This is just one of the poems Sue Ellen will read when she returns to the Stoltz Listening Room on September 25th for the first of four Spy Nights this fall to support the Avalon Foundation and the Talbot Spy. Her special guest will Beth Dulin, last year’s winner of the Eastern Shore Writers Association’s 2023 poetry competition. Beth will share some of those award-winning poems along with new ones. Tickets are available here.
This video is approximately two minutes in length.
Deidra Greenleaf Allan says
SE: This is one of my all-time favorites of your poems. And what a delight to see a photo of your dad. I’m so glad we’ll be hearing it again on the 25th. Hooray for swearing!!
Rise Ain says
This was so poignant and fun. Thank you for this sensitive and bittersweet poem which brought tears of laughter to my eyes and a wry smile to my face
Susan Baker says
I loved this! It was my father as well, a former POW in a German camp having been captured in the Battle of the Bulge. He wouldn’t tolerate off color language or jokes until my mother died at 93. He chose his moments of Blue tinged language, more often with my brothers than with me or my sister. It seemed, in some ways, whole missing my mother tremendously, he also dropped his shoulders, sighed and “let loose”.
Irene Fick says
Wow, love this poem, and especially how Sue Ellen read it! Perfection.
Joan says
A friggin priceless poem, SueEllen. Thank you-your former BBP cohort-Joan
Francine Bernard says
Oh, Susie, it made me laugh (and sorta cry) even though I’ve read and heard it before. Your work is personal yet universal; poignant yet humorous. You capture the elusive essence of precious moments. Love your work.
Kathy Carle says
Lordy,Lordy! Woman! If your mother were here, mighten she not
wash your mouth out with soap!?!
I remember my Mom washing mine out. As well, I remember being scooped up ’round my middle and carried off to the kitchen sink in preparation!
Wish your Dad and I could have had a ‘conversation’ LOVE and
Good luck with your reading!
Catherine says
Love that Sue Ellen!