I belong to Military Writers Society of America.
So why would subscribers and readers of this blog care about an organization for writers?
Because if you're interested in the subjects I cover in this blog, you may very well want to support this society that supports veterans who write about military-related matters, veterans who write about anything else (and writers of every ilk, for that matter!) and through them, readers who want to find the best of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry related to the military.
Those who are interested in this organization and what they do--and how their bookstore can help you find great writing--go to my Sharing with Writers and Readers blog today. Details abound. (-:
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm. If your Twitter followers would be interested, please pass this on to them using this widget:
Showing posts with label military writers society of america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military writers society of america. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, October 11, 2009
History Radio Program Features Military Authors
I know that many of you who follow this blog are not only history buffs but military history buffs. Gosh, but I'm smart! Therefore, I thought you'd be interested in Paul Bruno's radio show, the History Czar - All History, All the Time!
Of further interest is that Military Writers Society of America president is featured there this week. She recorded on 10/09/09. She is the author of In The Shadow Of Suribachi, a novel about her father's experiences at the battle of Iwo Jima! Her website is www.losingpatience.com.
Listen to Joyce Faulkner at www.alltalkradio.net/historyczar/historyczar100909.mp3
The History Czar blogs at www.historyczar.wordpress.com:
Coming Up on the History Czar:
11/13/09 - Colonel Charles Young the first African- American to reach the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army biographer, Dr. David Kilroy of Nova Southeastern University.
11/20/09 - Flying B-17's during World War II with Captain William Terminello U.S. Air Force (Ret.).
12/11/09 - Guy in the Back (GIB) Lt. Peter Gilespie U.S. Air Force (Ret.) tells History Czar listeners all about the F4 Phantom!
12/18/09 - History of Aviation with Blair Smith!
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Of further interest is that Military Writers Society of America president is featured there this week. She recorded on 10/09/09. She is the author of In The Shadow Of Suribachi, a novel about her father's experiences at the battle of Iwo Jima! Her website is www.losingpatience.com.
Listen to Joyce Faulkner at www.alltalkradio.net/historyczar/historyczar100909.mp3
The History Czar blogs at www.historyczar.wordpress.com:
Coming Up on the History Czar:
11/13/09 - Colonel Charles Young the first African- American to reach the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army biographer, Dr. David Kilroy of Nova Southeastern University.
11/20/09 - Flying B-17's during World War II with Captain William Terminello U.S. Air Force (Ret.).
12/11/09 - Guy in the Back (GIB) Lt. Peter Gilespie U.S. Air Force (Ret.) tells History Czar listeners all about the F4 Phantom!
12/18/09 - History of Aviation with Blair Smith!
=====
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Air Force Commander Pens Thriller
I have a new series going at my New Book Review blog. Well, sort of a series. I wanted to pass forward the joy of being honored by the Military Writers Society of America for my chapbook of poetry Tracings. The 2009 batch of award winners are up and Colonel Michael “Mike” Angley is one of them.
Mike's award-winning book is the Child Finder Trilogy. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 following a 25-year career as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He held 13 different assignments throughout the world, among which were five tours as a Commander of various units, to include two Air Force Squadrons and a Wing. He is a seasoned criminal investigator and a counterintelligence and counterterrorism specialist. His debut novel, Child Finder, received the Silver Medal for Fiction in the 2009 Military Writers Society of America’s Annual Awards program. Child Finder features a USAF Special Agent protagonist, and it gets its inspiration from Angley’s long, multifaceted career.
So, won't you go by and read the review of his book at http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com? Leave him a comment. I know he'd love to feel the love.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Mike's award-winning book is the Child Finder Trilogy. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 following a 25-year career as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He held 13 different assignments throughout the world, among which were five tours as a Commander of various units, to include two Air Force Squadrons and a Wing. He is a seasoned criminal investigator and a counterintelligence and counterterrorism specialist. His debut novel, Child Finder, received the Silver Medal for Fiction in the 2009 Military Writers Society of America’s Annual Awards program. Child Finder features a USAF Special Agent protagonist, and it gets its inspiration from Angley’s long, multifaceted career.
So, won't you go by and read the review of his book at http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com? Leave him a comment. I know he'd love to feel the love.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Mike Mullins Shares His Inspiration for Healing
I thought I'd let you see some poetry by a Vietnam Vet who is still struggling with the physical results of that war. Poetry, for him, is an approach to leading a better and more creative life. See below the poem for his mini biography.
Another Sunrise
The sun has risen, about two hours high.
Another Sunday’s light shines in my eyes;
This day I promised an hour to the Lord.
Hmmm; is it an hour I can really afford?
