Fall 2002 issue

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President's Message
      Summer's swirling by. The beastly July weather leaves—as its only pleasant memory—the thought of how nice it is now that we're not sweating our socks off. Fall is coming! That means the Fall Conference is coming. Please make plans to join us in Eau Claire Friday and Saturday, October 25–26. Look: how many conferences can claim "The Lady Poetesses From Hell" as their headliner? It's gotta be good. Get there or be square.
      In the last Museletter, I mentioned that one of our members had money missing from her envelope in the book-sales room. The Board suggests that book sellers have buyers pay them directly, rather than leave an envelope on the book table. We also suggest that you put a photo of yourself at your display area so buyers will know whom to approach. I understand one of our members offered to bring a Polaroid to the meeting and take pics for a nominal cost. Check at the registration table.
      One of the Fellowship's membership benefits is the membership list. A member can receive the list at cost. Recently, the Board and membership decided that—with privacy issues and professional "spammers" in the news—we needed to be more vigilant. We want to protect our members from unwanted intrusions, but also promote the fellowship that makes this organization so enjoyable. Please remember: the membership list is for personal use only. It is the property of the Fellowship. It may not be sold, given, traded, or otherwise communicated to anyone outside the organization for any reason without the prior consent of the Board. We will probably be asking list recipients to sign an agreement to this effect in the near future.
      I may have stirred up a hornet's nest with the following idea—but I think it has merit. One of the perks of the Fellowship's president is the appointment of the Editor for each year's Poets' Calendar. Editorship is an honor offered to members who have served the organization well and established themselves firmly as talented poets. The Editor enjoys considerable discretion in the selection, layout and production of the Calendar. Previous Editors tell me they spent countless hours in those tasks. Editors are usually appointed for the calendar dated two years hence. This year's editor, Dorothy Schwenkner, began receiving poems at the end of 2001. She worked through most of 2002 selecting, and so on. By the time you read this, her 2003 Calendar will be off the presses. I propose to establish a three-year succession to the Editorship. I feel this will develop better continuity from year to year, as an Editor will have had two years "apprenticeship" to see how the Calendar is done, and to see how it's received. Each Fellowship president will appoint three Editors—one per year—and, once appointed, the Editor will take his or her place in the succession. Each Editor will assist with two years of Poets' Calendars prior to assuming full editorship. (Please see counterpoint letter on page 5).
      I welcome comments and criticisms. Hope to see you in Eau Claire this fall. My address and e-mail are on the Museletter masthead. My home phone is (920) 825-7651.
Hugs, Peter

Just Who in the World Are the Lady Poetesses From Hell?

  • John Calvin Rezmerski, alias Grace Lordstoke, is Writer-in-Residence at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. He has long been committed to bringing poetry to non-traditional audiences, both in publication and performance. In the 1970s he led Minnesota Outloud, taking groups of poets to perform poetry and music in small-town festivals, parks, bars, churches, and nursing homes. He has received many awards for his mainstream and genre poetry including the Rhysling for his fine poem, "A Dream of Heredity." A gifted storyteller, he "channels" the spirit of the dead lady poetess, Grace Lordstoke, who comes to him through his word processor.
  • Ruth Berman grew up in science fiction fandom and has been writing and advocating genre poetry for close to thirty years. Her gentle encouragement and advice have helped many poets gain a foothold and recognition in the field. Widely published in mainstream and genre magazines, her poems are small, multifaceted jewels that tell a whimsical and quirky tale in an enviable economy of words. The non-fiction books she has edited Dear Poppa, A WWII Family Chronicle and The Kerlan Awards in Children's Literature, 1975 -2001 have both received considerable critical acclaim.
  • Laurel Winter has won the Rhysling, the highest award for speculative poetry, twice: in 1998 for "why goldfish shouldn't use power tools" and in 1999 for "egg horror poem." Last year she also won considerable attention and critical acclaim for her intriguing YA novel, Growing Wings. She is past poetry editor of the genre magazine, Tales of the Unanticipated. Her talent for writing poetry and prose is matched by her uncanny knack for putting together an outlandish fashion ensemble. What do you mean orange kneesocks and a pink feather boa don't go together? She is currently finishing a couple more novels, a picture book as well as attending massage school. She lives in a smart house with her husband and twin sons.
  • Terry A. Garey says she was born a long time ago in Berkeley, California and was brought up on various Air Force bases in the States and in Europe. This is why she is unable to parse sentences and did U.S. History up to the Civil War three times in a row. She has been organizing SF poetry readings for over twenty years. She, as first poetry editor of Tales of the Unanticipated, discovered and encouraged many poets who later received recognition in the field. The anthologies of genre poetry she edited, Time Frames and Time Gum are now considered classics. Her own poetry combines practical downhome experience with the alien and absurd. She won the Rhysling in 1997 for her poem "Spotting UFO's while Canning Tomatoes." Her book, The Joy of HomeWinemaking, has little to do with poetry, but much to do with raspberries and is a must for anyone attempting homemade bubblies. She lives in Minneapolis with a librarian and two cats and is, of course, working on the obligatory novel.
  • Rebecca Marjesdatter, presently poetry editor of Tales of the Unanticipated, won the Rhysling in 2000 for her delightfully horrid poem "Grimoire." Known for her adept combination of horror and humor, she can be recognized by the black with orange flames aluminum school lunch box that she carries as a purse. Currently she is working on an MFA in creative writing.
  • Cathy Tacinelli is a former professional medieval historian from Wappingers Falls, New York. She writes poetry of all kinds, and has been published in various places, including Troubador, Tales of the Unanticipated, and Poetry Motel: Broadsides. She has poems appearing soon in Asimov's. She lives in Rochester, Minnesota with her husband John and their cat Spurius.

