A couple weeks ago I was going through my books (an enormous task) to weed out the out that should go out on a garage sale table. On the shelf I found two slim volumes of poems written by my high school creative writing teacher, Jean Mac Cready.

Each book was inscribed by her with hopes of reading my future works and how she enjoyed meeting a kindred writing spirit. The me now is far more touched by these words than the girl I was forty one years ago.

I also pulled out the school’s literary book from 1977 – “Parchment”.

I had five poems included in that edition. When I read them again, I was still quite pleased with my efforts so long ago. I will post them in the coming weeks.

The “find” came on the heels of some good news.

I will have a few poems being published in some local publications this summer. I also made an appearance on a local public access show called “Poetry Today”. I was joined by another local poet and the show’s host, Jennifer Dotson. It was a wonderful time.

I am always in awe of other writers. Bill, the other poet, had almost lyrical poems and he read them with such passion. I haven’t read many aloud, but I did inflict the experience on a few members in one of my writers groups.

There will be an open mic night coming up as they kick off one of the books. I plan to be there to gain new lessons on reciting in public and to bask in talent far better than mine.

I wish Miss Mac Cready, wherever she is, could pull me back under her tutelage. After graduation, she had invited me to join her group of writers. I was young and felt unworthy to be with other, older and wiser writers. I know she would challenge me and at this stage in my life, I am ready.

So I spur myself on, to explore the world of poetry, broaden my fictional writing and continue writing biographies.

Thank you, Miss Mac Cready, I’m writing again and your words of encouragement are as welcome and poignant as ever!