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-