Tag Archives: Poetry

Tribute to High Flight

28 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in Aging and Freedom, Inspiration, Maryland, Photography, Poetry, Writing

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"Inspiration," photo by Wilson Wyatt Jr.

“Inspiration,” photo by Wilson Wyatt Jr.      Click on photo for larger image

Today’s photo is a tribute to John Gillespie Magee Jr.’s familiar sonnet, “High Flight.”  He wrote the last line when he was inspired as a pilot, first reaching an altitude of 33,000 feet in 1941, during World War II:

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, –and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of –Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air…

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark or even eagle flew — And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.                                                                   

A special thanks to the organizers of the Annual Easton Airport Day, on September 27, where “Warbird Formation” flyovers generated choruses of “wows” from an appreciative crowd of children, mothers, dads, and our veterans. The planes were classics, many dating back to World War II. One could not see the show without being mindful of the importance of flight to our freedoms.

It was a beautiful day, filled with family enjoyment.  It was also a day of inspiration.

The Delmarva Review . . . Every cover has a story

26 Friday Sep 2014

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Covers of The Delmarva Review

Covers of The Delmarva Review

Coming in October, the seventh edition of The Delmarva Review literary journal features the work of 40 contributors from 14 states, Washington, D.C., and Italy.  Website http://www.delmarvareview.com.  More news to come.

The Delmarva Review…so many choices. So many talented writers.

24 Monday Mar 2014

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Choices come with the weight of decision and responsibility, never to be taken lightly. That is what we feel as editors of The Delmarva Review.  It’s decision time.

Cover - The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

Cover – The Delmarva Review, Volume 6

While our literary journal is young, at seven years, submissions are beyond expectations.  Over 1,000 writers submitted poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction for the coming issue.

We created the Review as a new publishing opportunity for literary work in print, offering writers permanence and readership beyond borders.  Standards are high as we welcome all authors.  Our goals are to select writing that inspires and encourages writers to create their finest work.  Literary writing is often considered the far end of the writing spectrum, reserved for the most skillfully created prose and poetry.  Through the journey comes discovery, giving significance to the pursuit. . .for literature and for the writer.

As editors, we will do our best to make thoughtful decisions, knowing we can only publish a sample of the work submitted.

Editors will finalize selections over the next few weeks and contact the authors. Publication of Volume 7 is October 2014.  On behalf of the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association, we thank all the authors who have considered The Delmarva Review for publication.

This is a privilege.  We do not take it lightly.

The Delmarva Review is published annually in print.  A downloadable digital edition is available at Amazon.com. Website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

A wonderful task for an editor. . . Pushcart Prize nominations!

03 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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DR-6-Pushcart

 

The Delmarva Review nominated the writing of six authors for The Pushcart Prize. It’s one of the greatest pleasures an editor can experience, recognizing the writers among the best, all in contention with other selected authors around the nation, their work competing for the coveted Pushcart Prize.

Being nominated for a prestigious literary prize gives authors more than recognition.  It propels their work to another level of discovery.  It’s a powerful incentive for writers to seek the best in literary writing, one of the primary purposes of the Review.

Personally, this caps a long year of hard work.  A gifted team of editors, all skilled volunteers, can appreciate our selection of poetry and prose, all over again.  We’ve gone through the difficult task of reading hundreds of submissions, making tough choices, accepting and rejecting the words that so many authors have labored over, sometimes for years.

The selection process was followed by the careful eyes of our copy editor, proofreaders, and designer.  All of us felt an obligation to print a quality journal that respected the words of our authors.  This often goes unnoticed, but a fine literary review is not just glued together and haphazardly sent to readers or posted online.  It takes time, and a creative, caring hand.

The pleasure we feel today is from knowing that our authors appreciate their opportunity. It’s now up to another set of editors to make their choices. We’ll know next year.

The Delmarva Review nominations include:

–       “Writing My Way Home,” a personal essay by combat veteran Ron Capps

–       “Melissa,” a poem by William Peak

–       “Immigrant,” a poem by Holly Karapetkova

–       “November Morning,” a prose poem by Devon Miller-Duggan

–       “Dioscuri,” a poem by Paul Otremba

–       “Flowers Scarcely Withered,” a short story by Nancy Ford Dugan

Thank you to Pushcart Press for its continued support of literary work published in the small presses.  And, thank you to a gifted team at The Delmarva Review…and to our sponsor, the Eastern Shore Writers Association.   For more about the Review, copies, and submission guidelines, please see the website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

 

The Delmarva Review’s sixth edition honored by a reading at The Writer’s Center

11 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by in Maryland, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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The Delmarva Review, Volume 6 - print and digital editions

The Delmarva Review, Volume 6, 2013 in print and digital editions – Cover photograph by Christopher Woods   click on image for larger view

There wasn’t an empty chair as five authors took to the podium and read their writing from the new edition of The Delmarva Review, a journal publishing compelling literary prose and poetry. The venue was perfect. The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland, is known as a special “home” to many writers. As one of the premier writers’ centers in the country, it welcomes and supports literary work (www.writer.org).

