President's Message

A presentation at our Alpha Poetry Society meeting of "The Night Before Christmas" made me reflect on rhymed poetry at this holiday time. This "old chestnut" made me think of how children tend to remember rhymed poems well into their adult life. Could it be that rhyming appeals more to the organized mind or the open mind of young children as well as adults? How many of you remember a rhymed poem more frequently than a free verse poem? Perhaps we should also attempt to write more rhymed poems during this holiday season to share with our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or each other. Try incorporating the rhymed poem in your holiday festivities. This activity could enrich each of us with the heritage of this poetry that seems to have stood the test of time.

I will make this holiday message short at the behest of my wife, to wish you all the very best this holiday season and have a happy New Year. Or as a '60's hippie once said, "Have a cool yule and a jolly holly." (Jerry Ferrell)

Editor's Follow-Up

When Jerry sent his message for this newsletter, it was very timely. However, I've been waiting - and waiting - and waiting for the January "Strophes" and now, unless it is dropped on my doorstep within the next few hours, we'll "go it alone." The delay is in gathering all the information about the June 10-13 NFSPS Convention in Memphis, but you can start planning for the event, and whether you can attend or not, do get your poems ready and send by March 15th. The pink brochure with information on all the fifty category opportunities was sent with the November newsletter. If you've lost yours, an SASE to me will get you a replacement. We want to have lots of Iowa winners to cheer for, so do send your best work. (Lucille Morgan Wilson)

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