The Spring 2009 Hatchet is ONLINE!

[Stefani]

The Spring 2009 issue of The Hatchet: Lizzie Borden's Journal of Murder, Mystery & Victorian History is now online for your reading pleasure.



This issue is chocked full of great articles!

• We have a grand piece on the story of Spritism by Kat Koorey
  
  A stunning work by Shelley Dziedzic about the Victorian Celebration of Death.
  
  An interview with Wunderkind director Cameron Munson on his new Lizzie Borden film.
  
  A new tale to tell about the Emma Borden photograph I found and detailed in the last issue of The Hatchet, called Emma Borden: The Plot Thickens.
  
  A truly inspired work of fiction by David Marshall James, entitled Mesdemoiselles of French Street in "The Adventures of the Green Cape"
  
  An important essay by Melissa Allen titled "When My Fire Burns Low"
  
  A great work by Denise Noe on the Bible Verses spoken at Lizzie Borden's Funeral, and
  
  The final installment of Douglas Walter's works From the Compositor's Bench (we will miss him dearly).

And that is not all! We have 2 new poems by Michael Brimbau, 1 by Brenda Kern, 1 by Melissa Allen, 1 by Aurora Lewis, and 2 old poems by A.L. Bixby.

In addition, we have super fabulous Sherry Chapman pieces for your amusement: Bridget's Kitchen, and Dear Abby.

So if you want to subscribe at the low low price of just $15 per year, for all three issues ONLINE, please visit

http://www.hatchetonline.com/HatchetOnl ... ptions.htm

It will be a few weeks before the print copy will be available. So Online is the only way to go for now!

[Kat]

WOW Beautiful cover! It brings spontaneous tears to my eyes! Such innocence...

Thank you!

[Kat]

I can't stop stealing a glimpse of our girl here. Thanks again for the cool photo/cover!

[Fargo]

That has always been my favorite Lizzie picture. I wouldn't mind seeing it on a T- Shirt. ( hint, hint. hint. )

[stuartwsa]

Me, too. That photo has always fascinated me, particluarly because it seemed to appear out of nowhere. I believe I saw it first in one of the video documentaries of the case. When I asked various people about it, they responded as if it had always just sort of been around.
It is always nice to see photos taken from the .original! Thanks, Stefani!

[Allen]

I love the cover also. It's really very nice. I can't wait to have the chance to read this issue. It sounds amazing.

[Nadzieja]

I agree the cover is outstanding. I like that photo of her. Can't wait to get the print copy.

[Bob Gutowski]

It's...disturbing. But in a good way!

[Allen]

I was just curious to know if anyone had any thoughts on my essay or my poem in this issue.

[doug65oh]

The poem you wrote is quite good I thought, Melissa. Your essay I've not gotten around to yet!

[Allen]

Thank you . I am very glad that you liked it.

[mbhenty]

Yes, I am partial to rhyme.

Free verse, prose as I call it and not exactly "poetry", is much harder, tricky to write............at least for me.

that is.......hard to write and make it work and still be called poetry.

Today poetry has lost all verse. Upon reading some of the modern stuff it is difficult to tell it apart from standard spoken language.

..............................................................................................................

Having said that:

I was having a drink while a friend of mine was thumbing through and read from the latest copy of the hatchet. (by the way, there is no comparison between the electornic computer copy and the hard copy)

The reading was from page 33, a poem.

Wow, that was a great poem..............who wrote that, I said?

Melissa, came the response

Why was I not surprised

Great poem.

I love poems that tell a story.

Tragic and surprising ending but it is what makes this poem work. The surprise ending which changes the entire meaning and lesson learnt.

Though the end is surprising, what is not a surprise is that it's a great poem written by a true poet.

[Kat]

Missy I did love your essay on the investigation you successfully concluded on the Maplecroft mantle inscription!
Very good stuff there!! Thank you!

[mbhenty]

Yes, not sure if I feel the same as Bob G. about the cover?

