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All too often we, human beings value things once they’re gone. That notion occurred to me when I retired in 1997 and it was for that reason, I embarked on a way of life that would not only value what I was walking into but would try to share that with others. After all, I was retiring from a job, not from life. That is the reason I set up a web site dedicated to showcasing all the good things present in an extended old age. The Bill of Rights posted on this site to the right of this blog is the doctrine I adopted, drafted in figurative language.

My reason for the figurative language is not only because I love poetry but so that each item could encompass more that it says. Poetic language doesn't tell us something, it points in the direction of meaning.  For example,

 

When I think of what’s happening to our country, I could cry.  I dare not start for the sadness would be too intense.  How did we ever allow so few people to control the destiny and wellbeing of our country.  All the money that middle class people lost, is not evaporated into thin air, not burned to ashes.  Sure some of it is down the pleasure drain but a lot of it is piled high in the coffers of about 15 % of the people.  These are the same people who have no compassion or care for the well-being or health of the rest of us, despite the disingenuous protestations that we are saddling our grandchildren with great debt.  If they are so concerned why don’t they give the IRS a bonus of say 5% of whatever they earned over and above what they made 2 years ago. They would still have enough, not only to live on but to generate jobs that are so important to the health and well-being of our people.  That would get us out of hock pretty fast.

The following is a letter I sent the Chicago Tribune and it will be printed in the Tuesday,

March 30, 2010 issue.

 It is unreasonable to assume that one individual will never need health care services.  The Constitution does not protect the right of individuals to sponge off their fellow citizens. If an insurance pool is constituted for the benefit of  individuals and not for the benefit of stock holders and if it is to be financially viable, it must have everyone in the pool, rich, poor, healthy and sick, young and old.  Since individuals move freely from state to state, it is an interstate issue.  Republicans want tort reform of frivolous suits, let them consider this kind of threat as the most politically frivolous of claims.  They need to stop playing games and decide to participate in governing this great nation.

A Woman’s Valentine Day Poem

To all the men who’ve walked in and out my door

I count them all and will love them evermore

There was Denny with just one crooked tooth

Though only seven was adoring, but had little couth

He made the strangest noises and not just when he was alone

Mother said that I had to send him promptly home.

Spin the bottle, in middle school was very big

But Jimmy Downs would kiss you like a suckling pig

College days brought a serious suitor or two

Who managed love, along with a favorite brew

Ah romance, romance is one of life’s never ending joys

Thoroughly enjoyable, when men are no longer boys.

_{poem © Jo Stewart - February, 2008
image © Sherry York Tipton - 2006}

Tonight I make my debut in performance poetry: Green Mill's Women Poets night. I will read Castoffs and In Season from my new chap book, "Where the Turtle Lives." I will do my best and try not to bomb out. It's not the public speaking part that I find challenging but it will be the first time I stand up in front of a group and own what I created. Wish me luck.