THE CAT’S MEOW FOR WRITERS AND READERS

THE CAT’S MEOW

FOR WRITERS & READERS EZINE®

Not Your Typical Internet-based Magazine!

Issue 39, Vol. 08 © FEBRUARY 10, 2008 Ezine: ISSN: 2237-65

WELCOME

TO THE VALENTINE’S DAY EDITION!

PLEASE NOTE: Although this is an Internet-based magazine, there are 1,176+ subscribers who receive notification every month when a new issue is on this web site. We would like you to know that our subscriber list is NOT made available to others, including companies. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. Although, we are NOT responsible for web site links that do not work unless they have been inserted into the publisher/editor’s column; then she is responsible, she apologizes and will correct it as soon as possible… However, please notify her at The Publisher’s Box™ if any links are not working or are the wrong links. Thank you!

IN THIS ISSUE:

PUBLISHER / EDITOR’S CORNER

Rosanne Catalano

BEST POEM OF THE MONTH:

“A Memorial Tribute to the Heroic Fallen Seven” by Cynthia Groopman

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY WISHES CORNER

COFFEE HOUSE 4 POETS & WRITERS CORNER

FEATURED AUTHORS, WRITERS AND POETS FOR FEBRUARY 2008:

POETS

“Shadows of the Night,” “Born Free,” “Jesus in Gethsemane,” and “Dearest Suzie” by Conrad S. Cardinal

“Chameleon” by David Fox

“The Trucker” and “This Life Sentence, Commuted” by Luke Boyd

“Dancing in the Dark,” “Take My Hand,” “The Last Run” and “Allusive” by Sandra L. Hoynacki

“A Picturesque Snowy Scene,” “Winter’s Woes,” “A Memorial Tribute to the Heroic Fallen Seven,”

and “My Wonderful Grandmother” by Cynthia Groopman

“First Love of My Life Snatched Away,” “Young Love” and “Why I Write” by Carol Dee Meeks

“The All-Day Cinnamon Smear,” “The Day Starts,” “Kissing America” and “Memorial” by Bill Roberts

“Soda Tasting Explosions,” “Confounding Makes for Bliss,” “Attenzione!” and “Hilarious” by Ray Succre

“Dream Travelers,” “Earth Angel,” “Tenderness” and “Lost Memories” by Shelly Wiseberg

“Mariane’s Valentines,” “Just your Friendship,” “Why Do I Love You” and “Kissing is an Art Form” by Marianne Holbrook

STORY WRITERS

“Guess Who?,” “Valentine’s Day with Three Old Men,” “A Weekend of What If’s,” “Puppies or Kittens: Which One is It?”

and “Living Like Rich People” by Carol Roach

“Laughing Angels,” “Sweet Forgiveness,” “Heavenly Barking” and “Giving Your Life Away” by Joseph J. Mazzella

“The Learning of the Art of Creative Communication” (Parts I – IV) by Dr. Harmander Singh

“This Now Belongs to You” by Pamela Tyree Griffin

“Wheelchair Angel” by Rosalee S. Wilson

“The Telegram” by J.C.Breeze

“Legions of the Christmas Legend” (Part III) by R. Thomas Thompson

HELPFUL NONFICTION ARTICLES

“Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a Shoestring” by Deborah Taylor-Hough

“Make ‘Em Want to Stay! Three Ideas to Help Decrease Employee Turnover” by Pamela Tyree Griffin

“Make Money from Your Home with Internet Marketing” by Sarah Paine

“3 Ways to Open Up to More Romance with the Valentine’s Day Manifesto” by Susie Collins and Otto Collins

“Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas” by Andrew Cho

“Expressing Love to the Most Important Person in Your Life” by Barb Desmarais

“Golden Words – From Reader to Author” by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

“Love Compatibility Test – Are You Made for Each Other?” by Pushpa Pal Singh

OFF THE PRESS! CORNER

(Where the best of contempoary literature

by new and established authors can be purchased)!

PUBLISHER / EDITOR’S CORNER

ROSANNE CATALANO

Hi, my dear readers! I truly hope your Valentine’s Day is all you dream it to be. But even better, I pray that every day with your loved ones is like Valentine’s DayJ I’m excited about this month’s issue because it’s chock full of heartfelt poetry and stories, brought to you by my many writing contributors, with a horror story mixed in for good dash! And I just know you are going to love reading them as much as I have! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, and please do enjoy the rest of February.

But first, be sure to check out Tannia Ortiz-Lopes’ “Time With Tannia” web site to read all about my contributing writer Leon Basin! His first author interview is now published on Tannia’s site for the entire month of February 2008! I just know you’re going to love reading his interview as much as I have, and that you will also love his book, “A Closed Window of Truth,” currently on the market (also see the Off The Press column below for more info about Leon’s book). Just click on either one of the links above, which I provided for your easy access, and read all about my writing contributor Leon Basin…

Now I also have GREAT NEWS, for which I would like to thank those who have purchased my book! I forgot to tell you all that back in November of 2007 I received a royalty check from my book publisher Lulu Press, yay! A royalty check, for those who may not know, is money from the sales of an authors’ book. And although my royalties weren’t a lot of money, it’s only the beginning of many more of these checks…Thank you, thank you, thank you for buying my book Mirrored ImagesJ I sincerely appreciate it!

Although everyone who has read my book, Mirrored Images, loves it, I would like to reiterate what Mirrored Images is about for those who have not yet read it, and those who read it but may have misunderstood some of my non-fiction stories…

My current book Mirrored Images’ book description should have said some of my non-fiction stories were written so that you know if bad things happen in your life you can survive them, as I did, with faith… Faith that Jesus and our heavenly Father will walk with you through it all. None of my non-fiction story articles were meant for you to feel sorry for me or for you to think I have not gotten over the bad things that happened in my life. Believe me I have. My non-fiction stories were written to let those who are going through bad times know that our Lord walks with them, and that He will help you survive through the awful times in your life. You are not alone and you never will be. Always remember this! Mirrored Images by Rosanne Catalano can be purchased on the Home Page of this web site. My book also makes a wonderful gift for the book lover in your life!

