commissioned work
are you homesick or hopeful,
curious or knowing?
tell me of the stones
in your pockets, your heart.
I will find you a hymn or a
lullaby or furth’rance
with words that are borrowed,
that, to you, will return.
here we meet, honest,
where time is for leaving
as we listen to gravity,
watch stars gild the wind.
so share some gentle secrets,
the ones almost forgotten -
from them, in this moment,
a new story begins.​
- n j l
Some moments deserve more than a greeting card, some stories call for language that rises to meet, define, or memorialize them. Commissioned poems are custom-crafted pieces written for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, proposals, births, retirements, and beyond.
Unlike live poetry, commissions unfold through conversation and collaboration. We begin with a discussion: I ask questions, you share details, memories, the feeling you're trying to capture. From there, I write a first draft and send it to you for feedback. We refine together, adjusting tone, imagery, and rhythm until the poem feels exactly right. The final piece is yours, delivered as a printed keepsake, digital file, or both, depending on your needs.
Commissioned poetry works beautifully as wedding vows or readings, eulogies that speak what's hard to say aloud, anniversary gifts that honor years of shared life, or milestone markers for transitions big and small, collaboratively built from your specific story, written in a voice that reflects both the subject and the moment.
T h e p r o c e s s :
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Initial consultation: what is the occasion, the person or moment being honored, and the tone you're envisioning?
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First draft, delivered within 1-2 weeks
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Revision: you provide feedback; we refine until it feels true (typically 1-2 rounds)
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Final delivery: you receive the finished poem in your preferred format (typed, printed, handwritten, framed, etc.)
Pricing begins at $300
Turnaround time varies by project complexity and my current workload, reach out to discuss your timeline and receive a custom quote.