The authors had never read together before, but their performances were so complementary that, taken together, one might think they were choreographed.  They read to an attentive, responsive audience that packed the house.  It was a memorable literary event.

As executive editor, I am thankful for our five reading authors: fiction author Margaret Adams, of Baltimore, poet Judith Bowles, of Chevy Chase, MD, fiction author Ru Freeman, of the Philadelphia area, poet E. Laura Golberg, of Washington, DC, and essayist Ron Capps, Of Washington, DC.

There is something magical to all of us as editors when we experience a reading. The words jump off the page as we hear the author’s unique voice…live.  It often reveals a new dimension of the author’s deepest intentions.

The event was Sunday, the day before Veteran’s Day.  Appropriate to the occasion, the last presenter was Ron Capps, a soldier, Foreign Service officer, and a combat veteran of five recent wars. He founded the Veterans Writing Project (http://veteranswriting.org).  Mr. Capps delivered his stirring personal essay, “Writing My Way Home.”

The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, is published by the Eastern Shore Writers Association to encourage and inspire literary writing.  Print issues can be ordered through the website: www.delmarvareview.com.  A digital edition for download to popular electronic reading devices is available at www.Amazon.com.

The submissions period for Volume 7 is open until February 28, 2014.  All writers, please see the Guideline page on the website.

Ron Capps, founder of the Veterans Writing Project, reading his essay in The Delmarva Review

Ron Capps reading his personal essay, “Writing My Way Home”                                    – photos by Wilson Wyatt

Fiction author Margaret Adams reading "Undertow"

Fiction author Margaret Adams reading “Undertow”

Fiction author Ru Freeman reading "Departure"

Fiction author Ru Freeman reading “Departure”

Poet E. Laura Golberg reading "The Solitary Farmer"

Poet E. Laura Golberg reading “The Solitary Farmer” and “Lockport Caves for Vita”

Poet Judith Bowles, who read "The Instrument" and "My Parkinson's and I attend my 50th Reunion"

Poet Judith Bowles, who read “The Instrument” and “My Parkinson’s and I attend my 50th Reunion”

Celebrating “The Delmarva Review’s” sixth year

02 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by in Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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The Delmarva Review

The Delmarva Review, Volumes 1 – 6

Writers gathered on the Eastern Shore for poetry readings and a special thank you to the 135 authors published in The Delmarva Review over six years. As executive editor, I was pleased to announce the official opening of the submission period for the 2014 issue, Volume 7 (see the website to submit work: www.delmarvareview.com).

Last night’s festive crowd of writers met the editors and the publisher, representatives of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, at a public reception held at The News Center bookstore, in Easton, Maryland.

All of us at the Review believe the best writing has no borders. We have published compelling new literary prose and poetry from 135 authors over the first six years. In all, writers have come from 23 states, the District of Columbia, and eight other countries. About two-thirds are from the Delmarva and Chesapeake region. Twenty-four have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Primed with cider, light refreshments, and home-baked cookies, the audience was treated to readings from the Review’s Poetry Editor, Anne Colwell, from Milton, Delaware, and poet William Peak, of Easton, one of the contributing authors to the 2013 issue. It was a delightful way to start the new writing season.

