Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

Blowing in with warmer weather and worse war news, March stomps into place nearly trampling short February and definitely leaving it in its wake. Once gone, soon forgotten seems to be the motto of the youth of today, though one of this writer's venerable age wonders if "it" was ever learned by those same forgettees. Not just values, but tenets, traditions, fashions, reading material and common sense all seem to be falling by the wayside in this new day. Speaking of Common Sense, here is his obituary:

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn`t always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don`t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I`m A Whiner and I`m A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

...anonymous admirer

Columns this issue, including the Editor's Corner, number five. LC Van Savage has an editorial as well as her column (check out the article, "Anger, Rage, and Stupid") Consider This; Cookin' With Leo brings a discussion with recipe of the distinction between chili and chile by Leo C. Helmer; Mattie Lennon debates the viability of his newspaper purchases in Irish Eyes; and Gerard Meister puts on his not-so-handyman hat for Thinking Out Loud.

We welcome a new poet, Bud Lemire. Be sure to look up his bio by clicking on his byline (name of author in blue font below the title) after reading his six poems: "A Glimpse Inside Your Soul ," "Awaken From Your Sleep," "Earth Song, Empty Out Your Pockets," "Many Changes," and "The Garden Of Souls." We found Bud chatting on the James Van Praagh site, which also has posted many of his poems.

Another new poet from the same location, is Lisa Richardson aka jaye, who shares her "Heartbreak" with us. This poem may not be what you expect from the title, so look it over. Her web site has much of her poetry, and you can read her bio also. We are pleased to present your work here in Pencil Stubs Online, Lisa.

Returning poet MJMansfield adds another poem to his list we've published. "Here I Stand" is rhythmic free verse, and many of us can relate to the topic. Another returnee we are happy to see back is Ronald Kevin Dean, Jr who tells of "The Moment" and what it meant to him.

John I. Blair regales us with more of his pleasing writing with these six poems: "A Single Feather," "Squares," "Stranded," "Teakettle," "Will," and "Wonderful Planet." We thank you again, John, and also send our love to Clara while she continues to recuperate. Clara, looking forward to some more of your fine poetry.

Bruce Clifford recalls his "Imaginary Friend," and tells about when "Rock N Roll Died Today" in his unique manner. Bruce is a musician and most of his work either is or becomes lyrics for his songs. His daughter Brooke Clifford adds the second instalment of her continuing version of "Teen Titans - My Own Story" to be found in the story section. If you didn't read the first, click her byline and find it in the list of work we've shown in this ezine.

Enjoy the reading. Don't forget to send us something you'd like to see published here. Keep your spirits up and don't let March trample on you.

See you in April.