ELIZABETH COREY

Aunt Ada's Legacy

My great Aunt's handkerchiefs are beautiful,
lace-edged, hand-stitched

momentoes of an unknown place

or gifts from long-dead friends;
a colourful answer to a head-cold.

I find the perfect four-fold squareswith a silly relief,
I thought I'd lost them
Relics of another era
they speak of the insides of purses
and the hand-held hours pressed

The will of her much more like the iron than these
frivolous fancies she stowed away
As I do a cache of secrets
she passed down hiding the inevitable shame of the body
They are her strong and fine and scrupulous
on the details.

Copyright(c)Elizabeth Corey2011

Elizabeth Corey

Elizabeth Corey, soon-to be- Tessier, is the mother of four wonderful kids and works at Whitehern Historic House and Garden  in Hamilton, Ontario as both a guide and a caretaker. 

JEFF SEFFINGA

PRAYER FOR DIZZY

May in your new existence every whisper
that touches you be filled with a soft light
that carries in the rhythm of soothing murmur
the promises and mysteries of night.

May grass grow ever taller than your shoulder
and fall away from your approaching face
as you explore the clean expanse of meadow
and know that you belong in that new place.

May life again turn in familiar cycles
unfettered by the linear chains of days:
action and rest, hunger and satisfaction,
while all the sounds you hear are songs of praise.

May simple dreams become their own fulfillment.
Rest on those cushions where St. Francis sat.
And when you sing out in the heavenly chorus,
let every angel know that you are cat.


Copyright(c)Jeff Seffinga 2011

Published in his latest book,  "All We Like Cats"

Jeff Seffinga at Tower Poetry Launch



Jeff Seffinga was born in the Netherlands and raised in Eastern Ontario. He has been writing and publishing poetry for most of his life.

 Much of his work deals with questions such as man's relationship with the natural world of which he is so much a part, though he likes to set himself above it.

His latest poetry book "All We Like Cats" is now available for sale.Of the many awards he has received, he is most proud of the 1996 Grain Prose Poem award and the 2007 City of Hamilton Arts Award for Literature.

  He is the current editor of Tower Poetry, published in Hamilton 

  by the Tower Poetry Society.

WILMA SEVILLE

This poem was published in Boomers Write. 

A Mouse in the House (a poem)

by Wilma Seville
(Hamilton, Ontario)

A Mouse in the House

A mouse in the house, what can you mean?
We tried to keep the place quite clean!
Alas for us, he came in the night
While we were all tucked away from sight!

A scratch by claws on an uncovered match
Scampering feet away from the hot patch
As flames rose upwards with a great roar
Causing people above to get out through the door.

The scene of this arson, not the fanciest room
Nor was it meant to be the mouse’s tomb
The humble pantry where food could be found
A likely place for mice to abound.

No cat in sight to keep him away
He did his damage and went on his way
That event was traumatic I recall
As fire swept away all!


Copyright©Wilma Seville2007

 

 

The Grand River Dinner Cruise

At 9:45 a.m. on June 8th, Cherry Bus Company pulled up at the side entrance to St. John’s Lutheran Church at Wilson and Hughson, in Hamilton, Ontario.

A small group of people were eagerly awaiting its arrival as they climbed aboard the spacious bus and joined the other folk from Wellingstone Seniors Home as well as folk from Transfiguration and Grace Lutheran churches.

After a pleasant drive through the countryside, we arrived at our destination – The Grand River Dinner Cruises building.  We were ushered into the main foyer and the well-stocked gift shop was available for those who wanted to pick up some little memento of their trip.

Complimentary coffee and a muffin were served in the main auditorium and a very instructional video was shown of the Grand River.

A real treat was the entertainment provided.  The group called “The Blazing Fiddles” was performing.  Brielle Goheen (fiddle, voice), Danielle Lennon (fiddle), Jeff Taylor(fiddle), Chris Kettlewel (bass, guitar, voice) Adam Poot (piano, spoons djembe) entertained a room full of people who appreciated their talents very much.  Their high energy was something to behold.

Many feet were tapping and hands clapping as the wonderful music transformed a room full of strangers into fellow music lovers.

The performance ended and the boat tour commenced.  Our group was on the Queen captained by Captain Emily.  One of the fiddlers entertained us while we feasted on a lovely roast beef dinner, homemade bread and homemade apple pie.  There was coffee and tea served throughout the meal.

The sights along the Grand River were varied from trailers to cottages, wharves, and farmhouses as we slowly made our way on the river.  It is interesting to note that the river bottom is mud and that explains why the river appears to be brown. Fishermen fish here, people water ski and swim and in general, enjoy this river.

