Atascadero Writers Group
2015 and 2014 columns
November, 2015 The Atascadero Writers Group
My dearest Roxie,
I had a dream the other night. I dreamt Mama was sitting with her back to a darkened window in our front room. It was open to a breeze blowing her long grey hair. Mama was brushing it, staring at me with piercing eyes. I woke with a muffled scream. Mama didn’t have long hair, nor was it gray.
I’ve thought of that dream so many times over the years, always hoping I could figure out the real reason behind it.
December, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
Roxie's First Letter to Betty
Memoir by Betty Finocchiaro
Dear Betty,
I thought I would get a letter off to you before I receive another one of yours. It’s, of course, always a pleasure to read your thoughts and memories because quite frankly, I can imagine how cathartic it has to be for you. On occasion you have asked me if I remember this or that, and all I can say to you dear friend, is that I recall most everything you do, as though I were a part of you. I hold you in my heart and have felt your pain and your joy over and over again.
October, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
Once Upon a Catholic Time II
Betty Finocchiaro's Short Memoir
"Don’t say that. The Blessed Mother cries when she hears you speak that way." That
was my mother talking. One of her ways to keep me on the straight and narrow. It
was too, the strategy of most catholic mothers, pre-
September, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
Dear Roxie,
In 1973, John and I went to Italy with the girls. I can’t recall where you were at this point, but I know that you were involved in your own life. From the day we married, John would tell me the how one day, he would take me to Tuscany where he spent exciting and sometimes, frightening days during World War II. He did take me, twenty five years later. Somehow, life had just gotten in the way.
August, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
Unsettling by Connie Shepard
How did you get inside?
You were not asked to come
But when I cracked open the door
you slid your soul within
July, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
My Blue Bird of Happiness by jim carlisle
Fluttering about in the morning
Happily chattering
Spreading joy in blue dress
June, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
The Gift
by Betty Finocchiaro
Strolling quietly
window shopping
two souls with nothing to mar
their world
Karma at its best
May, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
The Cat by Curt Hinkle
The cat plays rough
Scratch and tooth-
He talks
I reach down from my chair to pet him,
Feel him turn his head to bite
Sometimes just a touch of teeth
Saying, "I could, if I wanted"
April, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
Fairy Queen With Green Collar
by Connie Shepard
Lovely little flower
hiding in the wood
your purple proclaims royalty
and that we should
respect your right of staying
in your place of birth,
at times hiding your offspring
deep within the earth.
March, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
I arrived home late for my afternoon walk. I entered the house expecting to be greeted by scolding sounds from my husky, Misty. No greeting. Sulking again over my lateness, I decided as I cruised through the house calling her name as I checked each room.
February, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
While on my morning
dog and nature walk
I watched the ducks,
geese and other water fowl
swim about in what’s left
of the lake.
January, 2014 The Atascadero Writers Group
I awake this new morning
Lying beside you
Lazily turning my body toward you
desiring your warmth
Amazing myself that we still share
this life
This life
that we never dreamed would go on
this long.
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