About Bartholomew Barker
Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
Living Poetry 
the morning is waking up
I’ve already had a cup of coffee
no bread, just eggs
note to self, quick run to the grocery
credit cards to attend to
other bills as well
I’ve put a load in the washing machine
that’ll take a minute
breathe
sitting on the bench
my eyes lock in with a fat white cat
one eye blue the other yellow
he or she squints at me from the plant shelf
it has made its bed
“Oh you scared me, love!”
and I return to my morning thoughts.
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Posted by DanielleM | June 2, 2025, 7:29 AMLovely little slice of life. Thanks for sharing, Danielle!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 2, 2025, 7:45 PMThank you 😊
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Posted by DanielleM | June 3, 2025, 3:12 AMAn introvert is
never alone with flowers
whispering the truth
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Posted by Chris Clarke | June 2, 2025, 8:48 AMExcellent haiku, Chris!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 2, 2025, 7:45 PMTake a load off
Welcoming sunshine,
natures soft scents surrounding,
wrap me with your peace.
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Posted by Chico’s Mom | June 2, 2025, 8:51 AMLovely, Jolene!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 2, 2025, 7:47 PMLikeLiked by 2 people
Posted by crazy4yarn2 | June 2, 2025, 11:44 AMWhat a strange and disturbing interpretation of some prompts. Thanks for sharing, Nolcha!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 2, 2025, 7:51 PMFull of anxiety…
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Posted by Cassa Bassa | June 4, 2025, 5:47 PMWe build fences to our hearts
Love always bursts through
Into a hopeful romance
Until it hit by the frost.
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Posted by Cassa Bassa | June 4, 2025, 5:44 PMGreat use of the prompt and wonderful metaphor. Well done!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 4, 2025, 6:14 PMThank you! 😊
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Posted by Cassa Bassa | June 4, 2025, 10:32 PMI can’t
Even in the yellow acceptance
such exuberant welcome
to seat myself alongside
the many singular joys
of the brightest transience
can I ever begin to admit
the eventuality of neglect
and ignored happiness
that awaits me by the garden seat..
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Posted by utopicdystopian | June 5, 2025, 1:08 AMLove that opening line! Thanks for sharing.
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | June 5, 2025, 6:32 PM