By juliaSjames
straggling sticks
half-buried in the snow-
my summer roses
***
| Author Notes |
I recall the rose theme of the haiku (Midnight Mass) which I think was Alvin's last post on this site.
I participated in two of his classes. In addition to being a fine poet and reviewer, he was a brilliant and conscientious teacher who took pride in the success of his students. |
By juliaSjames
Teacher's lessons
tucked inside my passion
waiting to explode
| Author Notes | Thanks to Liilia for the art work. |
By juliaSjames
He lingered in Imagination's Field
and gathered lovely thoughts into bouquets
then shared them with the many friends he made
He trod life's winding paths, on stormy days
He loaned a helping hand to those in need
He taught with zeal, respected other's views
and kept his word with keen integrity
while heeding his own heart's warm, gentle muse
A legacy of love he leaves behind
sweet gleanings from a brilliant, caring mind
| Author Notes | Thank you, Badger, for the use of your picture of this beautiful magnolia tree in full bloom. It reminded me of Alvin. Magnolia's were his favorite and he sometimes wrote about them in his poems. |
By juliaSjames
I saw his picture on FanStory's cover page. I saw it and immediately knew --he was gone...
In terror, I wanted to look away, to shut off, close, freeze my understanding.
A chill rushed through my body when I read the news : Alvin E Ellington, my mentor and friend, was gone.
I waded from the edges of my consciousness to the center of the tragedy, taking short laps, swallowing it all in tiny, manageable salty bits.
I never met him personally, but one thing I can say: I am a better person just by receiving comments he wrote to me about my writing, my life.. This one, written in one of his classes, I remember most: "Nancy, don't just look and describe in cold. No. Look and voice what that something is telling to you." Since then, I swear I can hear the bliss of a rose when it blooms...
Now, high above clouds, he is schooling those angels...
Vaya con Dios, buen amigo...
sage and wise mentor
who taught me to see and hear
each leaf has a story
I can hear the bliss of a rose when it blooms.
| Author Notes |
Alvin T. Ethington was my mentor, teacher and friend from my very early years at FanStory. He taught me several poetry forms. The most difficult for me was the Haibun, and I
Reviewed 12/24/19 confess I never finished this class. Now, in honor to him, I write this Haibun, good or not too good, it is written with my heart. Vaya con Dios = God be with you. |
By juliaSjames
what he left behind
many indebted students
sing his praise with verve
| Author Notes | This man and teacher deserves nothing but praise. This is for Alvin's family, to let them know what Alvin meant to all of the writers who knew him at FS. Alvin was incredibly giving as a teacher and a person amd will be greatly missed as such. Sending my heartfelt sympathies to all his family and friends. Helvi |
By juliaSjames
dedication
encouragement
you teach with
enthusiasm
inspiration
creativity
I see books
in a different
way
and the poet's
words travel
towards me
from heaven
God is so good
to loan you
to us for awhile
clouds form
poems in the sky
your presence
remains
By juliaSjames
saying goodbye
brings dear ones closer
than ever
| Author Notes | Alvin always corrected my feeble attempts at haiku poetry, and often invited me to take one of his classes. He will be missed in Fanstory. I was so sorry to hear this news today. May God bless his family and friends. |
By juliaSjames
| Author Notes |
Alvin will truly be missed by our Fanstory Thanks to Galia G for the artwork |
By juliaSjames
| Author Notes |
Alvin had a special place in his caring heart for children and adults with special needs.
He taught me about Japanese poetry with patience and and kindness long before becoming FS instructor. Thank you, Alvin. Thank you, Angelheart, for the use of your stunning artwork. |
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| © Copyright 2015 juliaSjames All rights reserved. juliaSjames has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work. |
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