Send Museletter contributions to the Editor:
Christine Falk
9556 Upper 205th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044
(952) 985-5375

thefalks@frontiernet.net

SEND US YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS if you haven't already, so we can update the WFoP database. Your address will only be used for communication among members.

Welcome
to the following new members of the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets who have joined since the Summer Museletter issue.

Shirley Brander Green Bay
Cynthia Johnson Baileys Harbor
Margaret Ann Magle Sturgeon Bay
Doug Seubert Marshfield
Richard Swanson Madison

Remember
If you move or change your e-mail address, please notify the Museletter editor. Bulk mail is not forwarded so you will not receive your Museletters. E-mail is the only way members are notified of Museletter deadlines.

What's Happening in Your Region?
Central-Fox Valley Region
Lee Brezina's poem "epi taphos" won second place in Kansas State University's Society for Creative Writers contest. The poem has been published in the club's newsletter, Used Ink. Cathryn Cofell has had poems accepted/published by Fireweed Collective, Free Verse, The Valley Scene, and Wisconsin Academy Review. Annette Grunseth was one of ten runners-up in the Wisconsin Academy Review poetry contest, and had the poem published in the July issue of W.A.R. She also had three poems published in the spring and summer issues of the Door Voice. Ia Bolz will be reading at Conkey's Between the Pages October 1st. Constance Morganstern has a children's book of poetry due out next spring, more information later. Chris Stratton read at Barnes and Noble June 7th, has poems due in forthcoming Free Verse, Wisconsin Poets' Calendar: 2003, Chattels of the Heart.

submitted by Mike Koehler, Central-Fox Valley Regional VP

Karla Huston has had poems published in Pearl, Poet Lore, 5 A.M., and Chiron Review. Poems, essays and reviews will be forthcoming in Rattle, Pearl, One Trick Pony, Nanny Fanny and Illya's Honey. She recently taught a class at Madison's Write by the Lake writing conference and enjoyed a month-long residency at Ragdale Foundation. She read at the Montello Public Library and Conkey's Between the Pages in August. A second edition of her chapbook Pencil Test was just published by Cassandra Press.

