HASP Review 2019 An Anthology of written work and original art By members of HASP Volume XXVIII Parchment Colors HASP Review 2019 Volume XXVIII Communications Committee Donna Bogle, Chair Robert Godfrey, Editor-in-Chief Jan Gebben, Art Editor Susan Miller, Associate Art Editor Dian Taylor, Associate Art Editor Mary Huisman, Associate Editor Chanda Miller, Associate Editor Julie Sanders, Associate Editor Peter Schakel, Associate Editor Tom Urbaniak, Associate Editor Dave Schmitt, Layout Editor Lorelle Eberly, Copy Editor Ann Weller, Copy Editor Jack Hyde, Consultant Our Covers: The front cover is original art by Susan Miller. The insides of the front and back covers display the many original art submissions submitted to be considered for the front cover. The decision was very difficult. Cover Art – Parchment Colors By Susan Miller Miller, Susan The idea for this design formed itself as I was walking down 8th Street after a HASP committee meeting, contemplating ways to attract more attention and submissions to the HASP Review – especially art. We have a wonderful history of excellent writing by our members – but art? – not so much. At the time, the committee was discussing ways to encourage members to contribute to this year’s edition, and posters and flyers were under consideration. I thought maybe a logo for the Review might help; some small, instantly recognizable item to keep in front of the membership that would help keep the Review in focus throughout the year, not just in the spring when the publishing deadline looms ahead. And, maybe something we could use in the years ahead. HASP has a logo, why not the Review. Art submissions have lagged behind writings; we needed more art. My goal was to give equal weight to writing and art in a design to encourage both. I thought “simple” to be the best approach so the design could be used at any size – posters to lapel buttons. The design that “appeared” incorporates the historical tools of those trades – pen & parchment, brush & palette. I usually labor over what to paint next. This piece just fell into place effortlessly. I am honored and humbled to have this piece on the cover of this year’s Review. My intention was only to encourage our membership to share their many gifts. Many thanks to those who have contributed and have made this another successful year for the HASP Review. Susan Miller 1 Chairman’s Notes Bogle, Donna Donna Bogle Chairman of Communications Committee This is the 28th edition of the HASP Review and my sixth year on the Communication Committee. This Review, like earlier editions, takes us into the lives of friends as well as strangers soon to become beloved community acquaintances. Past editions were ably led by these chairs of the Review: Bill Bloemendaal, Don Postma, Ann Weller, Chris Broersma, Jack Hyde, and Lorelle Eberly. Committee members over the last 28 years have committed to three- year terms, often more, to bring your creations to life. As one chair observed, “HASP Review is not a competitive event.” The Review exists to help keep our minds sharp by writing imaginatively and by creating photos, drawings, doodles, and paintings. The writer Parker Palmer agrees. “Writers and artists are in the business of crafting earthen vessels to hold what we’ve found in our inquiries into reality.” Remember writing clues or messages with milk or lemon juice on a blank page? They remained a mystery and invisible until one heated the page over a light bulb or iron. That seemed like a bit of magic. Writers and artists often begin on that blank page but wad it up and begin on another blank sheet until the creative “magic” appears. The words and visual art of Review contributors help save us from a terrible sense of isolation by fortifying us with the hope that we readers and viewers will make it through life with our humanity intact. Through words and images the reality of contributors’ lives and experiences is transferred to readers and viewers and thus enriches their lives and experiences. This volume is in appreciation for the contributors, editors, and committee members and for the opportunity to be part of an amazing community of lifelong-learning seekers. 2 From the Editor Godfrey, Robert Bob Godfrey Editor-in-Chief As I page through this volume, what stands out to me is not only the quality but also the diversity of the work. The 2019 HASP Review includes fiction, non-fiction, humor, essay, poetry, memoir, and caption, all deftly accented by cartoon, illustration, drawing, and painting: something for everyone. Such variety and creativity are evidence of increased artistic interest and engagement on the part of HASP members. The verbal and visual works that follow lift this year’s Review to a higher level of sophistication and enjoyment , an excellent next step toward greatness of which we can all be proud. Thanks to all for investing time and effort into this fine HASP publication, and thanks, as well, for reading! 3 Table of Contents Cover Art – Parchment Colors .......................................................................................................... 1 Chairman’s Notes .............................................................................................................................. 2 From the Editor ................................................................................................................................. 3 Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. 4 Errata ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Etching #1 by Mary Porter ................................................................................................................ 7 Fiction - Essay - Humor .................................................................................................................. 8 Untitled.......................................................................................................................................... 9 Little Harry .................................................................................................................................. 10 A Journey in Paint ....................................................................................................................... 11 It’s Your Call .............................................................................................................................. 13 A Miracle .................................................................................................................................... 15 A Twig in Search of a Trunk ...................................................................................................... 16 Awash in Clutter ......................................................................................................................... 18 Where’s the Beef ......................................................................................................................... 20 Fit for a Bit .................................................................................................................................. 21 Lessons From a Jigsaw Puzzle .................................................................................................... 23 Etching #2 by Mary Porter .............................................................................................................. 24 Poetry .............................................................................................................................................. 25 Ice Storm ..................................................................................................................................... 26 A Winter Thought ....................................................................................................................... 27 In Mid December ........................................................................................................................ 28 The Meaning of Christmas .......................................................................................................... 30 A Season Passing ........................................................................................................................ 34 Spring is Coming ........................................................................................................................ 36 Goliath ......................................................................................................................................... 37 Unstoppable ................................................................................................................................ 38 Homer’s Iliad As a Haiku ........................................................................................................... 39 Defiant Tomato of Dylan Thomas .............................................................................................. 40 Poetry .......................................................................................................................................... 41 4 First Breath, Last Breath ............................................................................................................. 45 Painted Summer Memory ........................................................................................................... 46 I Have Some First and Second Amendment Blues