was created to celebrate that moment. Inside its pages, twenty-six heroes leap, spin, fly, stomp, and giggle their way across colorful spreads, each powered by a different letter of the alphabet. The goal was simple: create a collection of rhyming tales that are fun to read aloud, easy to follow, and filled with joyful surprises that kids want to visit again and again.

The characters each bring their own charm. Astro Angel zooms through the stars, painting comets with cosmic brushes. Turbo Tornado gallops across prairies, spinning storms back into skies with the help of nature. Mega Mouse, pint-sized and powerful, whirls through her underground lair fixing burrows and blocking bullies. Whether it is Boomer Blaze catching popcorn meteors or Quantum Queen solving math puzzles with cubes of light, each story is a mini-adventure with rhythm, rhyme, and personality to spare.

What makes this collection different is how it avoids the usual bedtime routine trap. Not every hero ends with a nap. Some are mid-flight, mid-battle, mid-bounce. Some do not face villains at all. Instead, they spend their time helping, laughing, building, or even singing to calm nervous marmots. The book does not try to teach the alphabet by force. It simply lets each letter shine through a fun, action-packed character whose story happens to start with the same one.

"Alphabet Superheroes" was made to feel like a celebration. Not just of letters, but of what makes every child feel big and bold and full of ideas. It is a book to be read curled up on the couch or acted out in costume across the living room. If it sparks one silly voice or one proud reading moment, then the heroes inside have done their job. And something tells me they are just getting started.

For generations, the Psalms have offered comfort, strength, and inspiration to people walking through every kind of season. Their language is rich and evocative, their themes timeless. But for many, especially in our fast-paced world, the style can feel distant or hard to absorb. That’s what sparked the idea to reshape these ancient songs into gentle, rhyming verse that invites the reader in and unfolds naturally, like a familiar melody.

In creating this collection, I wanted to preserve the beauty and depth of the original text while offering a fresh voice that flows easily off the tongue. Whether read aloud in a quiet moment or tucked into daily reading routines, each poem seeks to reflect the heart of a Psalm in a way that feels accessible and deeply personal. The language is poetic but not lofty, meant to stir the spirit without straining the ear.

Some poems follow the familiar rhythms of paired rhymes, others use alternating lines to create a gentle sway, like waves or walking pace. That variety grew out of the Psalms themselves, which are emotional and varied, sometimes overflowing with praise, other times aching with lament. Matching the tone of each passage with the right poetic structure became part of the joy and challenge of writing.

If you love the Psalms but have longed for a new way to engage with them, or if you're simply drawn to meaningful poetry rooted in faith and experience, I hope this book finds a place on your shelf and in your heart. When reimagined in verse, there is something ancient yet immediate about these songs, and I’m grateful to share that experience with you in "Psalms in Rhyme."