The literary journal is published in print and digital editions. The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, downloadable edition is now available on Amazon.com. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Delmarva-Review-Vol-6-ebook/dp/B00G390V0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383423047&sr=8-1&keywords=the+delmarva+review+vol.+6

For those who could not attend the celebration, I’ll share some photos by my photographer wife Katie Wyatt:

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review's Sixth Annual Celebration

Poetry Editor Anne Colwell reading at the Review’s celebration of six years of publishing – click on photo for larger image

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review

Author William Peak reading his poetry in Vol. 6, The Delmarva Review – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the current Issue of the Review

Co-Fiction Editors Margot Miller and Harold Wilson discuss the new issue of the Review    – click on photo for larger image

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to the Review

Co-Fiction Editor Amy Abrams, left, talks to poet Sue Ellen Thompson, a contributing author to past issues of Review – click on photo for larger image

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, president of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event

Editorial Advisor Gerald Sweeney, President of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, welcomes writers to the event – click on photo for larger image

Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore

The Review’s Executive Editor Wilson Wyatt with Kimberly Bushey, Manager of The News Center bookstore – click on photo for larger image

The Delmarva Review Announces Sixth Literary Journal

24 Thursday Oct 2013

Posted by in Poetry, Writing

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The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6 - 2013

The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6 – 2013

The Delmarva Review announced its sixth annual literary review presenting new prose and poetry from 23 authors. In all, they come from nine states and the District of Columbia.

“From the hundreds of submissions, we selected stories and poetry expressing the human themes of healing, aging, independence, loss, love, and a sense of place,” said Wilson Wyatt, executive editor. “The cover photograph, Coming, Going, by Christopher Woods, suggests a metaphor of opening the door to imaginative writing.”

The nonprofit literary journal publishes distinctive poetry, short stories, and nonfiction in print and digital editions. It also reviews a selection of new books.

The editors selected Ron Capps, founder of the Veterans Writing Project, as this issue’s featured writer for his powerful personal essay, “Writing My Way Home.” The essay will relate to the many thousands of veterans who have returned from combat with physical and psychological wounds, while it shows how writing can help everyone to heal from the scars of adversity.

Poetry editor Anne Colwell expanded the poetry in this issue. Thirty-one poems from 11 poets represent a wide range of poetic voice and form. Many of the poems are about how life experiences, art, or even age change the way a person perceives the world. “They lead us to unexpected moments of beauty and insight,” said Colwell.

The fiction section contains seven short stories. Beginning with “Undertow,” by Margaret Adams, readers are offered a penetrating view of self-esteem and misunderstanding. A flash fiction piece probes the subject of personal identity. In all, the stories explore freedom, aging, loss, and life’s unanticipated consequences.

The editors selected three books by regional authors to review, including a current novel by John Barth, poetry by Jehanne Dubrow, and a trilogy of stories by Sophie Moss.

In addition to Wyatt and Colwell, the editorial board includes: Harold Wilson, Margot Miller and Amy Abrams, as fiction editors, George Merrill, nonfiction editor, Mary Ann Hillier, submissions administrator, Melanie Rigney and Gerald Sweeney, editorial advisors, Jeanne Pinault, copy editor, Charleen Marcum, proofreader, and Laura Ambler, for layout and design.

The Delmarva Review is produced with the support of subscribers, contributors, and the publisher, the Eastern Shore Writers Association. The association is a nonprofit organization supporting writers and the literary arts across the Delmarva Peninsula.

“We are indebted to the remarkable talents and spirit of the writers, editors, and designer as we present this volume to the eyes of your imagination,” said Wyatt.

The editors encourage writers to consider submitting their best work. The next submission period opens November 1 and closes on February 28, 2014. Submissions are competitive. Publication of an author’s work in The Delmarva Review represents a significant literary achievement.

Single issues of the Review are $10 each plus $2 for postage. Two-year subscriptions are $20 postpaid. An order form is available on the website: www.delmarvareview.com, or by writing: The Delmarva Review, P.O. Box 544, St. Michaels, MD 21663.

A digital edition of The Delmarva Review, Vol. 6, for download to electronic reading devices, is available on Amazon.com.

Community of writers…helping each other grow on the Delmarva Peninsula

25 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by in Inspiration, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Wilson Wyatt Interviewed - The Talbot Spy

Wilson Wyatt Interviewed – The Talbot Spy

Video interview, by The Talbot Spy, highlights the significance of a growing “writers’ community” across the tri-state Delmarva Peninsula. Part 2, Video link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GWoGf1Y4DI

Today’s digital age gives local writers everywhere the ability to reach a worldwide audience.  Regional borders are disappearing.  This technological phenomenon, combined with dedicated volunteers, has spawned a vibrant writer’s community across the Delmarva region of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

The Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA), Bay to Ocean Writers Conference, new critique groups, writers’ workshops, book clubs, Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild (RBWG) and many writers’ groups are growing at a healthy pace in the region. Website www.easternshorewriters.org.

