In these difficult, uncertain times, simple rituals and routines mean more to me than ever. Thanks to Amethyst Review for including “Embodied Prayer.”
“Green-Gloved Fingers” in Amethyst Review
I’m delighted to share a poem about early spring in the woods, when wildflowers emerge, grow, and stretch. Their blooms get all the attention, but it’s magical to witness their journey. Thanks to Amethyst Review for including “Green-Gloved Fingers.”
“Spring Unveils Beginnings and Endings” in Deep Water
I’m happy to have a poem about what spring reveals in Deep Water, the Portland Press Herald‘s poetry series. Thanks to Deep Water editor Megan Grumbling and to the Press Herald for making room for poetry. https://www.pressherald.com/2026/04/08/read-the-poem-spring-unveils-beginnings-and-endings-by-sheila-wellehan/?uuid=998b3679-abb7-498e-87ad-141e1526e401&lid=229212
“How to Seem Like a Normal Person” in Thimble Literary Magazine
I’m grateful to have a poem about self-acceptance in Thimble Literary Magazine. Many thanks to Nadia Arioli and everyone at Thimble for including “How to Seem Like a Normal Person.”
“Phototaxis” in Silver Birch Press
I’m delighted to have a poem about sharing my home with a moth included in Silver Birch Press’s Bugs & Insects series. Many thanks to Silver Birch.
“January” in ONE ART
Happy New Year! I’m happy to share a poem celebrating the hope of renewal. Many thanks to ONE ART: a journal of poetry. https://oneartpoetry.com/2026/01/01/january-by-sheila-wellehan/
“Pond Life” in Amethyst Review
I’m delighted to share a poem about appreciating the beauty of late fall while dreading what’s coming. Many thanks to Amethyst Review for including “Pond Life.”
“Breakage” and “Heist” in Does It Have Pockets
I’m happy to share two poems on isolation, alienation, and addiction published by Does It Have Pockets. Many thanks to Camille Griep and the DIHP staff for publishing “Breakage” and “Heist.” I love the art by Anne Anthony. I’m grateful for decades of recovery. But it feels important to understand my own history and maybe to encourage empathy for people suffering from substance abuse disorder. You can read the poems here: https://www.doesithavepockets.com/poetry/sheila-wellehan
“Embalming” on Poems From Here
I’m honored to have a poem about grieving my mother, “Embalming,” included in Maine Public Radio’s Poems From Here series. My poem was selected and read by Maine Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma. Poems From Here is presented in collaboration with Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. Thanks to everyone who made this recording possible, and to MORIA Literary Magazine for first publishing the poem.
https://www.mainepublic.org/show/poems-from-here/2025-07-27/embalming
“Photograph” in MORIA Literary Magazine
I’m happy to have my poem “Photograph” included in MORIA Literary Magazine. “Photograph” explores grief and how the meaning of images can change over time. Thanks to everyone at MORIA. Here’s my poem:
https://www.moriaonline.com/issue-fifteen-650732-am/2025/photograph-by-sheila-wellehan
Sheila Wellehan 