East-Milwaukee Region
Elaine Cavanaugh was interviewed by Tom Montag, poet and author. In the interview Cavanaugh discusses the many aspects of editing the Wisconsin Poets' Calendar. Tom Montag and his wife Mary originated and edited the first Wisconsin Poets' Calendar in 1982. Elaine Cavanaugh edited the year 2000 Wisconsin Poets' Calendar published by the Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets. The profile appears in Montag's recent book, Kissing Poetry's Sister (Midday Moon Books & Midwestern Writers Publishing House). Montag is the author of numerous books of poetry and Curlew: Home, a memoir. Charles Ries of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has had work accepted in the past three months by Art:Mag, Lummox Journal and Staplegun Press. The January 2003 issue of Iconoclast will publish "I Dare You!" a chapter from Charles Ries' book in progress titled Riesville. Jane Kocmoud, Sheboygan, has been invited to give a poetry reading to the Marshfield Poetry Society (MAPS) November 5th. Some of her photography will be shared as well.
Mid-Central Region
Laurie Pech-Daley's essay "The Way of the Twinkie" received a first honorable mention in WRWA's Humor Writing Contest. Linda Aschbrenner will publish it in a future issue of Free Verse. Laurie also received an honorable mention from Byline magazine for her poem "At the Coop" and she received a second place in Byline magazine for her poem "Quiet Moments." Laurie also had a poem published in Free Verse. Barb Cranford and Mary Lou Judy conducted an all day poetry writing workshop in July. Linda Aschbrenner and Sue Twiggs of the Marshfield Area Poetry Society (MAPS) coordinate monthly poetry readings at the Marshfield Public Library. The programs are funded through the Friends of the Marshfield Public Library and the Marshfield Area Community Foundation. Fall readers are Edith Nash, August 21st and Jane Kocmoud, November 5th. All readings begin at 7 p.m. and are followed by an open mike. The Poetry Trail at the UW-Marshfield/ Wood County Arboretum will feature the poetry of Central Wisconsin poets this fall. The Marshfield Area Poetry Society and the Office of Continuing Education coordinate the changing displays along the trail. Kris Rued-Clark's review of the book Walnut from Waterloo by Sue De Kelver was accepted at Cambridge Book Review. Linda Aschbrenner was among the WFOP readers at Madison's Olbrich Gardens in June. Grace Bushman has published her first chapbook, Libra in Balance. She has poetry forthcoming in the Wisconsin Poets' Calendar: 2003, Free Verse, Futures Magazines and several anthologies.
Northeast Region
Sue De Kelver has two poems in the fall 2002 issue of Wisconsin Academy Review and one poem in Poetry for Peace, an anthology published by Sand Star Press. She was the featured reader at Conkey's Bookstore in Appleton on June 4th and at the McMillan Coffeehouse in Wisconsin Rapids on September 9th. Sue will be conducting a workshop on writing poetry from memorabilia at the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay on October 14th. "In The Meantime" appeared in the June/ July 2002 issue of Free Verse. Peter Sherrill's "Pedagogue" appeared in the same issue. Carrie Sherrill's "Peer Pressure" was printed in the May 2002 issue of Free Verse. Kathryn Gahl has been studying at the University of Southern Maine and at Vermont College this summer. Barbara Larsen had a poem published in the summer 2002 edition of Hummingbird. Barbara Larsen and Gretchen Maring provided the program for a tea at the Hardy Gallery, Ephraim, Wisconsin on June 27th. Poems were read from The History and Delights of Tea, a book which Barbara authored and Gretchen illustrated. They also explained and gave humorous anecdotes from their experiences in self-publishing. The following northeast region members have been notified that their work has been accepted for the Wisconsin Poets' Calendar: 2003: Anita Beckstrom, Kathryn Gahl, Barbara Larsen, Harriet Murphy, June Nirschl, Nancy Rafal and Judy Roy. Congratulations. Nancy Rafal attended the second week of the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, NY. The week featured "Five Poets Who Just Happen to be Women." The featured poets were: Lucille Clifton, Jane Hirshfield, Joan Murray, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Pattiann Rogers. Nancy recently had a poem published in Shifting, and another in the anthology, Take Two-They're Small by Outrider Press. She also attended the Rhinelander School of the Arts, taking Ellen Kort's poetry class. The Hardy Gallery in Ephraim invited WFOP members to read on September 5th at the Fine Arts Potpourri. Members were also invited to read for Heritage Day, September 7th, at The Clearing in Ellison Bay. The following people took part in one or both of these Door County events: Sue De Kelver, Kathryn Gahl, Barbara Larsen, Peg Nemeth, June Nirschl, Nancy Rafal, Judy Roy. Roger Kuhns and David Jones performed their work for the Hardy Gallery's Fine Arts Potpourri on July 11th. Peter Sherrill, Nancy Rafal, Darlene Machtan and Lucy Rose Johns read from their works on WPR's Higher Ground on August 10th. The program was broadcast live from Madison. Mary Jo Wojtusik was one of the promoters of "Words in the Woods" in Three Lakes on August 3rd. Many literary events for children and adults were planned throughout the day. The noon luncheon featured Ellen Kort, Wisconsin Poet Laureate and WFOP member. Mary Jo read "Romancing the Stone," a piece about Three Lakes and Bob Souter read a poem about September 11th. Judy Roy recently had two poems published in The Door Voice and two in Free Verse.

submitted by Nancy Rafal, Northeast Regional Vice-President

Kathryn Gahl 's poetry recently appeared in Potpourri (June 2002) and Porcupine (2001). Another poem will appear in the Wisconsin Poets' Calendar: 2003. Gahl attended the Stonecoast Writers' Conference at the University of Southern Maine in July, 2002, and the Post-Graduate Writers' Conference at Vermont College in August, 2002.

Northwest Region
Diana Randolph and Ted Gephart were among the local writers featured at an Author's Fair in Washburn on April 20th. Diana also had an article she wrote about fellow member Jan Chronister in the Spring issue of The Northwoods Woman. Jan Chronister wrote a play based on the book "The Secret School" by Avi which was staged in Duluth on April 25th. Jan is teaching a summer workshop on poetry for teachers in Duluth on July 9th. Jan was recently notified that four of her poems will be included in the inaugural edition of Mush, published by the English Department at UW-Marathon County.

submitted by Jan Chronister, Northwest Regional VP

Diana Anderson of Eagle River had a poem accepted for publication by Free Verse.