I see everything but innocence.

I see self-assurance, confidence, and an almost cocky assertiveness. The expression is one of ego, a demand for recognition, and if I am not mistaken, a hint of destiny all within a serene youthful expression.

It appears like her face is saying: I have arrived and if you have not heard of me, you will.

But of course like Kat's opinion, knowing what we know, what was to happen in her future, it is easy to see things that do not exist.

[mbhenty]

Yes, a little trivia about the cover of this issue of the Hatchet.

The image you see is a second generation photograph. The first generation was the actual 1800s photograph and the second is the cover of the magazine.

Though a well known image of Lizzie, the cover shows a little more of the dress she was wearing which appears to have a stripped pattern. (cord?)

The image used for the cover was taken (scanned) from a real period photograph and exists in a private collection whose party requested the right of anonymity.

Thus, I find it unique in that sense.

[Allen]

Thanks you guys. I really appreciate the feedback. I'm very happy you liked it. I've been sort of biting my fingernails about it

[mbhenty]

Yes, the truth is, I have been writing to long and have displayed my poetry to many times to take for face value any Kudos I receive.

Most friends or strangers just want to be polite. Most say, "that's very good Mick" "I like your poem Henty", but few give reasons to why or offer any further review. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the compliment, even if I know they don't really mean it and that poetry is their first love right behind colonoscopy.

Thus, I never go looking for trouble. Unless I'm sure of my work, in which case there is no need to go looking, just to wait for someone else to find it.


So, when someone pays comfy priase , "I love your work", and that is all, it maybe that they are trying to be polite.....................akin to petting your dog.

In the end, watch out what you ask for; you may get it freely.

But if you want proof of their sincerity write a book. Validation and ovations sometime comes from a hip pocket.

[Allen]

Well, I'm somewhat confused. But I think I got the gist of what you were saying. I am in agreement about the hard copy of The Hatchet. The online version is great, but doesn't compare with holding it in your hand.

[mbhenty]

Yes MA, sorry about the confusion.


I was writing about how I feel about presenting my poetry to the public. Having done so with relatives and friends, I have never received a bad word. Thus, I know they were just being nice or polite. And that's ok.

The truth for me about writing poetry is that I write for myself.

The reason I present my poetry to the public is in case someone can profit from it, from my ideas or words, or perhaps relate to it, learn something etc., or a simple need to share.........which is common behavior for the poet.

If someone expresses pleasure with my writing I am pleased, but it is not necessary. I am much more open to a critical slam or crucifixion of my writing than praise. But as I stated above, perhaps I should be careful what I wish for.

So, sorry about the confusion. I can be very critical.

When someone asks whether I like a piece I always feel like they just handed me a pair of boxing gloves and said "go ahead, take your best shot."

Though my post above, the one about your poem, may certainly be taken as a compliment, that was not my only purpose but if it was, that is fine too.

I was just stating a truth, that your poem captured me.

I had it read to me once and I have read it 2 more times. Each time I come up with the same conclusion; I really like it..............I liked it before I knew who wrote it, and I consider it well written.

I have read many of you poems; if you remember you had them out there at one time, and I liked many if not most of them.

I have not read your article in this quarterly of the Hatchet and I know you are probably cringing that I may, then post about it, but I have read your poems and a poet you are, and a good one.

Hope I have not distressed or embarrassed you, or made you feel uncomfortable with my words.

Now, onto ddnoe's piece.

[ddnoe]

[quote="mbhenty @ Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:33 am"]

Yes MA, sorry about the confusion.


I was writing about how I feel about presenting my poetry to the public. Having done so with relatives and friends, I have never received a bad word. Thus, I know they were just being nice or polite. And that's ok.

The truth for me about writing poetry is that I write for myself.

The reason I present my poetry to the public is in case someone can profit from it, from my ideas or words, or perhaps relate to it, learn something etc., or a simple need to share.........which is common behavior for the poet.

