• Author: BURCH, Jesse
• Editor: Cuff, Joseph J.
• Newspaper: The Eastern Echo volume 3
• Page Number:
• Date: 09 Fall 1958
• Tags:
• poetry

The Poetry Page by JESSE BURCH

In reply to so many wonderful congratulatory letters, and word-of-mouth messages, received by this editor, I thought it only proper to take time and space to thank you, and explain, if I may, about the poetry corner of our magazine.

In sending my thanks to you, I feel sure that along with it goes a multitude in accompaniment in the same amount of gratitude. You see, each poem written in past issues, although written in the first person mode, aside from personal experience, were taken from the observation of those about me. The moods and actions of each man is a poem in itself.

“THE STORM” was written with a personal slant, although I’m sure it spoke for many of us here. So, it could not possibly be a personal thing entirely. Songs are written by one person and fit so many, that is the idea behind this page.

Your appreciation and encouraging remarks are spread over our entire population. There are many here that have stood before their ‘barred and granite windows’ silently erying into the dark of night for that understanding that is as elusive as wood smoke in the wind.

What do your letters mean to us? No doubt you recall the felon that cried out at the crucifixion, ‘‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Your words let us know that you have not forgotten that we are human.

Each article, story, joke, etc. is an expression of the entire inmate body in one way or another. So it is with this page. Your messages, whether written or verbal, is proof solid and substantial that, that bridge of understanding we started long ago is nearing completion, which is very gratifying, indeed.

Tempered with tolerance from you and strong effort put behind constructive ideas on our part, the building of ‘The Bridge of Understanding’ will go on with renewed vitality.

So, for the many hopeful men here at Hastern, may I return, in like manner a most sincere thank you from all of us to all of you, for your kind recognition and thoughtfulness.

Music and Song

We would be selfish, if we never thanked you For the helpful words you freely send along Exchanges of these never ending ‘Thank you’s’ Is like music, to the poetry of song.

Let us always be assured without wonder That you stand behind our progress massed and strong Let the building of ‘our bridge’ ring out like thunder Of the drums in the music of our song.

When that “BRIDGE OF UNDERSTANDING”? is completed And we both can reason clearly, over wrongs Then the poetry, need no longer be repeated Just a clear and ringing melody of songs.