By gum, I’d better roll out, better get up!
I owe the Lord for a whole lot of stuff.
Just last week I’d been wondering why
Good things happen to the undeserving
...such as I.
Too often folks see a casual Christian
When they hear me talk and laugh.
I am, but God knows my true mind.
Nothing escapes his all-seeing eyes.
Deep inside I see the hidden me, aware
That I am never all I should be… ever.
Laughter can chide the troubled soul.
It can also help it become a whole
….or so say I.
Our Lord blesses me; I feel His truth.
My friends, my church, my family too
Are all parts of His gifts to me, here.
In my pain they wipe away tears.
When I am laughing it is often at me.
It may be in that moment I feel free.
I share the serious things there too.
I even share my weakness with You.
…only at sunrise.
Mike Mullins, 8/25/09
Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, is the author of "Vietnam in Verse, poetry for beer drinkers." "ViV" won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). The book is available on line from on-line Amazon, B&N, and B-a-M book stores.
It is available as an audio-book from the author. Please contact Mike at this e-mail address; mullins.m.1@comcast.net or via land mail at POB 456 Windfall, In. 46076.
Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69.
One dollar from either version goes to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Mullins is also Vice President of the MWSA.
------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Another Sunrise
The sun has risen, about two hours high.
Another Sunday’s light shines in my eyes;
This day I promised an hour to the Lord.
Hmmm; is it an hour I can really afford?
By gum, I’d better roll out, better get up!
I owe the Lord for a whole lot of stuff.
Just last week I’d been wondering why
Good things happen to the undeserving
...such as I.
Too often folks see a casual Christian
When they hear me talk and laugh.
I am, but God knows my true mind.
Nothing escapes his all-seeing eyes.
Deep inside I see the hidden me, aware
That I am never all I should be… ever.
Laughter can chide the troubled soul.
It can also help it become a whole
….or so say I.
Our Lord blesses me; I feel His truth.
My friends, my church, my family too
Are all parts of His gifts to me, here.
In my pain they wipe away tears.
When I am laughing it is often at me.
It may be in that moment I feel free.
I share the serious things there too.
I even share my weakness with You.
…only at sunrise.
Mike Mullins, 8/25/09
Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, is the author of "Vietnam in Verse, poetry for beer drinkers." "ViV" won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). The book is available on line from on-line Amazon, B&N, and B-a-M book stores.
It is available as an audio-book from the author. Please contact Mike at this e-mail address; mullins.m.1@comcast.net or via land mail at POB 456 Windfall, In. 46076.
Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69.
One dollar from either version goes to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Mullins is also Vice President of the MWSA.
------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Monday, February 16, 2009
Guest Blooger: A Poem on Coming Home
On the occasion of my grandson's return from Iraq, veteran Michael D. "Moon" Mullins sent this poem as a reminder that even when our soldiers return, they still need our support, love and understanding. That makes him our guest blogger for the day! (-:
He is Home
A crowd gathered on a Tuesday eve.
His group was due in and I was pleased.
There were family holding welcome signs.
His friends showed too, to my surprise.
There was quite a crew to see him home.
Even though the holiday found him alone.
Now, two weeks later, he is really home,
And the strain is seeping out of his bones.
The stress and strength are not demanded.
The lines in his face are etched, indented
In his furrowed brow, without his knowing.
The frown shrinks while his smile is growing.
His face is relaxing from the war’s demands.
His adrenalin is not being used just now.
He does not have a load dragging him down;
Lives in the balance, and equipment too.
He does not face the political strife in lieu
Of a grateful nation that will never know
All he and others do in war’s blood-red glow.
The lines are softening, his child inspires love
And his wife feels his pain, seeks his truth.
He is home in body, but there are things,
Like a mind, which comes home more slowly.
I take myself back forty years and wonder.
“Can people see the lightening in my brain;
The questions that roll like summer thunder?
Some missed me with all their hearts yet
Others would not have minded had I stayed.
Some I love only want to continue old fights.
Will some folks grant me a little space
So I can choose my own homeward pace?
Will they crowd in and steal my air, smother me
With love, not letting me open my eyes to see?
Most mean well, others think I was on a lark.
The things I saw came with me, remaining stark.
I cannot tell them; I do not want to hurt them.
I will try to smile, yet deep in me I am still grim.”
Does he feel what I felt and questioned?
I dare not ask, dare not make the suggestion.
He is home…with different things waiting.
I had nobody I hoped more than any other
Would understand, wanting only to be a lover.
But they sometimes put their own demands
Ahead of a soldier’s needs and their words
And deeds can wound deeper than bombs.
What is asked could wait but often will not.
