Opinion
Autumn
Dear Crickets, doomed to die,
Bless you, for so am I.
How bravely your song of Autumn
Accepts without remorse
The ordaining of Winter.
Hidden in the hearth,
faith of future generations
Beyond the snow, beyond death:
’Tis humble your chirrup
And full of courage
As we too might be
If we could but see
Dog at the Funeral
For Dave Willey (1947-2008)
I didn’t see him when two planes did a fly-by,
one on the right peeling off in missing-man formation.
Not until I saw his picture with Dave and Dave’s family —
a big lug of a dog, a Great Dane, but smaller, a Doberman,
but ears cupped, long tail, bright eyes, and an open mouth.
He walked through the door as we sat, looking around
His coach says, “he has an arm,” and calls him the team’s star pitcher. He plays Little League in his hometown of Pelham, N.Y. His father says, and I quote: “Yesterday he threw 60 pitches in three innings. He had five strikeouts, caught a line drive back at the mound and fielded a ground ball throwing out the batter at first! He is always asking me to show him how to throw a knuckle curve, a screwball, a cutter or a slider. I told him I have no idea.” Joe says he emulates Mike Mussina and A-Rod, names I’ll get to know better, I have a feeling.
Noman’s Maneuvers
From the Vineyard Gazette editions of October, 1983:
The weather wasn’t ideal for war games this weekend but nothing ever stops the United States Marines. From their command center high on the Gay Head cliffs they at least had a good Vineyard view of bad Island weather. The military mission was to assist with radar precision bombing runs on Noman’s Land. A radar center and command post was laid out near the Gay Head lighthouse.
GOOD DEAL
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
To help quell the groans and moans about the “excessive” fares to and from Chappaquiddick, I wish to provide the following:
• In 1929 it cost a $1 for a round trip.
• Today, it costs $12.
Taking the $1 in 1929 and converting it to 2008 dollars, we would get $24.64. Thank you Peter Wells for helping fight inflation.
Jozef Sliwkowski
Chappaquiddick
•
DISPIRITING TIMES
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Jose is a brown and white nine-year-old ox who is looking for a new pet-friendly home. He would be a great companion for other farm animals.
I wrote about him in this newspaper nine years ago, when he was rescued from the fate of being turned into veal. Jose, who is a gentle soul, is currently living at Rainbow Farm but needs to move to a new home.
Can you help? Please call Kathe at 508-360-3710.
Gina Burns
Edgartown