If someone expresses pleasure with my writing I am pleased, but it is not necessary. I am much more open to a critical slam or crucifixion of my writing than praise. But as I stated above, perhaps I should be careful what I wish for.

So, sorry about the confusion. I can be very critical.

When someone asks whether I like a piece I always feel like they just handed me a pair of boxing gloves and said "go ahead, take your best shot."

Though my post above, the one about your poem, may certainly be taken as a compliment, that was not my only purpose but if it was, that is fine too.

I was just stating a truth, that your poem captured me.

I had it read to me once and I have read it 2 more times. Each time I come up with the same conclusion; I really like it..............I liked it before I knew who wrote it, and I consider it well written.

I have read many of you poems; if you remember you had them out there at one time, and I liked many if not most of them.

I have not read your article in this quarterly of the Hatchet and I know you are probably cringing that I may, then post about it, but I have read your poems and a poet you are, and a good one.

Hope I have not distressed or embarrassed you, or made you feel uncomfortable with my words.

Now, onto ddnoe's piece.


(Denise) And what do you think of my Bible passages Whittling?

[mbhenty]

Ah yes, you may be surprise to hear me say, it was very well done D.

You choose very tuff subject matter. Of course everything that you have written in the past, at least the stuff I have read, is always proficient, accomplished and to the point.

Allow me to exercise some honesty here and admit that I have always been confused why a writer, one as skilled and proficient as yourself, would make the effort to seek judgement of your work. Though I must admit always desirable, it is the last thing I would do.

Religion is very difficult to write about and still make interesting. Of course the "Lizzie" factor adds to that appeal that would be missing for many in your piece.

I would have liked to have seen more written about or pertaining to Lizzie's religious desires and practices, but of course little is known and the truth is that to have speculated would probably confuse the issue.

As I have hinted to above, the subject matter is difficult to write about and I salute you on your choice of topic. If there is anything dissenting or critical to add is that for some it may come across dry or somewhat prosaic. Now, much of that has to do with the subject, religion, and very little with your style or ability to make the article work.

I can not stress it enough and will do so again. Tuff subject but well executed by a writer who has handled the mundane with honesty, composure and sober doctrine.

[snokkums]

That has always been my favorite Lizzie picture. I wouldn't mind seeing it on a T- Shirt. ( hint, hint. hint. )

Yes I''d think I 'd buy one or two too. lol

[ddnoe]

Ah yes, you may be surprise to hear me say, it was very well done D.>>

(Denise) Thank you.

<<You choose very tuff subject matter. Of course everything that you have written in the past, at least the stuff I have read, is always proficient, accomplished and to the point.>>

(Denise) Thanks again.

<<Allow me to exercise some honesty here and admit that I have always been confused why a writer, one as skilled and proficient as yourself, would make the effort to seek judgement of your work. Though I must admit always desirable, it is the last thing I would do.>>

(Denise) I learn a great deal from the comments of my readers. If they compliment something, I think about it and -- at least sometimes! -- realize what I need to do more. If they criticize, I think about it and -- again at least sometimes! -- realize what I need to avoid, work on, or polish up.

<<Religion is very difficult to write about and still make interesting. Of course the "Lizzie" factor adds to that appeal that would be missing for many in your piece.

I would have liked to have seen more written about or pertaining to Lizzie's religious desires and practices, but of course little is known and the truth is that to have speculated would probably confuse the issue.>>

(Denise) I published a Whittling awhile back about the church to which she belonged, the Central Congregational Church.

<<As I have hinted to above, the subject matter is difficult to write about and I salute you on your choice of topic. If there is anything dissenting or critical to add is that for some it may come across dry or somewhat prosaic.>>

(Denise) Yes, I sometimes need to watch that tendency and add some all-important spice to my writing.

<<Now, much of that has to do with the subject, religion, and very little with your style or ability to make the article work.

I can not stress it enough and will do so again. Tuff subject but well executed by a writer who has handled the mundane with honesty, composure and sober doctrine.