South-Central Region
Jeannie Bergmann's poem "Suspended Animation" won first prize in the Balticon 36 Science Fiction Poetry Contest, sponsored by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society and The Lite Circle. She won a $50 cash prize, and her poem was published in the souvenir book of the group's annual convention, as well as in the science fiction issue of Lite: Baltimore's Literary Newsletter. What do you have when you put 15 poets together in a high-ceilinged room with big windows and flowers all around? If it happened to be June 16, 2002, you would have set the scene for the 10th anniversary of the WFOP Invitational Poetry Marathon, held in the atrium of Olbrich Gardens in Madison. Readers and musicians this year included Barbara Houghton, Lynn Patrick Smith, Richard Roe, Jeffrey Johannes, Linda Aschbrenner, Alice D'Alessio, Bobbie Krinsky, Bill McConnell, Ellen Kort, Kathy Dodd Miner, Robin Chapman, Eve Robillard, and Fran Rall. Hats off to Fran for organizing this three-hour event. Susan Elbe had a poem in the Spring 2002 issue of Ascent and poems forthcoming in The Laurel Review and The North American Review. Additionally, she will have a poem in an anthology to be published in Fall, 2002 by Calyx Books, A Fierce Brightness: Twenty-five Years of Women's Writing. Shoshauna Shy recently was a guest on Jonathan Overby's Wisconsin Public Radio program Higher Ground. She has also had poems published by Slipstream, West Wind Review, Canadian Woman's Studies, New Millennium Writings, Studio One, Artemis Journal, Steam Ticket, Moon Journal, Nerve Cowboy and Homestead Review.

Submitted by Kathy Dodd Miner, South-Central Regional VP

David Scheler was a featured reader at the Barnes & Noble store in Madison on June 23rd. David's poem, "What Nighttime Has Tasted", was selected for publication in the Wisconsin Poets' Calendar: 2003. Norma Gay Prewett received an Honorable Mention in the William Stafford Poetry Prize competition sponsored by Rosebud magazine. The fall reading schedule has been established for the Barnes & Noble, Madison, poetry readings coordinated by Richard Roe. Those reading are: Kathy Miner, August 25th and Judith Strasser, November 24th. Jeannie Bergmann will participate in a reading at Canterbury Booksellers on October 13th.

South Region
 Trish Collins had a poem accepted by Ladybug magazine. Dorothy Schwenkner had poems published in the Northwest Herald, Crystal Lake, IL. Dorothy also has a poem, "Survivors, J.H.S. Class of 1942" in their reunion booklet. Ellen Kort spoke to Janesville area poets in April at the Hedberg Public Library.

submitted by Dorothy Schwenkner, South Regional VP

West-Central Region
Summer has been a busy time for West Central writers. May 16th Sandra Lindow subbed as teacher/critic at Carrie Beth Becker's young writers' group because Carrie Beth was on her honeymoon. Carrie Beth is finding much to write about these days. June 1st, Nadine St. Louis, Peg Lauber, and Sandra Lindow were among those poets who celebrated summer with a reading at the Backdoor Gallery of the State Theater. In July Yvette Flaten and Gail Sosinsky Wickman attended a writers' workshop in Iowa City. July 27th Sandra Lindow was guest artist at Savage's On the River, an art incubation center. Sandra Lindow's poem, "Creation: The Negligent Goddess" can be seen in www.Fables.org, an on-line Œzine. Her poems, "Second Encounter" and "All Hallows Eve" have been accepted by the Magazine of Speculative Poetry. Other poems recently published include "A Requiem for Dinosaurs" in the 2001 Rhysling Anthology. "If Death: A Preprimer" in The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: 2001 and "Rain Walks for CROP," Poetry for Peace, SandStar Publications.

Submitted by Sandra Lindow, West-Central Regional VP

   Jane-Marie Bahr, Menomonie, has published a poem in the Wallpaper.

Constitution and Bylaws Changes
At this Fall Conference, the membership will vote on the proposed Constitution and Bylaws changes. Please note:

  • Proposed amendments to the Bylaws and Constitution must be made in writing to me (Peter Sherrill ­ email and address in masthead) thirty days before the conference. Email is acceptable for this purpose.
  • Amendments will not be accepted from the floor.
  • Any proposed amendment is "an amendment to an amendment" according to Robert's Rules of Order. These are subject to more restrictive rules. Please check with me if you have any questions.
  • You must be a member (other than Honorary) in good standing, not delinquent in dues, in order to vote. For purposes of voting, dues must be paid before the meeting is called to order.
  • Membership will be verified prior to the meeting. Only members qualified to vote will be given voting materials.
  • A two-thirds majority vote is required to adopt the proposed amendments. If adopted, the changes will take effect immediately.