I would also like to thank those who VOTED for me and this publication in the Preditors & Editors’ Readers Poll last month! Although the voting has now closed (as of January 15^th), I do not know who the winner is yet. However, I will definitely let you know as soon as I myself have found out! If I do find out; Preditors & Editors may only notify the winner themselves rather than everyone who was nominated.

ANNOUNCING A NEW WEB SITE

FOR ALL THE ANIMAL LOVERS OUT THERE!

NuzzlePlanet.com is a new online community that is dedicated to you and your love for pets. They invite you to join other members who are passionate about pets of all types. Since this is an open community, they also welcome your ideas as to how they can make NuzzlePlanet.com your #1 online destination! A few things to look out for when you do register at NuzzlePlanet.com:

Create some pet profiles and add their information by going to ADD PET; either from the home page or from MY PROFILE once you have registered with NuzzlePlanet.com.

Add as many photos or videos as you wish under MY PROFILE. NuzzlePlanet will be adding a public gallery if you wish to share your story submissions with the community.

After you create a PET PROFILE, open up the Pet Passport. This is a great resource if you are traveling with your animal(s) where you may need access to important documents or contact information.

Add some friends so you can share photos, stories, private messaging, and write on each other’s boards.

Create an article for either private viewing amongst your friends, or publicly to be posted in the main article section.

Hope to see you there!

_________________________________

On another note, I received the below email the other day from writer Mary Elizabeth Roake and, if you’re

a writer, I think you will be very interested in submitting your work to her and her friend for their new book project! Please do

read on…

“Dear Rosanne:

    My friend and I are collecting personal stories from people around the U.S. Your story, if chosen, will be

 added to a book we are writing along with your name, date & home town/state. We would especially like to hear about its origins,

 what it means to you and why. If you decide not to participate, please send this to your distribution list ~ thanks!

~Mary Elizabeth Roake.

    Please send your story to us at: TraditionsUS@yahoo.com

· Traditions ~ any type, family or non-family, holiday traditions or those which surround key events in your life.

· Heirloom recipes ~ recipes that have been passed down to you or one that you make for special occasions.

· Practical tips ~ how did you teach your children how to  ____, how you organized your book club, etc.

· Your signature gift ~ for what occasion do you buy it for and why.

Here is a story from me to you:

    When my Dad died I looked around for a picture of him which would capture his personality. I found one and put it on my

 bedside table. It has been especially comforting to me. Since then if someone I know has lost someone close to them instead of

sending flowers I will send or bring a frame to their home. Friends and family have been very touched by this gesture.

Here is one from my friend:

    When my husband and I were first married back in 1977 we did a fair amount of camping. On one trip we discovered an apple

 orchard on the grounds of New Paltz University and for the first time we went apple picking. We'd had so many apples that we

 concocted numerous recipes back at the campsite with our friends. We continued baking once we got home and also gave

apples to our families and neighbors. The scent of the apples, their colors, the different flavors of each kind of apple, the memory

 of the brisk day we discovered them stayed with us. From that beautiful autumn day until today I now go apple picking every

 autumn. The cooking and baking continues for a week after coming home with our annual harvest. Quarts of homemade

 applesauce are jarred and used immediately to make my applesauce cakes which I then share with my family and friends. I freeze

 what I haven't used and make dozens of breads at Thanksgiving and Christmas to bring to dinners or give as Christmas gifts

 wrapped up adorned with an ornament. Each autumn my son and I now share the experience with different friends or family

 who've never done it before and always continue the fun by baking together afterward.

    We are offering a copy of the book to anyone whose entry is chosen. Thanks in advance!

~Mary Elizabeth Roarke.”

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Bookvideos.tv is a wonderful web site that I highly recommend!

It is brought to you by “TurnHere Producers” of New York City, and is sponsored by “Simon & Schuster Publishing”, also of New York City. Their site brings authors’ of books alive in audio-video for you. It is definitely a website you’ve got to see! I myself marvel at being able to hear and see the author of a book tell me what their book is all about. So again, I highly recommend this web site because I know you’re going to love it as much as I do!

Just click on the Bookvideos.tv link above that I provided for your easy access, and enjoy all the great author videos! Don’t forget to tell all of your family and friends to visit this website too; I assure you that even if they are not authors or writers they will love it also!

____________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NOTICE FROM CAROL ROACH,

THE PUBLISHER OF STORYTIME TAPESTRY;

THIS MAGAZINE’S SISTER PUBLICATION!

Do you have a story to tell, do you want to speak what is in your heart? Have you risen above great odds, or had a funny life experience? Can you teach us a new skill or lift our spirits with your stories about life and all its wonders? Or, do you prefer to read about the personal experiences of others? If so, this is the ezine for you!

Storytime Tapestry is a free daily ezine devoted to spreading cultural awareness throughout the world simply by having people share what is in their hearts.

To join or submit your work, please contact Carol Roach: winterose@videotron.ca or use the email link: http://subs.zinester.com/98907

Carol Roach, M.Ed, B.A
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry; http://subs.zinester.com/98907

Author: Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey; www.publishamerica.com, www.amazon.com and www.bn.com

Angels Watching Over Me; www.lulu.com/content/964306, www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, and other online bookstores or you can order Carol’s books at your local brick -n- mortar bookstore

Freelance Writer

____________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING POETRY CONTESTS!

ODES TO OLYMPIAN POETRY CONTEST

FROM VICTORIA GROSSACK OF THE TAPESTRY OF BRONZE

The Tapestry of Bronze is sponsoring a series of Poetry Contests to celebrate Greek and

Roman mythology and the Olympian gods. The subject of the first contest is Zeus (also known as Jupiter),

the King of the Gods.

