Early in spring 2012, I had an opportunity to help bring forth the poetry publication of
Clarence Newton’s first poetry collection, Short Glances Forward and a Long Look Back. This collection sparkles with humor, yet it shows the life of a man who learned that some pain never goes away. Some wounds never heal. In “Examination,” one of his strongest poems, he writes: “ My beautiful, intelligent child has become a lost man.” Other favorites of mine are the image-rich poems: “Damsel Dancing Sideways” about his wife and “ October Sands”, which leaves me with the eternal image of men fishing.
Newton’s keen observation after over forty years in an aviation career comes through in his poems, whether he observes the human nature of pilots on a bombing mission or when he watches a hawk circling its prey. His appreciation for poetry gives us his most humorous and delightful poems: “If I were an English Major” and his love poem to Emily Dickinson, “Dream Number 4001.” The reader will cry maybe, will laugh for sure, and will keep turning the pages. --Nancy Simpson
FROM THE BACK COVER OF SHORT GLANCES FORWARD AND A LONG LOOK BACK:
“The observant eye of Clarence Newton, his original way of encountering the world, often humorously and always thoughtful, invites the reader to come along for an enriching journey. --Janice Townley Moore, autor of Teaching the Robins.”
“Trying to categorize the work of Clarence Newton is both futile and fun. He writes in several genres, including poetry, light verse, fiction, and non fiction. A pervasive quality in his work is humor. Particularly in verse, the author is quite clever (as in “Froggy”), but he has a serious side as well (see “Short Glances Forward and a Long Look Back.” Clarence’s writing is entertaining at the same time it tells us something important.” --Robert S. King, author of The Hunted River and The Gravedigger’s Roots.
It is always a delight to read poetry that is playful. And Clarence Newton’s poems are not only playful, but often have a biting edge. There are no wasted words, and plenty of sharp and witty observations that leave the reader pondering long after the poem has been read. A good poem should stick with you, and these will, along with a grin or chuckle, too. --Rosemary Rhodes Royston, Poet
Short Glances Forward And A Long Look Back
I am not half the man I used to be
and I never was.
The lumberjack shirts and leather jacket
were not the person I was,
nor pointy-toed cowboy boots, tight jeans
and belt buckles wide as Texas gates,
and a big hat that covered my shoulders.
So many parties and so much boozing.
Now whiskey makes a fire in my stomach.
The women I loved have become
pleasant memories like
the aftertaste of bittersweet chocolate.
When driving my car for an hour
I can barely crawl out.
The smile on my face
helps mask the pain
of joints that creak and snap.
Wants and needs become simple:
comfortable shoes, loose clothing
and a soft bed to lie in--
to reminisce, to dream--
short glances forward and a long look back.
Solace
On a warm autumn morning
sitting alone on Table Rock
down by Bull Sluice,
my day is relegated to nothing to do
except succumb to serene seduction
by the river Chattooga.
Thoughts of yesterday stir my mind,
memories of a long-lost love.
After drifting down this river
we frolicked naked in splashing water
under rusty old State-Line Bridge.
Maybe there will be a new love for me.
Like children we will play in whirling
pools and fresh rushing rivulets,
will search for treasure among rocky shoals
and dance barefoot in summer!s warm sand;
new beginnings, new lives together
with teen-like zeal,
savoring love like vintage wine
on Table Rock below Bull Sluice
by the river Chattooga.
A Walk And A Talk With Myself
Take a contented stroll
in this earthly garden.
Free yourself from all thought
of time, past or future.
Search for the path
that leads to falling water
wherein dwells
the spirit of Taoism.
Pause and submit
to insignificance.
Be quiet in this infinite
and unfathomable universe.
Sit upon a rock
or lean against a tree.
Meditate and reach
for higher consciousness.
Know that you are master
of little or nothing.
Flow with the unfolding
and pulsating of all that exists eternally.
Damsel Dancing Sideways
I see her through my window
stepping gingerly upon green grass,
arms in the air like an evangelist,
presenting her dainty flags to the wind.
Tonight she will sleep
in a sun dried fragrance that
cuddles her soft, sensuous skin.
She will join me in my dreams.
Morning Glory
Coffee on the back porch.
Early birds sing wake-up songs.
Squirrels trapeze between trees.
She appears, speaking softly
of beautiful periwinkles
and cosmos swaying in the breeze.
A hummingbird, within my reach,
hovers above a buddleia bush
patiently gathering nature’s nectar.
Coffee warm-up?
Yes, dear
Nancy Simpson recommends this book.
To buy a copy, or to contact the author,
write to Clarence Newton
1951 Rolling Meadows
Young Harris, Georgia 30582
$12.00 included postage
