[stylist] Poem - "Reed College" - Final Draft

[Jackie Williams]

Bill,
This brings back a painful time in my life. I first went to Iowa State
College where my  father had gotten his Ph.D. in chemistry and was a revered
teacher.
I flunked chemistry with an I, meaning I had to take it over, and would get
the grade I earned the second time. Not much better. This in a family where
anything but an A was considered flunking!
And so it goes when you follow other than your own passions.
I liked the poem. Truly accessible.

Jackie Lee

Time is the school in which we learn.
Time is the fire in which we burn.
Delmore Schwartz	 

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of William L
Houts via stylist
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 1:13 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Cc: William L Houts
Subject: [stylist] Poem - "Reed College" - Final Draft



HI Poets,

Here's one I wrote some time ago, but which I haven't really shown to 
anybody.  I think it's a pretty friendly poem, but then I would, being 
its papa and all.


--Bill


---



Reed College

It's a school of global fame,

thronged with wits and prodigies.

a scholar's earth: I flunked,

though I clearly belonged.

There's a joke in that,

though it's taken thirty years to laugh.

I've come to awareness, call it,

by other paths.I've studied

magicians and witches, the wisdom

gain from walking backwards

through mirrors, and forwards

through minds also untroubled by schools,

by rules of mental engagement.

There's joy in that, and reason and rue,

like walking kneewise through desert,

sweltering sick

and finding fountains cold,

and gracious as mother.

It's surprising, sustaining and true:

I don't recommend it.























-- 


"Oh, Sophie!  Whyfore have you eated all de cheeldren?"

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