March Column

Published in The Evening Sun on March 28, 2010:

Even though I live in Chicago, technology has allowed me to stay closely connected to Hanover, especially the schools. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to video chat with Mrs. Smith’s 12th grade Advanced Placement Literature and Composition class at Hanover High School. After discussing two of my poems with the class, we then wrote a collaborative poem based on last month’s column about perspective, titled “Fifteen Ways of Looking at Codorus.” This poem just reinforces the talent and potential of our young people in Hanover. As a group, we wrote this poem in five minutes, each adding our own stanza.

Fifteen Ways of Looking at Codorus

I
White paint marks a path through the woods
to reveal an open meadow.
Sun shining, flora drinking in the light.

II
The path I follow leads to the unknown
I know, I've been here before

III
my feet they do dance across the expanse
a path carving through the thicket
excitement about from joy I must shout
this is like a movie without buying the ticket

IV
A forest of green turned dark by fall.
Empty trees turned white by the snow.

V
Many birds flying around
starting to disappear with the cold.
Empty nests filled with the white of snow.

VI
Driving down the windy road -
The sign for the marina catches my eye.
Then the fishing and row boats make me curious
Yet every time, I end up sitting along the banks.

VII
The marina: boats, people, animals, trees
Look through your eyes and see
The beauty of this magnificent sea

VIII
I look at the large body of water.
It is calm, at peace. Geese float along
while they sing an out-of-tune song.

IX
Ducks float on the water, oblivious to my existence.
But when I pull out the bread from my bag...
they all come running.

X
at dark I'll depart for my car
and I'll dart to dinner by my own mother dear

XI
explore explore explore some more
time won't restrain me here

XII
Trees line the sun-kissed roads
Which do reflect the light
But my eyes can't help but gravitate
To the sparkling lake

XIII
the sun waves
under the pressure
of the water
I explode for air

XIV
Casting a hopeful line, waiting for the tug of joy.
Fighting to keep the tricky catch
Casting again when the joy is lost.

XV
Gravity pulls me down the hill
to the water's edge
feet tingling with the season's first soaking.

This poem reminds me that spring has become a reality, even though it is snowing in Chicago today. So, as the winter hangs her shaggy coat in the back of the closet and spring glides in on neon rollerskates, it is my wish that all of you, in some way, enjoy “the season’s first soaking,” even if you are drenched in nothing but sunshine.

April is National Poetry Month. In honor of this, I am hosting a poetry contest for people of all ages. Please send up to three poems to bradyke@gmail.com. The Poets Laureate of Hanover will judge the contest, and the winners will be featured on my blog.

Also, the Poets Laureate will give a reading in Eichelberger Performing Arts Center’s Observatory on April 11 at 7 p.m. The theme is “These are the Times,” a poetic interpretation of the seasons of our lives. Please visit my blog for more information about these events: http://poetlaureatehanover.blogspot.com.

Delone Alumnus and Poet

I recently had the pleasure of getting in touch with Samantha Burhman, a former student of Dana Sauers. While attending Shippensburg University, she continues to write poetry, and I was lucky enough to have her share some of her work with me.

When asked about her biography as a poet, Samantha wrote the following about herself: "I am a currently a Sophomore at Shippensburg University. I have moved about every three years of my life, which is something that has in turn shaped me into the person that I am today. I would like to think that I am inspired by a little bit of everything. However it's really the little moments that seem to stick with me. I got into writing poetry when I was younger. It started out as a way to get my thoughts down. Though the one person that has really inspired me to continue writing is Dana Sauers. She was my English teacher in 11th and 12th grade."

I'd like to share a couple of her poems with you:


Symbol of Wisdom


symbol of wisdom
Roots flow through every particle
twisting ,breaking ,and pulsating
tying together those that would be separated
life bringer and taker
upwards springs hope
caked with layers
rings of age
caresses your inner-being
symbol of wisdom
rides between my shoulder blades
white places ownership on you
bend to the mercy
a twisted fate
for white depends on your shelter
my soul bleeds for the coarseness of white
oh my symbol of wisdom with bending limbs
how we torture you beyond recognition








Fatherless Child


I am a fatherless child.
A broken drum that wants to beat one last time.
A rainbow that shines only at moments.
A smell that reminds me of,
sandalwood and cigarettes
comforting yet sickening.
A glimpse of light shinning through the sunless sky.
A faded picture, longing ensues.
A child searching cupboards for something,
Lost that can't be returned.
I am a fatherless child.
An adolescence not understanding what fatherly love is..
A dream of ocean waves lapping at my feet
Spraying foam and laughter.
A warmth that spread throughout
My heart gone cold again
A fatherless child.
Wishing that I was whole
A project not quite finished
Sharp glass pricks across my skin,
I run,
For lost memories
For a past I want to chase down,
Experience hugs, tears, kisses.
A protective presence that protects me
From every unwanted touch
That I am not ready for
But except as love
I am a fatherless child.
I hate not knowing your smile
when I walk down the white laced aisle,
Into the arms of another man,
But different love
A man who will love me
Past my mistake
Past my mistrust
Enduring all my pain as if
He were a part of myself
All along.
I am still a fatherless child.
A broken picture frame
You see the picture
Yet you can't get past the crack.
I am still a fatherless child.
Broken dreams and all.
I know above there is a
Childless father looking down.
I hope he smiles.

"These Are the Times"

Hanover Poets Laureate will collaborate with Hanover Strings for an evening of poetry and music on April 11, 2010 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, please check out the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center's Conservatory page: http://www.theeich.org/conservatory_series.html.