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Mission: To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life
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VOLUME II ISSUE 1 - Sunday, February 23, 2003
CONTENT
• Welcome & HTML Version
• Opening Comments from Bob – Happy Anniversary
• Three Poems this Issue: Symphonies, Dragon Slayer, and The Elder
• The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey Available
• Vignette: It's Embarrassing to be Hummed
• Recommendations
• Quotable Quotes
• Contest #10
• PJ Forum
• PJ Demographics - 45 states and 62 countries
• PJ Online
• PJ Policies
• Subscription information
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WELCOME
I am so pleased to have each of you as a reader. I trust that you will enjoy this issue. To view the HTML version click on the URL below:
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/pj18.htm (You are already there.)
The next issue comes out on Sunday, March 30, 2003.
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OPENING COMMENTS from Bob – Happy Anniversary
The first anniversary of the Poetical Journal, known as the PJ, recently passed. On February 10, 2002 the inaugural issue was emailed to slightly over 50 people, all friends or close acquaintances. Since I did not want to be further guilty of sending unsolicited email, I explained that to receive a second issue, the individuals would need to subscribe. About 31 decided to give this fledgling newsletter a try, especially since it was free. Word of mouth added a few more subscribers. The second issue was sent on February 24 to 78 subscribers. This issue was emailed to almost 8300 subscribers. The average length of the early editions was two printed pages. Today's PJ will run seven pages. The PJ originally was published bimonthly until July when it became monthly. I decided that what started out as fun was becoming work. The monthly schedule has kept it fun. Through six contests, winners have had a total of $110 donated to charities of their choice. Because of reader responses, I have individually corresponded with over 1000 subscribers. Some have become dear internet friends. The original and current mission is To provide poetical and thoughtful comments on life. With each issue I strive to do that. What the mission statement does not say is that I also try to share my joy for life. I feel so thankful. As we move into the second year, I will strive to provide you a quality newsletter and provide perhaps a brief respite from everyday life. But I will also try to pique your curiosity and occasionally touch your conscience. I trust you will enjoy this anniversary issue and hope you will be with me for the second anniversary. But whatever occurs, thank you for originally subscribing!
For the last several issues I have tried to focus on a general overall theme. For example, in case you missed it, the last issue focused on travel and appreciation of our oneness as human beings. This issue themes are multiple, appreciating life's subtleties and not taking oneself too seriously.
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By the way, I do not have subscribers in the following states: AR, DC, ND, NM, SD, or UT? If so, please let me know for that will verify readerships in all 50 states. - Thanks!
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POEMS FOR THE ISSUE
Symphonies
What wondrous music
The black-clad orchestra creates.
The trills and crescendos
The flutes and violins
Brass and woodwinds
Blend into harmonic compositions
That warms the one within.
Yet, whether Bach, Beethoven, or Brahms,
All pale to the masterpieces of The Maestro.
The infinitely varied symphonies offered freely
No matter what hour or day.
Who is not moved by the rhythms of the seashore?
The crashing waves against the rocks
Tempered by the synchronous flow across the sand –
The gulls and sea lions offering their solos.
The Wind and the Seasons
Masterfully directing the ever-changing tempos.
Or, who has not heard the summer concert
During an early evening walk in the fields?
The crickets chirping
Dotted with the occasional interlude
Of songbirds, soon to retire.
The accompanying wind blows through the trees
Creating a soothing lullaby.
Never-ending, the music plays,
Enwrapping all who are willing to listen
To the Symphonic Orchestra of Life.
Comments: At a concert, the glorious music often overwhelms me. But when I walk the seashore or the not so quiet field in the evening, my ears hear a different concert that carries me to deeper, inner places. May you always hear those daily symphonies. To view the html version with accompanying pictures click here.
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Dragon Slayer
We each war against our dragons
Trying not to be consumed by the fire.
Only we can slay our own
And find the peace we each desire.
Comments: So often we attempt to solve our problems looking outward when the solution is within. Can anyone else really solve our problems for us?
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The Elder
I sat reverently before this pinnacle of time,
A huge, ancient Bristol Cone Pine.
As I marveled, I questioned this Elder,
“How many seasons have you witnessed?”
There was no reply, only rustling of the branches.
“The harsh Sierra winters and the cool summers
Have honed your strength.
Scientists claim that you have lived 4,000 years.
Amazing!
The Pyramids have not withstood the test of time so well.
You were well into your teens
Before the Buddha received enlightenment.
During early adulthood Jesus and Mohammed walked this earth.
Surely, you have lessons to teach this traveler-seeker.”
All I heard was the wind carrying the pine scent
Inviting me to relax and look upon this creation.
Hours passed like moments.
As I prepared to leave
Refreshed and in awe,
The Elder whispered oh so faintly,
“Everything passes.”
