Helen J. S. Penney

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Helen's pen name is Cheryl Jean Donovan. She was born on June 24, 1934, in Sandwich East near Windsor, Ontario to John and Doris. She is married to Charles. She earned a BA and took MA courses at the University of Windsor and she took post-graduate courses at the University of Toronto. She has taught English for 43 years (all levels). Her memberships include: Home and School (Exec.), Windsor, Ontario; Can.-Am.-Friendship Centre, Windsor, Ontario; Scottish Club, Windsor, Ontario; President of Women Writers of Windsor (1996-1997); and President of Women Writers of Windsor and Performers (1997-1998). She has received numerous honors and awards including: W. D. Lowe Secondary Sch. (Windsor, Ontario) History and Geography Awards (100% average); 1986 Law Teacher's Award, University of Toronto; many Editor's Choice Awards (The National Library of Poetry); Distinguished Member Award (The International Society of Poets); elected to International Poetry Hall of Fame (Nov. 1, 1996). Some of her other writings are: 1962 - "Gems of Peace," Devon, England; University of Chicago-India Catholic Journal (1963); writings in many anthologies by The National Library of Poetry; poems on tapes published by The National Library of Poetry; writings appearing in fall of 1997 in anthology of Women Writers of Windsor by Benchmark Publishing Co. Helen states, "I have a high regard for all cultures; I live by the principles of the goodness of the 'Brotherhood of Man' inspired by the Bible and Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland; I would like to know that my writings have made others happier."

Will Ye No' Come Back Again?

It seems so long since you have gone,
But we in spirit still are one.
Your memory will never die.
Your presence stills my stifled cry.
My voice cries out and whispers low,
My "BONNIE PRINCE
CHARLIE", I miss you so.
The cross was great - the shock severe;
I did not know the end was near.
Oh yes, you will come back again,
As we do meet in our own glen.
On that one great and glorious Day
When righteous saints come Home to stay!

Salute To Robert Burns

As long as Scottish hearts beat true,
And living voices sing,
No other Scotian name so true,
Is cherished like a king.

Burns taught us all to brothers be,
That everyman is great
(EVERYMAN)
That love - not money counts you see,
For God decides our fate.

His songs and poems taught of life,
A love of nature and of God
A dream of peace and not of strife,
And freedom on each sod.

As long as Scottish bagpipes play,
And Earth does steadily turn;
We'll meet with "Auld Lang Syne" this day
To honour Robert Burns!