It was a smooth ride and the day very pleasant but this cruise goes out in all kinds of weather.  We were most fortunate to have had such a beautiful day with no humidity to spoil it!

After docking, we climbed aboard our bus and Tom, our driver, took us to The Old Dutch Mill in Millgrove where we spent a delightful time.  There was a small farm where a goat, some sheep, ducks and swans plus a young 21 day old pony and his parents lived.

If one wished, one could purchase plants in the greenhouse or step inside to buy from the wonderful array of gifts that they had for sale.  There was also a nice little tea room as well which looked very inviting. 

  

Our bus driver, Tom, got us all safely back to Hamilton in good time and it appeared that everybody present enjoyed themselves.

  

A small poem I wrote for this occasion. 

Cruising on the Grand River

  

Flat boat glides along calm river

Gentle waves slap sides

Muddy brown water under bow

Flows by tree lined banks.

Water lilies float on surface

Turtles sun on rocks exposed

Fish jump, making circles

On placid waterway

Roast beef dinner served

Home made bread & pie

Strolling fiddle player

Music while we dine.

Farms and trailer parks

Dot the river banks

As the cruise boat

Moves along the Grand.

The journey finally over

Well fed, contented people

Disembark and go their way

Back to where they came from.

©WilmaSeville2010


Published in the St. John's newsletter 2010.


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I was invited to be the guest speaker for the World Day of Prayer which was held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and which consisted of 10 churches participating. I created this little poem as well as a topic on Guyana.

As I had never been to Guyana, I interviewed Guyanese people both in Hamilton and in Toronto so that I could write this topic and  poem accurately.

It really enjoyed talking to the Guyanese friends I have and they were only too happy to share their knowledge of their country, for which I thank them.

I wrote the poem as a rhyming poem for the reason that most folk who come to this noon day event are retired people and they are more accustomed to hearing rhyming poetry than free verse or other forms of poetry. 

Silver and Gold Magazine published this poem as well as a picture. 

Rhyming poems are still the most familiar for older people and the best received for this age group.  A rhyming poem in German is very beautiful and I oftentimes get to enjoy hearing poetry in that language as I belong to a German speaking group of ladies.

I hope that this little poem will evoke images of Guyana. 

Guyana

My name means “Land of Many Waters”

Given to me by my native sons and daughters.

My soil is rich and fertile

Which makes planting very worthwhile

Fruit, sugar cane, and rice are grown

Eggplant, cassava, pineapples are well known

Gold, diamonds and aluminum boxide

Deep within my bowels does reside

Christians, Hindus and Muslims co-exist

Celebrating each others holidays with such bliss

Cricket, volleyball, football and boxing

Are all well known sports my people participate in.

In my rivers swim piranhas and crocodiles

Waiting patiently for an unwary cow

Boa Constrictors, tigers and leopards

From them you must be on your guard

My people are not rich in spite of my many natural gifts

Many barely manage to exist

Many of my people have left to work elsewhere

Sending money home to families, because they care

I am Guyana, a land of many faces

Made up of many races.

Copyright©WilmaSeville2008

Written for the World Day of Prayer

Held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church

March 7, 2008

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Here is a little poem I wrote which I attached to a jewellery piece which I had made for sale.  It has been performed in public as well. I hope that you will enjoy reading this and that it will bring back memories of pleasant times by the water.

Stones

Water washes over me
smoothing my rough edges
shaping me as seasons pass
making me more beautiful

Small children make me skip
as I skim over smooth waters
squeals of delight
as I fly through the air.

Now transformed into jewellery
My new purpose in life!

Copyright(C)2011WilmaSeville

River stone wrapped.

Taken by a friend of mine five or six years ago

Wilma Seville is active in the Hamilton writing scene, performing her work at various venues.  Her work has been published in England and Canada.  She writes poetry, short stories and articles for magazines and newspapers.  She was a former newspaper staff reporter for a Toronto community newspaper.  She also does volunteer work by sitting on different committees and will be starting to work with the VON to help with their newsletter. She was also an editor for a newsletter in Toronto.

JULIA FRUCK - Age 13

 

Emotions

I have a reason to be upset

But I won’t take it out on you because of it

I have a reason to be mad

But I won’t yell at you for it

I have a reason to cry

my back grows crooked

I have a reason to love 

That love is endless   

My way of thinking is different from yours

If you think I’m wrong, than maybe I am.  

I will never say I was

That’s me and there’s no way to change who I am  

So if I cry don’t be sad.

