iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Matthew Stewart @roguestrands.bsky.social · 20h

My editorial for The Madrid Review...

Over 800 poems later, here I am, still in one piece after having read all of them. No sifting here! And no, the process wasn’t an ordeal. Instead, it was enlightening in terms of understanding my own subjective tastes.

As a reader and editor, I’m not wanting to be surprised, a desire I’ve heard several other poetry editors mention over the last few months. In fact, this feels like a worrying trend, driven by their understandable saturation. The consequent problem is that understated, restrained or layered poems are often penalised in the submissions process, and they tend to be among the most interesting ones.

Enough of what I don’t want though. What did make me select the poems that are included in this issue? Well, I’ve been drawn to a sense of line and its inherent tensions, to a concise, precise and fresh use of language (without the need for fireworks unless they play an intrinsic role in the poem’s purpose), to a naturally heightened cadence, to a delving into the universal via the specific, to an emotional awareness of the reader’s role. Not much to ask, I hear you say!

This means that self-expression on the part of the poet wasn’t enough when I was considering submissions. Instead, I believe the poems I’ve chosen are reaching out to us and are always aware of our presence. They invite us into their worlds, before encouraging us to revisit our own worlds in light of theirs. These poems moved me and changed me, which was a privilege. I’m delighted and proud to share them with you today.

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Skip Bolden 💙🎬🎞️ @skipbolden.bsky.social · 22h

Victor Victoria (1982) Written and directed by Blake Edwards stars Julie Andrews, James Garner and Robert Preston with music by Henry Mancini.

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Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

#Poetry #Art #Morning It is morning, and again I am the lucky person to be in it - Mary Oliver 🎨 Kaoru Yamada

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

This is powerful. Have you ever thought about this? www.facebook.com/share/r/1SbX...

facebook.com

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Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

#Poetry #Painting #Morning I start the morning gently In a quiet sort of way Just grateful for the time And another beautiful day 🎨 Laivi Põder

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PS Conway @psconway.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

- i never learned to fish – it’s a wonder i’ve endured. hunger can be such an odious teacher, a reverse arithmetic – five minus four equals one. i must leave this island forever, hideous secrets interred among the screams. - #vss365 #poetry

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Kamila Luxe @kamilaluxxe.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

“Your energy is precious, as it should be! Happy Wednesday 💕”

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Good day everyone. Something to make you smile

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

I can even smell this picture as it is my favorite to walk though on a crisp cool day

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Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#Poetry #Chelsworth #Art #Autumn The magic of autumn has seized the countryside... for the sake of Eden - Elizabeth Coatsworth 🎨 Paul Evans

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fravery.bsky.social @fravery.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

River in Autumn Colours. Eastern Finland Juha Paananen

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Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#Poetry #Art #Autumn With many-hued fleeces Come wethers and ewes Of Jenkins and Rhyses And Griffiths and Pughs, - Cicely Fox Smith 🎨 Jo March

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eugeniat2.bsky.social @eugeniat2.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Love and Sandwiches 🥪 🥪🥪 ❤️ 🥪🥪 “Neat is a burden to me and the sandwich is a gift, but love is only a dream that can never become food …” Johan Herman Wessel ✍️ #poet #Norway b. Oct. 6, 1742 #botd ❤️🥪🥪 ❤️ 🥪❤️🥪 Engraved portrait #stamp of Wessel

Portrait of Johann Herman Wesselfrom engraving on postage stamp ( Norway)

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Art & Nature @capecodfairytales.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#Poetry #Art #Nightime From afar. The cobbled roads still call my name, though every turn leads me there, I can never find my way home - Dr S Tenerife 🎨 Kaoru Yamada

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

I need to find this happy place. Who is with me

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Luca @lucagalletti.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Inside the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato in Genoa. A Baroque masterpiece dating back to 1520, renowned for the spectacular illusionistic vault frescoes of the Carlone brothers. IG: @roberto_celestrio

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Kept myself busy during overwatch. Would love to know what you think.