Comments: This poem is based upon a true event. Michael Harder, a shaman teacher, tells of hiking high into the Sierras to find one of these old pines, supposedly the oldest living organisms on the planet. He relates that after spending a day in contemplation, the tree spoke those two words, “Everything passes.” I have taken the experience and woven it into my personalized poetical story. I plan someday to take a similar journey. I know not what words I will hear. But as The Elder said, “Everything passes.”
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The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey
If you enjoy the PJ, you will love my book. For more information, go to:
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/book.htm or
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=8802
The book may also be ordered through Amazon, Borders, or your favorite bookstore.
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VIGNETTE – It's Embarrassing to be Hummed
Driving toward a meeting the hum begins in my new Saturn Vue, the origin seemingly from somewhere in the dash, near the radio. I cannot believe that this new vehicle is generating such an annoying noise. The more I try to ignore it; the more disturbing it becomes. Ten minutes from my house, my cell phone rings. My boss wants to discuss business. Poor timing! I attempt to listen, but the incessant hum dominates my mind. I pull the car into the garage, turned it off, step out, but the hum continues. "How can this be?" Upon entering the house, still talking on the cell – barely hearing a word, I notice a hum coming from one of the appliances. "Wait! Am I losing my mind?" I check the furnace, the washer, dryer but cannot find its source. The hum is on every floor. "This can't be," flashes through my mind as I try to maintain a cell conversation. "Well, no time now – I have a luncheon to make."
Back in the car, the hum a bit less, I speed toward my luncheon meeting in a nearby town. I finally explain to my boss that I have to end the conversation and determine the source of this incessant humming noise. (Yes, I am still employed.) After parking, I think, "Finally, I will escape before insanity takes control." But wait, the hum is still there! "Oh no! It has taken control." My thoughts quickly turned to health issues. "Am I going to be cursed with tinnitus (ringing in the ears.)?" Thankfully, as I near the restaurant, the humming disappears (or so I believe).
While eating lunch, my friend, who wears a hearing aid, and I discuss the strange circumstances of the hum and the fact that I should make a doctor's appointment this afternoon. We thoroughly go into all the terrible possibilities. My hope is that I will survive long enough to eat the meal and get to the doctor before my departing from this earth. At the end of the meal, based upon the premise that I will be around, we set our next luncheon date.
As I pull out my PDA from my jacket pocket, the hum becomes extremely loud. Yes, PDA has short-circuited causing this excruciating noise. As we both laugh, and I breathe a sigh of relief that I probably will survive another day, we notice the waitress and manager looking our way. We are quickly informed that the restaurant staff has been searching the last hour for the location of a disturbing hum. They had checked their sound equipment, thermostats, and other miscellaneous possibilities.
With a red-faced laugh, a quick exit is made. Since the built in battery is rechargeable and non removable, I listen to the infernal noise all the way home until the battery finally gives up the ghost. Before then, I almost smashed the possessed techno equipment knowing that would definitely exorcise the demon. Luckily, I don't. (I am later informed by the email techie – two days later – that next time all I have to do is take a paper clip and push the reset button. I now carry this high tech device with me.)
On the positive side, I am pleased that I moved from anger toward the designers of my new vehicle, the calculation of costs for major appliance replacements, and the fear of my imminent demise (or minimally, life long hearing problems that would lead to institutionalization) to renewed appreciation toward my vehicle reliability, the added savings to my bank account, and newly found perfect health, all in the matter of a few hours. What gifts! I also reaffirmed the power of the mind to create, taking one fact (the hum) and weaving into a whole scenario of dire unrelated events and outcomes. I don't know about you, but I often do that.
On the positive side, I was pleased that I had moved from anger toward the designers of my new vehicle, the calculation of costs for major appliance replacements, and the fear of my imminent demise (or minimally, life long hearing problems that would have led to institutionalization) to renewed appreciation toward my vehicle reliability, the added savings to my bank account, and newly found perfect health, all in the matter of a few hours. What gifts! I also reaffirmed the power of the mind to create, taking one fact (the hum) and weaving into a whole scenario of dire unrelated events and outcomes. I don't know about you, but I often do that.
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GUEST VIGNETTES
There are no Guest Vignettes this month.
The vignette topic for the next issue is My Embarrassing or Humorous Moment – a time you had a laugh at yourself. If you have a vignette you would like to share, please email
vignette@poeticaljourneys.com
Not only would I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, printing it in a future issue.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
1) A good friend Barbara sent me this link. I was so moved that I immediately forwarded it to close friends. The incredible pictures and accompanying theme provided me with a beautiful respite during a busy day. When viewing, be sure that you make an effort not to be disturbed. You will understand later. Warning: The theme is a spiritual one... :-) May you also be moved and enjoy. (Be patience once you click on the "View Presentation." It takes time to load.)
http://theinverviewwithgod.com
2) As always, I encourage you to visit my web site at
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com.
