“Poet Spirit”
We’re writing in celebration of those writing to show,
Their “Poet Spirit” is stirring and they want others to know;
Having read our book, “The Sixty-Minute Poet,”
They tried their hand and found they could show it;
They’ve agreed to our posting a poem or two,
In hopes you Dear Readers will try your hand too!
© Forrest W. Heaton January 2020
My wife, Sally, who passed away in 1997, and I raised our kids in the late 60’s thru early 80’s in Montgomery Village, Maryland. Amongst our many friends doing the same in that community were Cathy & Bruce Barkley. In the succeeding years, although living in different parts of the country, we stayed in touch. In February 2015, Bruce advised us he had just received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Bruce was a man of many talents which included writing. He had authored seven management texts published by McGraw Hill, many or all of which are still in print. Although a writer of prose, Bruce had never written a poem. Bruce had, however, read our book, “The Sixty-Minute Poet.” Within a week of receiving his diagnosis, Bruce wrote his first poem, below, which he shared with us and gave permission to share with others:
Life trending toward wise fullness midst doubts remain
Each exciting touch with others lightens dark paths from love delivered
Those who love us hold on solid against a cold and darkening rain
Steel-borne bonds carry us strongly, joyful, not withered
A whole life feeling overcomes us from those we love
Carrying us swiftly upwards to hear the higher sounds of God’s speed
What more than this can come from worldliness or above
Remains for those we love to sing our song back to a world in need
The loving music streams out into the earthly noise of hate and despair
But overcomes in simple gifts, seldom seen but always there
That song of love in choral beauty then spreads fans of care
Will be the light of life we have and pass on to others to bear
© Bruce Barkley February 2015
Bruce died 30 August 2016. Cathy had asked me if I would please read Bruce’s poem at his graveside Internment Service; I advised I would be honored and did so. I reminded all listening that this was Bruce’s voice they were hearing, not mine. For me and for all, it was a very moving experience.
Between Bruce’s writing the above poem and his death, we talked a number of times about this writing. His primary question was “Why could he express these deep feelings better in poetry than in prose?” I advised I get this question all the time . . . and so do other poets. There is no “right” answer. There are perhaps as many answers as there are people asking the question. Perhaps one answer may be that each person has within them the power to express themselves in poetry . . . but most have never tried. Thus, when they do try, they often are astounded at what is coming out . . . often thoughts they’ve kept both from themselves and others, often thoughts that, when out, are helpful in paving a way forward. One needs not share their poems with others unless they so choose. However, when they do decide to share, as Bruce did in this case, others may find the same Peace in their listening/reading as the writer did in her or his writing.
Our blog post following this one will highlight another Sixty-Minute Poet writing in 2015 in response to reading Bruce’s poem. She, also, has been a good writer but had never written a poem until reading our book. We hope you find these offerings motivational to stir your “Poet Spirit.” She/He is awaiting your knock on her/his door!