He does not need pushed ahead of thought.
His mind is still reeling, sweltering in desert heat.
He needs time to crawl, get the dust off his feet.
I walked down that street toward home, quickly,
Yet faltering, anticipating yet dreading my own tears.
He may have that same fear coursing in his veins.
It takes time, and compassion, to let war drain.
The welcome home was wonderful, special.
There was pride, the shoulders square, elation.
The love in the room was there in equal portion.
The joy and tears flowed without any shame.
Our progeny, our spouses, our heroes, our hopes
Were home, safely stepping back into today, here.
After the hoopla was pushed out, their minds quiet
The fear, the doubt, the trepidation, again crept out.
-----
The poet is Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, author of Vietnam in Verse, Poetry for Beer Drinkers, won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America. The book is available on line from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, books-a-million.com and iUniverse.com. It is also available as an audio-book from the author. Contact Michael at: mullins.m.1 @ comcast.net.
He is a Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69 and Vice President of the Military Writers Society of America
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
He is Home
A crowd gathered on a Tuesday eve.
His group was due in and I was pleased.
There were family holding welcome signs.
His friends showed too, to my surprise.
There was quite a crew to see him home.
Even though the holiday found him alone.
Now, two weeks later, he is really home,
And the strain is seeping out of his bones.
The stress and strength are not demanded.
The lines in his face are etched, indented
In his furrowed brow, without his knowing.
The frown shrinks while his smile is growing.
His face is relaxing from the war’s demands.
His adrenalin is not being used just now.
He does not have a load dragging him down;
Lives in the balance, and equipment too.
He does not face the political strife in lieu
Of a grateful nation that will never know
All he and others do in war’s blood-red glow.
The lines are softening, his child inspires love
And his wife feels his pain, seeks his truth.
He is home in body, but there are things,
Like a mind, which comes home more slowly.
I take myself back forty years and wonder.
“Can people see the lightening in my brain;
The questions that roll like summer thunder?
Some missed me with all their hearts yet
Others would not have minded had I stayed.
Some I love only want to continue old fights.
Will some folks grant me a little space
So I can choose my own homeward pace?
Will they crowd in and steal my air, smother me
With love, not letting me open my eyes to see?
Most mean well, others think I was on a lark.
The things I saw came with me, remaining stark.
I cannot tell them; I do not want to hurt them.
I will try to smile, yet deep in me I am still grim.”
Does he feel what I felt and questioned?
I dare not ask, dare not make the suggestion.
He is home…with different things waiting.
I had nobody I hoped more than any other
Would understand, wanting only to be a lover.
But they sometimes put their own demands
Ahead of a soldier’s needs and their words
And deeds can wound deeper than bombs.
What is asked could wait but often will not.
He does not need pushed ahead of thought.
His mind is still reeling, sweltering in desert heat.
He needs time to crawl, get the dust off his feet.
I walked down that street toward home, quickly,
Yet faltering, anticipating yet dreading my own tears.
He may have that same fear coursing in his veins.
It takes time, and compassion, to let war drain.
The welcome home was wonderful, special.
There was pride, the shoulders square, elation.
The love in the room was there in equal portion.
The joy and tears flowed without any shame.
Our progeny, our spouses, our heroes, our hopes
Were home, safely stepping back into today, here.
After the hoopla was pushed out, their minds quiet
The fear, the doubt, the trepidation, again crept out.
-----
The poet is Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, author of Vietnam in Verse, Poetry for Beer Drinkers, won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America. The book is available on line from amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, books-a-million.com and iUniverse.com. It is also available as an audio-book from the author. Contact Michael at: mullins.m.1 @ comcast.net.
He is a Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69 and Vice President of the Military Writers Society of America
-------
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Robin Williams as Our Flag
My friend Joyce Faulkner , President of Military Writers Society of America, sent me this link of Robin Williams and his spot-on but never-mean sense of humor. See him as the American Flag here: http://www.coolestone.com/media/292/Robin_Williams_as_the_American_Flag/
Technorati Tags:
http://www.coolestone.com/media/292/Robin_Williams_as_the_American_Flag/
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Technorati Tags:
http://www.coolestone.com/media/292/Robin_Williams_as_the_American_Flag/
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mothers of Military Support with Yellow Bracelets
When I was shopping at the base today, I picked up one of those yellow, plasticy-rubbery bracelets marked "Until They All Come Home." It was only 99 cents. What a bargain. And the best part is that (as I understand it) the retailer pledges 10% of the proceeds of the sale to this nonprofit organization founded my mothers of soldiers serving overseas. They have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for troops, veterans and their families. Find them at www.mothersofmilitarysupport.com.
