I’m so excited to have two history poems up in the most recent issue of Twist in Time magazine. And my poet friend Luanne Castle has a creative nonfiction essay in it, too!
You should read the whole issue, but here are links to my poems, SS St. Louis, 1939 and Salem, 1692.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
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Wow! Two poems in one issue! Well done, Merril. I enjoyed both of the submissions. I particularly like the ending of the second poem.Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jill!
The ending of the second poem struck me as well. It’s a question that is so needed and yet so seldom asked.
Yes, you’re right. Or only asked once it’s too late.
Such rich poems. I don’t know enough of History myself to author such inspired poems, but I certainly adore the idea of it. To inhabit the entire aura of not only a different being, but a different era, and customs. At times, the entire fabric of how the world is perceive ought to change, and that equilibrium, knowing what to keep in order to be human and what to change — since humans are incredibly celeritous at change — must be a challenge of great enrichment. It was a pleasure to read you.
Thank you very much for reading, and for leaving me such a thoughtful and kind comment. It is interesting sometimes to put oneself into another time and place so totally different.
I love these two historical poems, Merril! So interesting, so well done. Congrats!
Thank you so much, Charlotte!
So excited to see your two poems in this beautiful poetry online magazine. They speak of different times- each a different voice- and each mesmerizing in the story they tell. Many congrats.
Thank you so much, Pam!
Excellent! And congratulations! I especially like Salem. It speaks so much to our times. (K)
I also think it speaks to our times.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
My pleaure.
Well done, Merril. Congratulations!
Thank you, Ken!
Very well done Merril (and Luanne). I had to look up the St Louis story and learned something.
Thank you very much, Derrick. I appreciate that you took the time to look up the story. I wonder now if many people just read it and had no idea what it referred to?
There were clues enough in it and you will remember my friend, Wolf. But you are right to wonder.
Yes, I thought I put in clues, and I do remember your friend.
I had to look up the St. Louis story as well, but as soon as I did, I remembered having read about it years ago. This is another instance when those in authority should have asked, What if we’re wrong?
Indeed
Thank you for taking the time to look it up, Liz. Yes, you are so right, and the authorities were so wrong. They all would have been saved if Cuba and/or the U.S. had taken them in. It sounded like the captain was a good man who tried his best to intercede.
I still find it hard to understand why the US in particular wouldn’t have taken them in.
Still trying to stay neutral, I suppose. There were fascists here, too. And also quotients on immigrants, especially those not considered “the right sort.” Same old, same old.
Applause!
Thank you! 😀
Those are very touching poems. History at the hands of a poet teaches, slightly. Enough to want to review history, from which we may learn something, anything!
Thank you very much, Resa!
Congratulations Merril, well deserved!
Thank you, Rene!
Congratulations on the publication of your two poems, Merril! They’re both first-rate.
Thank you so much, Liz!
You’re welcome, Merril!
Congratulations!
Thank you!