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On July 4th
the U.S. celebrated
Independence Day
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This issue contains
fireworks scenes
taken at several
local July 4th
celebrations
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Poetical Journal © by Bob Casey
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Mission: To provide poetical and
...............................thoughtful comments on life
VOLUME VII – ISSUE 6: Sunday, July 27, 2008 – Issue #83
CONTENT
- Welcome & Online Version
- Opening Comments from Bob: Jerry and More
- Become a Premium Subscriber
- Poems: A Series of Four Short, Untitled Poems
- My Latest Book – An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available.
- Vignette: I need a hug!
- Guest Vignette: Let's Go Camping by G.L. Rush
- Suggestions
- Quotable Quotes
- A Bit of Humor
- Surprise Ball Cap Web Contest Winners
- Pay It Forward Update
- New Premium Subscriber
- PJ Forum
- Reminder: If you are filtering...
- PJ Demographics – All 50 states and 70 countries (An Iceland subscriber joined this month.)
- PJ Online
- PJ Policies
- Subscription information
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Welcome
I am pleased to have you as a reader. If you enjoy the PJ, please encourage others to subscribe. If your country is not listed in the demographic section at the end, please let me know so I can update the list. Iceland was added this month. Also, a special WELCOME to the 22 new subscribers who signed up at the Knox County Literature Festival. Thanks much!
The next issue will come out on Sunday, August 31, 2008.
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Opening Comments from Bob - Jerry and MORE
Jerry's wife, Alison, provided me with a poetic update on his condition. As you may remember, our friend Jerry from Australia had open heart surgery over a month ago. He has a long road to recovery. If you would like to read Allie's poem on his progress, go here.
The blog for premium subscribers should become available in August. It has taken me much longer than expected to have it ready. I have tested several options but none worked the way I wanted. I believe I have found the host just right for my purposes. Once ready, premium subscribers will receive an email with the appropriate password to log in.
This issue covers a diverse array of topics. The untitled poems are only my second contribution in this form. They, for the most part, are upbeat and should tweak your mental synapses. The vignette relates a personal story of an individual's ultimate journey and the impact it had on others. G.L. Rush, one of our favorite guest writers, returns this month. She pokes some fun at a favorite pastime. (Please remember that the thoughts are G.L.'s and not mine.) Our readers speak out in the PJ Forum.
The Maui Writers Conference will again be my destination in late August and early September. Even though I will be completing the August PJ early, expect it to be delivered on the traditional last weekend of the month. As you might expect, the September issue will focus on the "Land of Aloha."
Become a Premium Subscriber
It is easy! To learn more about premium membership, click here.
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Four Poems this Issue
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We each cross our own abyss,
wishing it was never there.
Though once on the other side,
we often comprehend the reason why.
Lay your head gently on the pillow,
feeling the softness and the acceptance.
Pull the blankets securely around you,
wrapping you in warmth.
Close your eyes,
knowing that hope reigns
if such simple pleasures still exist.
Have you ever said good-bye,
Sensing it may be forever?
Inside you long for more time
Before finally bidding adieu.
The falls cascade down time worn rocks.
The sounds of rushing water
permeate the air.
Z~ looks up
quickly turning her head from the sun’s brilliance.
Droplets glisten
like a myriad of diamonds.
Rainbows dance in the mist.
She stands awestruck,
before hearing the beckoning call
“Come my beauty.
Let go.
Dance in the Waters of Life.”
At first hesitant,
she leaps.
Her songs of joy
become one with the rushing water.
Comments: The first three short poems are self-explanatory. However, the last one is allegorical and speaks beyond mere euphoria. Hint – the "she" could easily be replaced with "he". Also, this poem is an excerpt from a much larger work that will be coming out within a year. (An earlier version of this poem appeared in a previous PJ.)
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My Newest Book, An Oasis in a Cluttered World, is HERE!
An Oasis in a Cluttered World is now available. If you enjoy the Poetical Journal and this web site, you will enjoy this book. It includes vignettes, poems, recommendations, and guest submissions. (If you order through my web site, you will save a bit, and if you so wish, I will sign the copy.) For more information, go to
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Vignette: I need a hug!
One Sunday, a tall, lanky fellow in his early thirties showed up at Sunday service. Upon initially meeting him, he appeared quiet and rather reserve. I later learned his name was Phillip. Within months this young man could be found serving weekly hot meals to the needy and volunteering to help wherever requested. In short, he became one of our most active members–always focusing on service, not personal recognition. By his actions and later words, life seemed very precious to him. On occasion Phillip would be absent for a service or two and then return. Though I regularly saw him, I still did not know much about him. One Sunday last winter, Phillip was the speaker at adult forum, similar to adult Sunday school. There, I learned that he was gay and had Aids, which he had battled for several years. He showed the medicines he was taking and the constant regimen he must follow in order to survive. Phillip also was honest in discussing the causes that led to his contracting this horrendous disease. His story was a tragic one, though not unusual, of family disowning him because of his life style and his rebellion that took him down a long dark, lonely path. He rejoiced that in our church he had found a spiritual home.
