Dear Shirley:

An interesting story, Ice. A story of what is, unfortunately so common in school, bullying. You used the verb teasing, Ice being teased for her name and Balwin for his weight. Might as well use the verb “bullied”- how many children get hurt every day from bullying at school, great shame.

Your poem, most of it is the most beautiful poem of all that you wrote, and I loved them all. Here is the part that in my mind is the most beautiful of all, leaving me amazed and at awe of you, Shirley:

“Song of Life

Let the melodies of the divine flow within the soul
Let them carry you upon their wings through all the clamor in this world
Walk to the harmony of the beats your heart sings
Play the music of your soul
Play away the sadness and doubt
Wrap yourself in your dreams of hope
Play the song of your true self loud and proud
Let them curse and laugh, ridicule all they want
They can not touch the voice of courage within nor do they know the true songs that you sing
Hear only the symphonies within and evoke the music for the world to hear
Beauty suppressed in the face of fear is like a rose that has withered before touching the rays of the sun

Let your inner self blossom like a flower
Let the music flow shedding light upon the darkness and shadows
…Fear only makes you forget your talents making the music flow out of tune
…Don’t be the person lost in the shadow of failed dreams
…Add your special song to the heavens.”

Did I mention I am at awe?

anita