There is still a light out there.

Be happy so I can smile at you.

Copyright©2011JuliaFruck

Editor’s Note:  Julia has recently been diagnosed with Scheurmann’s Kyphosis.

 

 

Cassie, Julia, Mom Julia  - missing Dad Chris who was at work

 

Julia is a 13 year old girl who enjoys swimming, biking and playing baseball. Julia will be starting Grade 8 this fall.  She has a little sister called Cassie and she enjoys spending time with her.   She loves walking her beagle dog Charlie or playing with friends in her town.  Recently Julia was diagnosed with a form of scolosis called Sheurmans Kyphosis, she is facing upcoming back surgery and started writing poetry while dealing with wearing a back brace and going to physiotherapy for her back.  Her poetry is filled with emotion and comes from a teenager’s perspective on life.

A short bio about Julia, written by mom but okayed by Julia for this publishing  site.

. 

ROSEMARY GARSIDE

Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?  Basically, it is the treatment of people with disabilities and disorders that affect their daily living.  The idea originated during the war, when thousands of soldiers sat around bored.  It was soon discovered that involvement in goal-oriented activities lead to a speedier recovery and more importantly, they were happier. The use of activities as a means of therapy has been a major focus in health care.  The activities we do in everyday life were analyzed and are now put to use to help people.

1.  To assess their strengths and weaknesses.

2.  Find a creative way of treating and training people.

I can remember spending many hours at college determining the muscles used when one cut out a piece of material, when one used a sewing machine, etc. etc., all because it was felt that if a person was happily occupied he would use the particular muscles more, and therefore get better quicker.  Mentally, people are happier when they are occupied, as we all know from our own experiences.  If we are feeling unhappy, going out or becoming involved in something will often make us feel better and we will come back with a different outlook on life.

The idea of daily living is to use activities to reach a particular goal with a patient.  This involved analyzing the activity and the person and putting them together.  It involves knowing the activity and the person involved, not all of us like the same things, and what might benefit one person, need not necessarily benefit another.  A person who does not like knitting will not get much pleasure from the activity, it will soon become a chore and produce any number of feelings - none of which is therapeutic.

Occupational Therapy is a happy profession, in that, as "O.T's"  we are involved in trying to make people happier, more content, able to function more competently and more effectively.  If people are happy they open up more, express themselves more freely, have more confidence and achieve more.  If we look at ourselves we know that this is true.  Often, we say let's go out and have some fun, just to get a little release from the tension and stress of everyday life.  It is often a chance to get to know people better, to put things in perspective, and to learn more.  This all might sound simplistic, but the power of a positive mood is never to be underestimated.  O.T. is a very important profession and has a lot to offer, not only in mental hospitals, general hospitals and the community, but in dealing with everyday life.

Rosemary Garside

Occupational Therapist (Retired)

Originally published by Patricia Clay Thomspon - Publisher

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Thoughts about dealing with life

Nobody ever promised that life would be easy.  For most people it is not.

People are left to cope with the ups and downs of life as it winds and turns. 

Some people’s lives appear more complicated and traumatic than others, and at times people can get to the point of wondering if it is all worth it.

The struggle, the unhappiness, the lost dreams…..

It is indeed strange, that somehow people do cope, even under the most horrendous circumstances and make the best of their situation.

They learn from their experiences.  People, at times, see magic in life. It is a lovely world if one takes the time to stand and stare and to reflect on life’s rich pattern.  It can inspire and most important of all, give hope. 

It is my belief, that peoples’ lives can change for the better and that problems can be solved.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

People do grumble at times and we should do all we can to improve our situations, whenever possible.  It will not happen overnight.  Time and persistence is needed to fulfill one’s dreams.  We all have strengths and weaknesses

We need to count our blessings so that we come to terms with life.   The kind word, the thoughtful gesture, growing relationships and trying to look at the positive side of things that happen to each one of us can add meaning to our lives and help us be more productive.

Personally I believe in the words from Phil 4. vs. 13 in The Holy Bible,

’”I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me “.

What ever motivates one to achieve things, a positive attitude is essential and can indeed make dreams come true.

©Rosemary Garside2011

Hello, my name is Rosemary Garside and I was born in England.  I have been in Canada 43 years and although I love visiting England, I feel Canada is my home.

I have a son and a daughter and seven grandsons and one grandchild on its way.  I am divorced.  My family is very important to me and plays an important part in my life.

I am a retired Occupational Therapist and a Consumer Survivor, and am very much involved in Peer Support and volunteer for several organizations which deal with people who suffer from mental illness and various mental health issues.

