Special Tribute--Joyce M. Johnson--Former Editor of SMILE--United States

(Editor’s Introduction--Editor Joyce M. Johnson is a bright light in the writing community.  We celebrated the 20 year Anniversary of SMILE earlier this year which was its last issue.  Over the years, Joyce has published hundreds of writers and artists, encouraging and assisting others in their journeys.  She is endeared by many.  Today, we celebrate her as writer, editor and inspirational friend.  Thank you, Joyce, for all you have done for me and others. Blessings to you.--Karen)

Pledge of the Hunter

By Joyce M. Johnson

In November, on
Some dark night, I know
The hunter will return.
He will come to
The window where I lie.
I will see him
At midnight when I go
To that window.
His hunter outline
Will stretch across the sky.

Although an ancient myth
Of childhood dreams,
Astronomers would have
Us all believe
That galaxies of stars
Make up what seems
This image of a man.
It does not matter.

Orion, you are beautiful,
And durable, and true.
Each winter you appear
Above the broken world
To reaffirm my faith
In the eternal hunter
Who made both me and you.

When Joyce M. Johnson (born 1921) retired from 50 years working as a legal secretary, she embarked on a “second career” as a Certified Alcoholism Counselor. While co-facilitating group meetings for seniors at a treatment center, she created a small tri-fold booklet named SMILE to distribute to clients. Upon retiring (again), Joyce was encouraged by Editor Kay Jaworski to publish a larger version of SMILE nationally. A free issue was given to a shut-in of each subscriber’s choice. Every cover page featured artwork by Joyce’s sister, Helen Sherrier, a professional artist. SMILE became Joyce’s “third career” which she enjoyed for twenty years, forging many friendships that will live on beyond the pages of SMILE.