Technorati Tags:
military writers society of america, military bases, bx, px, andrews mcmeel
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Technorati Tags:
military writers society of america, military bases, bx, px, andrews mcmeel
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Monday, April 28, 2008
A New True Story Book on WWII's Greatest Submariner
I thought visitors to War. Peace. Tolerance. might be interested in this new book by James W. MacMeekin. Here is the information on it:
Book title: Richard O'Kane and the Sinking of the Forty-Nine.
Subtitle: The True Story of WWII's Greatest Submariner"
349 pages
$18.95
Author: James W MacMeekin
Publisher: Three Rivers Books (863) 294-1323
Synopsis: Commander O'Kane revolutionized the offensive use of WWII submarines from that of a reconnaissance and underwater attack vehicle of opportunity, to that of a speedy surface vessel, capable of massive destruction, and the ability to outrun pursuing Japanese destroyer escorts. His wartime record proves the efficacy of his actions: 49 enemy ships rusting on the bottom of the might Pacific.
Cover art can be viewed at www.militarywriters.com. Go to the Book Store link, then look under Authors, under M for MacMeekin. The book will be available later this week at www.macmeekinbooks.com, or immediately by calling publisher.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Book title: Richard O'Kane and the Sinking of the Forty-Nine.
Subtitle: The True Story of WWII's Greatest Submariner"
349 pages
$18.95
Author: James W MacMeekin
Publisher: Three Rivers Books (863) 294-1323
Synopsis: Commander O'Kane revolutionized the offensive use of WWII submarines from that of a reconnaissance and underwater attack vehicle of opportunity, to that of a speedy surface vessel, capable of massive destruction, and the ability to outrun pursuing Japanese destroyer escorts. His wartime record proves the efficacy of his actions: 49 enemy ships rusting on the bottom of the might Pacific.
Cover art can be viewed at www.militarywriters.com. Go to the Book Store link, then look under Authors, under M for MacMeekin. The book will be available later this week at www.macmeekinbooks.com, or immediately by calling publisher.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Monday, January 14, 2008
National Book Critics Circle Passes Over Vietnam
Darned if I can figure it out. It isn't that Joyce Carol Oates isn't one of my favorite authors. She led in the National Book Critics Circle finalists that were announced on Saturday. But Tree of Smoke, a book about the extreme ups and downs -- spirtually, physically and politically, of the Vietnam war didn't get a nod. Hard to tell why. Maybe those of us who care about such things should be glad that Dennis Johnson's book did receive the National Book Award. But I have to wonder, what WERE the Book Critics Circle judges thinking!?
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Our Soldiers and Others
Just a quick post here. You'll get a few of these posts on good reading. After all, I am an author and poet and so I figure it's my duty (Ha!) to let you know about published books that deal with any of this blogs subjects and/or the way I see them as intertwined.
The first is a new novel by Israeli Ron Lesham and translated by Evan Fallenberg. It is Beaufort. LA Times reviewer Tim Rutten suggests it is a "defining novel of men in combat," particulary men in the the ongoing Israeli Wars. It is published by Delacorte. I'm thinking readers of this blog may not want to miss this book.
Readers of this blog may also want to check out My City by the Sea, a book of poems by Gary Carter. It includes a poem called "Universal Soldier." Carter has been honored by the Military Writers' Society of America. To order it send an e-mail to Gary at ngcarter@harborside.com.
Please note that these books will be listed under recommended books in the resource segments you find at the bottom of this blog.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
The first is a new novel by Israeli Ron Lesham and translated by Evan Fallenberg. It is Beaufort. LA Times reviewer Tim Rutten suggests it is a "defining novel of men in combat," particulary men in the the ongoing Israeli Wars. It is published by Delacorte. I'm thinking readers of this blog may not want to miss this book.
Readers of this blog may also want to check out My City by the Sea, a book of poems by Gary Carter. It includes a poem called "Universal Soldier." Carter has been honored by the Military Writers' Society of America. To order it send an e-mail to Gary at ngcarter@harborside.com.
Please note that these books will be listed under recommended books in the resource segments you find at the bottom of this blog.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Holiday Wishes: Hang in There for the Viet War Memorial (-:
I want to send my blog visitors holiday wishes!
I'm including a Christmas prose poem, which means that even those of you who may not be much for poetry should find it accessible. Even those of you who don't celebrate Christmas may find its message of peace pertinent. It is my take on what would happen if the creche the city fathers and mothers of Malibu place on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific came to life, started a pilgrimage and ended up at the Viet Warm Memorial.