These amendments are the result of hundreds of hours of work by the Bylaws committee and Board. The Board encourages you to vote "yes" for these proposals. If you haven't seen the proposed changes (they were mailed with the Summer 2002 Museletter), please click HERE to view the revised Constitution and Bylaws.

An anonymous donation was made to the Literary Fund as a memorial tribute to Cam Coberly. The Literary Fund Committee joins Lenore Coberly in saying "thank you" for the thoughtful gift.

Start Planning to Attend the Eau Claire WFOP Fall Conference Now
 The 2002 WFOP Fall Conference, "Writing on the Slant" will be held at the Midway Hotel in Eau Claire, October 25-26. Cost of rooms will be $70.00 double occupancy including complimentary hot buffet breakfast Saturday morning. The programming will include a reading and writer's workshop presented by The Lady Poetesses From Hell, an award winning group of speculative poets from the Minneapolis Area. Members include John Calvin Rezmerski, Laurel Winter, Terry Garey, and Rebecca Marjesdatter. Chill with them and you'll find out how to spot "UFO's While Canning Tomatoes" and "Why Goldfish Shouldn't Use Power Tools." Bring your guitars and boomboxes, stay through Saturday night and we will combine with other Wisconsin poets as part of Eau Claire's annual Turning Leaves Festival. Here is the printable reservation form.

NB: Your webmistress has seen the Lady Poetesses perform twice at sci-fi conventions. They kick ass, and are definitely a not-to-be missed event!

Needed: Business Manager for Poets' Calendar
Our current Poets' Calendar Business Manager, Lou Roach, has advised the Board that she will be retiring from the position following next year's Calendar. We need a member to take over those duties. And get this: it's the only payin' gig in the whole Fellowship! Because of the time and attention required, this person shares in the profits of each year's Calendar. The Business Manager is responsible for most of the production/distribution and financial duties surrounding the Calendar. It requires someone familiar with basic bookkeeping. Experience is helpful but not necessary. Interested? Please contact Lou Roach, 311 Meadow lane, Poynette, WI 53955- 9349 for further details.

2003 Calendar Book Orders
for WFOP Members
As a current WFOP member, you are entitled to a discount on the purchase of calendars for personal use and gift-giving. If you are a contributor, a calendar containing your poem would make an excellent birthday, anniversary, holiday, or special occasion gift. Between now and December 31, you may order up to TEN (10) calendars at the wholesale rate of $7.00 each (retail price is $10.95).

If ordering by mail, please add shipping charges.
Shipping and handling:

  • 1 book: $1.75
  • 2-3 books: $2.75
  • 4-5 books: $3.75
  • 6-10 books: $4.75

Please include the following information when placing your order:
I would like ____ books @ $7.00 each: $______
Shippinng: $______
Total Enclosed: $______
Make checks payable to WFOP Calendar Account.

Include your Name, Address, City/State/Zip, Phone.

( ) I would like copies of the RETAIL brochure to distribute to potential individual buyers.

( ) I would like copies of the WHOLESALE brochure for bookstores, gifts shops and other potential sellers in my community.

Send to:
Lou Roach, Business Manager, Wisconsin Poets’ Calendar: 2003
311 Meadow Lane
Poynette, WI 53955-9349

Phone: (608) 635-7997

August 4, 2002
Michael Belongie
1421 Hiawatha Drive
Beaver Dam, WI 53901

Dear Past President: (intended for general readership)
      At a WFOP board meeting on August 3 two issues relating to traditions were on the agenda. One was related to lifetime membership on the board for past presidents. There was a question also raised by Peter what constitutionally qualifies as a quorum and as to whether a board meeting could be held and business acted upon with 6 members present - 2 being past presidents. I include my latest list and my notations of board members. Marj Nienstaedt was present as another president - she resides most of the calendar year in Mexico with her husband and is unable to attend such board meetings regularly.
      My position on the lifetime membership is to allow the tradition to continue. The problem and the solution seem to be evident. Board members, whether assigned positions or past presidents, need to inform the president of attendance or non-attendance. As to the matter of quorum the value of past presidents' hundreds of years of collective membership and experience is evident. The Aldersons, Star Powers and others could offer some past practices as to how we have navigated in the waters of governance. The quirkiness of attendance by board members has been long-standing regarding board meetings. New members often raise the question of why two similar agendas during a weekend convention, one for board and another for general members. That tradition has merits because experienced members clarify issues for general members to weigh.
      Another issue relating to tradition is the president's selection of calendar editors; this issue was discussed in the February board meeting. The privilege of selecting an editor has been with the president. Because this editorship is for the coming year, the president has appointed through the final year of that presidency. I was the first president to have a three-year term—1992-1995. My position on selection is to continue the practice and allow succeeding presidents this prerogative.
     I value the 52 year history and dynamics of the Fellowship and understand the need to address the future. Peter Sherrill continues to meet the challenging leadership role as current president. Few board members have heard any comments about current changes being considered at the fall meeting for ratification.
      Your advice and encouragement for my presidency was invaluable, and I adhere to the value of honoring past presidents with lifetime memberships on the WFOP board, including voting rights.
      I am unfortunately not able to attend the board and general membership meeting October 25 and 26, scheduled in Eau Claire, and ask you to share your position with the president and board members. I am forwarding this letter to Chris Falk for inclusion in the coming Museletter.