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QUOTABLE QUOTES
“Nothing divine dies. All good is eternally reproductive. The beauty of nature reforms itself in the mind, and not for barren contemplation, but for new creation.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson [Nature, ch. 3 (1836, revised and repr. 1849)]
“It is not their bones or hide or tallow that I love most. It is the living spirit of the tree, not its spirit of turpentine, with which I sympathize, and which heals my cuts. It is as immortal as I am, and perchance will go to a high a heaven, there to tower above me still.”– Henry David Thoreau (from The Maine Woods, 1864)
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CONTEST # 10 – First Anniversary Contest
To enter the contest, send an email to the address below. You do not need to write anything other than "contest" in the subject line. However, feel free to add comments. By the way, anyone who responds to the PJ Forum section will be automatically entered.
contest@poeticaljourneys.com
(If the link doesn't work for you, simply copy and paste in your email address box.)
The deadline for entering is 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, March 22, 2002.
Winners will receive one of the following: a copy of The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey, PJ Mug; or a $20 donation to a charity of choice. Please, only one entry per subscriber.
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PJ FORUM
Below are comments from readers. Because of space, I have abbreviated some. My gratitude to all who submitted. I enjoy hearing from readers. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please e-mail them to comments@poeticaljourneys.com
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“I am trying to light a literary fire with the E-Story as it is described a one page novel (that is more climactically dense than an anecdote or short story). I received an email of your journal and wondered if you might be interested in my sharing a (I hope) new virtual idea for literary and poetic work to share. I hope you enjoyed them. They are my first. Possibly some fresh air in the publishing world?” – John A. Green (Ed.: I received this reply when I wrote John asking about the E-Story he had sent me. If you want to visit John's site and see some of his work, email him at Skywham@aol.com )
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"I am a new reader, and I just got your e-mail! I was wondering if you could take a look at one of my poems I wrote. I am in 8th grade, and we had to write a paper on a picture and I wrote this paper and I would like to know if it is good..." – Buffy (Ed.: I briefly corresponded with Buffy after receiving her grandmother's permission and offered some suggestions. However, I never found out how she did on her paper.)
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"Thanks for your e-mail and nice comments about my poem. I often read your poetry and it seems you have been writing for long time ... Did you publish your collection?..." – G.A. (Ed.: I replied in the affirmative and that I have two new books in different stages of development.)
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"You may disagree Bob, and it's your right to do so, however, if I may, I'd like to inject this thought into the mix. My sincere belief is, the West, since the end of WW2, has gone about expanding and developing, at the expense of the third world economies such as they were. So I make this further analogy. How do you tell a starving family: "Sorry, I must have a 45 square air-conditioned and heated house with a swimming pool, and a tennis court, plus six car garage. My freeze and pantry full of food, and my cellar stocked with fine wine. I'm sorry you and your family are starving to death, but that's the way it is." – Jerry of Victoria, Australia (Ed.: Jerry is a regular contributor to the PJ Forum. He and I correspond on a variety of topics. These remarks were written in reference to sections in the last PJ as well as the world crisis that is developing.)
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"great web site" – Bruce
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"Thanks Bob, I really enjoyed these today with the cold temperatures, they warmed my heart." – Haven
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"I was just curious and wondered if you were ever an instructor at Shawnee State University?......" – Chas (Ed.: While I have taught college courses at two different schools, I have only driven by Shawnee State.)
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"PJ and the poems were/are wonderful. I was nearly sailing there too....." – Alan
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READER DEMOGRAPHICS
Geographically, subscribers reside in AL, AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY, WV, Albania, Argentina, Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & Western Australia), Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada (British Columbia, Ontario & Quebec), Chili, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, and Zimbabwe.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
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PJ ONLINE
To read or copy back issues of the PJ, go to http://www.poeticaljourneys.com and click on the Poetical Journal icon in the left frame.
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The next issue will come out on Sunday, March 30, 2003.
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
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PJ Policies
Guest Poetry: Often readers send me a poem stating they would like it included in the PJ. Many of the poems are quite well-written. Even though I enjoy reading them, at this time I do not include guest poetry as part of this newsletter. Instead, I suggest that they submit them for inclusion in the Guest Poet section of my web site. A number have chosen to do so. However, time limitations govern the number that can be accepted.
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Privacy: I take it very seriously. Your name will never be sold to a third party nor will we disclose at any time your subscription information.
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Unsolicited Mailing: The PJ is never sent unless requested. However, if you believe you received the PJ unsolicited, please notify me. I will unsubscribe you.
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Reproduction and Forwarding: While the material is copyrighted, you have permission to forward all or part of this newsletter. You may also quote from it. Out of common courtesy (We will forget all the legal jargon and requirements.) I would appreciate at least a mention or a footnote. – Much appreciated!
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Subscription: To unsubscribe click on your individualized unsubscribe e-mail at the end of this newsletter. (Not appropriate for this web page.) Or send a BLANK e-mail (Be sure not to write anything in the subject or body) to
leave-poetjournal@pro.netatlantic.com
If you are not already a subscriber, to subscribe go to
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com/subscription.htm.
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Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 1325
Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
http://www.poeticaljourneys.com
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