Langhorne PA, July 2026 — Former&nbsp;Bucks County Poet Laureate and retired George School English teacher Terence Culleton’s fourth collection of poems, Message From a Floating Dock, is now out through White Violet Press, the formalist imprint of Kelsay Books. Message From a Floating Dock is a collection of fifty-two formal lyric poems (traditionally metered and rhymed) divided into five sections, each section focusing on a different aspect of the book’s unifying themes: beauty, loss, memory, redemption, the wonder and complexity of childhood. 
Of Message From a Floating Dock, award-winning poet and fiction writer Joseph Chelius has said: “Reading these poems, I am struck by Culleton’s poetic gifts—his eloquence and wit, his verbal inventiveness . . . and his appreciation for the ‘ungovernable’ forces of nature, as reflected in the beauty of the lanternfly as it does its gruesome work.”
“Nowadays,” Culleton says, “everything seems mediated by the competing interests of money, politics, our shared anxieties about the future. The title poem is an invitation to the reader to just let go of name-calling and outrage and slogans and opinions. Just be a part of a natural world that’s unaware of our anxieties and divisions. Be at one with the wind and tide.” But Why Formal Poems?
“I grew up in a musical household,” Culleton explained. “A very opinionated household, too. There were disagreements and they could be pretty heated. It was the sixties after all. But whenever music played or song broke out the divisions sort of melted away. Formal poetry is rooted in song. Specifically, the music of human speech when it’s caught up in thoughts and impressions. Music brings us together.”
“Writing in form,” Culleton says, “engages the ear as well as the mind.” He hopes readers will hear the music of the form. 
Publications and Recognitions

Many of the poems in Message From a Floating Dock have been featured in publications nationally and in the U.K. Several have been nominated by editors for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Web. 
“They’ve had some success out there,” Culleton notes of his formal work. “Which is nice. I’m glad there’s still some room in the world for traditional forms. Some folks think form is old-fashioned. Stilted, maybe. I worked pretty hard, though, to make these pieces as conversational as I could. I think that’s why so many of them found places in contemporary journals. Editors don’t want work that seems artificial or out-of-date. They do appreciate well-crafted formal work, though.”
Praise for Culleton’s poetry:
“[Culleton’s] poems are rife with motion. . . . That motility might seem at odds with , , , traditional form . . . but there’s a blessed rage for order . . . and the artifice is often pressured by the changes that [Culleton’s] poems document. [T]he skillful control is reminiscent of Richard Wilbur.”—Temple Cone, author of Sky Bright Psalms and Guzzle.
“Intelligent, humorous, mouth-fillingly musical, and always thought-provoking, Terence Culleton’s poems pay allegiance to the whole history of English prosody . . . close your eyes and let the sound of sense carry you away.”—C.E. Mann, author of After the Pledge of Allegiance
Praise for Message From a Floating Dock:
In Message From a Floating Dock, Terence Culleton explores with wit and deep reverence the random and transient nature of everyday life: a leashed dog chasing a hare; a strip mall ravaged by a storm; an abandoned suitcase: “a mess/of shredded straps/and moldy pocket-pleats.” But time is fluid, and the speaker also returns to what is remembered—childhood, the early loss of his mother, an understanding of faith, “its minor angels/that they are real or loved for real.” These poems, written in form, keenly observed, and rich in language, celebrate both the “ungovernable” and the beauty of life; in them Culleton finds “the world a place to sing about/no matter what.”—Cheryl Baldi, author of Cormorants at Dusk
In Message From A Floating Dock, Terence Culleton finds in language itself a means of preservation and renewal as fresh as its point of origin in the love, sorrow, and yearning that seized him as a child: “I’d live to have/that life again.” And so he does in these lyrics of exhilarating sonic invention and keen observation. Moments of fleeting perception gather into a narrative stream, revealing how what’s ephemeral, when recollected, can have intention and direction, but “dreams stay as they are, shine as they will.”—J.C. Todd, author, Beyond Repair

