Joan Wiese Johannes Verse-Virtual February 2023

February 2023

Joan Wiese Johannes
joanjeff@wctc.net

Bio Note: I believe Thornton Wilder was right when he wrote that only poets and saints truly appreciate life while they are living it. Although not a candidate for sainthood, writing, sharing, and publishing poetry are among my greatest joys. My poems have been published in numerous journals, anthologies, and chapbooks. I have also co-edited The Wisconsin Poets’ Calendar and an issue of Bramble with my poet husband Jeffrey and enjoy sharing the stage with him for poetry readings.

Makes or Breaks


Be sure to do Wordle today. Are you KIDDING ME?
	—Wanda

“Your score on Wordle makes or breaks your day.
It triggers angst or gives you energy.”
That’s what my hooked-on-Wordle sisters say.

Do I let Wordle mess with me?  No way!
I’ll never let that silly game decree,
“Your score on Wordle makes or breaks your day!”

But every day they tell me how the gray                                       
squares turn to green with “D” or “E”.
That’s what my hooked-on-Wordle sisters say.

So I typed in the word “adore” today,
then entered “stein”, then nailed it — “piety”!
Your score on Wordle makes or breaks your day!

My sister Ellen starts with “grace” or “faith”;
but Wanda, using“snafu”, wins in three. 
That’s what my hooked-on-Wordle sisters say.

Whatever works for them, I guess,  but hey,
I got the word in two tries once — Yippee!
Your score on Wordle makes or breaks your day;
That’s what my hooked-on-Wordle sisters say.

I Have Forgiven My Cat, Perhaps


I have forgiven my cat 
for killing the finch 
that escaped from its cage 

perhaps 
because there are no feathers 
on the floor and because 

even though there is no way 
out of my living
room, I can tell myself 

it flew away.
Or perhaps 
I have forgiven my cat

because the finch 
was a nameless bird
and she is my Whiskers.

I have watched her 
juggle filberts
dive into rumpled rugs
clutch pillows 

in her claws and teeth,
tail twitching 
with a life of its own.

She is always practicing
the kill
an essential skill 

for those of us
who know 
all games end the same.

The Difference


Utilitarian words save lives —
“Look out” “Don’t Go”  Say “No”
Descriptive words save poems —
first sprout, grey dawn, dead crow