Though this ice-covered pond was forbidden to all,
The clean, unbroken surface looked so inviting
That three young lads ventured along the edge.
Soon, skating all around its edges,
They were having the time of their lives
When the cry from the youngest one,
Dickey, who had broken through
While trying to skate across the pond.
His cry alerted his two brothers.
Since no other help was near,
They bridged the gap with an old tree limb.
A fire was quickly built, and Dickey,
Dried out now and no longer scared,
Was ready to return home, hoping
That no one would notice anything changed.
Nothing was said that day.
But the next day, when the brothers started to leave,
Their mother, firmly and quite clearly said,
“Don’t go near that coal pond again.”
The boys were mystified as to how she knew,
But they never went near that pond again.
BECAUSE YOU WERE MY FRIEND
When I was lost
In another world
Trying to forget
The world where I should be
Fearing a future dark with emptiness,
You brought me a dream
For real—
You gave me sunshine
Rainbows blossoming
Gaiety and laughter
All.
You were the greatest friend
I will ever know.
Thank you.
Thank You.
AUTHOR NOTES
GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby
“SUMMER COMES TO BREWSTER PLACE” as indicated in the subtitle came to the author when she was deeply moved by the novel by Gloria Naylor. The same story was later shown as a television mini series, “The Women of Brewster Place,” which was produced by Oprah Winfrey.
REFRACTIONS— the poetry of Robert Roxby
“INDUSTRIAL TOWN” is likely written about Wheeling, West Virginia where the author settled as an adult. The poem first appeared in the authors anthology, Reflections on a Lifetime, 2000.
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby
“BECAUSE YOU WERE MY FRIEND” is a product of a time of serious depression that occurred in the author’s twenties. The friend had himself dealt with depression, the result of his time served with the military in the Viet Nam War. It was orignally published in a newsletter, CHOICE.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Readers who write in response to one of the prompts listed each month in Splintered Glass, may see their work presented here on the last week of that month. Though poems are preferred, short prose work will also be considered for publication.
Guidelines for submission:
SPLINTERS FOR JUNE 2025
A Morning Rain
a soft morning rain
rustling like windswept marsh grass
brushes the windows
BRIGHT HUNGER
I want
to eat mountains
fresh
and white with snow
to hug life
in the air
to fall—flying
into eternity
to burst upon the night sky
a galaxy new born
AUTHOR NOTES
GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby
“A SOFT MORNING RAIN” was found among the poet’s scribbles.
REFRACTIONS—a poem by Robert Roxby
“ESCAPADE” first appeared in his anthology, Reflections of a Lifetime, 2000. This poem appears this month for two reasons: 1) it illustrates the arrival of Spring in the breaking of the ice, and 2) demonstrates the special knowledge of mothers (honored in May).
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby
“BRIGHT HUNGER” is included for May 30, Water a Flower Day. This poem expresses the author’s joy in experiencing the beauty of nature after having been depressed for months.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Readers who write in response to one of the prompts listed each month in Splintered Glass, may see their work presented here on the last week of that month. Though poems are preferred, short prose work will also be considered for publication.
Guidelines for submission:
SPLINTERS FOR MAY 2025
THE ESCAPADE
Though this ice-covered pond was forbidden to all,
The clean, unbroken surface looked so inviting
That three young lads ventured along the edge.
Soon, skating all around its edges,
They were having the time of their lives
When the cry from the youngest one,
Dickey, who had broken through
While trying to skate across the pond.
His cry alerted his two brothers.
Since no other help was near,
They bridged the gap with an old tree limb.
A fire was quickly built, and Dickey,
Dried out now and no longer scared,
Was ready to return home, hoping
That no one would notice anything changed.
Nothing was said that day.
But the next day, when the brothers started to leave,
Their mother, firmly and quite clearly said,
“Don’t go near that coal pond again.”
The boys were mystified as to how she knew,
But they never went near that pond again.