>>

(Denise) Thank you again.

[mbhenty]

Yes:

quotes bellow:

"..............As I have hinted to above, the subject matter is difficult to write about and I salute you on your choice of topic. If there is anything dissenting or critical to add is that for some it may come across dry or somewhat prosaic.>>

(Denise) Yes, I sometimes need to watch that tendency and add some all-important spice to my writing............"

...........................................................................................................

Yes D, I did not mean to say or imply that your writing needed spicing. What I was try to say is that no matter how you construct a piece on religion it is difficult to make it captivating. It was not a criticism of your writing but of the subject you choose.

Unless you have Fabio playing Jesus, Bruce Dern playing Judas, and Angelina Jolie playing Mary, your audience will be very small.

(In retrospect I may be wrong since most young readers today have no idea who Bruce Dern really is.)

But, I must keep in mind that the piece is really about Lizzie and not a inquiry or study about religion, though it appears to start that way.

[mbhenty]

oh yes,

I forgot to mention in my post above, about the rod and staff.

I studied the bible when in my 20s and attended classes in my church.

Of course there is no study of the bible without a close study of the 23rd Psalm. Bible scholars love to dissect and give meaning to that one.

It is customary and common, especially in older days, to use the 23rd Psalm for a burial. Perhaps Lizzie was left with little choice but to use it.

The choice passage from the "Loving Apostle" John's book probably leaves us with more to inspect and reasons why she chose it.

But, on the rod and staff I was always under the impression that it referred to Gods rules. The rod being God's Law and the Staff the God's Power to enforce it.

The author is then thanking God for that Law, which he freely obeys and treasures, and in doing so will bring him treasures of his own in the end. Further he is making a comparison between an omnipotent and supreme being and simple Man when he appears to demote himself to the level, or makes the comparison with sheep.

At least that is what I remember from past studies.

[augusta]

I am thrilled to see that Allen has done an article on her Maplecroft carving find. I had read her post about it on the Forum earlier and thought that is a topic of great importance, that find of hers. Not only does she deserve a lot of credit for finding it, but I think the Hatchet issues will be read and re-read many times over the years. I should think many people, present and future, will appreciate it.

I'm also glad to know that Allen has submitted more poetry this issue. I am a fan of it.

I agree with Denise, which means I disagree with mb, about positive comments from a person reviewing or giving opinions on another person's pieces.

They should not be taken as fluff. If some are really fluff, maybe the writer will instinctively disagree with that opinion. But when a good comment is given, and if the author agrees with it, heck yeah - run with it. Denise says she knows what to do more of when she gets a positive comment. She is using both positive and negative comments for the good of her own writing. I think that's the point of reviews, or at least should be.

I was wondering in one post to her if she was maybe being overly critical of her work, of which I have loved every article of hers I ever read, back to the LBQ days.

I have posted informal reviews of Hatchet articles, and most everything I read was wonderful. Even tho I might have sounded like I was just trying to please everyone because most things were great to me, my opinions were true ones to me. Issue after issue Stef has published top of the line manuscripts. (I critiqued professionally for years - just FYI, certainly not boasting.) I never gave out a compliment that wasn't deserved - and earned - by the writer. I think we have an incredibly talented pool of writers for the Hatchet and on this Forum. When there is nothing to be critical of, there's nothing to be critical of.

I've always loved your work, mb. Thou art swell.

[Bob Gutowski]

The upcoming short film sounds odd to me, but I was glad to read the article, and I liked the pictures (I got my print copy today).

So far I've also been able to read the article about the "Is it Emma?"contoversy. I love the use of technology to help solve these questions. even though this particular conundrum isn't solved yet. Let's just say, it very well might be our Emma!

I'm looking forward to reading Sherry's Bridget piece on the way home so I can laugh out loud like a loon on the subway!

[augusta]

Oh, that is so sweet, Bob! I am very happy when someone enjoys Bridget. She is a lot of fun to work with. She usually just takes over my keyboard.

