Adopt a beard logo Thank you for dropping by! Before you go any further, note that this site has almost nothing to do with beards. Instead you will find abstract and creative poetry and art. Feel free to roam the site and critique the content, with or without profuse verbal exclamations. And keep in mind that none of the content is meant to be offensive unless you converse with sandwiches, etc.

That”s your first introduction to Adopt a Beard, Graham Jensen”s blog devoted to abstract poetry. He updates sporadically – generally several times a month, though his poetic rhythm was interrupted after a recent move to Alberta, and he”s just recently started to get back into the swing of things. Writing as Hamnet, he”s fun to read, quirky and enjoyable – but the centerpiece of Adopt a Beard is the poems. They”re listed in three categories – Nonsense with Occasional Subtle Meaning, Poems That Read Legibly and Poems Submitted by Viewers. In his usual self-deprecating way, Jensen directs attention not the the two categories of his own poetry, but to the third, 157 (and growing) pieces of poetry submitted by his readers. These poems are a literal smorgasboard of styles and voices that are best sampled by dipping your toe in a little at a time before plunging in completely.

Which is not to say that Jensen”s own poetry isn”t fun to read and puzzle through. The “occasional subtle meanings” of his abstract styling tend to sneak up on you when you”re not looking, suddenly blossoming underneath the words you just read as if it had just been awaiting fertile ground to take root.

But I think what I like best about Adopt a Beard is that it is a labor of love. You”ll find no google ads, no banners, no subtle links directing you to this or that product. Jensen is here to share poetry – not just his own, but that of his viewers as well – with you, and it comes through loud and clear in his musings. It”s not a large site – but every bit of it is lovingly crafted, right down to the link banner he offers for sharing the poetry around.

P.S. – Yes, he also posts works of abstract (and other) art submitted by readers and friends. It”s also quirky and delightful!