Who Is Santa Claus?
by Cynthia Jones

December, 2004

and while we are at it, let us share more magical reads for the season...........

Who is Santa Claus? Hmm...I guess he is not a jolly figure in a red and white suit created by Coca-cola according to
snopes.com where you can read the origins of this winter icon. The man has always impressed me no doubt. Every year without fail bringing me my hearts desire right to my home and leaving it under my Christmas tree. Although the true meaning of Christmas was taught to me and I do treasure our King's birth, I spent my Christmas eve's like most children around the world waiting for this magnificent man with his white beard and his decorative suit. Arriving with a sleigh of gifts driven by that team of reindeer. So many of those holiday nights convinced I did hear those jingle bells. Yes, I have always loved St. Nick and even as an adult I have come to realize even more that to spread that kind of magic in a world such as this....well....only a saint can do that.

Are you in the mood for more holiday reading material? We can take a look at the season with rituals, traditions, recipes, activities, stories, ideas on how to create your own traditions and ways to celebrate a life-affirming festival with
Yule,
The Complete Kwanzaa,
The Story of Hanukkah and
The Winter Solstice.

While living in Spain, I was first introduced to Three Kings' Day, a Spanish holiday celebrated on January 6th. The children will leave a slipper or maybe a boot out side their door to be filled with candy and toys. Vivan los Reyes Magos gives us a fun story to follow and enjoy this celebration with her book
Hurray for Three Kings Day!.

• Visit the Holidays and Seasons section at
  Poetry Galore! Here are just a few of my favorites listed there. Enjoy!

• Smiling Christmas Child by Denny Lancaster
• A Christmas Thought by David G. Bancroft
• Winter by Joyce C. Lock
• A Christmas Party by Brian Lund
• Christmas Day by Carol Dee Meeks

What ever you read this season, make it an enjoyable and learning experience. Have fun and have a wonderful holiday season!

In Writing
by Cynthia Jones

November, 2004

literary reads from yesterdays to lift us, to inspire us, to improve upon and grace our minds for tomorrow...>

My daughter Ashley, a junior in high school, had to deliver 'The Gettysburg Address' both vigilantly and accurately. It was her assignment that brought this piece of literature to light for me again after all these years.  It touched me greatly that the words written so very long ago could be the very words written today for our own comfort and solace.

The Gettysburg AddressNov. 19, 1863

Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it as a final resting place for those who died here that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have hallowed it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is rather for us the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

• I implore you to visit the following links. Read through some of the presidential speeches and addresses. It is more then patriotism, it is knowledge.

• Presidential Speeches and Addresses
• The Gettysburg Address (site of information)
• The Gettysburg Address (actual address)

 

Yet, after all, though the problems are new, though the tasks set before us differ from the tasks set before our fathers who founded and preserved this Republic, the spirit in which these tasks must be undertaken and these problems faced, if our duty is to be well done, remains essentially unchanged. We know that self-government is difficult. We know that no people needs such high traits of character as that people which seeks to govern its affairs aright through the freely expressed will of the freemen who compose it. But we have faith that we shall not prove false to the memories of the men of the mighty past. They did their work, they left us the splendid heritage we now enjoy. We in our turn have an assured confidence that we shall be able to leave this heritage unwasted and enlarged to our children and our children's children. To do so we must show, not merely in great crises, but in the everyday affairs of life, the qualities of practical intelligence, of courage, of hardihood, and endurance, and above all the power of devotion to a lofty ideal, which made great the men who founded this Republic in the days of Washington, which made great the men who preserved this Republic in the days of Abraham Lincoln.

Theodore Roosevelt
Inaugural address, Saturday, March 4, 1905

Spine Tingling Reads
by Cynthia Jones

October, 2004

Tales to make you tremble with fear and send shivers down your spine...........

