38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2019
Writers' Club
A Thing of Beauty
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
pass into nothingness; but still will
keep a bower quiet for us, and a sleep
full of sweet dreams, and health, and
quiet breathing. Therefore, on every
morrow, are we wreathing a flowery
band to bind us to the earth."
~ John Keats (1795-1821)
Read this poem written by John Keats quietly to yourself. Now, read
it out loud. Reading out loud literally breathes life into the written
word. While all forms of the written word are enhanced by verbal
rendition, poetry recited out loud benefits most. I was in fourth
grade when I was given the assignment of memorizing and reciting
a poem to my other eight-year-old classmates. The teacher wrote
titles and names of authors of iconic poetry onto slips of paper and
put them into an old felt magician's hat. The lottery was conducted
by students' last names in alphabetical order. There were two slips
remaining in the hat when it came time for me to draw. My last name
of Williams was ahead of Zambrano. I selected the
slip that read, A Thing of Beauty. I had a month to
memorize a portion of the poem which is quoted
above. In addition to memorizing and reciting the
poem, students needed to be prepared to articulate
what the poem meant to them and also be able to
answer other students' questions. I got an A on the
assignment and 58 years later I still can recite this
poem. The older I get, the poem's meaning changes
but still fills me with serenity and joy. Poetry deeply
resonates intellectually, emotionally and spiritually
and continues to inspire free of space and time.
On April 28 from 4 to 7 pm in the Ballroom, the
Writers' Club will join with the Wine Club and African American
Culture Clubs for an evening of culture, wine and spoken word.
Authors are encouraged to submit items for consideration of being
recited or read out loud during this event. Submissions should not
exceed 800 words and or six minutes read aloud. March 31 is the
deadline for submission to knoonan1973@gmail.com. A committee
representing the three hosting clubs will read and select items for
the event.
The Writers' Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month
at 1:30 pm in The Lodge. The 6:30 pm meetings have been canceled
as of March 12. Info., Karla Noonan, (951) 902-5407 or email
knoonan1973@gmail.com. ~ Karla Noonan
John Keats
