Pat Richards Claremont, California

Pat is currently at work on a novel, readying her second book of poetry, honing up the fine points of watercolors, working on the potters wheel and developing musical ideas. Pat has had her poetry published by the National Library of Poetry and was one of the nominees of Poet of the Year for 1997 by the International Society of Poets. Her first published collection of poetry is entitled Self-Expression - Poems and Watercolors. Her poems are personal expressions of thoughtful reflections and emotions. Relaxing from artistic endeavors finds her competing on the tennis court.

Controlled Freedom Evenly even is our evenness Not stretched, not taut No spiraled tangleness but Footed and webbed Rock solid Cemented solid Reaching the heights Expectations firm Not anxious, not fraught fixed on substance Surging reality Quality insistence Anchored, attached yet Thrillingly free Privileged exhilaration Spontaneous, burning Dizzying evenly Even in our evenness

"Welcome" Change Near to the ocean Close to my heart Calm one day Cyclone another The waves with regularity crash break spraying spray Day after day Near to the ocean Close to my heart "Welcome" change... but then Everything resumes its course

Softer Issues The softer issues in life A pale buttercup glowing deliciously in the hand A caterpillar shimmying over earth and grass The spider cogged in his cobweb beautifully designed The gliding watercolors moving gracefully Cascading freely on the paper Melodious, mellifluous harmonies Titillating emotions, exposing sensibilities Tuned sweetly, warmly, softly Listening carefully to muted, gentle Air whisperings diffused with tiny Insect noises - minute currents drop a petal Can a cloud be heard? Words are liberators rescuing confusion Searching for and finding The softer issues of life

Pat welcomes letters. You can write her in care of: The International Poetry Hall of Fame 1 Poetry Plaza Owings Mills, Md 21117 All poems Copyright © 1996-1997 Pat Richards. All rights reserved.