It is a perfect time to spook things up a bit. I have quite a few chilling tales to share with you and hope you find something that will scare the wits out of you. Mmmmuuuaaaaahhhh!  What does give you a good scare? I still enjoy Frankenstein, Dracula and of course werewolves. Rebecca York delivers both suspense and romance in her werewolf trilogy, Killing Moon, Edge of the Moon and Witching Moon.

What about Vampires? Do you believe they are real? Vampires: The Occult Truth by Monstantinos will make you ask if they do exist. If you have the courage to read a book that may put to rest all myths and misconceptions, this is the one. Containing never before published case histories with vampires and their victims.

Then again, Monsters are only figments of our imagination...hmm...perhaps this is so but people continue to encounter such beings and with vivid tales to tell. Give Monsters a ready, by John Michael Greer that uncovers ghost stories, werewolf legends, dragons, tips on investigating a monster sighting and more to make a believer out of you.

Still not scared? Well then take a look at the Chupacabra. I remember first reading about it while standing in the check out line at the grocery store. They often times have little booklets by the gum and candy. 'Awful Horror Stories', it was not a great pick. However, bored from waiting in line I began leafing through the pages. That particular story did cause goose bumps and many people believe the creature to be real.

• More Chilling Reads with Reviews!

• The Laughing Corpse
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Salem's Lot

I hope you do find something that will fill your October with fright. Have a fun and safe Halloween/Samhain and check out Halloween Spells, Recipes and Customs by Silver Ravenwolf, filled with activities and ways to celebrate the season.

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read
by Cynthia E.  Jones

September, 2004

'Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.'
 ALA Library Bill of Rights

In a search for September books or back to school reads for young people who will soon be deciding upon an author for reports and assignments as well as something to read leisurely. I came across ALA (American Library Association) with an invitation to edit and send the following.

Open Your Mind to a Banned Book

Throughout the country, most children are starting a new academic year. Teachers are sending out their lists of required readings, and parents are beginning to gather books. In some cases, classics like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' 'The Catcher in the Rye,' and 'To Kill a Mocking Bird,' may not be included in curriculum or available in the school library due to challenges made by parents or administrators.

Since 1990, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom has recorded more than 7,000 book challenges. A challenge is a formal, written complaint requesting a book be removed from library shelves or school curriculum. About three out of four of all challenges are to material in schools or school libraries, and one in four are to material in public libraries. The Office for Intellectual Freedom estimates that less than one-quarter of challenges are reported and recorded.

It is thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students that most challenges are unsuccessful and reading materials, like 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' 'Slaughterhouse Five,' and the Harry Potter series remains available. When parents in a south Georgia school this summer challenged the use of John Steinbeck's classic 'Of Mice and Men' in the sophomore advanced-level English class, the school superintendent and others rallied to keep the book available.

The most challenged and/or restricted reading materials have been books for children. At the same time that families nationwide have embraced the series that has encouraged many youth to delve into thousands of fantasy-filled pages, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling has been the most frequently challenged title in the country. In fact, this spring a U.S. district judge ordered the books back into general circulation in the Cedarville (Ark.) School District after the district restricted access.

Challenges are not simply an expression of a point of view; on the contrary, they are an attempt to remove materials from public use, thereby restricting the access of others. Even if the motivation to ban or challenge a book is well intentioned, the outcome is detrimental. Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children, decisions about what books to read should be made by the people who know them best -their parents or guardians.

In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the ALA is sponsoring Banned Books in September, an annual celebration of our right to access books without censorship. This year's observance is themed 'Open Your Mind to a Banned Book', and commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society -the freedom to read freely -and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted.

Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. Thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating in special events, exhibits, and read-outs that showcase books that have been banned or threatened.

The American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the ALA; the American Society of Journalists and Authors; the Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores sponsor Banned Books Week. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses the observance.

American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, let freedom read at your library! Open your mind to an old favorite or a new banned book this month.

'Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.' (German: 'Dort, wo man Bucher verbrennt, verbrennt man am Ende auch Menschen.') -Heinrich Heine, from his play Almansor (1821)

Information attained for this article was found at ALA (American Library Association)

Haiku
by Cynthia E.  Jones

August, 2004

that which is light, simple, open and written with depth...........

Often times when writing a poem of any kind the writer will dig deep into their subconscious, releasing emotion and feeling that other wise would be retained and pent up. While all forms of poetry have this cause and effect, a Haiku may be the easiest from to get our feelings quickly written and explained. A haiku can also be considered an exercise to help with writer's block, forging a beginning to something more with greater detail.

One outstanding example of enlightenment in this manner is indeed Basho;  Japanese poet considered master of the Haiku form and author of "Oku-no-hosomichi (Narrow Road to the Interior)">. He shared with us his meditative way of life through his writing style, leaving us with the most wonderful pieces. The reader is made aware of his attitude and focus as he writes skillfully with a light texture to his words. In his most solitary moments he found beauty in everything around him and conveyed that in depth for our pleasure.  Shared below are a few links that better introduce Basho Matsuo and his creatively written Haikus.

• BASHO

• Basho Matsuo
• Biography of Basho
• Basho's Life

 

• QUALITIES OF HAIKU FORM

These are poems that contain 17 syllables in total. Line one will contain 5, line two will contain 7 and line three will contain 5. When writing a Haiku, one should avoid writing with similes, meaning words or phrases where anything is likened to something else.  Metaphors are also another aspect to not use when writing in this form.  Omit the figure of speech that a word or phrase ordinarily designates one thing, then used to designate another. As an example of a metaphor; That garden is like a paradise.  A Haiku should reflect lightness, simplicity, openness and depth while always maintaining Japanese values.

An example from me while watching my fish tank:

air bubbles surface
fish swim deep within water
their movement soothes me

Independence!
by Cynthia E.  Jones

July, 2004

How does it get here?  How do we use it?

It was never my intent to turn this space into an editorial.  Although I admit the difficulty I do have writing and not stating my opinion.  Sometimes I guess I lean on my own emotions to begin something.  It has also been important for me to write literary likes for every reader. NetNacs! is read by those all over the world, and I try very hard to open LitKorner! up for all, and not only focus on one interest group.   With that being said, please forgive me as I have felt compelled to write with maybe a little too much emotion this time.

My Country is in turmoil really.  We all are confused and sad by our every day's events.  The news is filled with tragedy both at home and abroad.  How can any of us do anything to make a significant change, to feel happy and glad to celebrate at any kind of celebration?  I have been asking myself this question in a very much more serious mode for a few years now, since I witnessed the falling of the Twin Towers and that horrific day.  I try with all my might to put it into God's hands and live my normal everyday life.  It has been an impossible task though; nothing is, nor ever will be normal again.

Then something touches me, maybe it's an angel, a spirit of a loved one or maybe even God him self, but something much more powerful then I, simply touches me, reminding me of great things.  Tears will fall and I will ask my self how can I ever not write with the emotion that has been laid upon me?  How can I go without giving some words of praise, offering a little space to that which needs to be uplifted  This time my heart is filled with patriotism and especially so with being the wife of a sailor. 

My husband is a career recruiter for the U.S. Navy, his rate is that of a Navy Counselor (NC).  When he joined the Navy he became a Hull Tech (HT) and served on several ships before switching rates.  I personally know how it feels to be separated from your loved one, how their life is put into harms way for the good of all.  His dedication to his job and Country have astounded me in our years of marriage.  He remains dedicated even through times of trouble and strife, he puts politics aside and pays no mind to crude insults of fellow Americans. He simply does what he swore he would and does it with all of his heart.

It would be a lie if I said I have served equally the same as a Military Wife. No, I have both questioned my government at times as I have my husband's job.  He reminds me all the time that each one of us has a job to do and it all comes together.  He often times uses the explanation of a ship with all the crew having assigned duties. Some duties seem less relevant then others but without one, the ship simply will not motivate.  Our Country in essence is the very same, we need everyone, all kinds and all views to motivate.

