in other words
By Lynn Berry
How essential it is to know
ourselves, but how often do we avoid
ourselves? Our work, the needs of our
friends and loved ones, our daily obligations
and chores, or a life crisis or drama can
dictate the shape of our lives so that
we forget who we are and who we are
becoming. Often without even realizing it,
we don’t nurture and cultivate a heart that is
worthy of who we truly are. The disregard
for ourselves can come in disguises of
“putting others first,” or “just not having
the time,” but for most in this busy and
externally based culture, getting to know our
true selves can be intimidating, so we stay
busy and we don’t take the time to get quiet.
Being honest and finding our authentic
selves may take some time and courage.
Derek Walcott’s poem “Love After
Love” attempts to show the reader an
individual who is just beginning another
intimate relationship after a long and difficult
separation. In Walcott’s poem, however,
the new relationship is not with another
person, but with one’s self, the heart that
has waited neglected in the shadows of the
“other” relationship. And when that other
relationship ends, the individual is left to find
that heart again and learn to appreciate its
patient and forgiving love.
june6
2013
21
THE
INKWELL
---Writer’s Idea: Write a letter to yourself 10
years earlier. What advice would you give
yourself? Would you warn of upcoming
challenges, tell yourself to change paths,
or would you encourage yourself to stay
steady?
---Writer’s Tip: Self-reflection is crucial
for artists to gain insights of themselves
and of the world. Write a poem or draw a
picture of yourself. Let your mind wander
and allow your heart be free in doing this
exercise.
Love After Love
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
---WE ARE LOOKING FOR LOCAL
POETRY. WE NEED YOUR POEMS!!
Please send your original submissions to
InkwellVernonia@gmail.com or by mail:
PO Box 73 Vernonia, OR 97064. Please
include your name and contact information.
Write--Express--Expand.
Lynn Berry holds an M.A. in English,
specializing in feminist literature and literary
criticism. She has spent several years teaching
Literature, Composition, Poetry, Creative
Writing, and Critical Thinking at various school
districts and colleges, and occasionally provides
writing workshops.
-------Derek Walcott
Your Horoscope: June 2013
By Ms. Luna
fringe benefits.
Spring has sprung, but
keep an eye on your
finances.
Scorpio (Oct 23- Nov 21) This is a strong period for work
and career. You could receive public recognition for the work
you do now. If you aren’t your own boss, you would like to be
which could cause some friction with superiors. It’s time to
get rid of excesses in your life, whether physical or spiritual
baggage. The 18th- 20 could bring touchy matters to the
surface, likely financial. Those looking for a job could find
one now.
Gemini (May 21- June
20) It is a strong month
for personal plans and
feeling energized. You
are making big impressions this month but you may also
be giving off mixed signals and creating misunderstandings
near the 19th. Around the 18th, your partner may need
extra attention, and the 23rd is strong for strengthening or
attracting relationships. Fate is in your hands. You have the
power to make things happen!
Cancer (June 21- July 22) You are motivated to increase
your personal income this month and that extra effort is likely
to meet with success. While the first 3 weeks bring some
level of introspection and emotional retreat, you will begin
to feel more in control of your life by week 4. Your powers
of attraction are especially strong from the 18th forward.
Partnerships are consuming and rewarding from the 21st-
25th.
Leo (July 23- Aug 22) This is a wonderful time of prosperity
and enjoyment, dear Leo. Plenty of energy is at your disposal;
the question will be where to direct it. Friendships, group
activities, and personal aspirations take center stage in June.
Tricky matters with friends and lovers may arise from the 18th
-20th. It is a strong period for taking independent action and
making things happen.
Virgo (Aug 23- Sept 22) Your attention is devoted to career
and work involvement this month. Going over past mistakes
professionally and dealing with a few misunderstandings
figures until after the 19th when delays lift. Professional
projects begin to move forward. Some minor romantic snags
are possible. Social engagements and romance are more
likely to be found through work.
Libra (Sept 23- Oct 22) You are working hard to achieve your
goals, not only material, but also spiritual goals. Your spirit is
especially adventurous and you are more philosophical than
usual. A partner could be expressing independence. Single
Libras might find a partner through a friend or activities,
especially from the 5th- 8th. After the 19th, delays with
education or travel lift and career matters become more
prominent. It is a strong period for cutting a deal or acquiring
Sagittarius (Nov 22- Dec 21) This is an expressive month for
you. Satisfying your itch for change and adventure seems like
a good idea. Tricky matters with finances and partnerships
need to be handled. Relationships become easier after the
19th. This is not the time to assert your will or push your
agenda. Recognizing the needs of others in your life is more
important now. The full moon on the 18th is in your sign, and
you could surprise others with an emotional outpouring.
Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19) Getting down to business,
handling daily existence and focusing on improvement is
your focus in June. Your attitudes towards what makes you
feel secure are changing, and there is intensity to your nature.
From the 18th forward, relationships and compromise take
center stage in your life. Personal plans regain momentum,
and work issues ease in the last two weeks of the month.
Travel plans may hit snags. Best days for opportunities are
the 10th and 20th – 24th.
Aquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18) There
is a strong need for recreation
and pleasure this month. Taking
in movies, dinner, and romantic
activities are highlighted. Due to
low energy, work after the 20th
may leave you feeling out of sorts.
Plenty of conversations with a
partner take place. The 12th-
13th is a tricky period when you
could be feeling unappreciated
or stressed. Finish up the details
of personal projects and plans
before the 26th for maximum
success.
Pisces (Feb 19- March 20) Work
is busy and challenging, while
your heart is with your family
and home. You are more able to increase your income by
performing tasks that others dislike doing. Career demands
peak on the 18th, and then ease considerably. The question
of friendship and acceptance for who you are comes up with a
close partner. Your powers of attraction increase significantly
after the 18th and a more pleasurable and flowing cycle
begins, except from the 20th- 21st, when money concerns
and stresses grab hold. Take a deep breath and know that
this too shall pass.
Aries (March 21- April 19) This is a busy and exciting month
for Aries. You seem to be juggling a lot right now, but maybe
not producing much. Time will tell. This is an excellent period
for personal relationships, learning, and communication. Play
and recreation have appeal as well as romance, which are
especially heated this month. You are chatty and very busy
with errands and appointments for the first 3 weeks before
life settles down.
Taurus (Apr 20- May 20) This month, Taurus, you have the
energy for tackling major projects around the house. Finances
could be a little tricky this month. If you have been thinking
of a major purchase or investment, wait until the last week of
the month when thinking is clearer. Putting money back into
your home makes sense. Frustrating career matters manifest
mid-month as well as a faceoff with a significant other, most
likely over money. Enjoy your surroundings!
Vacation Bible School
June 24th thru 28th
9am-12:15
Vernonia Christian Church
410 North Street, Vernonia
Ages: “going into” Kindergarten
thru 6th grade
Cost: Free
Register early at: www.vacationbibleschool.com/vernoniavbs
or call Susan Mullikin at 503-429-0181 or 503-369-3245