Where to purchase:
Message From a Floating Dock is available through Kelsay Books at <a href="https://kelsaybooks.com/products/message-from-a-floating-dock?_pos=1&amp;_sid=229ff1097&amp;_ss=r" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://kelsaybooks.com/products/message-from-a-floating-dock?_pos=1&amp;_sid=229ff1097&amp;_ss=r</a>or on the author’s website at<a href="https://terenceculletonpoetry.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://terenceculletonpoetry.com</a>
Also available on amazon.com<a href="https://terenceculletonpoetry.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Local Event: Former Bucks Laureate Releases Fourth Collection of Poems 

Bucks County

Yardley

Pennsylvania

Former Bucks Laureate Releases Fourth...

Langhorne PA, July 2026 — Former Bucks County Poet Laureate and retired George School English teacher Terence Culleton’s fourth...

Former Bucks Laureate Releases Fourth Collection of Poems 

Terence Culleton

Dino Ciliberti

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Jeff Werner

Newtown

Levittown

Mercer County

Sarah Salvadore

New York City Metropolitan Area

Lawrenceville

New Jersey

Hopewell-Pennington

Northampton

Lower Southampton

New Hope-Lambertville

Bensalem

Upper Southampton

Princeton

July 4 & 5, Sat. & Sun, 8 - 5 p.m. BARN SALE on 3 FLOORS!!!

Come explore three floors of treasures, a stable, and a milk house full of furniture, tools, art, records, and home goods at this historic barn sale. Your purchases help preserve one of the largest remaining historic barns in Bucks County, dating back to circa 1850.

Local Event: Barn Sale

Doylestown

Barn Sale

Come explore three floors of treasures, a stable, and a milk house full of furniture, tools, art, records, and home goods at...

July 5 – 9:00 am Worship Service - Join us for a meaningful service exploring the faith of George Washington, alongside special music including trumpet, woodwind and vocals celebrating our nation's heritage and the faith that has sustained generations.
This July, join us for a special sermon series exploring the lives and faith of four influential figures from America's founding era: George Washington, Benjamin Rush, Abigail Adams, and John Witherspoon.
While these leaders came from different backgrounds and held different roles, each wrestled with how faith, character, and conviction could shape public life. Their stories remind us that faith has long inspired people to serve their communities, pursue the common good, and lead with courage during times of uncertainty.
As we reflect on their lives, we will also consider an important question for our own time: How is God forming us today to be faithful leaders, neighbors, and citizens? Whether in our homes, workplaces, schools, churches, or communities, God continues to call ordinary people to live out their faith in meaningful ways.

Local Event: Faith of Our Founders at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church

Faith of Our Founders at Thompson Memorial...

July 5 –  9:00 am Worship Service - Join us for a meaningful service exploring the faith of George Washington, alongside...

Faith of Our Founders at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church

Lions Fastpitch

Many tryout dates: Check out the flyer! Step onto the diamond and join an organization committed to developing confident, disciplined, and resilient young athletes through competitive fastpitch softball. With a focus on player development and college exposure, Lions Fastpitch offers a positive environment led by an experienced coaching staff for players from PA and NJ. Tryouts are available for multiple age brackets from 8U to 16U, including developmental and showcase levels.

Local Event: Lions Fastpitch Softball Tryouts

Lions Fastpitch Softball Tryouts

Many tryout dates: Check out the flyer! Step onto the diamond and join an organization committed to developing confident,...

Charlann Farms

Join us at Charlann Farms for the next Funny Farm Comedy Show on Friday, July 10th at 7pm. This evening features local comedians under our large tent tent. Yardley General will be there serving the drinks and light fare available in the farmstand.

Local Event: Funny Farm Comedy Show

Funny Farm Comedy Show

Join us at Charlann Farms for the next Funny Farm Comedy Show on Friday, July 10th at 7pm. This evening features local...

St Ignatius' ChurchYardley, Pa.

