Monday, February 29, 2016

Editor's Thoughts/Magic Dances On--By Karen O'Leary--United States

Dear Contributors,

I would like to devote this column to you.  I am so proud of all of you.  We are a community built of individuals, each one like a piece of a mosaic—unique in style and voice—which no one else can replace.  You are touching the lives of others in ways you probably wouldn’t even imagine.

The level of poetry I’ve been receiving often has me sitting back in my chair in awe.  It is an honor and a joy to share your gifts with our international readers, some so inspired by your words that they become a part of journey by sharing their own poetry.  That is a tribute to you!

When I opened Whispers in 2013, I wanted to create an online journal that connected writers from different circles in a positive environment, one that offered the same opportunities to beginners and award winners.  I never dreamed that our circle would widen to the scope of today.  Thank you for the encouragement and support you give me and other contributors.

We share joys, challenges, hardships and dreams.  You have lifted up our readers with inspiration and hope.  Sometimes, you make them laugh which brightens their days.  Sometimes, the difficulties you share comforts them as they realize that they are not alone in what they are facing, and that they can move beyond the hardship and pain to a season of new beginnings.

As we lift up others, we are lifted up, too. I hope you continue to let your words shine, not only at Whispers but wherever you go.  I’m a bit at a loss for words to convey how grateful I am.  Please accept my heartfelt THANK YOU!

With that I will leave you with this poem—

Magic Dances On

Words whisper
in the misty
forest of ideas.

Future poems flit
like butterflies,
often tumbling
without reason.

These wildflowers
are gladly gathered
by the artist
to map a trail.

Starlight brightens
the journey.

In a serene den
by the fireplace,
her pen flows freely.

An increasing resume
gives the poet courage
to share her song.

Blessings and best wishes,

Karen O’Leary
Whispers’ Editor

33 comments:

  1. I have a blast here. The people are wonderful. The writing is fantastic. There is not a comparable community to be found.

    Oh, and I love you from the bottom of my heart.

    Carry on...

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    1. "... gladly gathered
      by the artist
      to map a trail."

      More like... a perfect road map. :)

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    2. Dear Michael,

      What a joy you are! You are a ray of fresh light--sharing your beautiful sonnets and other wonderful pieces. Your writing is an inspiration for others. Thank you so much for being a part of the Whispers' journey.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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    3. Thanks for the wide imagination of the editor in his nice poem.

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    4. Dear Aju,

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. It is good to have you a part of our Whispers' community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  2. Karen, so glad I discovered Whispers and have had the pleasure of working with you again and again…a true joy!! Congrats on all you have accomplished in a few short years 😀

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    1. Dear Peggy,

      Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you discovered Whispers too. The pleasure of working together is mutual

      Blessings and best wishes.
      Karen

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  3. A very neat group...good to hear so many voices.

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    1. Dear Joan,

      I agree. And that those voices sharing wonderful poetry to keep readers coming back. Thank you, my friend. May your pen be busy sharing your talent.

      Blessings and best wishes,
      Karen

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  4. Thank you, Isha, for the following--

    Dear Karen:

    My goodness, Karen. Your letter of gratitude to all poets is something wonderful. You excel yourself. And your poem: Magic Dances On, beautifully composed. I especially like the line "Starlight brightens the Journey" as we gaze into the night skies aware of this planet as the "pale blue dot" (Sagan) and now also aware of the immensity of the universe, something that only a few decades ago would have been unimaginable and a topic that would not have entered our consciousness. It is, as you say, a journey.

    Thank you, Karen.

    Yours sincerely
    Isha Wagner

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  5. Dear Isha,

    What a joy to get your kind and insightful words today. It is talented people that encourage others that are the backbone of our Online Journal/Poetry Community. It is such a pleasure to work with you. May your words always shine.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. Karen, what an inspiring poem, and a magical letter to all of us. As Isha says so aptly, "your letter of gratitude to all poets is something wonderful. You excel yourself."Thank you for the words I was thinking, Isha. There are so many voices here, all unique, and definitely a community. We look out for each other, honor each voice. Everyone adds something only they can add. You have provided a safe place where poets are not afraid to try. Thank you. Blessings.

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    1. Dear Mary Jo,

      What a blessing you are to our writing community. It's so nice when people become friends. What a joy to have you here, sharing your wonderful poetry.

