Poet's Platform Column | 17 July 08 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

Twilight Refrain As the sun sinks low in the evening sky at the ebb of a summer day, it seems while Nature holds its breath, Earth’s creatures pause to pray. I pause to reflect upon my life and wonder if I’ve done my best. Sometimes blinded, I fail to see how much I am truly blessed. The sky is awash with fire-bright light as a prelude to a twilight refrain; I give thanks to God for his blessings that shower down like rain. As I witness this grande finale of Nature’s spectacular show, I lift my eyes toward the heavens; God’s presence-- I feel and know. Charles Clevenger New Boston, Ohio   “The Pursuit of Happiness” Summer’s here, the sun is hot The days are long and lazy. Don’t stay inside and watch the news. It’s sure to drive you crazy. So simply turn the TV off... Catch Mother Nature’s show. Enjoy the cricket symphony And fireflies’ intermittent glow. Have a chat with the man in the moon, Folks won’t misconstrue it, They’re busy pursuing happiness... They simply forgot how to do it. Rita Maddy Baiser Baltimore, Ohio (Formerly of Portsmouth)   Saturday A day of leisure, do as I please. Eat, sleep, and stroll in the breeze. Shop, laugh, and play in the sun. Go to the zoo, or         watch Cleveland Indians run! A day of peace and quiet, I’ve earned. For surviving the Monday through Friday                hum drum. Mary Woodward Wooster, OH   Haiku I love the blue skies And the cotton ball white clouds Typical pictures Maybell Criswell South Point, OH   Cinquain   Hot dogs A cook out must Hamburgers are great too Potato salad and cole slaw Yum yum Maybell Criswell South Point, OH