Apart from volunteering, I enjoy going to the theatre, spending time with my friends and family,  and listening to music.  I love opera and reading.  I belong to a book club which I thoroughly enjoy.  I am also very fortunate in the fact that my daughter and her husband live in Hamilton and I love spending time with them.

DAVID HASIINS

The Reason

I am the cancer wanting more.
I fill my gasoline tank with war.
I drink poverty in coffee and politics in coke.
Children are stitched in the seams of my shirt.
A dirty old man pockets my coin.
Manhattan’s canyons are my cocoon.
My daughters are raised by a refugee.
My house is built out of forests that breathe.
Fourteen cameras watch my door.
I am the cancer wanting more.

If not for me they would earn no wage,
grow no flowers, sell no leaves.
That’s why there are continents, master and slave;
why religions, righteous apartheid;
why pandemics, generational genocide.
All the four horsemen ride through their homes,
but I sleep well in my temperate zone.
I take pride in the stuff I own.
I want to help them to turn the page;
If not for me they would earn no wage.

Someone who knows the taste of rats
will have to put them on the boats
and let them in. I am not of their tribe.
I meet them on vacation. I do not bide
at the back of my tent blind from disease
awaiting my killers or my next meal.
I am evolved. Success orphaned me.
Someone will have to do something more
deserving of a parade than winning a war,

Someone who knows the taste of rats.

David Haskins performing at ArtWord/Artbar - Hamilton, Ontario

David Haskins first poetry collection was Reclamation (Borealis Press, 1980). He has published poetry and fiction in books, anthologies, and literary journals across the country. He has won first prizes from the CBC, the Canadian Authors Association (Niagara), the Ontario Poetry Society, and Arts Hamilton. His work has been broadcast on CBC and posted on several internet sites. He lives with his wife on the shores of Lake Ontario.

WILMA SEVILLE

I thought I would start it off with a poem which was published in Tower Poetry Society Summer Edition 2010.

It is just a short little poem about when I was young and used to swim in the St. Lawrence River which is in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

Hope you enjoy it and can feel how the swimmer felt.

FLOATING

Minnows swim around pink runners

As I forge ahead into deeper water

Shades of green and blue shimmer

Sun beats down on bathing cap

St. Lawrence River feels cool

On such a hot and steamy day

I float upon my back

Eyes closed against the sun

Water laps gently over supine body

Arms move up and down to gentle rhythm

Feet flutter as I lazily float

Movements calm but deliberate

At peace with my little world

All anxiety at bay

One with the water

One with the world.

Copyright(c)WilmaSeville2010

Wilma Seville - one of the readers at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Tower Poetry Society

Wilma Seville is originally from Lachine, Quebec and has lived in Montreal and Toronto and now resides in Hamilton.  She is a retired Staff Reporter for The Ambition Newspaper and is an active member of Tower Poetry Society, The Poetry Center, The New Writing Group, the Literary Arts Commitee of The Hamilton Arts Council, as well as a member of The Hamilton Club.

Her poetry and short stories have been published in England and Canada. .  She also writes for HistoriCITY and, on occasion, for her former newspaper and the Eastern Synod Lutheran newspaper.

Some guidelines for writers

I am gradually sending invitations to writer friends all over the world who may wish to have their work published here.

As you can see, this is a new site and I have been thinking what type of work I would like to see on this site.

I would welcome poetry of all kinds including religious, short stories of up to 2,500 words, articles on subjects which would be both uplifting as well as educational.

I DO NOT WELCOME profanity or hate filled material against human beings.

This site is by invitation only for writers I know.. 

I am sure as I think further about this blog, I will come up with further guidelines. 

It is my hope that it will be an uplifting, entertaining and harmonious site which will bless not only the writers but also those who care to drop by.

Have a good day.

My new venture in the blog world

Thank you for dropping in to read this blog.  The blog address is:

                                              
                                                   http://writingandpublishing/


Since I am a writer, I have decided to help other writers whom I know to get published as well as publish and republish some of my own work. It is my belief that the internet has a very wide audience and  it would benefit a writer to get his/her name out there in the blog world.

It is my hope that my regular followers on my other blog at http://annaken-wilmasblog.blogspot.com/
will read this blog from time to time as well and may even become followers. 

This photo was taken of me while reading some of my creative writing at Puddicombe Farm in Winona.  There were many famous poets in the room and I was humbled to have been invited to such an important event.

Drop by again when you have time and see what new offerings I bring.  It will be a way for others to share their work without self publishing. 

Enjoy your day.


Wilma Seville