The leaves are leaving us in spectacular fashion, as usual for this time of year, showing off their colors in the cool breezes while promising lots of cleanup ahead. So, it is time for new beginnings, in a sense, and I will try to send news more frequently of other poets and groups, as well as share favorite poems now and then.
First, it is with great sorrow that I relay the death on August 11 of my dear friend and poet Melissa Varnavas. She was only 48 years old. We shared the same birthday, many years apart, which was a nice note on which to build a friendship that started at the Beverly Citizen in 1996 or 1997. She was kind enough to think of me as a mentor in the news business and, because I encouraged her to join the North Shore Poets’ Forum, in poetry as well. She outstripped me there, for sure, gaining her MFA in poetry and publication in a number of journals. I loved her, and I will miss her forever.
https://www.lyonsfuneral.com/obituaries/Melissa-Varnavas/#!/Obituary
On a cheerier note, I have been asked to tell you about the Massachusetts State Poetry Society meeting at the Winthrop Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ever since the pandemic unnerved us all, we no longer serve food or drinks at the meetings, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own. Bring a pen and paper, too, since Jeannette Maes, president of the society, will present a “mystery” program and will no doubt ask you to jot down a creative thing or two. In addition, the Waterfront CREW Poet group will present a challenging program entitled “The Meaning of Life.” Google maps or other such site will help you find the library.
The Winthrop Library also hopes you can attend a special program by poet and Winthrop native Cynthia Bargar, who will discuss and read from her new book of poetry, “Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room,” on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The poems deal with mental health issues and possible suicide of a dear aunt.
Click to access wpl-sleeping-bargar-horz-1-4.pdf
And, now for a favorite poem, this one by Stanley Kunitz
End of Summer
An agitation of the air,
A perturbation of the light
Admonished me the unloved year
Would turn on its hinge that night.
I stood in the disenchanted field
Amid the stubble and the stones,
Amazed, while a small worm lisped to me
The song of my marrow-bones
Blue poured into summer blue,
A hawk broke from his cloudless tower,
The roof of the silo blazed, and I knew
That part of my life was over.
Already the iron door of the north
Clangs open: birds, leaves, snows,
Order their populations forth,
And a cruel wind blows.
North Shore Poets' Forum 
I only knew Melissa briefly but she was a kind, generous, talented poet. I’m glad I had the chance to know her. She will be missed. Coincidentally a few weeks later I lost a dear friend who I too share a birthday with. My heart will ache a little every year, on my birthday. ❤️
Thank you for that poem. It captures this time so well.
So good to hear from you, Cathryn and so sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing….how very sad! Please keep me posted ………..thanks………..Carol
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The Readers and Writers Guild, which meets at Christ Church in Hamilton in their community room, is featuring some of Melissa’s poetry, this Friday evening, 7 pm. They serve wine and some food, all pot luck. An Open Mic is also a feature. I don’t always go, but will this time. Join us!