Poet's Platform Column | 19 June 08 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

Appalachian Moon Winter in Chicago, it’s dark and it’s cold, The wind off the lake can blow a chill right through your bones, This town can take everything you own, And leave you lost and alone. Seems like yesterday I was off to see the world, Left my family, my mountains and my girl, But fame and fortune I didn’t find, Just years of hard work on this assembly line. I’ve long thought about it, I’ve made up my mind, I’m leaving tomorrow at the first sunrise, Going back to the rivers, back to the pines, Back to that Girl I left behind. But in the morning, the morning, I’m going home, I’m leaving this city, no more will I roam, Before the sun sets I will be by your side Then you and I, will dance by the light of the Appalachian Moon. Steve Free Portsmouth From upcoming CD “Coming Home”   My Peace I Give What does my peace look like? What does it sound like? Is it a wink, a pat, a smile. . . a kindness or a caring back? Could it be forgiveness? Peace has many forms, but real peace is a reward of divine love! Mary Woodward Wooster, OH   The Answer There is something to be said about breaking down walls. . . Tower high. . . Cinderblock thick. . . A single ray of Love Can penetrate like a laser beam Carving a tunnel To the heart! Janet Nesler Sciotoville   Recreating Self Exploring the past To live in the future Rebirthing the infant of hope By embracing the misplaced adult Journeying home To a place I’ve never been Singing the blues With a new song of color Rebuilding my house With antique bricks Looking outward By peering inward Finding a soul     I had not lost Redecorating my spirit With perennial meditation Seeking truth To understand lies Meeting myself A familiar stranger Mellissa Martin Wheelersburg