Sue Cook Archives - The MockingOwl Roost

March 12, 2026

Black and red book cover reading "The Night Library of Sternendach" by Jessica Levai - TEXT of image: Book Review, Sue Cook

Published by Sue Cook at March 12, 2026

Categories

Book Reviews - Fiction

The Night Library at Sternendach — A Vampire Opera Novel Review

The Night Library of Sternendach reads as a mixture of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera — revolving around the library at Castle Sternendach, the Graf’s home. The dance of words played in my mind’s eye with each new verse. All I needed was Andrew Lloyd Webber to write the music. I’ve already cast the show for him, if he’ll but ask.

February 2, 2026

A chubby groundhog sits on a log, upright, holding something in his adorable little paws. What could it be? And more importantly, does Phil see his shadow? - TEXT: The Celebrated Groundhog - Poet: Paula Frew, Performer: Sue Cook - Dry Humor Poetry Reading

Published by Paula Frew at February 2, 2026

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The Celebrated Groundhog

He is stout and portly, as he tells the future shortly. He’s a bit of a coward, preparing to run when, at the Knob, he first sees the sun.

December 23, 2025

Dark red background with Christmas foods like Christmas pudding, yule logs, turkey, shrimp, berries, pies, and cookies scattered about background. Enjoy the first day of Christmas! -- and all the rest. TEXT: Parody Song - Lyrics by Terry Mulcahy, Improv performance by Sue Cook, The Twelve Foods of Christmas

Published by Terry Mulcahy and Sue Cook at December 23, 2025

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The Twelve Foods of Christmas

On the First Day of Christmas, my stomach asked of me: a baked ham inside a turkey…

December 22, 2025

Cobalt blue background with gold flecks, stars, snowflakes, and ornaments. A small black lab puppy looks up at the camera. The pup is wearing a green Santa hat with white trim and ball. TEXT: Mother Knows Best - a Black Orb Story for Christmas - Sue Cook

Published by Sue Cook at December 22, 2025

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Mother Knows Best

“I just wanted to drop this package off for Mr. Gar. He will know what to do with it.” The man tapped his nose, winked, and began to walk out of the store. Before he left, he turned and smiled radiantly. “I do believe I feel the warmth of this store returning. It’s been too cold for too long.”

December 5, 2025

Mary's holy spirit reflected in a beautiful winter forest scene imprinted over the image of a young, pregnant women looking reflective - TEXT: Christmas Poetry Reading, A Carol for My Daughters, Written by Deborah Blenkhorn, Performed by Sue Cook

Published by Deborah Blenkhorn at December 5, 2025

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A Carol for My Daughters

When Mary’s babe was born, the visitors were three, Rich were the gifts they brought and gave on bended knee…

October 30, 2025

Woman standing against a wrinkled black background. Her mouth is covered with thick tape to silence her. - TEXT: Written by Amanda Valerie Judd, Performed by Sue Cook, Poetry Reading - I Said Nothing

Published by Amanda Valerie Judd and Sue Cook at October 30, 2025

Categories

I Said Nothing

**Trigger warning: Sexual assault** “I Said Nothing”. Poem by Amanda Valerie Judd. Performed by Sue Cook. Directed and Edited by Rita Mock-Pike for the MockingOwl Roost. […]

October 30, 2025

Roses in faded black background, a faded silhouette of a man and woman dancing - TEXT: Sue Cook, Poetry, Death Dance

Published by Sue Cook at October 30, 2025

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Death Dance

Boney fingers reach to clutch heart and hands. A gasp of surprise, and then gone! As he whirls them into the ether.

October 25, 2025

Statue of Nyx, the the goddess, in a black dress, holding a torch. In the bottom corner, a young black lab rests in a frame. - TEXT: Nyx, Poetry, Sue Cook

Published by Sue Cook at October 25, 2025

Categories

Nyx

I cried to the moon goddess, Nyx, as the night began to wane. “Goddess can you hear me? The night is cold, and I need a guide — One who will fill the path with light and power.”

October 24, 2025

Warped zoom in of Poetry book cover for A Bountiful Silence & Other Poems by John Muro - TEXT: Poetry Book Review, Sue Cook

Published by Sue Cook at October 24, 2025

Categories

Poetry Book Review

Book Review: A Bountiful Silence

A Bountiful Silence enables the reader to become deeply involved with Muro’s poetry to the point where, regardless of the trials of their day, the vibrant intensity of his words helps them to focus on the beauty around them. God knows we need that right now!

October 24, 2025

A woman's hand with a wedding band on it, blocking the woman's face. Black and white/grayscale image, with woman's head and background blurred. TEXT: Domestic Violence is Real - Poetry Reading - Poem by Linette Rabsatt, Performed by Sue Cook - Stop the Hate!

Published by Linette Rabsatt at October 24, 2025

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Domestic Violence is Real

Domestic Violence is real! Do you know how it feels? This is an appeal For us to STOP THE HATE, STOP THE RAPE…

October 22, 2025

Published by Sue Cook at October 22, 2025

Categories

The Spa

“Haunted!” she cried as she ran to her car. The sound of your laughter echoing in the empty building.

September 12, 2025

Woman with crimson makeup on looking boldly into the camera, her hands expressing interest and assertiveness by placement on face - Three shades of red make up the background - TEXT: Crimson Moxie, protest poetry reading, Written by Rita Mock-Pike, performed by Sue Cook - anti- pink tax and domination of women protest

Published by Sue Cook and Rita Mock-Pike at September 12, 2025

Categories

Crimson Moxie – A Protest Poetry Reading

We're told to hide away, don't discuss, never show, never acknowledge. Except alone, in hidden corridors, secret passageways where only "our kind" might tread.