| Author | Message | ||
| Don Schaeffer
Intermediate Member Username: don_schaeffer Post Number: 262 Registered: 12-2003 |
Dear Mr. Quinn wherever you are. I'm sorry I accused you of antisemitism back in 1952. I know I was only in your class for six months, but it was an adventuresome time. You only found out because Mike Markowitz, my supposed friend, betrayed me. I wasn't used to the idea of betrayal in the sixth grade and I didn't know what to do with it. It's true I was mad at you for not letting me attend the Washington Senators game with the other safety patrols. But you made me the chairman of the paper collection committee. You were rid of me as I sat in that little shed in the back; but you gave me the gift of being boss. I started to feel for you when my parents and I discovered that you worked for that gas station on Saturdays. Dimly, I felt you must have a lot on your mind. (Message edited by Don Schaeffer on January 10, 2006) | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Senior Member Username: garyb Post Number: 6208 Registered: 07-2001 |
Don, lovely. A fine tribute, a poem for the short list. Smiles. Gary A River Transformed The Dawg House December Fireweed | ||
| Lazarus
Intermediate Member Username: lazarus Post Number: 734 Registered: 10-2005 |
Don- Very well done, with sentiment but not sentimentality. enjambment suggestion: But you made me the chairman of the paper collection committee. You were rid of me as I sat in that little shed in the back; but you gave me the gift of being boss. “Something sacred, that's what they want” -Jim Morrison. From the movie “The Doors.” | ||
| Don Schaeffer
Intermediate Member Username: don_schaeffer Post Number: 264 Registered: 12-2003 |
Thanks Gary and Laz | ||
| Don Hakman
Advanced Member Username: don_hakman Post Number: 96 Registered: 12-2003 |
Like opening the theatre door a crack and watching for free. Thanks. | ||
| ~M~
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 6277 Registered: 11-1998 |
Very good work, Don. An adult sensibility mixed with the scant knowledge of a sixth-grade child. That gas station in the end really touched my heart. My favorite section was this: "I wasn't used to the idea of betrayal in the sixth grade and I didn't know what to do with it." How little we know of the world and its problems at that age. For me, you reinforced the gift we humans have of looking backward with new knowledge. We clarify so many things that way -- we understand and we evolve. | ||
| Christopher T George
Senior Member Username: chrisgeorge Post Number: 3756 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hi Don A nicely captured recollection with a poignant ending. Very well done. One small thing, I wonder if you might more vibrantly bring to life the accusation of anti-sematism? Right now that feels like a flat statement when the rest is quite colorful and descriptive. I think we know enough about Mr Quinn to want to feel better how the antisemitism was felt, how Quinn expressed it (if he did) and how the speaker reacted. Just a thought for improvement of an already fine poem. Good luck with this work, Don. Chris Editor, Desert Moon Review http://www.desertmoonreview.com/ Co-Editor, Loch Raven Review http://www.lochravenreview.com/ http://chrisgeorge.netpublish.net/ | ||
| LJ Cohen
Moderator Username: ljc Post Number: 3741 Registered: 07-2002 |
Don--A strong read, perhaps to be made even stronger with Chris' thoughts added to the mix. Well done. best, ljc Once in a Blue Muse Blog | ||
| Karen L Monahan
Intermediate Member Username: klhmonahan Post Number: 590 Registered: 08-2004 |
Don, This is a very fine read, and an excellent poem. (((smile))) Karen |