With warm regards,
Michael

Museletter Poetry Page

INHERITED NOTES

This time he called my music soulful,
last time steamy. Odd words
for such a brusque blue collar man.
He must have stolen them from cable
or lifted them from clippings in my forgotten
Woody Herman scrapbook.

He is out of place in this place, guilted here
by the absent years, the practice years.
He is seldom and nervous, black bear
in the city in search of his cub.

Between songs he claps, drinks, fidgets,
his eyes at the sour eyes fidgeting back.
Between sets he says my black sax sound
is familiar. We clear our throats
and agree about politics.
When he leaves, he is my shadow at dusk,
stretching like a scary giant, then gone.

It is his voice he hears from my lips,
his cough from my reed. The same raw
teeth clench at my mother's voice.
I have learned to live with it.

–Cathryn Cofell, Appleton
Previously Published by Hodge Podge Poetry

 

HYMN AND ME

Forty years ago it was Dad in church,
his pores oozing metabolized alcohol
and Old Spice while he belted organy
hymns more nearly Lutheran, on key,
           and dead than us.
Today it is me wondering what Emma
smells while I mumble compromised
           epiphanies.

–Mitchell Metz, Oconomowoc
Previously Published in The TMP Irregular

 

A VERY SILENT MAN

How silent he was, my father. I never remember him talking other
than when he gave me instruction or reprimands about work.

How silent he was in prayer. Every morning at first mass,
every night before bed, on his knees talking silently to God.

How silent he was at work, tending to his herd of mink, like
a sheep dog would tend his flock.

How silent he was at supper. Eight voices clamoring, reaching, asking.
My mother filling plates like a short order cook, begging him to "say something!?!?"

How silent he was after lunch as he took his 30-minute nap
before returning to his mink, his chores and his silence.

How silent he was with his rosary woven between his fingers,
wearing his blue suit as we stood wordless around his coffin.

–Charles Ries, Milwaukee
Previously Published in Free Verse

 

ASSUMPTION

Mid-August: all quietly covered in dust, twice-draped,
web-wrapped, encased in loose lint and brittle hair,
whispering about the edges of our frayed, unswept
summer. Unkempt children pound in and out and do not care

if unwiped grass adheres to thudding footsoles.
They loudly laugh while I pontificate to air,
forming an unvoiced argument: chaos takes hold
crashingly, gleefully, at this time of year,

when let go echoes in the willing ear.
Let go – as we let go the creeping vine,
and let go geraniums crowded with dried spears
 or let go thoughts of spring design

and everything we thought we would become
undone.

–Wendy Vardaman, Madison

 

MESSAGE RECEIVED

My father
who taught me
the language
of fireflies
left quietly
encoding
his final goodbyes
in flickering
darts
and
dashes

Kathleen Phillips, Waukesha

 

BEFORE THE COLD THAT COMES FOR US ALL

Fire alone is good church for my father.
No longer smoking Winstons in the house,
a sacrifice for Mother's ailing heart, he builds
great walls of oak and sweet-cored hardwood,
reckoning that heat is love and that his caring
will show as tall as anyone's come Fall.

My father has been looking after others
so long and hard, his eye has come unanchored.
But he still loves his newspaper all the way
to kindling, and makes a great commotion
before first light raking out the ash pan
and whistling "Rock of Ages" up while
 we, his flannel clan, drag lazily awake.

I come home now, bearing my son like a prize,
and all the heat of love my dad had to portion
carefully to us, his kids, rests on my child.
I imagine sparks ignite as he strokes my
baby's wood-chip curls. His grin starts
like a wedge-driven split and cleaves sunbricked carpenter's tan.

I will it: catch, spark,
and burn my father's nature
into his grandson's heart.

