Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

Adversity comes in all shapes and sizes and elements. Witness the weather beginning in May and continuing into June. Not just in the U.S.A., but around the world. Many have suffered and there is not a lot those of us who hear about these things long distance can do, but we can look closer to home and perhaps help someone nearby. Nancy Park addresses "The Compassionate Self" in her column, "Mind, Body, & Spirit Connection." Check out her thoughts with your own.

Thomas F. O'Neill ("Introspective") speaks of China's attempt to block all international internet resourses, which is more obvious to him after signing up for NetFlix. Mattie Lennon ("Irish Eyes") shares some macabre practices, "Sleeping in Coffins" with his usual comical tact, then seeks the higher and lighter life for himself by attending Listowel's annual literary event.

John I. Blair's column "Always Looking - People Who Made A Difference XXX" brings Ralph Waldo Emerson into the spotlight disclosing his attributes. Blair found four poems we had not published from 2004 and these are: "Geckos in The Garden Shed," "What Could Be More Antithetical," "Cattle Egrets," and "Reality Checks." Glad to show these and hope he gets in the poetry mood before the July-August combined issue.

Phillip Hennessy's poem "God Only Knows" was set to music, and as such placed Phil with the top song in the month of May on the Clay County Radio, CCR, The home of Independent Country Music Promotions ! His youtube link to the song is shown with the poem and two more of his poems ("Friends" and "The Fool") are included this issue.
Link: clayscounty.com

Bud Lemire sent us two poems "Expressions" and "When You Get Old" while Bruce Clifford's single submission is "The Only Thing."

Jeremiah Raber also sent two poems, "Beware" and "Is it to Forget." Mrs. King submitted two also: "Sovereignty" and "Catastrophe That." Be sure to click her byline for her bio.

Rebecca Morris' serial "The Adventures of Ollie Dare" continues with Chapter 3 "Ollie-Dare and The River Boat Pilot" for June. Share this with your reading youngsters.

Mark Crocker adds Chapter Two "Underhanded Deals" of his "Rabbo Book Five."

Thanks again to Mike Craner for his expertise and patience that allows this little ezine to continue its mission of encouraging writers, experienced and beginners, and to promote reading. TV has done a lot to discourage reading as a pastime, but we are holding fast.

We will be combining the July and August submittals in one issue to be released on the first day of August. This should give all the authors time to enjoy summer and still get some writing done for their loyal readers. We certainly are looking forward to a nice summer and wish everyone the best.