Kim T. Harrison

Finding joy in life’s small, everyday pleasures.

This collection of 31 short, lovingly crafted poems, invites the reader to pause and see the beauty in life’s seemingly mundane moments. Through the lens of mindful noticing, the poet’s ordinary activities and surroundings take on a new resonance, transforming into cherished gifts through the magic of language and quiet contemplation.

Read two poems from 31 Poems of Joy:

Afternoon Cat Nap

Gentle purrs pull me toward sleep-
cocooned under a feather-soft duvet,
my book slips away,
words turn to dreams
I don't remember
until rain stretches us both awake.

Black-Capped Chickadee

On my afternoon walk to school
a familiar friend plays peekaboo.
Wings shuffle pine needles,
songs echo
a hidden
chorus of delight.

31 Poems of Joy is available on Kindle Unlimited to read for free if you’re a member. You can also buy the collection in e-book or paperback formats. Click below or search “31 Poems of Joy” on Amazon in your country.

Photo by Social Soup Social Media on Pexels.com

Praise for 31 Poems of Joy

“Utterly delightful does not begin to describe 31 Poems of Joy. This beautifully crafted work of art is like a gift to be opened and savoured; each poem a joyful surprise.” Wendy Willow, author of Silver Butterfly Wings.

“Like the little birds in ‘Black-Capped Chickadee’, the little personal poems in 31 Poems of Joy take the reader to a place where ‘songs echo / a hidden / chorus of delight.'” Louise Carson, author of Dog Poems and A Clutter of Cats.

“This beautiful collection of poems is a feast for the senses and the soul. The poet captures everyday moments with a richness that will make you want to return to them repeatedly. Her writing will inspire you to cherish the simple moments in life, and if we take the time to relish them, they have the potential to be sublime. This is a wonderful book that will be a gorgeous addition to every bookshelf.” Lizzy Shortall, author of The Lotus and the Tiger and the children’s book, Joy’s Playground.

“Heartwarming, relatable and evocative, 31 Poems of Joy arouses the senses, wakes up the soul and is a great reminder for all readers to intentionally savour any little moment of joy you can get hold of.” Ashley Cummins, writer & founder of meantforjoy.ca

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I’m a big fan of prompts, and love using them as part of my own writing practice. Here are 5 ways I think prompts can help us all improve our poems and stories.

1.) Prompts get you started

The only way to finish a story or poem is to first start it! Prompts often come with timing suggestions or other ‘limitations’ that offer a framework for you to work with. These help you start writing – a whole poem or story may be daunting, but setting your timer for 5 minutes and writing 6 lines or 2 paragraphs about a toothbrush is do-able.

2.) Prompts encourage a daily practice

Prompts make it easier to write every day and/or establish a regular writing routine. The more you write, the more your ideas will flow and the easier you’ll find it to start, revise, and finish your work. You’ll also show yourself that you have an infinite capacity for writing and creating new work.

3.) Prompts promote play

Creative play always yields benefits, loosening up your writing muscles and allowing you to try out new forms, ideas, or language. Through using prompts, you may find that you love writing in rhyme even if previously you snubbed it or felt it was too tricky, for example.

4. ) Prompts provide fresh ideas

A prompt can get you thinking about things you’d never normally write a poem or story about. Or, even better, they can get you looking at something from a fresh angle. Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in perspective for a creative idea to sparkle.

5. ) Prompts help overcome fear

Prompts are a great way to move through any form of resistance to writing. They take the pressure off the idea of having to create a ‘perfect’ piece of work and invite you to focus on the act of free writing a poem or story draft, which you can later polish if you choose to.

Do you use prompts in your writing practice?

Happy writing! You might like these posts: “3 Spring Poetry Prompts for KidLit Writers” (not just for KidLit writers btw!), “5 Spring Writing Warm-Ups,” or my latest books of prompts: Write Your Own Joy.

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Receive occasional news, poetry and writing prompts, as well as resources to use at home or in the classroom by signing up to my free newsletter.