Writers Corner September 7, 2012

BLUE MOON FOR A LOVELY LADY

As August wanes and summer swoons

A birthday comes her way.

We'll watch the rarely seen blue moon

That marks her special day.

A soldier home from war alive,

Would come to share her life.

For years that number sixty-five

She's been his lovely wife.

She was an educator, see,

Two dozen years in all.

Her classrooms a menagerie

Of creatures great and small.

Retirement has brought her rest

Around her lake retreat.

Her gardens all reflect the best

And trees, her finest feat.

The six of us, her children, know

For all that she has done.

We'll love you so, our Anna Jo,

For all the years to come.

Happy birthday, Mom.

- John Austin, Harrison

SUDDENLY LOST

It was not a peaceful parting.

I didn't get to say goodbye.

So much that we were just starting.

Why did you have to go and die?

We didn't talk about it.

What to do to carry on.

Things were just as they should be.

A moment later you were gone.

"She's in heaven" "She's at peace now"

"no more pain" "Her soul is free"

"You will surely meet again,dear"

Oh, why did you go and die on me?

- Sara Lowery, Hayden

CAPTAIN JACKSON

Jackson sells secondhand surplus goods,

While living life in the Montana woods.

He believes in the American way,

From distant times to the present day.

Totally aware of the conscience score,

Jackson fought in the desert dust war.

He speaks of how nearly he died,

Talking with honor and a sense of pride.

He left the war, leaving sight behind,

Giving way to the battles of the blind.

Even though Jackson may never see,

He would do it again to keep us free.

- Keith Sargent, Mullan

WHEN BREAKUP SONGS APPLY TO YOUR LIFE

By Allison Adams, Harrison

We've all been there. The classic heartbreak. Whether you left your significant other, got dumped by your "true love " or mutually called it quits, breakups suck. Did you know that there are hundreds of thousands of songs out there specifically about heartbreak? Yes, this less than pleasant experience is relatable, emotional, and it seems music writers, musicians and listeners rather enjoy focusing on it.

Perhaps misery truly does love company. I was recently dumped, cold turkey. One day my on-and off ex-boyfriend of two years decided to never text me back. Talk about a mature break up! I spent the next couple weeks listening to thousands of these "heartbreak" songs, eating tubs of cookie dough ice cream and trying to divert my attention on "making myself happy." It's now been two months and looking back, I've learned some things. Here are my top 10 lessons.

n The way your significant other is right now is the best they will ever be. (If that doesn't work for you, then let them go because you deserve better and they will never truly change.)

n "If you can find happiness on your own, you can share that with others... If you decide your happiness comes from others you will be chained to that for your entire life." - K.R. Kevin Reimer

n Yes it is perfectly fine to indulge in wine, chocolate, good food and especially ice cream while coping with a break up. (Some of these foods are actually proven to make you happy.)

n Break up songs are a hit-or-miss situation. Listen at your own risk.

n Don't jump into a new relationship.

n Stop trying to compare new people you meet to your ex.

n Being newly single is a great time to bond with your family. Blood is thicker than water.

n Make a list of the pros and cons that your ex-significant other possessed. People tend to forget all the bad things and focus only on remembering the good. Making a list of both will reinforce your goal to move on.

n Reconsider life as an adventure. God is saving you for someone even more special. And I'm a firm believer in the phrase "everything happens for a reason."

n You're not alone. Heartbreak makes you stronger and proves to the world that you are human. God only places challenges before you when he knows you can conquer them.

Two months ago I was experiencing a break up and in despair, not knowing what to do next with my life. Today I am stronger. I am on a new adventure in my life. I'm looking forward to meeting my "next" prince charming. Until then, I will walk alone with a smile on my face and my head held high.

Send us your original poems, prose, essays and anecdotes.

The Press Writers Corner features original, creative writing submitted by our readers. We publish the column most Fridays in the North Idaho Life section of the print edition of The Press.

Send your Writers Corner submissions to Maureen Dolan, [email protected].

We prefer email submissions, and ask that you limit the length of your short stories, essays and poems. Please include your hometown with your submission.

You can send hard-copies by mail to Maureen Dolan at The Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.