From: petersm@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (Marguerite Petersen)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems
Subject: Meanderings of the Mind - Waxing Nostalgic (Long, but please read)
Date: 18 Dec 92 23:27:59 GMT
Article-I.D.: leela.1gtmpvINN9ld
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Organization: Computer Science Outreach Services - Oregon State University
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Meanderings of the Mind - Waxing Nostalgic


No I haven't given up on writing or posting poetry, just taking a
moment during this introspective and somewhat nostalgic season to
write about a few meanderings my mind has been taking.

It occurred to me just last night, or rather early this morning,
that it has been almost a year since I first discovered this
newsgroup and bolstering my courage with a somewhat large glass
of Sherry, posted my first poem to r.a.p.  I admit now that my
fingers were shaking so badly that first posting that I could
hardly get the commands right.  Laughable now.  (I'll bet that
noone can remember the title of that first poem. :-) )  Anyway,
the skies did not open up and swallow me, I did get a few polite
comments in email and the rest, as they say, is history.  

I recently took a creative writing course that met once a week at
the local Community College.   The instructor encouraged
*everyone* to bring in their prose and poetry attempts to share
with the group which was composed of about 20 middle aged to
elderly women.  Some are published poets and writers, others are
editors of literary publications and still others, newbies like
myself.  They would be happy to critique it.  I figured what the
heck.  I've gotten used to posting and sharing my poetry all over
the world and if I can do that, this should be easy!  

Second week of class I arrived with two poems and a short story
ready to do my thing.  From the first moment I entered the
classroom I felt my knees turn to jello.  When the instructor
asked if anyone had anything to share I did have the courage to
answer her but my voice was shaking.  There were three of us and
being the newest member of the group (and scared to death by this
time) I elected to let the others go first.  I really was hoping
that lightning would strike before they got to me!  

However, no such luck.  My turn came.  I passed out copies of my
writings.  The instructor gave me the option of having her read
them out or reading them myself.  I read them.  My voice started
shaking about the second sentence.  I was glad I was sitting down
and I left the papers on the table because I couldn't control my
hands.  I did manage to get through it and even the critiquing
part went fine but, it was one hell of an experience.  It's a
*lot* harder to look your critics in the eye.

Now if anyone has read this far you're probably wondering just
what is the point of all this?  Well, I am even going to tell
you.  It all ties in with my posting to this newsgroup and the
sometimes good, sometimes not so good, reception and feedback I
found here.  Yes, I'm complimenting All of You!  :-)  I sincerely
believe that I would *never* have had the chutzpah to read my
poetry to complete strangers if I hadn't had the experience of
support, encouragement and criticism from you r.a.p. readers.

I have no idea if my poetry is any good and I do not know what it
might lead me to, if anything.  What I do know *now* is that what
I have written I can share with others.  For me that is an
accomplishment and I have all of you to thank for helping me.

And just so you have some poetry to read along with my
meanderings I am including the following message to *Everyone*.
(If you hum Jingle Bells while reading, I think you'll find it
scans.)  :-)


                    SOLSTICE CHEER


               Solstice Cheer, Solstice Cheer
               Solstice Cheer abounds
               Wouldn't it be nice if we
               Could have it all year round.
          Repeat
                         The tree and holly gleam
                         The Yule log is alight
                         Smiling faces beam
                         Everything is bright.

                         No matter rich or poor
                         Share with us this sight
                         The sun returns to us once more
                         On this winter night.

               Solstice Cheer, Solstice Cheer
               Solstice Cheer abounds
               Wouldn't it be nice if we
               Could have it all year round.
          Repeat

                                   December 17, 1992
                                   Kathleen O'Toole,
                                   Bringer of Light


-- 
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"Insufficient facts always invites danger, Captain."- Spock in Space Seed
	Marg Petersen	petersm@jacobs.cs.orst.edu
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Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems