Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

Does heat conjure up deep thoughts? One would think so judging by the majority of this issue's content. In this area of the country, western Texas, that is, triple digit weather (up to 113) has already spanned over two weeks in June, but a cold front dropped the temp way down in the mid to low 90's during the last few days. July promises to heat up again. Remember, being serious sometimes is not a sin, and can make you consider your own options.

If heat doesn't do it, then "Perhaps" (the title of a poem by yours truly that will get published here sooner or later) the solemnity of Memorial Day finishing up the previous month led the authors to reflect, muse, and even brood upon the prospect of what's next when they began writing during the month June. Maybe we should just make that the poets, as the even the most cheerful of their work, "Brother Rabbit and Brother Cat" by Mark Crocker has its characters in dire straits. Bud Lemire's poems, "The Walk of Life," "Death," and "A Question of What To Do" all look ahead to the end. John I. Blair faces such occurences in the everyday world with "Juggernaut Tires," "Reunion," and "Dead Hand," while "You Look Younger!" and "It May Be Time for Service," speak of older maintenance, and his salute for those already gone sings in "Bright Morning Stars."

M. Jay Mansfield continues the dark rhymes with "Dog," "Exercise in Mixed Dementia," "Don't Speak," "Neutral," "Random Order," and "Sapient Superior." We're very happy to see Jay writing again--he is one of our most prolific poets. A new author for our publication is Barbara Melendez, aka Morning Star*, whose channeled "A Message for My Family Members" is expanded for comfort to anyone whose family members have committed suicide. No, this is not a light and cheerful month, apparently, but this particular work is uplifting, and we welcome Ms. Melendez to our ezine. We remind you to check the authors' bio's by clicking on their byline.

Bruce Clifford's songs, "Ice Cream Genius," and "The Best Side," are lyrical and aspiring, at least, as are the columns, though Mattie Lennon ("Irish Eyes") in his tribute to a friend and poet speaks of one of Dan Keane's most famous works commemorating the deaths of three young men in Ireland. Do check his column out for the interesting pictures, as well, including one of him with the Irish poet.

Leo C. Helmer's lighthearted column brings the promised recipe for sourdough bread, and a zinger of a tale about how it came to him in "Cookin' With Leo." LC Van Savage reminds us of "Surprises and Embarassments" we'd probably like to forget as does she, while her column "Consider This," relates an instance of what you write sometimes catches up with you. You are sure to get a kick out of "Poppy and other Friends."

Another article is "New brake pads . . ." by Mark Crocker, aka Rabbo, the same author who brings us the "Brother Rabbit and Brother Cat" poem. The reader may feel akin to his problems even if they've never tackled exactly the same chore. The column "Thinking Out Loud" may be similar to your experiences, as well, but Gerard Meister always handles such things with charm.

To cheer you up, enjoy the novel name Eric Shackle discusses in his own column, ("Eric Shackle's Column" of course) Then settle in and thoroughly read Thomas O'Neill's column "Introspective" for July. It is a captivating story about "Officer Cujo" who just happens to be a police dog.

We leave you to enjoy the reading and do drop a comment to encourage our writers. Mike Craner, our co-founder and webmaster, has been streamlining the method for doing so, and it is simple to use. Be sure to fill in the little code at the bottom of the comment space, as it works to allow the comment to be posted.

See you in August!