Betty Jamerson Reed is POET OF THE MONTH DECEMBER 2014

Betty Jamerson Reed is the featured poet of the month of December 2014 here Above the Frost Line. 

ONE POEM

Sister by Betty Jamerson Reed

"Now, don't forget I love you,"

whispered her sweet lips.

"Pray for me. I'll pray for you."

Now lying alone in her grave,

body still, agony free, but

her voice echoes

this constant plea and promise,

"Pray for me. I'll pray for you."

I had begged, "God, please,

no more suffering.

Destroy that disease."

And death, a kind of healing,

has ended her pain.

from Out of Our Hearts and Minds: 

Poetry, Prose, and Art from Transylvania Writers' Alliance 

Pacher, Sara and Townsend-Borden, Catherine (Eds.).(North Charleston, SC: Booksurge Publishing, 2006), p. 117.

HOW POETRY HAS ENRICHED MY LIFE

by Betty Jamerson Reed

Since childhood, poetry has enriched my life. My father and I shared poetry during the routine of daily living. I love the music and images of the Psalms and Proverbs. In school I eagerly memorized poetry such as "Abou Ben Adhem," "The Daffodils," and long passages from Shakespeare. I still commit favorite poems to memory. In my study I have learned the power of brevity and the vast potential of poetry, especially in the work of Emily Dickinson. Poetry from the centuries has opened my mind to the enduring need of mankind to reflect on beauty and ugliness, war and peace, courage and cowardice. 

The power of words is intoxicating. Words have the ability to ignite hope and to brighten shadows and illuminate darkness. I hope to write a poem that will enhance the reader's sense of humanity and stimulate contemplation about the human dilemma. Writing poetry remains a constant challenge, but it provides a rich creative outlet that is often therapeutic for me. (Betty Jamerson Reed)

Poet Betty Jamerson Reed, a native of Western North Carolina, is a retired educator. She is most known for being the author of  two books documenting the history of segregated black schools: The Brevard Rosenwald School: Education and Community Building in a Southern Appalachian Town, 1920-1966 (McFarland, 2004) (Contributions to Southern Appalachian Studies) and School Segregation in Western North Carolina: A History , 1860s - 1970s (McFarland 2011) (Contributions to Southern Appalachian Studies). 

an added note from Nancy Simpson

“Leave a comment please. It will be appreciated.” Nancy Simpson 

COFEE WITH THE POETS NOVEMBER 10, 2010

NC WRITERS NETWORK WEST's featured poets today at Coffee With the Poets at Phillips at Lloyd Book Store were Maren O. Mitchell of Hiawassee  - Young Harris, Georgia and Linda M. Smith of Hayesville North Carolina.These are popular poets with many publications to their credit.  

Glenda Beall, founder of Coffee With the Poets during the time she was Netwest's Porgram Coordinator, led the program.

During the Open Mic session, a number of Netwest members read poems, including Nancy Simpson who read from her newly published book  LIVING ABOVE TH FROST LINE, New and Selected Poems ( Carolina Wren Press.)  On this, the anniversary of her mother's death, Simpson read the poem, "Argument With My Mother."

Brenda Kay Ledford read a recently published essay written by her mother, Blanche Ledford that was published in a new poetry and prose anthology  TRAVELING TIME (Old Mountain Press.)

Joan Howard read a vivid autumn poem. A number of other Netwest poet's read in the open mic session including Clarence Newton, Glenda Barrett, and long time member Carolyn Johnson.


WHAT IS NEXT?  Some of these writers: Glenda Beall, Linda Smith, Brenda Kay Ledford, Blanche Ledford, Maren O Mitchell,  and Nancy Simpson will be featured  in panel discussion  WRITERS TALKING ABOUT WRITING at Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville 2:00 on Saturday, November 20, 2010.  It is said that they will share some of their writing tips and breakthrough moments in their own writing. The program is free and open to the the public.  All netwest members within driving distance are welcome to come and join in the discussion.