While I Waited, Life Happened

As fall approaches, this poem comes to mind. It is in my poetry book and was published on Your Daily Poem. 

While I Waited, Life Happened by Glenda Council Beall Next

In the waning days of fall vacation, leaves fly like goldfinches, poplars' jeweled showers rain upon the mountains of West Virginia. Temperatures plummet to freezing after dark, but mornings crisp as caramel apples draw us outside where cows seek sustenance burrowing beneath tall weeds bronzed by season's cold. Three horses clip remaining blades from pasture overgrazed in the drought. Smoke plumes from burning brush cut to make the raw road, drifts across the pond's mosaic surface. I find myself nostalgic for my own country roots; Soft sounds of mourning doves and lost calves calling for their mothers; riding horseback in the woods, quail flush and scare my pony; crows caw from stands of willows. Boundless days stretched before me; days of wasted youth; Hours of restless yearning, wanting always what I did not have, waiting to learn what I would become, waiting to live, oblivious to the riches I already possessed. Given a second chance, I'd hold that gift of time cupped tightly in my hands. I'd breathe, taste and savor every second I have squandered — not fritter it away, but hoard each precious minute, clutched firmly against my breast. From Now Might As Well Be Then (Finishing Line Press. 2009) Used with the author's permission.

Poets and Poetry

We have a great time at Writers Night Out in Young Harris, GA on the second Friday of each month. Karen Holmes hosts this event and has been doing a great job of bringing excellent writers to our area for a number of years now.

If you live in the surrounding area - Cherokee, Clay, Towns, Union or Fannin Counties - be sure you drop in this Friday night to hear two poets from the Atlanta area.

Well, just click Here and read all about them.

Everyone is welcome. Come early and have dinner. Bring a poem or short prose piece to share. You will find a warm and friendly group. 

I am sharing a poem from my book, Now Might as Well be Then, published by Finishing Line Press. Hope you enjoy it. 

Listening for the Rain

The leaves lose their chlorophyll

slowly brown and curl,

then drift like flying birds

to nestle on the ground.

The grass that once was springy

underfoot, now crackles when I walk.

Blades break and lie in shattered shreds

on barren ground.

Last night brought rain.

I woke to hear it tapping

on parched leaves, gently at first,

then a steady pouring stream

rushing through the trees.

Too late for the corn, my father says

across the bridge of time.

Maybe it will save the pasture,

give us one more haying

before summer ends. 

Arts Expo - Saturday, Nov. 7, Hayesville, NC

Saturday, November 7, the Clay County Historical and Arts Council is hosting an Arts Expo in Hayesville, NC. Our writing organization, NCWN West (Netwest) will have a booth there and we are invited to read and sign books during the event.
The hours are 10 AM until 4 PM.
Our readings will take place at 11:00 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m.
We hope we have a good group of listeners so please come out to the Truett Memorial Baptist Fellowship Hall downtown Hayesville and support our arts. You will enjoy your visit and meet writers and artists of all kinds. Rob Tiger and some of his group will be playing music during the day.

Tell your friends to come. I'd love to meet them and sign my brand new, hot off the press, poetry book - Now Might as Well be Then - Published by Finishing Line Press and edited by Leah Maines. Great people to work with at Finishing Line. My book is lovely and I am quite proud.

Those who ordered books from me will be receiving them next week. I am also taking orders on Saturday and will have books on hand for folks to pick up for those extra Christmas gifts. The price is $12.00 and I will be so happy to sign one for you.

My Love for Horses started early

My Father's Horse 

by Glenda Council Beall

Stickers tear my legs, bare and tan 

from summer sun. Long black braids 

fly behind me as I sprint like a Derby winner 

down the path. 

Harnessed with hames, bridle and blinders, 

Charlie plods along the farm road. 

Tired and wet with sweat, he is perfume 

to my nostrils. My father swings me up. 

I bury my hands in tangled mane. 

My thighs stick to leather 

and damp white hair 

high above the ground.

I want to sing in glorious joy, 

but only croon a child's nonsensical 

tune, grinning for a hundred yards 

between field and barn. 

 My father's arms are strong.

His hands are gentle. 

The horse is all we ever share. 

For he has sons, and I am just a daughter.

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.