—written by Joe F. Stierheim
They clung to her hair
and got into her nose so that
she wanted to sneeze.
she held her hand over her mouth
trying not to breathe rather
than reveal her hiding place.
Later, when she was sure he
was asleep, she would creep out
and wash her face and brush her hair.
All would be well, then;
there would be a few good days
when she would be happy.
He would hug his little daughter
and tell her he loved her…
until the next time…
the next time she had to crawl
under the bed with the dust motes.
READ other posts on child abuse by clicking on REACH OUT and HOME ALONE (or in cars alone)
Below is information on a new writers newsletter, a dinner/murder mystery event, a limerick contest, and a poetry reading.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BEANERY WRITERS NEWSLETTER
The Beanery Writers Group (in Latrobe, PA) is initiating a monthly newsletter with information on members, book reviews, most popular posts on the Beanery Online Literary Magazine, etc. To subscribe, (more…)
—written by Kathleen
I’m without grandchildren, you see,
so I brag about my “grandkitty”
Selina, the “princess,” she’s my girl.
Meticulously (more…)
Sal Martin has self-published a book: Mustang’s Sally’s Guide to World Bicycle Traveling
SELF-PUBLISHING AS I WANDER THROUGH IT ). Joe F. Stierheim is completing his self-publishing process for a fable, Americur. I’m beginning of the process of writing a historical novel (yes, it’s taken years!) and seek ways to do pre-publicity for the tomb titled temporarily Intertwined Love.We all have the same problem of all book authors: marketing. We are writers, not business people. And publishers are increasingly expecting their authors to (more…)
—written by Norma
The first time I saw Kotex on a store shelf without its brown wrapper disguise, I nearly swooned. Imagine my horror when television sprouted ads for feminine hygiene spray, douches, bras, and lastly, condoms. Note the inequity here.
Why not ads for jock straps, (more…)
—written by Joan
Was it there as I kissed my husband goodbye this a.m.?
Black and endearing.
Was it there as I sat through morning briefing?
Proud and shouting.
Was it there at luncheon with my boss?
Stiff and preening.
Was it there when I did my presentation?
Aloof and sneering.
Was it there when I met my child’s teacher after school?
Curled and amusing.
Was it there when I had dinner with my in-laws?
Precious and spewing.
It’s there on my chin in the bathroom mirror tonight.
I’m sure no one noticed?
Please, God!
Controversy surrounds the question of writers needing a website or blog. This topic has been discussed among Beanery Writers Group (a Southwestern, Pennsylvania group) members, half of whom see no use for using the Internet this way, and half who support personal Internet sites.
As facilitator of the group, I’ve attended writing conferences, workshops, and read much material, and everywhere the idea of personal Internet sites for writers isn’t offered as a suggestion—it is put forth (more…)
—Joe F. Stierheim
In one’s approach to the problem of a lack of peace, mindset is important. There is a need for a broader definition of peace. As far as being an advocate for peace in the human condition, to be “anti-war” is self-limiting. The opposite of peace (more…)
We walked down Parkside Avenue, away from my house and towards the lights of the other young people. We walked toward whichever one of the bars would catch our attention that night. We held hands. Lord, how his smile (more…)
