GLASS RAIN – a poem by Margaret Roxby

“A CONVERSATION WITH GERTRUDE STEIN” was written in response to the author’s reading a book by Stein. In a comment to her poetry friends, Margaret wrote: During a time when I was “into” reading everything of Gertrude Stein’s, I was fascinated by a story (the repetitive lines, by the way, so rhythmic and musical) in which the main character really concentrated on Tuesday. Fascinating. Can’t recall the title just now, but the story gave me this reaction which I share with you now.  The character in the story never expressed it, not like this; it was just part of her nature. This writing here is just my own imaginative reaction to that.

REFRACTIONS—by Robert Roxby

“TUESDAY” first appeared in the author’s collected poems, Reflections on a Lifetime. It is included as a companion to Margaret Roxby’s poem.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—a poem by Kathleen Roxby

“AT THE GUGGENHEIM MODERN ART RETROSPECTIVE: LAUGHTER” first appeared in ART/LIFE, Vol.25 No.7. It is included  because January 22 is National Museum Selfie Day.

GLASS RAIN – a poem by Margaret Roxby

“REVERIE AT TWILIGHT” is a poem of old age and is included because the first week of January is a time for life reflections. The form of the poem was suggested at a workshop at her local poetry group.

REFRACTIONS—by Robert Roxby

“WINTER SOLILOQUY” first appeared in the author’s collected poems, Reflections on a Lifeime.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—a poem by Kathleen Roxby

“ONCE” was first published in POETRY FORUM, 1975. The poem was presented to Ray Bradbury at an event where he was speaking. During his talk he referred to “a young poet” and briefly met the eyes the poem’s author sitting in the audience giving her the impression he meant her. He later sent her a hand-written thank you note for her poem which she still has.

GLASS RAIN – Margaret Roxby

“AWAKENING” describes a scene familiar to the author who lived for 30 years in West Virginia where snowy Christmases were frequent.

REFRACTIONS—a poem by Robert Roxby

“RED BRICK HOUSE” first appeared in the author’s collected poems, Reflections on a Lifetime.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—works by Kathleen Roxby

“HE WASN’T THERE” recalls a memory from when the poet was four years old and awake in the night of Christmas. The poet penned this short memory when inspired by Rod Stewart to write something new for family and friends each Christmas.

GLASS RAIN – a poem by Margaret Roxby

“WE NEVER KNEW OUR HEARTS/ IN THE DARK NIGHT” is a poem which did not have a title when found. among the author’s papers. It was inspired by an incident which made national news about an attack in New York City where the neighbors admitted hearing a woman’s screams for help, yet no one called the police or did anything that might aid the woman. She was killed by her attacker. It is included this week for Canada’s National Day Of Remembrance And Action On Violence Against Women -DEC 6.

REFRACTIONS—by Kathleen Roxby

“WITHOUT NO SHOES” was originally printed in Poem, Memoir, Story (PMS) in 2004. The images and feelings are the poet’s impressions of her father’s childhood. Upon reading it, her father said, “How did you know?” The poet treasures his reaction as one of the best compliments she ever received. It is included this week because December 6 is National Coal Miner’s Day in the US.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—a poem by Kathleen Roxby

“I AM TOLD I AM ANGRY” first appeared in the author’s chapbook, Paper Doll in 2000. It is included as companion to this week’s poem by Margaret Roxby.

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“BELOVED CHILD” was written for the author’s friend whose daughter had left home to explore a new religion and way of life which caused her to break ties with her family.

REFRACTIONS—a poem by Robert Roxby

“A SPECIAL VOLUNTEER,” is a tribute to the author’s youngest sister. The poem first appeared in the author’s collected poems, Reflections on a Lifetime.

LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

“YOU LISTENED” was originally printed in the CHOICE newsletter. It is another of the author’s depression poems. This one written when she was active in a church sponsored singles counseling group.