The Delmarva Review, in its sixth year as a quality literary journal, is attracting prose and poetry submissions from hundreds of writers across the U.S., far beyond regional borders. Website www.delmarvareview.com

It’s a wonderful time to be a writer.  Of course, along with opportunities for writers to reach a vastly greater readership, the Internet also gives readers more reading choices than ever before.  The quality of writing has never been more important, as readers become the discerning gatekeepers of good writing.

The strength of an active writers’ community is writers inspiring each other to improve their work, share marketing and distribution experiences, and become successful.

These and other subjects were discussed in the two video interviews by The Talbot Spy:  http://talbotspy.com/arts-2/

The value of a “writing community”…transcending borders

07 Friday Jun 2013

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Hal Wilson, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL, Salisbury). - Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Hal Wilson, left, of the Eastern Shore Writers Association, interviews Ron Capps in Public Radio Delmarva’s studio (WSDL-FM, Salisbury). – Photographed by Wilson Wyatt

Several friends are currently publishing their literary work. With each, a writing community contributes to the achievement.

I think of this from time to time. Why do I volunteer to help other writers? Does a writers’ community really benefit writers?

The answers are powerful affirmations.

A writer once told me of a desire to publish more work in local publications, but opportunities were diminishing. Does that sound familiar?  I asked why he was thinking locally when he could consider a much larger universe…beyond local borders.  A little nudging, and assurances from a larger community of writers, expanded his vision and potential. His determination was fueled for the hard work to complete and publish books capable of reaching a vastly greater audience…now a major accomplishment for the author.

Another example is about a combat veteran of five wars, Ron Capps.  Parts of his story have been told in the national media and are still being unveiled.

As a very capable writer, Ron decided to use writing to apply his experiences to three new and meaningful purposes.  First, writing enabled him to face and manage the horrors of combat that were relived in his mind daily.  It was a means of confronting and healing.  Appreciating this strength, he initiated a major project to teach other combat veterans, and their families, writing techniques for their healing and expression.

He recognized the value to show the rest of the world, through veterans’ writing, that there were other costs of war we don’t think about, that aren’t reported by the daily media. Only one percent of Americans are engaged in military duty today. Combat veterans, through writing, can “bear witness” for us to comprehend the personal impact of combat and war. As a society, we can become better informed before making decisions about going to war.

This week, two of us from the Eastern Shore Writers Association, hosted  Ron at the Public Radio Delmarva station (WSDL-FM) in Salisbury, Maryland, to record a special radio segment, “The Writer’s Edition,” about his experiences and inspiration to create the Veteran’s Writing Project, veteranswriting.org.  It will air on June 28, contributing his message to a new audience.

Ron Capps also wrote a powerful personal essay that will be published in The Delmarva Review’s sixth edition, in October, expanding the reach of his story among literary readers (www.delmarvareview.com).

These stories “bear witness” to a writing community helping writers in their work while contributing something meaningful to a far greater audience.  The value of a writing community transcends us…it transcends borders.

A Choice…entertainment tonight, or poetry to inspire me for the rest of my life – Richard Blanco’s “One Today”

18 Saturday May 2013

Posted by in Aging and Freedom, Inspiration, Poetry, The Future, Uncategorized, Writing

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I had that choice this week…one of those times to pick between the ordinary and the extraordinary.  I could have seen a good movie or a play or a show on TV.  Nothing wrong with that.  Today, entertainment is only a “click” away.

But, instead, we drove two hours to a special reading of a poem.  To hear Richard Blanco, the fifth Inaugural Poet in history, read from his personal poetry and “One Today,” the poem he wrote for the nation…at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.  I knew this would be unique, rarely to be repeated in a small gathering, as the poet told his story.  Another emigrant making an indelible contribution to the United States.

My wife and I attended…no, we listened…at a special gathering orchestrated by The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda.  The poet, one of the Center’s former teachers, told his remarkable story.  These were the words behind the words…some of the raw history behind the music of his poetry.

Richard Blanco has been acclaimed in poetry circles, winning praise and awards, but now he is known as one of the few poets to be celebrated on the world stage.  This would be a distinctive experience, one of those times I could place delicately in my memory, offering inspiration on demand…a gift that keeps on giving.

From the ending of his poem, “One Today”

We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight

of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always, always

Home, always under one sky, our sky. And always

One moon like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop

And every window, one country—all of us—

Facing the stars. Hope—a new constellation waiting

For us to map it, waiting for us to name it—together.

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A special “thank you” to my friends at The Writer’s Center, “one home,” a writer’s home, for creating this personal opportunity.