Reading her testimony/ies, I get the feeling that she was a little feisty and liked a spot of fun.

"Tis true enuff, Misses Chapman. But I don't come close to the shenannigans of Dr. Bowen or Mister Borrden. Miss Lizzie says her Da is a laughin' stock in the town, and there ain't no disagreein' with her there. And I've seen Dr. Bowen with his pants down more than once. I can give ya some good stories about the both of 'em you can right about."

All right ...

[augusta]

I simply loved Melissa Allen's poem "Fate Shines at Dawn" on page 32. When I see her name on a poetry piece, I race to read it as I have gotten so much pleasure out of her poems in past issues.

It was a wonderful piece that fit the era well. Her line "...let me fire my weapon true," went to my marrow and was a delicate, but strong, bridge bonding the first stanzas to the end. I thought she really got into the character of the man.

She told a story, and a believable one, that was condensed into but a short space. I found myself riveted to it all the way thru, and she ended not with a whimper, but with a bang (pun intended ).

I do have one question I don't understand, that perhaps Melissa can answer. The line, "Let me die as good gentleman do" - did you mean to say "gentlemen"?

Thank you, Melissa, for a powerful poem that I think might be your best yet. More! More!

[mbhenty]

Yes Augusta:

Allow me to answer the question (Let me lie as good gentlemen do) and let Allen correct me later.

(In doing so Allen will get an idea how others may interpret her writing.)

"Let me lie as good gentlemen do"

Duels are encounters taken on by "Gentlemen".

It is a civil way to attain salvation of face, regain and defend one's honor, a matter of principle, and for some the only way to receive satisfaction for an insult or injury.

Of course there are many rules and they must be agreed by both Gentlemen. I say both gentlemen because both must be gentleman. A gentleman would never duel someone who was not his equal, not a gentleman.

Rules of the game may be duel onto death. Or it may be just to draw blood, thus justice served. Either way, duels are a gentleman's final way to receive satisfaction for an insult or injury.

Thus, since the poem is about dueling and since only gentlemen would fight one, we can assume that the loser in Allen's poem wishes that no matter what way the duel turns out, he hopes to come away, dead or alive, as an honorable man, a Gentleman.

I for one believe in duels, believe there should be no law against them.

Everyone is familiar with Alexander Hamilton's duel in which he died.

Not everyone is familiar with a couple of duels fought by Andrew Jackson. Jackson got involved in an argument with a fellow called Charles Dickinson over a horse race and in doing so engaged himself in a duel with Dickinson. Jackson took a bullet to the chest but remained standing. Dickinson in turn had to hold his ground till Jackson fired his weapon. In doing so Jackson killed Dickinson.

Mingling duels and poetry, there's the sad story of Russian Poet ALEXANDER PUSHIKN who died in a duel defending the honor of his wife (or his) by challenging her lover to a duel.

Interesting topic.

Great subject matter.

Allen does a great job with it.

[mbhenty]

Oops?

Sorry, I guess that was not your question.

That's ok. I can take it. I'm a gentlemen..[sic]

Besides, my submission has an error also, but then again no one probably reads them so I have no worry.

[Allen]

I read all of your submissions mb.

[mbhenty]

Yes, nice to hear Allen. Thank you..........again and again.

Eventually, I get to read the Hatchet from beginning to end. It may take me 3 months, but I do. As soon as a copy arrives I put it under my arm and take it to the coffee shop to read............but, a friend always arrives to derail my read or I end up giving it away to someone before I get a chance.

My favorite pieces are the poem submissions. (surprise, surprise)

All are read first.

If you read enough of them you can almost determine who sees the world through binoculars and who view this existence with a magnifying glass.

Who is the more somber or earnest will be left to the critics.

Right now I am reading the life of Charles Bukowski. I love reading his stuff, though I have issues with calling him a poet. Raw, gritty and vulgar character. Tortured individual.

I have this attraction for reading about tortured poets and a good portion of them are.

