Doug Bayliss - Poetic Whisper Press

Nobody Knows [to] Say His Name

Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by Doug Bayliss

Inserting the lines as a bridge into “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” was a brilliant idea, Heaven-sent, Hallelujah, in response to the core line, “Nobody knows but Jesus.”

A Fourth of July children’s adventure with fireworks, friendship, and a surprise in the sky. When Lily, Max, Whiskers, and Zoe attend a Fourth of July picnic, they expect flags, food, music, glow sticks, and fireworks. But Zoe notices something far above the celebration. Blinking lights appear beyond the fireworks, and Zoe believes alien visitors may be watching Earth’s noisy holiday from the sky. The visitors seem curious, but the flashes and booms could easily be misunderstood. With Whiskers watching closely and Lily and Max helping explain the meaning of Independence Day, Zoe must show the visitors that the fireworks are not a warning. They are part of a joyful American celebration.

The Star-Spangled Sky, or Happy Birthday USA!

Posted on June 1, 2026June 1, 2026 by Doug Bayliss

Zoe believes alien visitors may be watching Earth’s noisy holiday from the sky. The Star-Spangled Sky is sure to surprise.

Billy and Mia stand back-to-back on a wooded path at blue-hour twilight, both looking toward the viewer with tense, guarded expressions after their first disagreement.

The First Spark of a Story

Posted on May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 by Doug Bayliss

Some stories arrive fully formed, others start with just a name.

🎶 Rap of the Spirit Hat

Posted on May 26, 2026May 30, 2026 by Doug Bayliss

This song is a ode to the cowboy hat, hand-made on a Cherokee reservation in the late 1990s. I had the pleasure of meeting the Native American who tanned and hand-formed the hat from raw material.