February 24 , 2007

An 80’s Record If the 80’s were a record, I would play it again. Like an old song, I would run it through my brain. Never ending in stereo, or mono, playing like steel guitar in twilight. Change the record to another, and breathe life into a tired decade. Inflating once again the memories of yesteryear. . . UNCHANGED! Kevin LeMaster South Shore, KY   Rob McNurlin I saw a man the other day Dressed in denim jacket and jeans. Although his hat and boots were black He surely wasn’t the typical Villain from a forties movie. Instead of guns and spurs he had A guitar and harmonica As the instruments of his trade. He sang of some things that he’d done And others that he dreamed he had. Some of his songs were of regret For loves or friendships that were lost Or were at least beyond his grasp. The words didn’t always reach the brain But my spirit felt his music As it vibrated with my soul. I was very sad to learn that His type of music will be gone Because Rob McNurlin is called The Last of the Beatnick Cowboys. Jim Maphet Ashland, KY From “Sonnets and Other Poems             From An Engineer”   Songs of the Night In the quiet of a peaceful night, I take time to reflect on my day. I give thanks for the abundant blessings That God has sent my way. I’m thankful for the bounty of the earth, And for the beauty of birds in flight. I hear the voices of nature... The melodious songs of the night. I hear the melody of the singing breeze While I whisper a grateful prayer, In concert with the promise from God— That He will always be there. I hear the rhythm of nature’s songs, In harmony with an angel’s voice. I close my eyes to sleep in peace— And to the songs of the night—rejoice. Charles Clevenger New Boston, Ohio