Each poem may be no longer than 30 lines and each poem must be in English.

The first contest opens on FEBRUARY 15, 2008 and remains open until MARCH 31, 2008. However, you can read about the rules and the prizes now by going to: http://www.tapestryofbronze.com/OdeForm.html

Hope that many of you will enter! Also, even if you're not interested in entering, feel free to let those who

might be interested in entering know about it. There's a special section for the under 18 age group, so we

especially hope to encourage high school teachers to pass this out to their students.

Kind regards,

Victoria Grossack

------------ --------- -----

www.tapestryofbronze.com

Delphic Maxim: Know thyself!

HIGH PRAIRIE POETS NEW MEXICO STATE

 POETRY SOCIETY BI-MONTHLY CONTESTS!

Next Contest Is March 20, 2008!

Eligibility:

ALL POETS; U.S. and Worldwide

Poems must be in English, aligned on left margin of paper, (Do Not Center Poem on Page). 12 point font is a must.

Titles of Poems should look like this:

“Life as a Jelly Bean”

Not like: “LIFE AS A JELLY BEAN.”

Deadline:  Postmarked by the 20th of the month.

Line Limit:  At this time there is a 25 line limit.

Entry Fee: $2.00 entry fee for the first poem and $1.00 for each additional poem.  No email entries.

Prizes: $20.00 WINNER...TWO HONORABLE MENTIONS... POEMS PUBLISHED.

Submission:   Please send two (2) copies of each poem (poet‘s choice), ONE BLANK and the other with NAME, ADDRESS and

TITLE OF POEM. Do Not Send Cover Letter or Biography. One poem on a page, 66 characters per line. No Themes. No Obscene

Language.

Notification: By the 10^th of the following month, IF you include a SASE. Always include a “SASE”.

Judging: Qualified, blind judging; Judge’s decisions are final.

Next Contest:  March 20, 2008.

Address:  Send all entries to:

Carol Dee Meeks,

2010 W. Bullock Ave, Artesia, New Mexico  88210.  Any entries NOT following these Guidelines will be disqualified.

____________________________________________________________________

BETH ANN ERIKSON’S (“The Queen Bee of Filbert Publishing”)

book makes a great gift for the freelance writer in your life!

In her book, Beth helpfully guides you on how to earn more than pennies for your freelance writing. To purchase Beth’s informative eBook, “101 No Cost or Low Cost Techniques to Turbo Charge Your Freelance Income”, go to FilbertPublishing.com today!

____________________________________________________________________

Below is a heartfelt letter I would like to share with you…

It is from my writing contributor ROGER DEAN KISER (published author and child advocate):

“Several weeks ago I found my wife’s short stories, and they were absolutely great! As a surprise, I took them and published them in a book titled “Penny Pooch.” I have purchased five copies for her as a gift. They should arrive in about a week.

“If any of you are looking for a wonderful book for your children or grandchildren, it sure would mean a lot to me if you would consider purchasing her book! Actually, I think it would make her cry.”

“Her book, Penny Pooch, is only $9.58. It can be purchased at: http://www.lulu.com/content/1899903”

“Thank you so much. Roger Dean Kiser”

Also see the Off The Press! column for more info on Roger Dean Kiser’s books that are currently on the market to purchase, along with the info about his wife Judy’s book titled “Penny Pooch!”

____________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCING

A NEW

NEWSLETTER!

“SPLASH OF INSPIRATION”

Published by JANET PEREZ ECKLES,

PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND SPEAKER!

“Splash of Inspiration” in your email is another newsletter I highly recommend!

To subscribe to Janet Perez Eckles’ extremely inspirational newsletter, please send a blank email to jeckles@cfl.rr.com, write “SUBSCRIBE” in your subject line, and tell her I referred you. Published Author and Speaker Janet Perez Eckles will immediately send you the latest issue of her “Splash of Inspiration” newsletter to enjoy!

____________________________________________________________________

Also do check out the ‘Helpful Links’ and Home Page on this web site for other interesting, fun and informative sites for you! This includes the new link to The SHINE! Journal, published & edited by author and contributing writer to this magazine Pamela Tyree Griffin, and the new banner link to the Boomer Babes Rock ezine (published by Christian author Allison Bottke and editor-in-chief Cheryll Hutchings) for those Boomer women and men out there!

Now I give you my many contributing writers & authors to enjoy… So please do WELCOME them by emailing them or visiting their websites! [Email addresses and web sites are listed in the author bios.]

See you all next month… until then,

HAPPY VALENTINE’S

DAY EVERYONE!

BEST POEM

OF THE MONTH CORNER!

A Memorial Tribute to the Heroic Fallen Seven

Cynthia Groopman

To reach for the stars were your fondest dream, and great desire

To explore the distant unknown frontiers of outer space were your wish,

Role models are sources of inspiration, you were to us

Great fortune or royalty you did not possess,

But all of you certainly achieved true greatness

With spirits of adventure, you soared so high

And we stood watching with hearts full of elation

and beaming pride in our eye

Then, suddenly, an explosive fireball;

raging like a fierce lion, enveloped all

As the space shuttle burst into flames,

and crumbled, and to the ground it did fall

At that very moment, our hearts trembled and shuddered,

with such emotional sorrow and extreme pain

And we were thrust into experiencing another mournful tragedy, again

Upon our doleful faces, were cascading tears,

We were full with frightful fears

You did not die in vain, oh dear heroic fallen seven,

For now you are truly home, dwelling with the Lord

in the eternal blissful peace of Heaven.

