The thistle plant has deep roots and can flourish even in very poor soil. Its flowers are beautiful but almost impossible to gather. Because of its "barbs" it is seldom touched. In many ways, life's journey is like a thistle - beautiful to behold but painful to grasp.

Most of these poems were written to make you laugh, cry, remember, bring you solace and/or inspiration. A few of them are intended to "prick" the conscience of society on certain issues that are also deep rooted and seldom touched.

Come, journey with me, through thistles and time.

-Joan Tenner

Joan Tenner began to write at an early age and continue throughout her life. Joan's poetry became her voice that expressed her ideas, her impressions and her reflections of her world beyond her kitchen window as she washed the dishes, cleaned her house and cared for her children. Inspired by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who wanted to read some "simple heartfelt lay to soothe restless feelings . . . read from some humbler poet." So, Joan considered her poems as quite ordinary and simple writings; She became that "Humble Poet!" She has authored two volumes of poetry . . . This her first book Consider the Humbler Poet and a second book entitled Journey Through Thistles and Time. A third in the series will be available in 2024 from Wisdom House Books entitled A Collection from the Humbler Poet. Joan's Halloween stories, entitled Grandma's Halloween Stories were written between 1989 through 1996 for her grandchildren and were published by Wisdom House Books in 2020.All her books are available at www.thehumblerpoet.com