GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“HOW GOES THE DREAM” was found among the poet’s papers. It was once sub-titled “The Mourner’s Plight.” It was written after the death of her older brother, Richard.

REFRACTIONS—as short memoir by Kathleen Roxby

“OLD CHARLIE” was written to honor Armistice Day, established following WWI and the author’s memory from her mother for whom Charlie was a neighbor.

LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

“A STORY OF POPPIES” is a recent poem by the author and included in honor of Armistice Day.

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“ILLUSION” was found among the author’s papers. The poem appeared under two titles, “Illusion” and “Deceiver,” with minor differences between the two.

REFRACTIONS—an essay by Kathleen Roxby

“HALLOWEEN MONTAGE” is a new piece written for this October.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

“THE TALE OF THE PIRATE’S GLEN” is a new poem inspired by a story idea the author was developing from a dream and tales of pirate treasure troves that people still seek to discover.  The ghost element seemed perfect for Halloween.

 

 

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“AN INDIAN SONG” reflects the author’s lifelong interest in the American Indians, their languages and philosophy–an interest which was sparked early in her life by Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha,” which she often quoted, and the Indian names all around her—like the name of her hometown river, Ohio.

REFRACTIONS—a poem by Robert Roxby

“INDIAN SUMMER” was included in his 2000 anthology, “Reflections on a Lifetime.” It is included this week for the Autumn season and also as a nod to Native American Day.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

“WHERE, MY BROTHERS, WHERE,” though this is one of the author’s “depression poems,” it was inspired by a trip to British Columbia, Canada and learning about the Tlingit people and some of their folklore.

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

The poem “SUMMER LIVES,” is an Illini syllable sonnet which was first published in the 1987 collection of prize winning poems by the California Federation of Chaparral Poets. The author presents a nostalgic view of her childhood in West Virginia.  The river mentioned is the Ohio which was a favorite playground and ran only a short distance from all of her childhood homes in her home town of Wheeling or on her summer visits to the rural residence of a relative.

REFRACTIONS –a poem by Robert Roxby

“TRUANT WAKING” is in the author’s collected poems, Reflections on a Lifetime, 2000. The author wrote several poems on the subject of truancy. Although he did well enough in his high school to qualify for two scholarships—Chemistry and Mathematics, he was apparently frequently a truant in his youth while his parents lived in the Appalachian hills.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

“FISHER IN THE SEA OF MEMORY” is included as a companion piece for “Summer Lives.”

GLASS RAIN—the poetry by Margaret Roxby

“HOW THE ROPE TURNS” was first published by The Paper in 1972. It was inspired by a workshop held by a local chapter of the California Federation of Chaparral Poets. The poet was excellent at all jumping rope games. Double Dutch was among her favorites. The rhyming chants that accompanied the activity were another lure for her. “Building Blocks” (where at each rope turn another jumper joined in) and “Hot Peppers” (a game of speed) were versions of jumping rope, as well Double Dutch (using two ropes).

KALEIDOSCOPE –an essay by Kathleen Roxby

“IS THE LETTER “C” REALLY NECESSARY?” continues the author’s discussion of stumbling blocks in the English language.

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS—the poetry of Kathleen Roxby

‘GAMES OF EITHER/OR” was written recently to accompany “How the Rope Turns” which also appears this week. As a child, the author played both these games with neighborhood children using her home’s wide porch and wide paved entry below as the playing field.