Richard Kigel

Staten Island, New York

Trained at Columbia University under Lucy Calkins, teaching writing to youngsters is a daily labor of love. In 1986, I published Frontier Years of Abe Lincoln. The first printing sold out. It is now out of print and looking for revival. In 1988, I began Edge of Doom, a modern retelling of Othello, Shakespear's timeless tragedy of interracial intrigue and poisoned love. In 1995, I began Flying Free, blending history and fiction, science and fantasy; the story of mankind's first flight, a homemade machine built secretly by a resourceful, freedom-loving American slave.

Sonnet: We Pass Through the Years

We pass through the years, disjointed, apart;
Her flaming red fever still burns high.
Giving nothing herself, ice eyes, hard heart,
Makes love ill; yet it does not die.
She wanted no friend, gave no welcome sign,
Closed the door, pushed me out: I fell
Into long cold night, to seethe, malign,
To blame, to boil in a hostile hell.
Salvation came shining, the dawn in the dark.
Unbounded forgiving in full hearted prayer.
God's healing covenant kindles the spark
Of kindness, communion, compassion, care.
Giving all for no return makes love pure.
True love is steadfast, selfless, sure.

Sonnet: Who Gave You Comfort?

Who gave you comfort when you cried out in pain?
When you thought you were dying, abandoned, alone,
To face the inferno- the scars still remain.
Who held you tenderly? Who took you home?
Have the years doctored kindly since wounds cut so deep?
When anguish was blinding, the aching was real;
It's wreckage unalterable -- a gift you must keep.
Still morning brings daylight; hope will ease the ordeal.
You spoke of it cooly, voice distant and strong.
Time brings acceptance, surrender, release.
Pain disappears. The suffering is gone.
Can you laugh and love life again? Is your heart at peace?
He will not leave you comfortless! The unchanging soul
Is eternal, untouchable spirit made whole.

Bridges

Words are wonders,
Building bridges, crossing canyons,
Meeting minds.

Words unite us,
Tie together threads of thinking,
Merging lines.

Words make meaning,
Understanding,
True connection soul to soul.

Words are bridges
Over oceans.
Isolation takes its toll.

Linked by language,
Reached by words,
We read, we write, we play the part.

We're not alone!
We cross that bridge
To find a friend in every heart.