My tears will continue to fall for our young people, their loss of youth and innocence... their loss of life.  Sometimes it is simply impossible for me to justify any of it, but I will do my part just the same, to be a hopeful citizen and live my life in the best way I can, thankful for it and my freedoms.  I will remain thankful to those who have given this to me and thankful to God. As we suffer these trials and tribulations together as a nation, as a world, may we take solace and reverence in remembering those in harms way, and try to recall the good that prevails. Between words, arguments and all of the political correctness,  let us find the strength to support one another, our families, the troops of the United States and the world.

Before closing, I would like to invite you to USA Patriotism!.  There are far too many outstanding and inspirational pieces for me to mention here, and all are dedicated to patriotism, some based on real experiences.  I have listed a few for your reading and encourage you to read more listed there. It is a great place to visit, and maybe we can bow our heads together in remembrance and prayer for everyone.

• A Few Inspirations of Patriotism:

• AMERICA by Lonnie T. Moon III
• United We Stand by Clifford Ferguson
• I Pray For America by R. Anne Shiever
• Grandpa's Admonition by Denny Lancaster
• America Always There by David G. Bancroft
• Red, White and Blue by Cynthia E. Jones

We are a nation that lives free, as is the world really, for each of us are free. 
We are free to lay our burdens down and rise again with a new found Independence.

A Father to Me
by Cynthia E.  Jones

June, 2004

Thank you for your words of strength, for your teachings and helping me to grow into the person I am today...........

There are too many wonderful Fathers of Literature that have influenced me through out the years.  I can not mention them all here.  A good place to start is  The Literature Network, There are many wonderful literary works to choose from. A few names from the list include William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Homer and Bram Stoker. Now these are simply a few of the wonderful authors that have given us inspiration and literary teachings. I focused on these due to their distinctive writings.  When I was in High School my drama class read and performed Bram Stoker's Dracula. It was an incredible but chilling tale and has stuck with me all these years.  It's  reading would be enjoyed by anyone.  My Mythology and Legend class read Homer's Iliad and I believe it was the most magnificent book I have ever come across.  I must admit though, without my teacher's guidance at that time I do not think I could have or would wanted to have read it.  Through the introduction of Homer and his writings, I also discovered his Odyssey that is even more challenging but equally gratifying to read.

My Dad has also been a great influence in my life.  He is not a writer or a literary buff, but very much deserving of a poem and I have tried to do him justice with my words.  It is sometimes easier to write our feelings when we can not express them out loud.  We are able to tell a story with incomplete sentences and getting to our point rather quickly. It is my belief that Poetry is a wonderful honor or tribute. In honor of my Dad, I have written the following.

"When I Was Your Girl"

When I was little I was your girl,
little did I know of this ole world.

You held your temper so many times
with countless pets, you didn't mind
our toys strung over the floor,
coming in late...slamming the door,
lights left on... you set your alarm.
You kept us safe; You kept me from harm.

Our family was so young you lost your leg.
We went through hell in so many ways.
You fought those demons you fought for life,
little did you know we fought too;
...your kids and wife.

We almost lost you again and again,
each time a struggle we suffered the pain.

What would happen to us without you.
You're the rock that guided us through;
Winters, strikes, Grandpa passed
and when Aunt Hattie died.

Life has changed the old house gone.
A new one sits we have moved on.
I'm grown with mine and past behind
but I still can remember it well...
When I was little and I was your girl...

I would also like to suggest that you visit Poetry Galore! and USA Patriotism! There are several Father's that have shared their own experiences through love and loss with families and life's lessons.  You can also find Poetry dedicated to Fathers. There has been much thought and design dedicated to writing and accepting writings from others for your enjoyment. It is a good place to spend some quality reading time and to be inspired.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and every Dad!