Out of Malibu: America's Fulfillment of Prophecy
Prophecy: "Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
the one to be ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting."
Malibu celebrates the young son's birthday. Every November the city installs a family of balsa on this bluff in a lean-to, here where they would feel at home -- if they could feel. Sunshine. familiar palms. A sea like Sinai's. Unintended, they become graven images, feet statue-still. Once they were folk, now they're revered, waiting, waiting for a miracle to come. Their design never to be worshipped, they ask this night of nights for compassion. And, lo! A birthday gift in this new age. A white star in LA's skies, usually seen dim through Pacific's fog, now a silver sequin. Their feet quicken from carvings to flesh, their robes soften, the child's skin now luminescent wears still a circlet of strawflowers placed on his head by Our Lady of Malibu's first grade class. The choice to stay or go away now theirs, they leave behind those who thought they loved them but imposed burdens beyond endurance. They travel interstate byroads at night when they will not frighten other sojourners, they -- homeless, shoeless, unfamiliar robes, faces still immobile from decades practicing the art of crèche. Now, in mountain blizzard -- unlike weather they had ever known -- a new kind of pageant, idols unnoticed in the snow. A trek, an adventure, a calling! As Chaucer's pilgrims sought redemption, they trudge East. The babe burrows for warmth beneath its father's robes. Here an arch marks a river, mighty as any they had seen, this monster land, roads like veins, Mapquest's blue design. Unlike worshippers, they follow no light but their own, come upon an open swath, Washington's obelisk, rotunda like Rome's, somehow their kin, erected for the ages. Beneath their feet the Post, sodden, headline bawls War. Fine drizzle diffused by starlight they stand before another, newer wailing wall, a granite gash. This, this! their destination. Rain turns to doilies (as this small tribe turned from human tissue to wood and back again), decorates their cloaks, caps, hoods, slides down the polished façade before them. Wet-white punctuations attach themselves to incised names on this family’s own reflected images. The infant reaches out his hand to quench the flow.
-----
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of a chapbook of poetry, Tracings, published by Finishing Line Press, available on Amazon. It was named to the Compulsive Readers Top Ten Reads list and was honored for excellence by the Military Writers' Society of America.
I'm including a Christmas prose poem, which means that even those of you who may not be much for poetry should find it accessible. Even those of you who don't celebrate Christmas may find its message of peace pertinent. It is my take on what would happen if the creche the city fathers and mothers of Malibu place on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific came to life, started a pilgrimage and ended up at the Viet Warm Memorial.
Out of Malibu: America's Fulfillment of Prophecy
Prophecy: "Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
the one to be ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting."
Malibu celebrates the young son's birthday. Every November the city installs a family of balsa on this bluff in a lean-to, here where they would feel at home -- if they could feel. Sunshine. familiar palms. A sea like Sinai's. Unintended, they become graven images, feet statue-still. Once they were folk, now they're revered, waiting, waiting for a miracle to come. Their design never to be worshipped, they ask this night of nights for compassion. And, lo! A birthday gift in this new age. A white star in LA's skies, usually seen dim through Pacific's fog, now a silver sequin. Their feet quicken from carvings to flesh, their robes soften, the child's skin now luminescent wears still a circlet of strawflowers placed on his head by Our Lady of Malibu's first grade class. The choice to stay or go away now theirs, they leave behind those who thought they loved them but imposed burdens beyond endurance. They travel interstate byroads at night when they will not frighten other sojourners, they -- homeless, shoeless, unfamiliar robes, faces still immobile from decades practicing the art of crèche. Now, in mountain blizzard -- unlike weather they had ever known -- a new kind of pageant, idols unnoticed in the snow. A trek, an adventure, a calling! As Chaucer's pilgrims sought redemption, they trudge East. The babe burrows for warmth beneath its father's robes. Here an arch marks a river, mighty as any they had seen, this monster land, roads like veins, Mapquest's blue design. Unlike worshippers, they follow no light but their own, come upon an open swath, Washington's obelisk, rotunda like Rome's, somehow their kin, erected for the ages. Beneath their feet the Post, sodden, headline bawls War. Fine drizzle diffused by starlight they stand before another, newer wailing wall, a granite gash. This, this! their destination. Rain turns to doilies (as this small tribe turned from human tissue to wood and back again), decorates their cloaks, caps, hoods, slides down the polished façade before them. Wet-white punctuations attach themselves to incised names on this family’s own reflected images. The infant reaches out his hand to quench the flow.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of a chapbook of poetry, Tracings, published by Finishing Line Press, available on Amazon. It was named to the Compulsive Readers Top Ten Reads list and was honored for excellence by the Military Writers' Society of America.
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