CONGRATULATIONS CYNTHIA

FOR WINNING BEST POEM OF THE MONTH!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Cynthia Groopman is a published poet and writer whose work is published in “Storytime Tapestry,” an Internet-based ezine, (http://subs.zinester.com/98907), “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine,” an Internet-based magazine (www.rosannecatalano.net), “Prose n Poems” (www.jokesnstuff.net) and in several other Internet-based newsletters, ezines and magazines. When not writing her poetry and stories, Cynthia volunteers her time and recently won an honorary Police Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (114^th Civ-OP) Presidential Award. She received this Award on March 21^st, 2007 at the Peter Della Monica Senior Center in Astoria, (Queens) New York. She has worked with the Civ-OP for 15 years, racking up more than 17,000 hours of volunteer service. In May of 2007 she was honored with the distinction of being named the “Star of Queens” in The Queens Courier, a local Queens, New York newspaper, for her community involvement. In July 2007, her life story and accomplishments were written about in an article-document for the Senate Congressional Record of the United States. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-New York) read the Congressional Record of Cynthia’s life story and accomplishments directly to the Congress of the United States. The Congress of the United States then honored her with a PLAQUE for being An Outstanding Citizen. She can be reached via email at Cynthia.Groopman@verizon.net

BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY WISHES CORNER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

JEFFREY SHAR, Birthday: February 14^th

MEGAN B. CATALANO, Birthday: February 17^th

May all your Birthday Wishes come true!

To see your birthday and/or anniversary wishes here, email us with your name (first & last or just first name) and birth-day or anniversary date (year is optional for both)!

COFFEE HOUSE 4 POETS & WRITERS!

(Bringing You Published Written Talent Every Month

For YOUR READING PLEASURE)!

Shadows of the Night

Conrad S. Cardinal

Walking in the shadows

of the night

Afraid and alone,

avoiding the light

Carrying memories of things

gone wrong

The nights are lonely

and long

No one to hear

No one to care

The fate of those without

spiritual sight

They who have refused

to walk in the light.

* * * * *

Born Free

Conrad S. Cardinal

Walk in the sun,

feel it warm me

Stand under the sky,

blue as the sea

Feeling the wind

rush past,

Free and secure

at last

I may choose

what I'd like to do

Able to live

where I want to

Grateful to be born in America,

not in another land

These blessings mine for the taking,

why don't we all understand?

Many are so easily led,

ready to give

our freedoms away

Foolish and blind, what's on their mind,

hope they wake up someday.

* * * * *

Jesus in Gethsemane

Conrad S. Cardinal

Have you wondered what Jesus

must have thought?

Knowing what he was about to do,

for some would be for naught

Praying in Gethsemane,

feeling lost and alone

Feeling the guilt and pain

for sins that were not his own

Those who walked beside him,

didn't understand

How would those who came later,

know to take his hand?

So many walk through life

never stopping to see

Never realizing what he has done

and why it had to be

His sacrifice,

the most precious gift you

and I could receive

It must hurt and bring despair

when so many don't believe

For one to give his life for another

is the ultimate sacrifice

Nothing more should be required,

it certainly should suffice.

* * * * *

Dearest Suzie

Conrad S. Cardinal

How I've marveled at the way

you accepted what you couldn't alter

Moving through hurt and turmoil,

never seeming to falter

When I think of you, dear Suzie,

I'm filled with love and compassion

It makes me wish that I could behave

in a similar fashion

Though our times together

were usually brief,

I always knew that you were there

A true example of God’s love, someone

who really did care

I shall miss you Suzie

and all you brought to my life

I shall try to be as you have been,

as I battle life's daily strife.

(PS: My niece Suzie was a special person. She extended herself to everyone she met.

And they named a Park after her in Las Vegas, Nevada)--Conrad S. Cardinal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Conrad Seth Cardinal (aka Conrad S. Cardinal) is a published poet who was born in Brooklyn, New York USA and played professional baseball for 4 years. Due to an injury, he retired from professional baseball and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada USA. Once there he worked as a Security Guard, slot machine Floor Man, and then as a Stagehand for 40 years. However, the last 18 years of his career Conrad ran a Theatrical Welding Shop. In his own words Conrad says, “Believe it or not, during that time I took Seminary extension courses through the Southern Baptist Home Mission Department. I was a licensed Preacher and the Associate Pastor of a non-denominational church on the Las Vegas strip. I’ve been writing poetry on and off most of my life, and have been very committed to this endeavor since I retired. I like to call my work ‘Essays in Poetry.’ I say this because I try to speak about issues that concern me. It’s also a platform from which I can preach. My wife Nancy and I have been married for 30 years and have 7 children, and 11 grandchildren.” Conrad can be reached via email at: Cconseth@aol.com

_________________________________________________________________

Chameleon

David Fox

A chameleon can change itself

to any color of the environment

that is around

to protect itself from predators

In a way, humans are the same

We will dress up for parties,

wear white for weddings,

black for funerals,

and can wear a variety of things on our jobs,

whether they may be a business suit and tie

for an office,

or blue jeans and a T-shirt

for a construction worker's job

Whatever the case may be,

we are like our friend, the chameleon,

forever changing through life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Fox is the editor of “The Poet’s Art”, a family-friendly print literary magazine, and a published poet who resides with his wife on Long Island, New York, U.S.A. His work is published online in the following: on Drytear.net web site, in “Storytime Tapestry,” an internet-based ezine, in “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine,” an internet-based magazine, and in “SHINE! The Journal,” an internet-based literary journal. In print, David has had his work published in “SMILE,” “Bell's Letters,” “Ceremony” and in a new print publication titled “Poetic Expressions”. He can be reached via email at: davidirafox@yahoo.com.