A Woman So Well
by Cynthia E.  Jones

May, 2004

My mother, what can I say to make you know on this mother's day how you have effected my life along the way and taught me to be a woman so well...........

My thoughts of Mother's Day cause me to take pause and reflect on my Mom. The quote above is from a poem I wrote for her a few years ago. My mind wondered on thinking of all Mothers of the world. With a literary notion, I discovered that women writers have been Mothers to each and every one of us.

While visiting The Literature Network, I found quite a few links with informative pages of our Ladies in Literature.  A few to mention are, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Emily Dickenson is one of my very favorites.  Perhaps paralleling or similar characteristics between us have created such an admiration.  Never really being recognized for her work until after her death and maybe never achieving full gratification in life, she may hold the mark to what all writers can aspire to...never give up hope and keep writing!

Emily Dickenson's beautiful poem "We never know how high we are";

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies.

The heroism we recite
Would be a daily thing,
Did not ourselves the cubits warp
For fear to be king.

Virginia Woolf, another "Mother in Literature" with "A Room of One's Own" and of course Dr. Maya Angelou poet and author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and "Phenomenal Woman". When Maya speaks, I have this feeling that God himself has sent this angel to get our attention. Her gift to us can open our hearts and fill our minds with positives. She inspires me while she reminds me that like me, she is human and with the same weaknesses. She impresses onto me that strength is here inside me and I have to reach for it. Her words give me courage as a citizen, mother, woman and writer.

My Mom may not be a published author, writer or poet, but she was the first to introduce me to books and the love of words. She encouraged me to have faith in God and in myself to achieve my dreams and do what ever makes me happy. It is with her nurturing and teaching that I find the woman within me today. It is her light that gives me the desire to learn and look deeper for answers. It is that light that leads me to find the list of Women in Literature that I present to you today.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and every Mom!

Spring is Spiritual!
by Cynthia E.  Jones

April, 2004

Spring shares such beauty and my faith is in full bloom..........

What is Easter? There are different religions, different beliefs and cultures that tell us of sacrifice and alterations of many kinds. When I think of this time of year, I am taken to my knees with so much emotion and healing. It is a time of new, a time of life, a time of change and beginnings in our world. All that has been buried and sleeping during our past winter months will now pop up, open their eyes and begin a new cycle of life. What ever religion, belief or culture; is that not what it all represents?

This is the time for me to celebrate a man's rising to Heaven to sit in my defense so that I may be reborn. It brings me great pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you a poem I have written. I began writing this for Easter in 1999 and it was so long that it was more of a short story. Continually revising until my words formed what I have today. My verse is not meant to detour from the beauty of spring with blooming beauties such as lilies and daffodils, or to take away from the fun of the Easter Bunny, hiding colored eggs or filling baskets with candy and toys! My verse is a remembrance to me of what a man suffered and endured for me. It is a time for celebrations and everyone celebrates in their own personal way. We are a diverse people and I respect that! This is my own personal homage to my faith and without that faith, I would not survive one day in this world.

"He Lives"

On his back a heavy cross
Figuratively and Literally
he carried his cross;
Bitter and pronounced; to endure.

Struggling along his path;
Wounds of torment reopened
Sweat stings; blood mixes with taste;
Bitter and pronounced; to endure

Exhaustion drips from body and muscle
tearing into bits; salt burns the traces made
of his cross and his torments
Bitter and pronounced; to endure.

Laughter and teasing, ridicule and disbelieving;
A poor man claiming to be a king!
Taunting and daring to see his strength!
It's bitter and it's pronounced and it's endured!

At the close of his path, high upon a hill
two others in example of his;
He sees... He knows... He cries!
It's bitter and it's pronounced and it's endured!

Only a moment of relief; Cross touches down;
Quick and Sharp pain returns
CRACK!...a nail driven in one hand.
CRACK!...a nail driven in the other hand.