<a href="https://pay.cornerstone.cc/yardleyknights+friday2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://pay.cornerstone.cc/yardleyknights+friday2026</a>Neighbors and Friends,
Please attend and/or help spread the word of this great event. This July 17th, our community will come together for the 3rd annual Charity Car Show in Yardley. Local classic and cool car owners will display their vehicles and guests will “vote with dollars” for their favorites. ALL PROCEEDS will go to charity. This year’s charity is HOPE LOVES COMPANY; The only charity in the world that focuses on helping kids who have or had parents or family with ALS.
Please consider posting and sharing about this great event! And if you know anyone with a cool car, please give them a call. 
 The registration link is below, and I have attached our brochure. Thank you in advance for your help to support and spread awareness of a wonderful charity. 
God Bless and Thanks, 
John Noto
Yardley Knights 
267-377-5419 (Please call me with any questions) 
 
Here are two short videos about this year’s charity: 
<a href="https://nbcuacademy.com/als-summer-camp/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://nbcuacademy.com/als-summer-camp/</a>
<a href="https://www.hopelovescompany.org/together-is-better" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://www.hopelovescompany.org/together-is-better</a>
And here’s the registration Link: 
<a href="https://pay.cornerstone.cc/yardleyknights+friday2026" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://pay.cornerstone.cc/yardleyknights+friday2026</a>

Local Event: 3rd ANNUAL CHARITY CAR SHOW - The Friday "Knight Cruise" for a Cause

3rd ANNUAL CHARITY CAR SHOW - The Friday...

https://pay.cornerstone.cc/yardleyknights+friday2026Neighbors and Friends,
Please attend and/or help spread the word of this...

3rd ANNUAL CHARITY CAR SHOW - The Friday "Knight Cruise" for a Cause

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, New Hope ARTS is seeking artists to be part of Liberty and Its Shadows - a thought-provoking exhibition exploring the many perspectives, stories, and experiences that shape America.Whether your work reflects celebration, sacrifice, resilience, conflict, hope, or change, we invite you to add your voice to the conversation.See the flyer for details and submission information. We can't wait to see where this theme takes you.Submission Deadline: August 2, 2026&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/newhopearts?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#NewHopeARTS</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/callforartists?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#CallForArtists</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/libertyanditsshadows?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#LibertyAndItsShadows</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/america250?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#America250</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/semiquincentennial?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#Semiquincentennial</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/contemporaryart?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#ContemporaryArt</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/artistswanted?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZZyeQJ9ocemjvDRVfOUvAsZxXDoa3XYyG2ETFw3YiaBvXiEUTrv0tCF9Li0nv0OykNimBt8RR0EbtLD6deL2K4S0-FHztFgMIbfvK6cPLA7J9hpkgtJBS1JCo-cTRvP581co95yTuMEn-RAbuR8D6Z0i3rhGb39q-5u6INOoUTJ7gZOLku0hMEj4EZTIAn4k-E&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">#ArtistsWanted</a>

Fall Exhibit to celebrate and reflect on our...

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary, New Hope ARTS is seeking artists to be part of Liberty and Its Shadows - a...

Fall Exhibit to celebrate and reflect on our nation's 250th!

&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;width=600&amp;width=600" id="026.JPG" data-image="026.JPG" srcset="https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=320 320w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=375 375w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=420 420w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=720 720w, https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/25099727/20260615/083043/026___15203042499.jpg?width=600&amp;amp;width=600&amp;amp;width=600 600w" sizes="(max-width: 325px) 320px, (max-width: 375px) 375px, (max-width: 420px) 420px, (max-width: 768px) 720px, 600px"></figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"We Can Take Care of That To-Do List"
<ul><li>Carpentry Repairs and Home Improvements: Doors, Shelving and Drywall</li><li>Install Handicap Grab Bars Where Needed ADA Approved</li><li>Interior and Exterior Painting</li><li>Roofing: Install New and Repair Shingles, Flat Roofs, Siding, Gutters, Downspouts and Gutter Guards</li><li>Fence Repairs: Post and Rail</li><li>Hourly Rate for a Carpenter @$95.00</li><li>Larry Pelullo, 215-680-8573</li></ul>

Handyman Retired Carpenter over 30 years...

                     "We Can Take Care of That To-Do List"...

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