–Norma Gay Prewett, Madison (a.k.a. Gay Davidson-Zielske)

 

Theme for Winter issue:
First Impressions of Marriage -
Puzzle, Paradise or Prison?
Poems by Our Membership
Please indicate when submitting to Shoshauna if you wish your work to appear here as well as in the print version of the Museletter – separate permission is needed to publish online. Past contributors are welcome to notify the webmaster at wfop@wfop.org in order to have their poems posted on this site.

Shoshauna Shy, Editor
222 S. Bedford Street, Suite F
Madison, WI 53703
(please include SASE)

or e-mail: sschey@facstaff.wisc.edu
(NO attachments, please!)


Poetry Publications
This section is for the listing of recent publications by WFOP MEMBERS EXCLUSIVELY. Recent publication: Copyright 2001-02. For more information, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the author or publisher.
TITLE
PUBLICATION
DATE
AUTHOR
PoetSongs CD/video  

Various WFOP members on CD and video

For ordering info contact:
Charyl Kneevers Zehfus
1520 South 21st Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081

(920) 459-7971
czehfus@excel.net
Hayseeds Chapbook  

Marcie Leitzke
14 Briarwood Lane
Shawano, WI 54166

Libra in Balance Chapbook  

Grace Bushman
610 South Conlin Court
Hancock, WI 54943-9403

(715) 249-5995

Meet Your Officers:
Roberta Fabiani, Secretary
Hello ...my name is Roberta Fabiani and I am the current board secretary for WFOP. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I came to Burlington, Wisconsin more than 11 years ago, for a summer rural experience with my girls. We all fell in love with the landscape and the small town life... and never went back. (We do visit)

I have been writing as long as I can remember. My childhood diaries, journals and writing explorations evolved into my journey and path as a writer. I believe in the art and the craft of poetry with all of my being. I know no greater personal private rush than finding the words...that flow and grow into a form...discovering and developing on the empty white page into a poem or piece of something more. As an editor, book reviewer, writer and publisher, I am and always will be in awe of the limitless possibilities a white page can bring to light.

Working with WFOP, I have met and continue to meet poets and writers from all over our state. As secretary, I keep and maintain all the meeting records and regional reports. I save, in binders, every Museletter, mailings and letters. I keep every single possible written record of WFOP affairs. I also support and help the board as well as any member with any questions or needs. I am constantly amazed at the active efforts and dedication of our members through-out the state.

I am humbled and honored to serve as secretary for WFOP, an organization rich in history with an expanding vision and view.

Roberta

Dues Payment
     You are past due on your 2002 dues if your mailing label says (01) after your name (and past due on your 2001 & 2002 dues if your mailing label says (00))!

Just remit the proper amount to renew your membership and mail to:

D.B. Appleton
720 E. Gorham Street #402
Madison, WI 53703

     Be sure and include your Name, Address, City/State/Zip, E-mail address, and Amount Enclosed:

Patron $100.00
Active $25.00
Associate $15.00
Student Member $7.50

FINANCES
First Quarter Financial Report

April 1, 2002 through June 30, 2002

Literary Fund Account:
Balance April1, 2002 $22,016.25

Income: Donations
$20.00
  Total
$20.00
Expenses: Muse Contest
$600.64
  Total
$600.64

Balance June 30, 2002 $21,435.61

General Account:
Balance April1, 2002 $8,710.66

Income: Dues
$1,585.00
  Spring Conference
$2,754.00
  Advertising
$50.00
  Contributions
$25.00
  Total
$4,414.00
Expenses: Spring Conference
$1,497.06
  Student Contest 
$50.86
  Website
$11.00
  Museletter
$1,393.47
  Future Conference Planning
$52.49
  Adjustment to previous year
$25.00
  Total
$3,029.88

Balance June 30, 2001 $10,094.78

Calendar Account:
Balance April1, 2002 $9,455.69

Income:
Sales
$1,303.78
Expenses:
Postage
$5.66
  Reimbursements
$21.00
  Adjustments to previous year
$20.00
  Total
$149.53