_________________________________________________________________

The Trucker

(first line credit to Robert Frost’s “Stopping By Woods…”)

Luke Boyd

And miles to go before I sleep,

before I pull off the I-5

and crawl into the bunk;

lulled by the shudder of passing trucks

and stale diesel fumes

reading my daughter’s handwritten letters

whose swooping loops and hearts

twirl cotton candy curves

across blue tracer lines

until the cursive goes watery,

blurred under the map light

while the minutes between blinking

eyes closed, open-closed,

stretch

into ribbons of black asphalt

darkness.

* * * * *

This Life Sentence, Commuted

Luke Boyd

In beige cars

and gray cars

Everyone is unhappy—

the young

restless and disillusioned

by the idea of working this hard

just to stand still,

The old

worn thin like carpeting

under too many familiar feet,

together and separately

inching their way along:

to stop at the next light

behind a line of cars

all waiting to get into a new lane

left hand turn only

And only on the green arrow

and nobody gives an inch;

just staring straight ahead

with or without sunglasses

wishing everyone else would

just go away

and wondering,

How can everyone else afford

such nice beige and gray cars?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Luke Boyd is an inner-city teacher and published writer who is from Allentown, Pennsylvania USA. He has had his work published in many places on the Internet and in print, and is currently working on his second novel. Luke can be reached via email at: square1fun@yahoo.com

_________________________________________________________________

Dancing in the Dark

Sandra L. Hoynacki

Sifting black winds she shuffles the unknown
Into a vile corner she walks by the headstone
Her fingers trace questions inside the sunlight
Where are answers in the wake of her twilight?

She scissors her way through the murky deeds
The night stand shadows a soul that still bleeds
Flinging herself forward yet bound by those roots
The chamber is clicking the gunman still shoots

There is an explosion of wood and of flesh
Take it away yet it dances afresh
She cried wet words with bruised cold lips
The liquor that flowed too many sips

Blotted dark pages whirling down through time
The earth holds a ghost when will his clock chime
To end this forever and in death lock the door
Of hell and his demons dancing across her floor

danse dans le somber.

* * * * *

Take My Hand

Sandra L. Hoynacki

Only in guarded shadows do you take my hand
Tender hands talking without the words of man
As we stand in darkness tho' saying nothing
Whispering softly without calling me something

Touching me inwardly never holding the outside
Hidden faces of pain dwelling dark on your inside
Cradled smugly, behind your cloak of defense
That hides your face amidst storms intense

Cover the framed faces pictured in your mind
You stand at a junction yourself you must find
Stop swimming this maze of life's lonely sea
For time's painted soul, is a colored memory

I look inside your window, view passages of time
Hurting yet living, without a bell's chime
Old thoughts must flee from your haunted past
Erase your walls of yesterday, love is here to last

attraper mon main.

* * * * *

The Last Run

Sandra L. Hoynacki

Death came as a visible direction to somewhere
In colors of blue fading around everyone out there
Not gone are the whispers of reality or of you
To walk the streets at night in this day time blue

Talk not as though gone is the meaning of things
I'm there in everything the loud silence brings
Facing the laughter without the ringing of a voice
Coming down the street without you, without choice

Games and trips, things planned that have no plan
As death took you to where man becomes man
Long talks and walks that hold reasons for life
Not knowing without you I would feel the knife

On the screen they played your part of all the days
When life was ebbing yet you lived many ways
That would tell a tale when the slumber had won
You knew not today would be your last run;

You made your last run.

In memory of Al Miller and dedicated to Kay Miller;
loving wife of many years.
January 3, 2008

* * * * *

Allusive

Sandra L. Hoynacki

I walk secretly in a garden for the love of his rose
Caressing red petals where his words lie in repose
Phrases laced in leather found tightly in my heart
Traveling the distance from his quill to impart

Fragrance wafts my pillow from his invisible love
Petals fall to recumbence from my ceiling up above
Gentle touches appear shadowy amidst my dreams
Quickly they become as softly spoken phonemes

Our voices met among the clouds once upon a time
Retracing conversations in season's wintry rime
A prisoner I become as his desert holds the key
I tend this special garden allusive to all but thee

I lie upon the earth like petals in morning dew
Drinking him in slumber our times I must renew
To toast alone this silence and climb the trellis tall
Waiting within my aloneness I trail his garden wall

allusive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A resident of Pensacola, Florida, Sandra Hoynacki is a published author, poet and writer who retired from the nursing profession to take care of her elderly mother; diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She says, “I love writing and hope to write for many years to come!” This very busy author and former nurse is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature and has been writing her stories and poems for the last eight (8) years. She believes she inherited some of her writing talent from her very creative father and grandmother, whose short stories were published in various magazines. She wrote an excellent medical suspense serialized fiction story titled “On Call”, which was published in “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine” issues of May 10^th through December 10^th, 2006. Her story garnered excellent reviews from readers and the industry alike. HER AWARDS include the following (in the “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine”): BEST POEM OF THE MONTH FOR: “The City Slickers” [July 10^th, 2006], “My Bottle of Blue” [March 10^th, 2007], “A Tribute to My Mentor” [October 10^th, 2007], and “Far From Home” [January 10^th, 2008]. Sandra’s work is also currently published in the following publications: “Storytime Tapestry”, an internet-based ezine; “The Pink Chameleon - Online”, an internet-based magazine; “The Poet’s Art”, a print-literary magazine; “Starfish”, an internet-based ezine and “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine”, an internet-based magazine. Last year she had her first book of poetry published, and it is titled “Purple Latches.” “Purple Latches by Sandra Hoynacki” is available to purchase at: Lulu Press, Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com (also see the “Off The Press” column below for more info on Sandra’s book)! She also had her first author book signing, which was held at the Barnes & Noble brick & mortar store in Pensacola, Florida, on October 6^th, 2007. Sandra hopes to have many more book signings where she can meet and greet her fans in person. She can be reached via email at: sandylh@cox.net