      Love and blessings,
      Karen O'Leary

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  7. Karen,
    It has been a blessing working with you all these years.
    Your friend,
    David Fox

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    Replies
    1. Dear David,

      In those years, we have met many people we can now call friends. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors. Thank you for all you do for our Whispers community.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  8. Dearest Karen, what a lovely tribute you pay to us. You must have been looking in a mirror with all your compliments. Back to ya, sweetie. I love this community of wonderful poets that inspire, bring a smile and courage to add my piece that makes up such a lovely "mosaic". I feel such a loving presence here on Whispers. That is why I enjoy coming here as often as possible, just to feel the love for not only writing poetry but also for each other. Love you dearly for all you do to make this such an enjoyable place to be.
    Charlene

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    1. Dear Charlene,

      Thank you so much, my friend, for these beautiful words. It is a gift working with you and sharing our thoughts. This community wouldn't be complete without you. I am so grateful that you and others believe we are a caring community as that was part of my dream for Whispers. May you continue to be a light in the lives of others.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  9. what a lovely poem! and post! thank you for always including my work and letting me be a part of Whispers. best wishes.

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    1. Dear Sheikha,

      You are an important part of our Whispers community. It is a joy working with you.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  10. My Dear Friend Karen,
    You have made Whispers such a success because you have given
    it your heart filled with love and tender care. Your Poetry is a delight and as Charlene said back at you too with your lovely words to us the contributors. It is a Blessing to call you Friend.
    Lots of love,
    Yvonne

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    1. Good Morning Karen

      You have touched upon the magic we call writing creating and poetry. The words are calming and true. You leave the reader with marvelous imagery of this process. Thank you for sharing your talent and heart. May this day find you well. With blessings to you and to Whispers, Ann Marie Mazzarella

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    2. Dear Yvonne,

      Thank you for these lovely thoughts, my friend. You are an inspiration for others. I appreciate all your encouragement over the years. Your friendship is a gift in my life.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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    3. Dear Ann Marie,

      Thank you so much for your lovely words. It is so good to have you a part of the Whispers journey. You are a light in the writing community. Keep shining!

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  11. It is a beautiful poem Karen. Like little arrows straight from the heart touching each of us. You give all of us such support and inspiration. Take great care today and always.

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    1. Dear Annie,

      Thank you so much for your lovely thoughts and for all you do for our Whispers community. I am so proud of you and all our contributors. Keep on writing and sharing your gift of words.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  12. So many nice thoughts, Karen. I am especially struck by the thought that each person is like a piece of mosaic that cannot be replaced by another. We truly don't realize how much we each contribute to the "magic that dances on." Warmest mahalo, dear poet.

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    1. Dear Molly,

      It is our diversity and the gifts you and other share that make our writing journal special. What I'm most proud of is that we care about others here. You are so talented. I look forward to reading more of your poetry.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  13. Lovely poem & words Karen. Like an intricate tapestry in the making, poets come together on Whispers to add a another vibrant thread of creativity to the work you started! Thanks for inspiring so many around the globe to contribute. God bless you...Love, Chris~

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  14. Dear Chris,

    God bless you too! Thank you for your kind words and encouragement you give me and others. It is a joy to have your mosaic piece a part of our story.

    Blessings my friend,
    Karen

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  15. Dear Karen,

    Future poems flit / like butterflies / often tumbling / without reason... AND ...gives the poet courage / to share her song.

    These lines sing to me, and I would like to offer a response:

    Later in the spring, tiny yellow butterflies appear,
    hover in seeming aimlessness over the local cousins

    of the clover, the small trefoil leaves of yellow
    wood sorrel. They settle on the tender stems, which

    bend ever so slightly under a weight so light. They
    wait, opening and closing their butter-yellow wings.

    What are they doing? Their motions are sign-language,
    they are chanting, coaxing. Within three days of their

    arrival, the wood sorrel puts forth tiny golden buds
    which open up their own delicate butter-yellow petals.

    As the sun move across the sky, as clouds intersect its
    path and create shade, these little flowers open, drink

    in light, close beneath each cloud in contemplation. And
    beside them, on the self-same stems, the butterfly-heralds

    move in reflection. They are living examples, servants of the One we do not see.

    -Laura M Kaminski (Halima Ayuba), for Karen O'Leary, 03-March-2016

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    1. Dear Laura,

      Thank you so much!! That your lines were born from mine is an honor and a gift. You words give me that pause to sit back in my chair and take it in. Thanks, again, my friend.

      Blessings,
      Karen

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  16. Whispers has long been a refuge to escape into during tough times, and I hope it stays that way for years to come. Thanks for having me as a part of this group.

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    1. Dear Raamesh,

      It is such a joy to have you a part of our poetry family. Thank you for these kind words. It's the talented people like you that are encouraging to others that make Whispers possible.

      Best wishes and blessings,
      Karen

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