A very personal face was now put onto a disease that I had only read about. With each passing month, Phillip became even more active within the church, though he was also absent more often. He was not afraid to do or hold back on his thoughts and deep spiritual feelings. One worship service, I was seated near the back. As we stood to sing the opening hymn, the tall, now thinner young man stood up. A smile broke across my face. Phillip was wearing a sign saying, "I need a hug." Though I am not a demonstrative person, after the service I went forward and delivered my hug along with others from the congregation. Phillip died this week after his valiant battle. He touched so many lives during his short two years with us. He also reinforced a truth I had learned before. When you get to know an individual, stereotypes and labels crack as the person becomes real. How much better off we would be if we could keep that lesson in mind.
Guest Vignette: Let's Go Camping by G.L. Rush
Anyone who knows me well realizes that camping and I just won't happen! I know there are people who actually like putting up a tent, slathering themselves with bug repellent, and climbing into a bag to try to snooze the night away. Not me! No air conditioning, no electric coffee pot in the morning, and a shower you have to hike to...Nope!
I actually went traditional camping once in my younger, less wiser days. It poured through the night as I watched the water slush underneath the tent, creeping towards me. I wondered why I ever thought this was something I wanted to do! The next day we went canoeing. (Why do the two always seem to go together?) I discovered little boats with short sides and paddles are not for me either. It looks so relaxing when you're standing on shore watching other people paddling by. Once you're inside the canoe (or in the water as happened various times ), it's not quite so relaxing.
My husband, one who never gives up, tried another approach during our earlier years together. I agreed to spend a night on our 19 ft. boat, sleeping in its crawl-in cabin bed, hoping it wouldn't be like camping. Wrong! Now my husband never mentions anything that even slightly resembles camping! Just goes to show that if you stick with one person long enough, he finally understands!
I enjoy nature, hiking through the woods, and smelling the clean fresh air. I also enjoy gazing up at a darkened sky filled with stars, and watching the little twinkle of the lightning bugs (fireflies to most folks) as they flutter by. Then I like to go inside, away from the bugs and critters, and listen to the soft hum of the air conditioner as I climb into bed. In the morning, I pour my coffee from an automatic coffee maker and my toast pops up from an electric toaster. Yep, that's me!
So, for all you camping mates, pitch your tents, douse your little charcoal briquettes, and swat those mosquitoes. After all, you only go around once, so enjoy it!.....which is why I'll be home sleeping peacefully in my bed.
If you have a guest vignette you would like to submit, please do so. Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, printing it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Equally important, it should fit the overall tenor of this newsletter. Ideally, it should not exceed twenty lines. Please send to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
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Another scene over the garden lake
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| Recommendations
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- Enjoy a cup of tea at the August Moon Teahouse (Definitely click, and be surprised).
- What is Gimli looking at? Photo submitted by Nicole Casey.
- A special is being run on several Poet Prints. Take a peek.
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"The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground." – Anonymous
"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices." – William James (1842-1910) American psychologist and philosopher.
"He found out that the harder it was to do something, the more comfortable he felt after he had done it." – Marguerite de Angeli (1889-1987) One of the best known and highly regarded author /illustrators in American children's literature.
"He who grasps loses." – Tao te Ching
"I hear and behold God in every object." – Walt Whitman
A Bit of Humor
A bit of laughter is healthy for the soul.
Reverend Ole was the pastor of the local Norwegian Lutheran Church, and Pastor Sven was the minister of the Swedish Covenant Church across the road. One day they were seen pounding a sign into the ground, that said:
"DA END ISS NEAR! TURN YERSELF AROUND NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE"
As a car sped past them, the driver leaned out his window and yelled, "Leave us alone, you religious nuts!"
From the curve they heard screeching tires and a big splash... Rev. Ole turns to Pastor Sven and asks, "Do ya tink maybe da sign should yust say 'Bridge Out'?"
(Again, special thanks to subscriber Janice.)
Surprise Ball Cap Web Contest Winners: A special web contest was held for readers who went to the web version (which I always encourage everyone to do). Congratulations to the following who won the newly designed PJ ball cap: John from Marion, Chuck from Columbus, and Haven from Marion. (This is the second hat Haven has won. At least they have different designs. She told me that her first hat was about worn out from wear. Bless her!) To view recent winners of PJ ball caps, click here.
By clicking on this link you can see winners from earlier contests. Anyone who has won a poet print in the past and would like to be pictured on the Grand Winners Page, please send via email a jpg of you holding the print.
As of July 27, 2008, the following has been pledged:
- Total Monetary: $3,872
- Total Volunteer Hours: 945 hours
- Number of Premium Subscribers: 32
To learn more about premium membership and what it entails, click here.
Welcome to New Premium Subscriber
Welcome to Bess from Mansfield, OH who donated to Teach for America.