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First Love of My Life Snatched Away

Carol Dee Meeks

The mystery of mothers’ love,
harmonious as bat and glove,

began a path of wishful walks
remembering our nighttime talks

I miss our times and carefree days---
assumed you’d stay, be here always,

but Jesus wanted you at home
on streets of gold and glowing throne

I can’t complain, nor change His plans---
we’ll meet again in holy lands

You’ll meet my spouse, come face to face---
and then my boys, we’ll all embrace

I’m sure you watch us here on earth,
agree we’re lucky since their birth

They’re fine boys and resemble you---
orations and in what they do

The mystery of Mother’s love
kept me at peace with you above

I’ve learned hard lessons way too soon
but feel your love on each new moon

I only miss the special times---
each year the loss as silence chimes

but I have peace, we’ll meet again
We’ll write with words and pen our yens.

* * * * *

Young Love

Carol Dee Meeks

Their Body language does not lie
Their eyes stand still, fixed in a gaze
and chills run up and down my spine
I know their lives will be entwined

Forever like his dad and me
I see our lives in them. When we
were young and so carefree in love

and that was forty years ago
I remember like yesterday
My son and girlfriend share this fate,
a dream come true, a lifetime date

I hope they live in unity
for more than forty years like we,
in passion and maturity
Young love becomes contentment and glee.

* * * * *

Why I Write

Carol Dee Meeks

I'm basically shy
and hold back in the public eye

I yen to exalt my Lord
I pen to extol His word
that's sharper than a sword

On paper I can express
about Him what I like best
The fiber of His yesteryear
was for all those who deem Him dear

I write to share what He's done for us,

and that He is God's son
I crown Him King!
To all, I sing
of those who'll view my work

If one believes,
then indeed,
a new beginning (renewed like Spring)
will fill the passion of my soul,
to share His love, to fill their bowl.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carol Dee Meeks was born in New Mexico, USA and has been married forty-one years with two sons and three wonderful grandsons. Both Carol and her husband are retired now, but Carol writes because she loves writing poetry. She’s a member of “Faith Writers” and “Cross Way Publications,” and also a Senior Writer for “Storytime Tapestry”; plus a regular writing contributor for “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine.” Carol was chosen as the New Mexico Senior Poet Laureate for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 at “Amy Kitchener’s Angels without Wings Foundation.” Her poems also placed in the Top 100 in the 73^rd “Writer’s Digest’s” Writing Contest. She also recently won First Place at the “Gulf Coast State Poetry Society’s ‘CHOCOLATE CONTEST’” She holds memberships in “Bards of a Feather,” “HIGH PRAIRIE POETS Prairie Poets,” “NMSPS” and “NFSPS.” Carol can be reached via email at c_pmeeks@hotmail.com.

Also do check out Carol’s web site at http://home.comcast.net/~pkmeeks/

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The All-Day Cinnamon Smear

Bill Roberts

I place two cartons of hot coffee on the shelf

and pull up two tall stools in Scott’s Bakery

when something begins tugging at my jeans -

a little boy with blond curly hair and inquisitive

blue eyes that look up into mine as he asks if he can

sit on the stool intended for my wife who is

paying for a loaf of bread and getting two free slices

buttered to couple with our breakfast drinks

I find another free stool and pull it over,

pat the seat so the little boy, maybe four,

will sit there. He has trouble climbing so I help

him up. He surveys his world from several feet

higher, then rearranges the newspapers that are

scattered on the shelf space in front of him -

Scott provides the local newspapers free, and the little

boy selects this morning’s Boulder Camera,

points to it and asks me to read

I read the headline and part of the story about another suicide bombing

in Iraq. The little boy takes the paper when I proffer it,

seriously studies the print, then says with a frown,

Nothing good today, just as my wife arrives with thick

slabs of still-warm bread. I offer mine to the kid

and he takes a confident bite, smearing cinnamon on his

cherubic face. He reaches for a napkin and vigorously

wipes across his smile

His Mom and Dad come up behind us

with their bakery purchases and an older

child in tow. The little boy’s mother whispers something

in his ear. He grins and motions with a finger

for me to come closer to hear his secret. I lean down

and he kisses me moistly on the cheek, then jumps

from the stool and takes his Mom’s hand

All wave to us as they leave the bakery

For the rest of the day

I wear a cinnamon smear proudly for all to see.

* * * * *

The Day Starts

Bill Roberts

The day starts, every blessed day,

walking the doggies up in the hills

Now that fall is nearby, it’s dark

when we leave the house; both of them

so eager they yip going down stairs,

veer left or right, their choosing,

the destination the same, just two

different approaches, each two miles

Ah, to the right, through the park

leading to the middle school; its

occupants just arousing from sleep,

then uphill in the neighborhood

of silent houses, only dogs bidding

us welcome as we pass, lurching

forward until we reach the path

overlooking the foothills to the

mighty Rockies, sun just coming up

to highlight their beauty, past more

houses, then onto a winding dirt path

with bunnies galore just ahead,

both dogs smelling their essence,

and look! - there’s one, scrambling

into the bushes,

Marco frantic at

the end of his long leash, pulling

with all of his 15-pound might,

aggravating my arthritic shoulder,

but its okay, another scent slows

his descent, while thirteen-year-old

Rosie catches up, eager to explore,

both thinking perhaps someday

they’ll have a bunny stew but not

likely - we’d never let it happen

We’re nature lovers, in Colorado

where nature includes dogs and

their aging, arthritic, lucky owners.

