Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Special Feature in Memory--jani johe webster--United States

Special Feature--jani johe webster--(In Memory-May 2013)

jani johe shared her unique style and insight which left readers in awe.  But more importantly, she was a bright light in the writing community, always ready to support others in their journeys.  I am glad to have been able to call her my friend.  She will be missed by many.                                                                                                                  Sincerely, Karen O’Leary--Editor


feeding pigeons

the sun went down
but nobody heard it

i wear old clothes
and sit on dirty park benches

a little kid
fell in the pond
and drowned
but everybody
kept on feeding pigeons

i did too

*******

sometimes

did you think sometimes
you were something else
like a mocking bird
or a weeping willow

did you walk sometimes
going backwards
or light candles
in the middle of the day

let's go then
where no ship has ever sailed
and spend our lives with falling stars
until we can spend
no more

*******

Thoughts from her daughter, Nila Webster--From her, I learned that in poetry, all things are possible: the moon "whispers silver secrets," tree roots gives us "wisdom," and, as she wrote in pure Zen-like fashion: "it is a gift / this day." She taught me to see poetry in every corner of the universe and my life, and even now that she is no longer physically present on this earth, I hear her whisperings of wonder.

(Note--since this is a special feature, I have opted to share two poems.  Guidelines for submission have not changed.)

10 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this. Her poems are beautiful. Don't let her memory fade.

    Shirley Smothers

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  2. I didn't know this poet or her work. From what I read, she is full of expression and talent. The world will be just a bit more empty without her words...

    Rhoda Galgiani

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  3. Dear Shirley and Rhoda,

    Thank you so much for your kind words. In this world of rules and regulation, jani johe had the courage to toss rules to the wind and share thoughts from the heart. I admire her ability to choose her own path yet support others in theirs. She is a gift to the writing community, one that I hope will keep on living.

    Sincerely,
    Karen

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  4. Jani Johe was truly a great writer. I got so much pleasure from these short poems. Her death is a great loss to the poetry community and I am praying for her as well as her daughter. Best wishes, Carolyn Devonshire

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  5. Thank you, Jack Horne, for the following comment--

    A lovely tribute to a talented writer. I enjoyed reading her work

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  6. Dear Karen:

    I am chilled touched and wish for me. Is there another place where her poetry might be. I will google and remain sad for this great loss of a writer.

    love,
    Kathy

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    1. Thank you, Kathryn, and thank you Karen for bringing my mother's poetry to this beautiful venue. Her Zen-like poetry continues to be my guiding light and my north star, and her hope was always to give language to our experiences. Her ability to see magic in every day life astonishes me anew every day. Her books of poetry are available on Amazon.

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  7. Dear Karen,

    Thank you for sharing Jani Johe's poetry with us. A lovely tribute of touching, thoughtful poetry. My condolences to her family.

    Love Sandra

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  8. I thought that the name Jani Johe sounded familiar. I was reading through my old poetry newsletters. In July of 2012 three of her poems were published in "The Poetry Explosion Newsletter". If you would like to see these poems the publisher Arthur Ford may have some additional copies. You should be able to contact him at wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com. If not Karen may be able to help you.

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  9. I am truly sorry for your loss of your Mom. I did not know her but I am sure her and I would have had much in common. A poet sees things and is so excited to write them out expressing the beauty they saw or an emotion they felt... God bless

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