He weeps and the crowd hushed
some reluctant; some doubt;
Feet nailed in place and Cross raised high;
It's bitter and it's pronounced and it's endured.

Pleading for drink and favored with vinegar.
Feeling forsaken; Strength given;
Through it all he forgives;
Bitter, Pronounced, Endured

My Library
by Cynthia E.  Jones

March, 2004

a visit to my local Library online...........

Our Libraries need their community to volunteer and donate as funding is quit limited.  It would be my guess that if a Library is unused it could be removed and duly missed by its community.  In essence, the more you visit, volunteer, check out books and perhaps donate your old books, you are helping to keep your Library open.

A Library is a wonderful source of informative material.  A visitor may have access to computers, scanners, printers, copiers, fax machines, and the internet as well as video, television, CD's, cassettes and other audio equipment.   You will also find Magazines, Local News Papers, Large Print Books and Electronic Books.  Libraries are not only filled with books but also with countless tools to help us find our answers and to learn more on any given subject.  Many of the tools available are fun to use and will encourage us and our Children to fit reading and learning into our lives.

I'm using my local Library as a model resource in my article but if you visit your local Library I am positive you will find the same resources in your area.

There are Reading Discussion Groups for Adults on every 2^nd Monday in the Meeting Room.   A Youth Reading Group can also be arranged by request.  These groups are similar to book clubs.  From personal experience I would recommend anyone, rather you have enjoyed reading in the past or not, to give a book club or discussion groups a try.  These groups are developed to introduce new titles and subjects to you, books that you would not normally seek out. 

I can visit my local Library 'Kingsville Public Library' online and login with my Library card.  Once logged in I can check the catalogue for book availability and reserve the books I wish to check out.  If I or a member of my family has checked out a book and we are going to need more time for reading that book, we can easily extend our check out time.  I invite you to visit my local Library online to see all the great services they offer and visit your local Library to gain the same kinds of access. 

For Ohio residents you can visit OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) dedicated to providing Ohio residents free internet access through the state telecommunications network through their local public libraries.

I realize that many who will be reading this will not be residents of Ohio.  It is my hope that my article will bring an invitation or challenge for you to seek out your local library, either in person with a visit or by accessing them online.  I found a nifty search engine to help you find your local Library!  Ask a Librarian at
http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/local-library.html. If you already know where your Library is located and would prefer to visit them in person simply ask the Librarian if they have a web address. She or he will be more than happy to advise you and will love to see your interest in your Library and reading. I wish you the best of luck in finding and using a Library close to you.

A Sonnet
by Cynthia E.  Jones

February, 2004

a Sonnet is only one type of Poetry...........

There are many ways we can arrange our words into lines and form our thoughts to create poetry. A type of poem is a descriptive way of doing this. Some different types of poetry to mention are Acrostic, Ballad, Cinquain, Concrete, Elegy, Epic, Epistle, Epitaph, Free Verse, Haiku, Limerick, Ode, Sonnet and Villanelle.

In most cases when I begin writing a poem I do not choose a particular type or style to write. I allow my words to flow freely and once I have something written I will then begin to structure my words, replacing some words with others or moving them around, to give my words meter. In the process a verse may be formed and a poem will take shape, sometimes correctly reflecting a type of Poem. Other times a verse is written with no rules applied. Some writers refer to this as Prose.

A Sonnet is the poem type I am sharing here. It did take a little thought as each line should hold 10 syllables. Using fingers and toes, I believe my count is correct. As the line count goes, the correct number is 14 lines in a Sonnet. The stanzas should be arranged as 4 lines, 4 lines, 4 lines and ending with 2 lines. A Sonnet should also have an Iambic Pentameter. This is a measurement of meter in which each line will have five feet (foot). A foot will be 2 syllables. 

Here is an example of a Sonnet that I have written. My dedication to my husband for our Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2004.

