The Loveliness of Words by Angie Ledbetter

I've always loved reading books, short stories and interesting articles, but only in the last 5 or 6 years have I started really paying attention to poetry. Sure, I tried my hand at a few pathetic poems in high school to express all that teen angst bottled up inside, and studied the required "masters" in class, but that was as far as my exposure went. Now that I've begun reading poetry in print publications and literary zines such as Rose& Thorn
http://http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ , Rattle http://http://www.rattle.com/ Drunken Boat, http://http://www.drunkenboat.com/db9/index.html etc., I love it. Taking a poetry course has added to my enjoyment.

With the increased reading of poetry, I've been writing quite a bit of it also. I get pure joy from stringing words and thoughts together in a concise form. Although very different from crafting articles or books, I can jot the bare bones or ideas for a poem down quickly, then come back to it at my leisure. And when the words flow and the stanzas pop, it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction. I've created something from seemingly random ideas or by trying to convey a feeling succinctly. Writing poetry gives me a relaxing and enjoyable break from bigger, heavier projects.

Since I've been reading so much more poetry, I now have favorite poets. Their voices are distinct and their words have the power to transport me to unexpected places. Two contemporary modern poets I am thankful to "know" are former Poet Laureate Billy Collins (Listen to his magic here: http://http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=3664 ) and Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey, whom I've had the pleasure of hearing in person: http://http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/entertainment/poetry/profiles/poet_trethewey.html .

Their work always makes me smile with surprise and pleasure.

Dedicated Volunteers by Nannette Croce

Most colleges and employers these days ask applicants to list community service, especially those programs in which they took “a leadership role.”

As someone who has volunteered most of my adult life, sometimes in “a leadership role,”I can tell you that the life blood of any volunteer organization is not the leaders but those people who simply show up on time, every time, to do the assigned job and usually more. Who never leave early, but sometimes leave late. Who twist their schedules to fill a last-minute need. Who never renege with less than one foot in the grave, and then only after finding a substitute. Leaders receive recognition––a photo in the newspaper or a name at the top of the program––and important career contacts. Rank and file volunteers fold, staple, and stamp; hammer and paint; ring doorbells and walk for miles in the rain, often for no more than a small mention in a newsletter (usually misspelled) or a thank you note with a pre-stamped signature.

I am eternally grateful to the dedicated volunteers I have worked with at The Rose & Thorn Literary Ezine, the YMCA, the League of Women Voters, and to preserve local historic sites. I am also grateful to those who help me and my family by volunteering at hospitals, libraries, with fire and ambulance companies. And to those who help the needy in homeless shelters and food co-ops, or with clothing drives and building houses. My list could go on and on. Yes, this requires some leaders, but it requires several times more dedicated people who simply show up when needed to get the job done.