Author’s Notes

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“CHRISTMAS IS”. Christmas was the poet’s favorite holiday and season for the very reason wrapped in the last word of this piece. It was a workshop poem written in response to the prompt “Christmas is”. Margaret later used skills acquired in a craft class and this poem to create a Christmas greeting flyer sent to the Docents of Rancho Los Cerritos, the Long Beach Library and The Historical Society of Long Beach.

REFRACTIONS

“WHY CHRISTMAS IS WALNUTS” by Kathleen Roxby. Every year, Kathleen’s mother made, in addition to her fruitcake, at least three types of fudge, various frosted and unfrosted cookies—some of which were the bar type, at least two kinds of pie, two or three flavors of cake, cinnamon rolls and coffee cake from scratch. These goodies were arranged on paper plates, covered with clear wrapping decorated with Christmas stickers, and finished off with a ribbon tie to be handed out at the door to postman, milkman, delivered to neighbors, her children’s teachers and to friends. For distant friends and family, the treats were packed into tins (also decorated) and mailed. There was usually a plate ready for an unexpected guest to take away, but fruitcake slices were only included for a select list who awaited eagerly each Christmas. Tins were collected all year and stored away in preparation. The poet’s grandmother joined in the baking during the years she resided with her daughter. Her specialties were coffee cake, pie and homemade bread. It was her grandmother who taught the poet the technique of using a nut pick. The poet still has a nut pick and nutcracker from these early days.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—works by Kathleen Roxby

“CHRISTMAS IS WALNUTS”. Kathleen wrote this in response to the same poetry workshop attended by her mother. For the story behind this poem, see this week’s Refractions feature.