Poet's Platform Column | 9 Aug 07 by Janet Nesler | The Scioto Voice | Wheelersburg, Ohio

My Kentucky Home Our home is filled with lots of treasures, That’s been stored behind for a keepsake, The wooden trunk was filled with old papers, The bonnet, small vase, old pictures in case. The old organ was given to the neighbor, When we were moving to the state of Ohio. It seems there was great dream in working. Leaving the Kentucky kin folks all behind.. Living in Ohio was plenty of school and work, Sometimes I could hear the “Old Organ Play” In dreams of being back in Kentucky again. The song and music of Amazing Grace will stay. Saw the hands of the Organ player in beauty, I remember each chord as she sang her song, Living in Ohio a busy life the music was there. With the piano playing soon I was going home. Living in Kentucky was always a happy time, I played music in the Vanceburg Church of God. The sounds of the Old Organ and the Old Piano Kentucky is my land for good music and Gods word. Our children loved the different kinds of music With music and songs it burned within their soul, Today you’ll hear the beauty of song and praise, Living in Kentucky my land of joy and my songs. Nancy Mineer South Shore, Ky   Kentucky People Kentucky is a friendly place to live and work and play. It was a job that brought me here, the people made me want to stay. The friends I’ve made have shown their worth in times of sorrow and joy. They helped me grieve and celebrate— They’ve shown what friendship’s all about. Kentucky has reasons for pride, her people are the finest one. Jim Maphet Ashland, KY From “Sonnets and Other Poems From an Engineer”   Kentucky Hills Beckon Me  Across the Ohio River is a place that I love With blue grass and blue skies above, Where people are friendly and most have a way Of making you feel at home, whatever the day. Their history is filled with heroes of old, As well as a vault that’s loaded with gold, A place where the music of Foster is heard Where my Old Kentucky Home is more than a word. Where fried chicken made by a white bearded man Placed the name of Kentucky all over the land. And now it is known both far and wide, Even in countries where rice was their pride. A place where children learn more each day, By parents who give teachers the right of way A place where a man’s word is taken for true, That’s my friendly Kentucky, I’m banking on you. Edna Keffer Portsmouth From “Poems and Other Writings”   From The Deep South How can I sit here in this southern land and inhale breezes never meant for me? I do not care for heat and ocean sand or countless tourists by a summer sea. For multitudes it is a winter dream to venture southward where the wild goose flies but I prefer the wooded hill and stream and autumn colors when the old life dies. I must return to my Kentucky hill beyond a thousand mountains to the north where winds of constant change cavort at will and springs of satisfaction issue forth. I want to walk old paths and make new friends and go to Heaven when the journey ends. Paul Salyers Olive Hill, KY From “The Road Taken”