Belonging To Him

My Love, my love, today this is for you.
My words in time to touch your heart and soul.
I pray that this Sonnet I write will do.
My Love deserves thoughtful wordings and toll.

Met you on a Summer's eve; Our first night.
Handsome were you, had to make you all mine.
Some days no Sun, you still give me such light.
My heart tells me we will succeed all time.

Nothing on Earth can be assure for me.
You are the one only for me 'tis true.
Even if I were to set sail by Sea,
No place to go to find a love like you.

I grieve my love, and it must be for you,
promise to me your love always and true.

• A few terms used in Poetry

• Iambic Pentameter - Each line contains 5 feet (foot).
• Foot - Rhythmic unit in a line, usually consists of 2 or 3 syllables (using 2 with a Sonnet).
• Stress - Emphasis is on a syllable or word.
• Stanza - A grouping of lines in a poem.
• Meter - A way to measure rhythm in verse.
• Verse - A line of poetry, a stanza or poem.
• Prose - Writing not in poetic measure or rhythm.

Acrostic - The tile is written vertically, each line begins with a letter in title.
Ballad - Four line stanzas with rhyme pattern of lines 2 and 4 in each stanza.
Cinquain - Five lines, first line has 2 syllables and each line gains 2 syllables thereafter.
Concrete - The words are placed to create a picture.
Elegy - Written to honor the death of a person.
Epic - Long narrative poetry.
Epistle - Poetry in the form of a letter.
Epitaph - Inscription or dedication.
Free Verse - Can not be described in terms of meter.
Haiku - Three lines with 17 syllables arranged 5, 7, 5, usually about nature or a single image.
Limerick - Five lines, rhyme lines 1 & 2 then 3 & 4 and no rhyme with line 5.
Ode - Poetry to praise with a lyrical appeal.
Sonnet - Consisting of 14 lines divided into 4 stanzas of 4, 4, 4 and 2 also using an Iambic Pentameter.
Villanelle - Six stanzas, first five stanzas with 3 lines, rhyme lines 1 & 3, last stanza has 4 lines, rhyme 1, 3 & 4.

2004 Reading
by Cynthia E. Jones

January, 2004

A year has passed us and a new one begins. One of my resolutions this year is to read more books! When my daughter was too young to read on her own I always found time to pick up a book and read to her. Things have changed so much in the last years. It is a busy world and we love fast pace things. My own family and I, we are now in love with our computers, video games, movies and televisions. Our books sometimes rest too long on the shelves. It is more and more difficult to find time to devote to an entire book.

I recently asked several ladies of WOSIB ("Women of Strength and Inner Beauty") to answer a few questions and share their favorite reads. A few ladies did share their reads with me and adding my own favorites the following list of books was created. I thought it would be fun to share the list with you. Some of the following books I read in 2003 but a good book always deserves a second or even third read. Maybe one or more of these titles will appeal to you and you will want to begin your own book list.

My Book List for 2004

• "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J. K. Rowling
• "Portrait of a Killer" by Patricia Cornwell
• "Everything's Eventual" by Stephen King
• "The Last Full Measure" by Jeff Shaara
• "Sex, Money and KISS" by Gene Simmons
• "Book of Angels" by Sylvia Browne
• "The Eleventh Hour" by Catherine Coulter
• "Living History" by Hillary Rodham Clinton
• "SELF Matters" by Phillip C. McGraw, PH.D.
• "The Bridges of Madison County" by Robert James Waller
• "The Poe Reader"

Ann Rice is my favorite author. In addition to the list above, this year I will be adding "Blackwood Farm" and "Blood Canticle" to my collection. If you are looking for one of Anne's books to give her a read, I would recommend "Servant of The Bones". It is in my immediate plans to give this book another read myself!  I hope with the titles given here you find something to get you on your way to reading this year, I know I have! Happy reading and have a wonderful New Year!!!

You can find your books online searching by title at
Books A Million Book Club.