November 2024

One of the great joys of writing is belonging to a community that embraces the nascent poet. In just two short years, I have been welcomed by an international network of artists who encourage, commiserate and celebrate together. Cheers to all my friends who have helped me find my voice through poetry. With your writing, music, art and other creative works, you inspire me to share my poetry with the greater world.

This month I offer you my poem, "Lourdes." I am grateful to Written Tales (www.writtentales.com) for giving this poem a home in their "All About Life" chapbook. "Lourdes" was inspired while on pilgrimage in France. The hope, faith and despair etched into thousands of faces I encountered there will stay with me for a lifetime.

Also this month we welcome Dave Melby and Elizabeth Gorman who come to the Salon with their song, "Bumpy Road." "Bumpy Road" is a remembrance of a daughter's bonds to her father and the lessons he imparted along the way.