Margaret E. Kelly Willcox, Arizona

I was born on the eastern shore of Maryland. Ten years ago I retired, we moved to the south west. Attended college and business school. First poem I wrote was for National Library of Poetry. The last few years, I've freelanced and wrote poetry for several publishers. I have won two awards for the "Last Stand" and was also nominee for Poet of the Year in 1995, 1996 on the West Coast. Writing poetry I have found myself. At last, I know who I am and where I am going.

The Last Stand On a side street hidden from view an art gallery comes alive. Voices rise and fall as the pictures are examined. Gradually the voices are stilled, With awe upon their faces they look, here is something to appreciate. On a rear wall a picture is all alone a single light above. In the dim light the scene comes alive. In the swirling flakes a lone cow makes her stand, with thin ribs and soulful eyes she awaits the wolves. They ring about her silently waiting, she is down at last. Eerie howls fill the air as the echo's join in from afar.. Fighting for her fife her destiny is clear. Suddenly it is over and she is till, she has made her last stand.

THIS VALLEY OF THE CAT There is a slight memory and a familiar about this place. As a band of wild horses start down an old forgotten trail. To the dark valley below. They drink from the cold spring, and frolic in the green grass. The cold is forgotten as they play. the snowy mountain fades into memory. They settle down for the night as sleep comes quickly Throughout the night a cat calls again and again. Their sleep in broken frequently Un- nerved by the night the band is up early to slate their thirst. As they start up the forbidden trail as fast as they could.. Away from this valley of the cat.

NOT THAT SIMPLE Life, is like a tapestry so we are told, Woven into place as we are born. Follow the lines or go astray, beyond all hope. Imagine what we could do, we could go beyond all boundaries. We could reach to the sky Life, if only it was that simple.

All poems Copyright © 1997 Margaret E. Kelly. All rights reserved.