The Key West Citizen

POETRY GROUP GIVEN HONORS
KEY WEST STUDENT'S POEM OUTSTANDING AMONG MANY OTHERS

The Creative Poetry Group of Key West High School, sponsored by Hildegard Ott Russell, reports a new honor.

"Leaves Of Laurel", a poetry column by Elva Graham Melton of Niagara Falls, N. Y., carries this caption:

"Outstanding poems selected, in cooperation with the nation's poetry editors, for special mention in a review of today's Muse"

Miss Melton reviewed Facets of Orange, California; Colony Magazine of Rockford, Illinois; Let Us Sing of Brazil, Indiana, and Potentialities of Homestead, Florida, selecting one poem from each.

From Potentialities, in which a number of South Florida Schools are represented, she chose a Key West student's poem:

Rose Petals

The petals of the lonely rose
Are dropping down, reluctantly
Resigned to the last crimson woes.

The petals of the lonely rose
Will come at length to sweet repose
Beside our opalescent sea.

The petals of the lonely rose
Are dropping down reluctantly.

—Dick Hernandez.

Preceding the poem in the column is found, "In far off Homestead, Florida, Lily Lawrence Bow, the librarian—and for many years the guiding spirit of the town's municipal library—takes an intense interest in the children of the city and the growth of their talents. A poet, and the editor of the poetry magazine, Cycle, she particularly encourages students who have writing ability. Recently there came to my desk, a brochure of poems titled, 'Potentialities'. In it are many excellent short poems by students. What a wonderful encouragement such interest and sponsorship must be to young writers! A special wreath of laurel to L.L.B.!"

This column appeared in La Salle News, Niagara Falls, N. Y.; Squirrel Hill News, Pittsburgh, Pa.; The Eagle, Cherryville, North Carolina and Homestead Daily Messenger, Homestead, Pa.

Last year Potentialities honored 12 poets belonging to The Creative Poetry Group of Key West High School by publication, reprints and prizes. Those selected: Billie Camara, Dick Hernandez, Charles Mendoza, Roland Keeton, Charles H. Ketchum, Edwin Berkowitz, Eloise Curry, Sarah Ann Birs, Charles Garing, Mario Napoles, Orlando Esquinaldo, and Eugene Berkowitz.

The dedication of Potentialities reads:

"Dedicated to: Helen McGee, Mae Elizabeth Newell, Elinor Payne and Hildegard Ott Russell for their fine cooperation, have made a dream come true".