Poet's Platform Column | 28 June 07 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all poets to Poetry Night at Ye Ole lantern.  This event will be taking place the second Tuesday of each month starting July 10.  After dinner music by Steve Free starting at 6:30 PM, a featured Poet will read their work at 7:30 PM and Open Mike will start at 8:00 PM.  All poets are invited to read their poems at the Open Mike.  The Phoenix Writers are the backbone of this event and if you want more information contact me at abrapoet@roadrunner.com or 776-7038 or Charles Clevenger, New Boston. Hope all the contributors to Poet’s Platform will come and read.  If you have not contributed poetry yet this is a good way to start.   God’s Country I behold the beauty of Mother Earth And marvel at her majesty. I clearly see God’s handiwork, While nature sings in harmony. Where the beautiful Ohio River Flows gently toward the distant sea; To me, this is God’s Country— Where nature plays out her pageantry. A mist hangs over the valley On a sultry day in July; A red-tail hawk glides on the breeze Where the horizon kisses the sky. The scent of fresh-mown alfalfa Wafts sweetly on the evening air; The willows droop in quiet repose, Beseeching God in reverent prayer. The orange-red glow of the setting sun Paints the sky with a fiery hue. When evening comes in the country— I stand in awe of this glorious view. Charles Clevenger New Boston, Ohio   THE FALLEN SOLDIER She sits alone at the gravesite, Of the soldier she loved many years, A goodbye without closure, so painful, She views the world through her tears. She reads over and over his letters, Of his vow to return, once war is o’re, But the wounds of battle took his life away, And life will never be the same anymore. I just pray that she will one day recover From pain of losing her loved one so dear. Will she ever have joy and make a new life, With smiles and laughter, as in yesteryear? “Time heals all wounds“, all friends say, “You must make up your mind to forget, For the former things have passed on now.” Their advice is kind, with good intent. But there is no rule of thumb in grieving, The process my take ever so long, Depression is on the agenda today, And her heart sings a quiet, sad song. Virginia Davis Wiseman Cicero, IN