you have a choice: either you scream and run or you, inconceivably, stay put. After which, the dilemma is if you are going to kill the thing or let it be. Or, someone removes their shoe while you’re still thinking; and then — “SMACK!”
This reverse etheree is copyright 2026 by Jessica McLean. File sharing is encouraged.It was made in response to Isabella J. Mansfield’s untitled etheree on a spider she saw at her poetry workshop in July 2026, which she posted on Facebook. 🕷
“If I see a spider in my room, I gotta sleep on the couch for like, two days.” — Jayson Tatum, forward for the Boston Celtics in the NBA
Welcome to The Rose! This is my literary corner of the internet, dedicated to all things creative writing. Here is where I keep a collection of my work. This includes everything from poems to short stories to writing tips, aka my collection of AD-Libs. I hope you enjoy what I have written here and are able to relate to my work. But ultimately, I hope this site inspires you to love writing as much as I do!
Writing Like a Rose: With Beauty, Thorns, Addiction, Dedication, and Inspiration. Please see the “About” pages for more information!!
Feedback: Criticism is welcomed!! And, feel free to leave comments if you like or dislike something.
What’s here: See the different categories for different poem formats! They include sestinas, villanelles, sonnets, etheree, semi-perfect sonnets, haiku and others.
Most recently published: “How to write a semi-perfect sonnet”, a sample semi-perfect sonnet and “When you see a spider,” a reverse etheree.
Important: Due to the story’s sensitive nature, the sestina, “Coming to America”, is password protected. If you would like the password, please email me at magnoliamclean@comcast.net.
AD-Lib is here! Make sure you stop by the AD-Lib section! You can view previous AD-Libs under the “AD-Libs” tab to get some great tips on your writing and find out what is going through my head as I write. You can also view old Ad-Libs by year under the “Archived Entries” tab.
Coming soon: You’ll be surprised! ;) I always try to keep this site updated, so there’s always something new here!
The fine print: Finally, please read IMPORTANT copyright information before proceeding; however, I do encourage the file sharing of my work.
Again, welcome! And, enjoy your time at “The Rose”!!
The Rose 
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