When Will I See You Again

I hadn't seen it in probably 20 years, but something made me want to see an old, inspiring movie. Dead Poets Society is a movie directed by Peter Weir, released in 1989. It starred Robin Williams as the engaging English professor at a Vermont boys' prep school. He challenges his young students to "seize the day," (carpe diem) and make the most out of their short and precious lives. Filmed at the beautiful St. Andrew's School in Middleton, Delaware, Dead Poets Society features an excellent performance by Williams and cast, and champions the power of poetry in way that is always fresh after all these years.

Convention versus unconformity is an important theme of this movie, as is the quest for romantic and collegial love. It also is a "think outside the box" smart movie, and a heartwarmer.

Sometimes it may come off as overly dramatic, but 'O captain, my captain,' will never have the same meaning once you have seen this movie. So, below is a new poem in honor of the poetry writers out there - to you. From the backs of envelopes I transcribe.

When will I see you again

There it is standing in front of us, like a bridge

I feel it again

Walking the dog through the acorns and almond trees

At night, the butterfly and dragonfly lights powered by solar batteries are so memorable. They glow in front of the hill, sweeter than even the twinkling lights of the town below.

The longing I have.

I re-read the same love poem every day because of how it makes me feel.

Although read slowly, to myself, it is a poem to be read aloud, savored and flavored.

It's written in the voice of someone waiting anxiously to see his love again.

His passion for her, I want for me.

You still have me

With one sweet kiss

One rushed embrace

A warm heartbeat in my ear, my head turned into your chest.


That's it - my poem for the day. Enjoy it, and sleep well tonight.

January Snows and Bitter Cold - introspection

January brings changes. Northeastern Indiana has had record cold temperatures and snowfalls. 29.6" of snow will break January records, and as of today we are almost there. Schools have also had record cancellation rates, and in my area this is the eighth day they have been out, making us all wonder how they will catch up and get everything done. Also, how long in June will they now be in session?

We are slightly immobilized. We think twice about getting in the car to go to the grocery store or anywhere. Wind chills make it nearly impossible for kids to play outside. One risks frostbite just going out to clear a driveway.

Yet we plod forward cheerfully as good Midwesterners, going out to work, to the YMCA, to the grocery store. Some things are different in this new year. It's time to change things up, make plans, simplify.

Some changes for the new year:

Exercising differently. Think about trying more outdoor exercise, like skiing and walking. But concentrate on different muscle movements than one has always done. So if someone has always run, she should switch to something else like swimming or dancing.

Pick up a new (or old) hobby. I have been playing the guitar again. I need more calluses on my fingers, but an old hobby such as this comes back fairly quickly. Music is great in stuck-indoors weather. I can entertain myself or lead a sing-along.

Get the kids to work on their science fair projects and experiments. This is easier said than done.

Cook like crazy. Bake a whole chicken and then later, make chicken soup from the carcass. Make an old-fashioned meat loaf. Splurge on hot chocolate.

Get out that new board game someone got for Christmas and has forgotten. Learn the rules and play it. Or play dominos - runaway Mexican Train has been popular the last few years.

Start organizing a tax file. Put bank statements, receipts, earnings forms and other documents together in a folder.

Write a letter to a penpal. If you don't have a penpal, write a letter to someone who might write you back.

Reattach buttons, repair holes and do other clothing repairs.

Draw, knit, crochet, make crafts, do craft kits such as shrinky-dinks. Order supplies online to be delivered if getting out is a problem.

Library branches are closed today - all kinds of offices and businesses, because of the cold. The high snowfalls drift and blow over the county roads, making travel dangerous and somewhat frightening. Yet it's beautiful also -