Because She Was Late

Greetings, my friends. I hope you can allow yourselves a few minutes for yet another report.

This month, nine weary writers, eventually, came to rest in the ol' Rec Room.

Amongst the old faces, we were happy to find someone new. Her name is Judith Soondar and she has joined our group in hopes of learning more about how to get her work published. She had a poem published in HACC's Literary Journal in February of 2002. She has also been a winner in the Lebanon Community Library Poetry Contest.

We took a little time to introduce ourselves, for Judith's sake, but it's always helpful to get to know each other better.

Meena talked a bit about the history of writers in her family. Her daughter is apparently following family tradition by being published in India by Random House of London.

Todd Watson said he is doing some ad writing for a member of his family. He is looking for fresh ideas on how to advertise sports bars and banquet halls.

Amber Buck told us she is already working on the seventh chapter of her novel about a young woman's journey. Amber's biggest concern, now, is how to get the book started on its journey to a publisher.

Rich Barley continued to blossom in his leadership role by reading us a few inspiring quotes. Through Isaac Asimov, he encouraged us to "persist" in sending our work out, "again and again." And from Saul Bellow he read that rejection can teach us to "rely on" our "own judgement" and to say, "To hell with you."

Mysteriously, this month, none of our horror writers were present. Indeed, poetry seemed to be the genre of the day.

Meena read two short poems. One was about middle age, the other about spring. Each painted a picture with an almost haiku preciseness.

Margie Cullen was able to join us this time. She brought with her a collection of poetry pertaining to Persephone, the perennial queen of perdition. Margie has persevered in her quest to find a publisher to appreciate this great work.

Rich shared with us a poem about peace which he originally entered in a contest for INSPIRIT, the Literary Journal of Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church. Although he did not place among their winners, his poem will be appearing in their publication.

But, the most memorable moment of the evening was generated by our beloved president, Carol Causey, my new literary hero!

The truth is, no one really noticed when Carol wandered in. Perhaps it was because there was no flurry of apologies or excuses about traffic. She merely sat among us, as prophets often do.

As the discussion of publishers, web sites, and meeting places wound down to a lull, Carol said she would read to us the poem she had written, in the parking lot, before coming up to the meeting. It began quite simply, "Because I was late . . ."

My friends, I do not exaggerate when I say I think the universe itself stopped to listen as Carol read her poem. She spoke of a world re-discovered, where it's okay to stop and admire the grapes growing and not hurry the dog, because time doesn't matter when you're already late.

Here's to Carol, the siren of serenity, who knows the true meaning of "no wine before its time." Here's to you for reminding us that these are the lazy days of summer and it's best to stop fretting and let ourselves live. Perhaps, we may even find something to write about!

For the month of July, there will be no meeting at the ol' Rec Room. So, if you show up, we won't be there. The next meeting will be on August 21 at 7 PM . . . or . . . whatever time you can get there.
-Rita-

Reflections on the Gene Pool

Greetings and Happy Father's Day,


It felt just a little eerie when I heard the news of Tim Russert's passing just a day after my plea for book titles about fathers. There is probably no better example of the power to inspire through writing.

In 2004, Tim's book,
Big Russ & Me Father and Son: Lessons of Life,
touched so many people, he felt the need to publish a second book a few years later.
Wisdom of Our Fathers Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons is a collection of letters and e-mails from the 60,000 readers who reacted to Big Russ & Me.

Whether your experience with your own father was good, bad, or non-existent, I believe we have all been affected by our fathers.

Below is the list of titles received for the question: If you wrote a book about your father, or about being a father, what would the title be?

The list is short but the titles speak volumes.


Between a Rock and a Hard Head
or
My Foundation - My Dad by Carol Causey


The Silent Samaritan by George Appelt


Baby Daddy by Ralph Bieber


A Mortal Hero: Portrait of a USCGC Campbell Survivor
or
The Voyage from Angry Seas to Mary's Place
by Margie Cullen


The Weary Dreamer by Rita Morrow


I hope your day is meaningful and I look forward to our gathering, once again, this Thursday.

-Rita-

FATHERS KNOWN BEST

Greetings, fellow writers.

June's meeting is only one week away (the 19th) but I also wanted to remind you that Sunday is Father's Day.

What does the title of father mean to you?
If you wrote a book about your father, or about being a father, what would the title be?


On a recent episode, Ellen DeGeneres interviewed Usher, an R&B star known best for his songs about the "player's lifestyle". He talked about how becoming a father has changed his life.

His newest album, Here I Stand, reflects his newfound sense of responsibility to stand beside his wife and be a father who is there for his son. As an African-American man, he feels he can have a positive influence on a whole generation of fans.


Jim Nantz, CBS sportscaster, just published a book about his father entitled Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other. His father has been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past thirteen years.

CBS Sunday Morning, this past week, included a tribute from Jim to his father. He said, "In purely financial terms, my father was not rich, but he had a portfolio that was overflowing with friendships. My dad was never famous but everyone he met remembers his smile, warmth, and kindness."


Such a description reminds me of one of CPWO's own "founding fathers", Charles W. Byrd. In his book, The Days of my Life, Charles gives "homage to many of the individuals who have touched my life" or, as he calls them, "soul-prints".

Many of the stories in his book speak of his role as a father. The very first story, however, is about the "life-shattering void" that he felt at a young age, when his own father died. He paints the picture of a boy spending hours sitting beside his father's grave, listening for his voice. In the end, he says, "my conversations with my beloved father enabled me to develop a stronger, more understanding relationship with the FATHER of us all."


As writers, whether it be the lyrics to a song, a tribute to a loved one, or simply the many stories that have made us who we are, we have the power, or perhaps even, the responsibility to inspire others.

So, if YOU wrote a book about your father, or about being a father, what would the title be?

Dare to share. -Rita-


P. S. Last month, we compiled a list of titles for Mother's Day. If you would like to participate in
this month's Father's Day list, send your title to prose-pros@hotmail.com by Saturday,
June 14, before midnight, and we will post it right here.