by Charity Chapman

Colonel Charming pranced proudly back and forth across the dew-kissed ground as morning broke over the Gettysburg fields, raising one paw every now and then as he stopped himself and supported himself with the other three, addressing his brave division of tabbies, persians and scottish folds.  "Yes, I know they are mice, but we should never forget that they have large numbers," he said, his expression rather serious now as he sat down on his haunches in front of the fierce feline warriors, who more than made up for their stature with their hearts full of might.

(Please tell me what you all think of this sample.)

Hi, Lit. Notes Pals --

I just want to share a link that I found online today for Writers' Colonies and Retreats. You'll find that you have to pay your own way for most of these, but there are also scholarship opportunities available. Space is competitive and limited, but I know real people who have gone to these, enjoyed them, and have gotten some real work done.

Hayley

http://www.poetryresourcepage.com/colonies.html

by Charity Chapman


Up the road that woods caress,
lies an old iron furnace, long at rest.
When people pass by, do they know
that it saw hard work but also sorrow?

There was a Civil War blunder there,
when a group of rebels so bravely dared
to make a raid, which ended in
the unexpected arrests of many men.

By Scott Alavezos
I'm considering.  Your thoughts are most welcome.

by Charity Chapman


In this dusty and forgotten tomb,

an air of the past is in full bloom.

The ibis, cat and jackal stare,

Their emerald eyes remain fully aware.

These animals are incapable of warning,

so a stranger's steps will bring great mourning.

by Charity Chapman

Let them tell you their stories,
how they fought and died for glory.
Shall Union Colonel Williams tell you his,
how the bullet in Gettysburg almost missed,
yet took him from his wife and kids?

Shall you look, beneath a shining moon,
up on a hill and see an ivory tomb,
ascend to it and see the flowers all strewn.
Within the depths of this grand case,
lies far too many an unfamiliar face.

Wander among pines that are very tall,
and up ahead, and not far at all,
you'll spot a mansion upon a grassy knoll.
Grand columns line the front and glow,
and, here, as  history books tell us so,
Robert E. Lee and his family lived long ago.