Ancestors

I want to share this poem by my 8th cousin, Mary Michelle Keller. She is deeply into genealogy and found we have the same lines in our background. Before we knew we were cousins, we were friends. Barry called her "Cuz."

Ancestors
Census copies strew across my desk
keys that fit rusty locks of remembrance
yield up the flesh of those long dead

I am the keeper of their stories
gathered from dusty history book
records of birth, death and probate

They sailed on ships of cholera
some for adventure, others respite
all for new beginnings, for freedom

The adversity they left followed
some died only to have just begun
others survived to plant their seed

I am here because of them
I will not let them lie in obscurity
I will raise them and remember.

                Mary Michelle Brodine Keller

Photos for my book

Finishing Line Press has accepted my poetry chapbook for publication and I expect it to be released in November. I had not realized the responsibilities of the author after the acceptance. First I had to have some photos of ME for the book. BB is an excellent photographer but his photos of me in recent years are not, shall we say, flattering. I am fortunate to have a great hairdresser who moonlights as a photographer.Her name is Valoree Luhr and she lives in Hayesville, NC. Thank you, Valoree. My picture is just what I wanted.I was told today that I look younger in this photo. Now that is what everyone wants to hear.

Another deadline looms on April 30. I need a cover photo. Again, I am most fortunate to have a great friend in Mary Michelle Keller, or Mike, as I call her. Mike is an accomplished artist among other things. I knew what I wanted but Mike combined two photos, an old one with a new one, using Photoshop Elements and BB and I were amazed with her work. In order to have more than one choice for the publisher, another photo was made today, in the exact right spot, at the exact right time for the shadows to enhance the image.

You will get to see these photos when the book comes out.