* * * * *

Kissing America

Bill Roberts

Go traveling, fill your passport

with stamped impressions and stick-ons

from all over the world

Egypt’s is stylized, exotic

Israel’s, after it, quite plain,

and the airport of arrival

will be indelibly imprinted

once you land in merry old England

Circle the shrinking globe,

sit down at the worldly tables,

but do so as a dignified

if not altogether quiet

American, proud of where

you come from even if

it pales beside that of France’s

centuries of cuisine and culture

Scotland, Norway, Germany and Holland,

South America, Mexico, Australia,

even the far-off frigid Arctic -

all of them so very different.

Just remember this little ritual

once you return to these shores:

walk off the plane with pride,

then fall to your knees and kiss

the ground where you disembark

in the good if not-so-old U.S. of A.

Going should always be a treat,

coming back an even greater one.

* * * * *

Memorial

(This poem by Bill Roberts was also published

in the March 2001 online issue of littlebrownpoetry.com; now defunct)

Bill Roberts

Maybe, after all, this is the perfect tribute

To the sudden death storm that happened here:

The shrill sound of children laughing,

Though it seems out of place

I am moved to cover my eyes,

Suppress tears, reach for my wife’s hand,

Finally seek out the laughing faces

There may be a hundred,

Enjoying this perfect morning,

The sun having risen quickly

Over this solemn place and now blessing

Youthful visitors to a shrine

Of man’s hatred for fellow man

The children’s laughter and innocent play

On the barge ride over to the sunken warship

Make me reflect: We’ve come

such a long way since I learned the words

To “Remember Pearl Harbor,”

The very same site being invaded this day by gleeful

boys and girls waving miniature rising-sun flags.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bill Roberts is a retired nuclear weapons consultant who dreams of the day when all WMD end up in the scrap heap. He is also a published poet whose work has been published in well over a hundred online and small-press magazines over the past thirteen years, and he was POET OF THE MONTH in the January 2008 online issue of “Chantarelle’s Notebook.” He lives with a super wife and two un-trainable dogs in Broomfield, Colorado at the foothills of the Rockies in the U.S.A. Bill says that if he could turn back the clock he would have aimed for a career either as a ballet dancer or an opera singer rather than a nuclear weapons consultant. He can be reached via email at: marcorosie@comcast.net.

_________________________________________________________________

Soda Tasting Explosions

Ray Succre

This robust beverage has notes

of plums, black cherries, and

the air in Michigan

I nod it to me, swirl, swish, and gasp atop

my drawl like a bullhead on the stringer

On this 4^th of July, I taste and allow

a clotting flinch, seized into permanence

A taste. An opinion. By the growth

of this soda, made from a substance

that figures the ants taste the earth

in Michigan, the vats in Michigan,

every motion of the overblown

beverage, I taste and smell it

near a bay, in Oregon, lit

by one mile of fireworks

“Isn’t this amazing?” a woman asks

A fly appears on the can’s oral rim

I kiss him and give him my name.

* * * * *

Confounding Makes for Bliss

Ray Succre

Why start the dynamo and charge a word, poeticize mutely,

numbers of ideas or expressions, when they, themselves

confer the most? Why obscure what is, in precise dignity,

clear as a glass pane, using auxiliaries, and sprawling over

its surface with painted metaphors?

Because a mind dirtied with memory and abstracted by logic

must blanch the language in measures, accents, paradox,

in the way of the historian or ticking clock:

The more precise a point is measured out,

the more there is made to measure

Such rejections.

Why start? Why muddy a fact with creative attritions

and why send it to others?

A double bind precision cannot end with thought, ever,

and the matters of minds are hungry ones

Our children cause a good mess, and we have little left them.

* * * * *

Attenzione!

Ray Succre

How tepid is kissing— I forbid it define my favor

Its effect, from the subtlest meaning to deeper,

reproductive whims, is feeding from my generators,

a pest, a nuisance, romantic backwash— stop

The swords crossed, circle-slash,

CAUTION! AVISO! ATTENZIONE!

Now violators will be pessimized, from pecks

sudden as sneezes, lips clopped as hoof-steps,

to hollows of mouths lingered on exhaustion,

disliked, all the infinite, exasperated kissing

that haunts rivering lips on fullest figures,

that ghosts saber lips on stick-figures,

rejuvenated as coals from onset breezes

I concede to three more in my life.

A few more, as is proper. Just so. Or still,

several. Like this.

* * * * *

Hilarious

Ray Succre

At the last instance of seven, near night,

where my evening finds its belt loosened,

I see a woman in an orange hat and white,

high-necked sweater

She is looking at a picture magazine’s

woman in an orange hat and white,

high-necked sweater

I put my arm around her, shaking my head

Then this instance ends: Eight. Night

My hair grays, recedes, and I develop gout

The woman looks at me and shakes her head

The clock ceases measure when the magazine

is closed. The woman’s heart stops, and mine

I am to go with her, among the pictures,

fashionably so.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ray Succre is a published poet who currently lives on the southern Oregon coast of the U.S.A., with his wife and baby son. His work has been published in “Aesthetica,” “Coconut,” “Pank,” and in numerous other publications across many countries. Ray can be reached via email at: raysuccre@hotmail.com.

_________________________________________________________________

Dream Traveler

Shelly Wiseberg

Powerful dreams create stories from long ago

in a time machine of vivid colour drawing mental images,

sketched in memory

Imprints of emotion are deeply felt then traveled,

through dimensions of subconscious thought

It sends photographic messages like slides on a movie projector,

of places and faces from the past relived in the mind’s eye

Flying high in the beyond of knowing that dreams can come true,

through manifested wishes.