Balance June 30, 2001 $10,712.81

submitted by D.B. Appleton, treasurer

PoetSongs – A Wisconsin Year in Song
      PoetSongs is a unique musical journey through one year in Wisconsin, based on poems written by twelve noteworthy Wisconsin poets. Their poems were published in Wisconsin Poets' Calendars, 1994 to 2001. Poet/Composer/Musician Charyl Kneevers Zehfus selected these twelve poems and set them to music, one for each month of the year. Ms. Zehfus, who holds a Master's degree in Music Composition and Theory from the University of Illinois-Champaign, has had her compositions performed throughout the midwest. Her Poetsongs combines a sophisticated musical wit with a pure, lyrical heart. The result is a colorful potpourri of intelligent, accessible compositions which employ a variety of styles and timbres appropriate to each distinctive poem. The premiere of PoetSongs featured three acclaimed Sheboygan area vocalists: soprano Michelle Nolan-Olmsted, mezzosoprano Rebecca Charbonneau, and tenor Jeffrey Britton. Instrumentalists included: Jill Hanes, clarinet/sax; Brian Hanes, trumpet; Karen Mani, violin; Barbara Schuette, viola; Kathy Nelson, cello; Jessi Brunette, bass, Glenn Zeinemann, percussion; Sherri Lynn Beisser, Irish whistle; accordion player Earl Kneevers, and composer Charyl Kneevers Zehfus, piano. The vocalists and instrumentalists are celebrated performers as soloists and in numerous musical organizations, including the Lakeshore Chorale, the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus, the Sheboygan Symphony Singers, the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Valley Symphony, and the Irish band Good Luck. In addition, a number of these performers are music educators in Sheboygan area schools and also teach privately. Program announcer Robert Harker, Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Historical Museum, narrated the program and introduced poets who recited their poetry before each musical presentation. Poems and poets highlighted in the PoetSongs premiere were, as follows: "Looking Up at the Milky Way Thought" by Antler (Milwaukee), "Spring Sonnet" by Barbara Coan Houghton (McFarland), "St. Pat's Day" by Jack Jayne (Kaukauna), "Super America Invades Polish America" by Jeff Poniewaz (Milwaukee), "Wolf Walk" by Charlotte Cote (Racine), "Kerosene Lamp" by Charyl Kneevers Zehfus (Sheboygan), "Fourth of July Night" by Marion H. Youngquist (Wauwatosa), "Blackberry Rain" by Jean Ross (Milwaukee), "Aryana Walking in a Field at Twilight" by Sprague Vonier (Milwaukee), "On the Way to Riley" by CX Dillhunt (Madison), "Getting Ready" by Harvey Taylor (Milwaukee), "WISCONSIN SNOW moon" by Louisa Loveridge-Gallas (Milwaukee). For ordering information, see "Poetry Publications" section.

In Memoriam

Russell Ferrall 1906-2002
Life Member Russell B. Ferrall passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at Mission Viejo, California. He made many contributions to the arts and letters in Wisconsin: he served as president of the Fellowship from 1968-70, 1970-72, and 1988-90. He served as president of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies from 1970-71. He was a long-time member and officer of the Wisconsin State Arts Board. He published prose and poetry extensively. We offer our condolences to his family. We will miss him greatly. 		Sister Kevin Robertson 1913-2002
Sister Kevin Robertson was born to eternal life on May 17, 2002 at Campbellsport, Wisconsin. As stated by her colleague, Sister Dorothy McKeague, "Sister was such a gifted person. We know her poetry touched the hearts of many persons in a very positive way. Although we will always miss Sister Kevin's loving presence, we are happy for her that she has achieved her goal of union with God for all eternity."

Review of The Handywoman Stories
by David Trembley

Review of The Handywoman Series by Lenore McComas Coberly; Swallow Press/Ohio University Press: Athens, OH; 2002. W.P. Kinsella's blurb on the dust jacket of The Handywoman Stories reads, "...heartwarming and heartrendering...sweet, emotional, down-home tales that stir the soul and often bring a tear to the eye." He's not all wrong, but Kinsella misses some things. This collection is also both more than and other than Kinsella says. For example, "Going Over," the first tale (previously published in Aura: University of Alabama) is more mortality tale than anything else. Even without its concluding paragraph, "Going Over" is as much essay as it is narration. "Willie Mae Goes North," however, the third story from the end of the collection, is an intricate little gem that folds in upon itself in a quite utterly "modern" way. Written in the form of six short letters and two very brief "interior tales," this is very complex narration. Near its end, one discovers that the purported recipient of the letters is no longer alive and, indeed, was dead when the letters were written. It is a touch that further blurs the boundaries of the "worlds" that are being described and inhabited. Coberly, is a native of West Virginia, where most of the stories are set. She has long resided in Madison, however, and is widely known in Wisconsin literary circles for her fiction, her poetry, and perhaps especially, for her teaching of writing. There are eighteen more tales in the collection, some of which are, as Kinsella says, both heartwarming and heartrendering. In the main, however, the description seems to this reviewer both over simplified and excessively sentimental. One might as well say "these are regional tales of a certain time" and thereby miss the larger truth, which seems to this reviewer to be that Coberly is sometimes elegiac, sometimes whimsical, occasionally hilarious, and always morally edifying. Sometimes she is acerbic and understated, but, as always, Lenore McComas Coberly is a writer worth reading.


Remember!

The next Museletter DEADLINE
is November 8, 2002

How to reach the Museletter Editor:

Christine Falk
9556 Upper 205th Street
West Lakeville, MN 55044

(952) 985-5375
email: thefalks@frontiernet.net