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Go on a journey today. Be it within yourself, to the great outdoors, or wandering through streets and markets. Even if your journey is one where you meet someone special for that brief fleeting moment. Just go on a journey to learn and grow. Have a good week y'all!

static.klipy.com

Steve Carell: Cheers To That

ALT: Steve Carell: Cheers To That

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pmamtraveller.bsky.social @pmamtraveller.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Smaug the Magnificent by John Tedrick

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

If this is AI....WOW. otherwise I do enjoy Falls colours

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pmamtraveller.bsky.social @pmamtraveller.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Ivan Fedorovich Choultsé - "Sunset"

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Reminds me of a wonderful morning I experienced in spring in Paris.

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

While this can be a form of poetry, this was written during an intense night of shadow work. It helped recognize unhealthy patterns I was allowing but also helped refocus on things I love, including me. I am much healthier now and honest with who I am and what I want. #poetry, #work, #selfcare

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pmamtraveller.bsky.social @pmamtraveller.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Zdzisław Beksiński, "The Tables"

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

This is a retirement dream for this old fella

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Michelle says: Be kind. Always. ❤️ @snarkysillysad.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The view of Earth during a space walk: #AGoodPlace Source: www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsi...

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

A perfect picture of fall. Have an amazing day everyone

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ΜΑΝΟΣ ΤΡΑΧΙΑΣ™ @trahias.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Konstantin Flavitsky (1830-1866) Russian “Princess Tarakanova” 1864 Oil in canvas 245x 187 cm. State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. #art #painting #artist #BlueSkyArt

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Im going. Sounds like a blast amd its for a solid cause. Plus, thos old guy needs to step out. Come and join me for a lark....yes thats a phrase...google it. Lmao

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

I look back on the last 50 years (51 here) and realize that though Im a bit of an outlier the world has its moments of showing being an outlier and your own person has an impact. Case in point Tim Curry. Brilliant man and always did his own thing. If you want to be someone. Be a Tim Curry

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Tim Curry Laughing as Pirate Captain

ALT: Tim Curry Laughing as Pirate Captain

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Sands @revsodhi.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Morning chill, biting winds, swaying branches on frozen hills, cloaked in a shroud of white #cloud wet trekking boots, silent and still. Melting snow on slippery slopes, climbing with cleats, tethered by ropes, a warm sip of hot latte brew, as a sunbeam of hope trickles through. ~rev #vss365

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Someone may need to read this today..... You are enough. You are worth it. You need to be there for you today and everyday.

static.klipy.com

Inspiring Words: Strong, Perfect

ALT: Inspiring Words: Strong, Perfect

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I adore amazing photography. Specially when it showcases the beauty in this world

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eugeniat2.bsky.social @eugeniat2.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The Squirrel 🐿️ 🌰 🍂 He wore a question mark for tail, an overcoat of gray He sat up straight to eat a nut and his tail curled like a question 🐿️ 🌰🍂 He liked to tease and play and then he’d run away A quick curious flash of fur a tiny bright eyed wonder 🐿️ — e.e. cummings #poet #squirrl

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ΜΑΝΟΣ ΤΡΑΧΙΑΣ™ @trahias.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Erica Hawkes (Canadian Artist, born 1975) "My Peace", 2020. Acrylic on Canvas, 48" × 36". Private Collection. #art #painting #artist #BlueSkyArt

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

In the days of my youth I was told what it is to be a man Now ive reached that age To the all those things the Best that I can.....

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Gentleman Chewie @gentlemanchewie.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Love how wonderfully dramatic this poem is.

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Cye A. Sterling @sterlingca.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

For those that need to hear it: It's ok to not be ok. It's ok to cry. It's ok to scream. It's ok to eat things you shouldn't at 3 am. It's ok to not know the future. It's ok to be scared. It's ok to grieve. It's ok to not feel strong. It's never ok to deny yourself the above. It's ok.

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