* * * * *

Earth Angel

Shelly Wiseberg

Earth angel of wisdom

Messenger of clarity

Mother Nature

Maternal in growth

From your loving breast

Filled with inspiration

Harmony guides you

Sharing thoughts of positive vision

Grace in spirit

Grounding in energy

Emotional in support

Sender of information

In truth and peace

Heart of the angel

Embraces with joy.

* * * * *

Tenderness

Shelly Wiseberg

Tender hearted

Melting soul

Warming hearts

Truth in purity

Depth of being

Open in sharing

Peaceful inner sanctuary

Quest for the divine

From within

Empowering spirit

Manifesting change

Creating hope in the now

Working together

Transforming thoughts

To action

Enlightened passions

Coming alive in love’s embrace.

* * * * *

Lost Memories

Shelly Wiseberg

Slowly fading away

Are your memories

Forgotten in moments

Glimpses of recollection

Disappearing in confusion

Knowing without knowing

Familiar of the unfamiliar

Living in another world

Not remembering anything

Slipping away before my eyes

In silence my heart cries

Watching you slowly fade away

Loving you now like yesterday

Guiding you always, here I stay

Embracing hearts in reach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shelly Wiseberg is a published author of four books of poetry. Her collection of poetry speaks from the heart and depth of her soul. Two of her books are published with Lulu Press; one is titled “Prose and Cons,” the other one is titled “Poetry of Life,” and can be purchased at Lulu Press. Shelly’s poetry is also published on the Internet in “Storytime Tapestry,” an internet- based ezine, “The SHINE! Journal,” an internet-based literary journal, and in “The Cat’s Meow for Writers & Readers Ezine”, an internet-based magazine. She is also published in “Agoraphobia Resource Center’s” newsletter, which included three (3) of her poems in which she shares what it’s like living with a disorder…please go to: http://www.agoraphobia.ws, to read her poetry and story. Her hobbies are collecting seashells, crystal rock, stones and quartz. And she has a big interest in anything spiritual, paranormal, numerology, astrology, reading, cooking, writing and road travel. Shelly is very concerned about the state of the world in every aspect; poverty, racism, war, earth changes, homelessness, everything and anything to due with the world today. She would love to travel to all places that are spiritually and emotionally uplifting to the soul. She can be reached via email at: karmicpath22@yahoo.ca, or at: tgardener_5@sympatico.ca

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Mariane’s Valentines

(Rejected by Hallmark Cards)

Mariane Holbrook

# 1
With all my heart I love you,
With all my heart I care;
I still have one big question, though,
"Do you still dye your hair?"

#2
You look so lovely in that dress
I even love your hat
Is it okay to tell the world
You've gotten sorta fat?

#3
My valentine, I love you so,
You fill my heart with bliss
If you'd just put your teeth in
Then I might enjoy a kiss.

#4
Dear Valentine, you are so dear,
I love your tender touch
Let's just forget your mother said
You'd not amount to much.

#5

Dear Pastor, words cannot express
How sad we are when we transgress
We hate to be a stumbling block,
But next time, will you bring a clock?

Your sermons are just what we need
To learn our doctrine and our creed
But we would sing a glorious tune
If you'd just let us out by noon.

We love the singing and the prayers
And talking to our God upstairs
But what you sow you cannot reap
If you keep putting us to sleep.

* * * * *

Just Your Friendship

Mariane Holbrook

I seek nothing else, I have no higher aim
I’m not laying ground rules nor staking a claim
I feel good just knowing that you know my name
Just your friendship, that’s all that I want

I won’t hold you back, and I want you to know
That if you change your mind, then I’ll just let you go
I made that decision a long time ago;
Just your friendship, that’s all that I want

I’ll provide an oasis, a place you can rest,
A place in my heart for a favorite guest,
A spot that I’ve always reserved for the best;
Just your friendship, that’s all that I want

You will be like a bird who is free in its flights,
Who soars down at random from eagle’s nest heights
And brings with each visit such joys and delights
Just your friendship, that’s all that I want

You’re safe with me, friend, and you always will be
As long as I live, you can count upon me
You’re a dove that is loved, but who always is free;
Just your friendship, that’s all that I want.

* * * * *

Why Do I Love You?

Mariane Holbrook

You ask me why I love you, dear, so let me tell you why
You've seen the seagulls lift their wings and soar into the sky
You've watched the tides rush in to bathe the peaceful, golden shore
And swoop up nature's treasures lying on the ocean floor

But what I feel for you, my love, is stronger than all these
It reaches Heaven's highest heights and to the deepest seas
It spreads its arms around the world to try to hold you near
And with compassion's gentle touch, it wipes away each tear

So when you look at me and ask me why I love you so,
I tell you all these things, my love, just so that you will know
That nothing I possess in life means more to me than you
And I can tell from all you've said, I know you love me, too

* * * * *

Kissing is an Art Form

Mariane Holbrook

My mama told me someday I'd begin to likin' kissin'
She said I'd wake one mornin' and would see what I'd been missin'
But I was just a kid then and I paid her no attention,
'Cuz kissin' boys was something far beyond my comprehension

My days were spent on roller skates and climbin' apple trees
And rollin' marbles on cement 'til I would skin my knees
We'd line up dolls along the walls and give them names like Charlotte
And dress them in red velvet as befits a Broadway starlet

But then one day I saw a boy who made me do some thinkin'
His big blue eyes just looked at me, and then he started winkin'
My heart did flip-flops, I felt faint, my eyes began to flutter
He kissed me full upon the lips and then I turned to butter

So, mom, I understand your thoughts about the fun of kissin,'
And I've been sittin' here just now and sort of reminiscin'
I learned a lot of things in school, like learnin' and obeyin'
But kissin' was one subject that I vowed to make an "A" in.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: