Chad Parenteau: Poet For Hire
The Blog
Saturday, July 04, 2026
Birthday Thoughts
Jackie Oldham is the first poet with a special entry this Fourth of July. Thanks to her and artist Eric N. Peterson. Enjoy special holiday content at Oddball Magazine.
Happy Happy Happy! Joy Joy Joy?
Thanks to James Penha for publishing my poem "Department of Justice Releases America’s 250th Birthday Song" in The New Verse News on this Fourth of July.
American Haiku: 250th Anniversary Edition
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
Friday, July 03, 2026
July 8: Stone Soup Poetry Takes a Break
The week of July 8 is one of those rare times I take a break.
I'll be back on July 15 with special feature Mary Ann Honaker.
Hope to be back refreshed and ready for the rest of the summer.
My Friday Evening Music
One more from Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad album. I wasn't sure what song to include, but then I found out Rick Moranis was in the video for "Tomorrow's Girls." Truly a summer song. Be safe this weekend.
Tonight: First Fridays Youth Open Mic with Ricky Shah
Held at the First Baptist Church on 633 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Doors open at 7:00. Click here for more info.
Same Ole
Janet Cormier with words on one facet of the American spirit.
Bamboozled No More! is up for Friday at Oddball Magazine.
At Work
Birthday Eve
"One Choice is my latest From Picture to Page poem. Join my Patreon (even as a free subscriber) to read it.
My Friday Morning Music
It's weird to think of a song like "Snowbound" from Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad album as a summer song, but I do.
Thursday, July 02, 2026
News from the Front BREAKING
Follow me for more news on decaying soulless octogenarians propped up by evil science. Or not.
Stone Soup Poetry All Open Mic, 7-1-26
From this week's online gathering. Stone Soup is taking a break this week. Stay safe this July Fourth weekend. I'll see you back two Wednesdays from now.
Bye for Now
I'll be off next week, bound for parts unknown. Stone Soup will be back on July 15 for special feature Mary Ann Honaker. Stay safe this holiday weekend and until I see you next time.
Wednesday, July 01, 2026
How They Run
Revisiting an Old Piece
Decided to share an old article of mine, "Is Trump adding a dash of salt to the hate?" Read it now on my Medium page.
Trickling Forward
The Message of the New Trump Passport Is...Confusing
Saw this tweet and thought of George Carlin immediately.
A Moment of Comics
Maybe if told people that superheroes were being caged alongside immigrants and other brown people, we could end ICE tomorrow and turn this country around. A slightly out of context page from Spawn #10, written by Dave Sim with artwork by Todd McFarlane.
American Haiku: Trump Does Logic
It's my birthright. It's my birthright.
Your Wednesday Morning Poetry
In light of the Great American State Fair, here's the poem "State Fair Fireworks, Labor Day" by Maryann Corbett, courtesy of the Poetry Foundation site.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Zine Alert!
For you zinesters, Quadzilla is looking for writers to contribute to their next zine. Visit their Instagram page, follow them, and DM them with questions.
Still Time
There's still time to submit to Molecule. Check out the guidelines and send in your microwork before July 15.
Pride Closer
This Week's Most Distinguished Network Name
July 1: Stone Soup Says Happy July! (is it though?)
Going into July with an all-open mic this Wednesday.
Just before I have to take a week off.
We'll be back with features. I even hope to announce a couple for September soon.
Join us on Wednesday, July 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 874 6930 3823
Password: stonesoup
Annoying Thought of the Day
Sometimes rage is the best cure for crippling fear.
Emotional chemo.
One poison to kill another.
Monday, June 29, 2026
Learn Something New Today?
Here's Anne Skove's latest comic with something you may not have known.
"She Who Laughs Laughs" is here now at Oddball Magazine.
Timber
A tree falls and Mike Mesterton-Gibbons writes about it. Welcome to Monday at Oddball Magazine.
My Monday Morning Music
For a change, I'm focusing on an album from my young summer days. Kamakiriad by Donald Fagen was introduced to me by my then-girlfriend during my senior year at college. It became an unofficial soundtrack for the last part of my year and the summer. I recommend the album, especially if you're a Steely Dan fan. Here's the first of a selection of songs from the album.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Can't Keep Up
A still shot of Deta dancing back in 2019. I hope to make the video more available. You couldn't keep up with Deta Galloway then, and honestly you can't now.
Your Weekly Dose of God
A bag of religious paraphernalia I found just lying on the sidewalk. The card with the cross right on the bag starts with the words: "Somebody loves you - more than you know."



























