This week let’s write an “is” and “is not” poem. A few weeks ago, Living Poetry’s own JeanMarie Olivieri wrote an insightful poem about cheating, listing what is cheating and what is not. Have a look at her poem then write your own along those same lines. It doesn’t have to be about cheating, just a list of things that something is and things that something isn’t. Then post your poem in the comments below.
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 
Here’s my poem Bart 💜
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Posted by Maggie | May 25, 2026, 9:57 AMLove the image of justice/truth barefoot in broken glass refusing to kneel. Excellent work!
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 25, 2026, 6:37 PMHappy you liked it 😊
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Posted by Maggie | May 25, 2026, 6:40 PMThank you B. I’m glad my poem gave you an idea for a prompt.
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Posted by JeanMarie | May 25, 2026, 7:28 PMThank you for doing my Monday morning job for me.
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 25, 2026, 7:42 PMHere’s what I came up with:
https://bartbarkerpoet.com/2026/05/25/five-things-love-isnt/
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 25, 2026, 8:17 PMFor some reason I couldn’t leave my comment there..here it is. Bartholomew, these are some wise words which I keep to remind myself. Thanks for creating.
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Posted by Cassa Bassa | May 30, 2026, 6:15 AMHow odd. I’m getting other comments on that post. Sorry, CB, and thank you for the compliment.
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 30, 2026, 12:34 PMGreat prompt 🙌https://poetisatinta.wordpress.com/2026/05/26/curiosity/
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Posted by poetisatinta | May 26, 2026, 11:47 AMThanks, Ange! Yeah, I’ve been very impressed with the poems written to this one.
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 26, 2026, 5:55 PM🩷
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Posted by poetisatinta | May 27, 2026, 4:22 AMIs too. Is not!
Getting older is having occasional aches and pains.
Getting older is not dead.
Getting older is having wisdom.
Getting older is not the end.
Getting older is slowing down to enjoy life.
Getting older is not quitting.
Getting older is the next chapter in life.
Getting older is not the last chapter.
Getting older is courage.
Getting older is not for the faint of heart.
Getting older is adapting to your changing body.
Getting older is not giving up.
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Posted by Chico’s Mom | May 29, 2026, 10:06 AMWe’re all getting older. Some of us are feeling it more than others. Well done, Jolene! Thanks for sharing.
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Posted by Bartholomew Barker | May 29, 2026, 9:26 PMThank you 💕
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Posted by Chico’s Mom | May 29, 2026, 9:55 PM