PJ Forum
I regret that I cannot publish all of the comments. However, I personally responded to each one. Below are samplings of comments received this month. If you have comments, recommendations, or suggestions for the PJ, please email them to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
"Received your Poetical Journal with no problem this time. I enjoy reading them and hearing of your travels and meeting people of other countries. That is a broadening experience. I am so thankful of those times I lived as a military wife in Tokyo and Newfoundland as well as Edwards AFB, California, Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, and Cape Cod. We have traveled to European countries as well. There is a difference when you live among them, but I have enjoyed both ways. Just got through judging 50 poems. They were good. Keep up your good work." – Betty (Ed.: Thank you so much for the email. You have had quite a journey!)
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"Just opened your journal this afternoon, and it reminded me that I owed you a little thank you note! Wanted you to know that I did spend a relaxing day strolling through the Gardens. Especially enjoyed the waterfalls and lakes. . .Appreciate your telling us about the special open house weekend. And yes, I took several pictures that day. ” – Bev from Ohio (Ed.: I am pleased that Bev was able to visit and had a great time.)
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"Hope you are great. I had no idea it was your birthday, so happy belated birthday!!!!!!! and also Happy Independence Day to you for the 4th. Thanks for the win. . .” – Freda from Hamilton, Ontario (Ed.: Thank you for the best wishes. Both days turned out well. I am pleased you enjoyed your prize of a PJ pen.)
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". . .I read and re-read this month's PJ...always the web content, so I don't miss a thing! :-) First, thanks for including my comments, as you always do. You wrote an excellent interpretation of Eternity...difficult at best to understand where and what it is...but your poem left much to ponder. Is it everything or nothing, as you say...or simply a question of perspective perhaps...I did want to mention too that ____ has placed your waterfall picture from this issue on her desktop. She wanted me to tell you how much she enjoys your photography..as do I! Again, the Schnormeier Gardens are so beautiful, would love to have visited them at their open house. . .and have a happy 4th of July!" – Sharon from Texas/Mexico (Ed.: Sharon is always generous with her comments. I am pleased that her daughter enjoyed the waterfall picture. It is one of my favorites. As I have mentioned in the past, Sharon is quite a poet and professional writer in her own right.)
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"Went online to get the June issue...found the one pic from Hilton Head and remembered being in that exact spot many moons ago! All of the boats and shops. Loved everything in the June issue. . ." – Bobbie from Pearland, Texas (Ed.: As always, thank you! Yes, that lighthouse taken in Harbor Town, Hilton Head Island symbolizes that resort community.)
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"Your poem, The Knell, . . . resonated with me. I felt myself to be right there with ___ and her sister. And I thought a lot about your mother-in-law and how it would have been to be in her place. She must have been a strong and content person to have brought the pictures of her life to her final place. Those pictures could have represented loss to her, but instead they must have been life affirming. That's sure a positive choice to make and a model outlook on life. . ." – Nancy from Ohio (Ed.: Yes, Mabel had a positive outlook on life. Her poetry often spoke to the good in life. Her family was her pride and joy.)
IF YOU ARE FILTERING
Like you, I receive many unwanted e-mails. However, sometimes some e-mails I want to receive are filtered for a variety of reasons. May I suggest that you place the following in your address book or approved senders list: poetjournal@poeticaljourneys.com This process will increase the odds of you receiving your issue.
Reader Demographics
Geographically, subscribers reside in all U.S. states. Subscribers also live in Albania, Argentina, Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, & Western Australia), Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, & Quebec), Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad - W.I., Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, and Zimbabwe.
If your state, province, or country is not mentioned, please let me know.
PJ Online
To read or copy back issues of the PJ, go to.
The next issue will be out Sunday, August 31, 2008. It will be Part 2 of the India Issues
Until next time - joy and peace,
Bob
PJ Policies
Guest Poetry: Often readers send me a poem stating they would like it included in the PJ. Many of the poems are well written. Although 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 and quality govern the number that will be accepted. I currently am not accepting poetry from minors.
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Guest Vignettes: On occasion, I publish guest vignettes submitted by one of my readers. If a guest vignette is submitted and selected, the author understands that there is no remuneration provided; the vignette will be included in the e-mailed and web site versions; and will remain posted until I choose to remove it from the site. In all cases, the guest vignette remains the property of the guest author who has given permission for its usage as described in sentences one and two.
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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. 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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Recommendations: All recommendations are personal ones offered for your information. I receive no remuneration of any kind from the sources or individuals being recommended – other than when I recommend purchasing my books. Actually, many are never aware of their listing. One may ask, "Why do you provide recommendations for specific establishments or locations, especially since many of your readers are worldwide and may never be able to use the information?" The key word is "may." When I travel, I plan much of the itinerary myself. This planning includes reading and listening to recommendations from professional and personal sources. My wish is that any suggestions provided will assist some readers as they make their plans. (Incidentally, I have already received feedback that readers use them.)
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
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Fredericktown, OH 43019
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
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