Some make the best poets. Look at Poe, Plath, Sexton and Sarah. (few)

This one's for you Allen.

I SHALL NOT CARE.

When I am dead and over me bright April
Shakes out her rain-drenched hair,
Though you should lean above me broken-hearted,
I shall not care.

I shall have peace, as leafy trees are peaceful
When rain bends down the bough;
And I shall be more silent and cold-hearted
Than you are now.

by Sarah Tuesdale

[Allen]

VERY NICE MB. Sarah is one of my favorite poets. There is just something about her poetry that speaks to me. I agree that many of the best poets are what you could call "tortured". I think their emotions are more raw and readily tapped into. To read some of their poetry is like seeing their souls spilled onto paper with ink.

[augusta]

Great poem, mb, that you posted. It reminds me of Allen's poetry.

I wonder when they stopped dueling? It could make a real good subject for a 'Hatchet' article.

Mb, anyone in particular you'd like to duel with? I can picture you with one person - and I'd hope you'd win. Maybe not killing the person, but even a duel with paintballs. (Use blue.)

Thanks for posting the pix.

I always read your poems, mb. I told ya, thou are great. I haven't gotten around to any other reading in this issue but will. Both your poetry and your writing I enjoy so much. It would be cool to see you do a fiction piece. I remember seeing some of your fiction, and it was soooooo wonderful. (Believe in thyself. )

[mbhenty]

Yes, Thanks for the kind words Augusta:

Sorry about the long posts above. I did not read your question to Allen correctly, thus my long spill about dueling.

==============================================================================================

[augusta]

"When my Fire Burns Low" by Melissa Allen (page 56) I think is a must-read. I am surprised it did not make the cover, considering its importance.

It was great to read how she discovered this missing link, that has been plaguing many of us for years. I had read her posts on the Forum about her discovery, but I didn't know exactly how she found it. Wow!

The last line on the mantlepiece, "When my fire burns low", sure is a mystery. But with 99% of it cleared up, I think I can live with that. Thank you, Melissa, for your dedication in tracking this source down. Now you will be known hereafter as The One who solved this seemingly unsolvable piece of Lizzie history.

I especially enjoyed your info on the poet. It was very interesting! Take a bow, Sweetie. You deserve it.

[augusta]

Mb, I enjoyed your 'long post' with the info on dueling. I am so sorry you were treated that way by that psycho man. Maybe you could have sued him for libel. Or were those the days before McDonalds & the Hot Coffee?
Did you ever find out why he did that?

[augusta]

The poem "Murderer Exposed" by Brenda Kern (page 59) I thought was delightful! Laughed right out loud several times. I enjoyed it from title to brilliant end. That's entertainment!

[Allen]

The story that mb told was just awful. I will never understand how people can do things like that for no apparent reason. The info on the dueling was very interesting thanks for including it.

Thank you so very much for the opinion on my article augusta. I will be looking forward to reading your book! I'm sure it is going to be something wonderful!

[mbhenty]

Yes Augusta, Allen, I could not sue this person. Such bullying is hard to prove. I should have documented everything and sued the company I worked for. After countless attempt to complain they did nothing to stop it.


I remember going into this conference room I used at the end of the day. I was one of the only people who would use this private place to do my paper work. I worked for a wire company, communications.

I walked into this room, sat at the desk and turned on the light that sat there. Hanging from the light was a little stick man made our of thin wire. He hung from the desk light with a hangman's noose around his neck and a little slip of paper with my name on it. This was the sort of thing that went on. We were people in our 30s and 40s, not kids.


This guy never knew that I knew it was him. He continued to befriend me. That is what was so scary and stressful. Even to this day, a couple of months ago after not seeing him for a couple of years. I ran into him at a restaurant. He shook my hand, expressed sorrow for my Mom's recent death and how nice it was to see me again.

I never did anything about it. I found it very sad. Our friendship went down the hill when he asked me for an enormous loan and I did not have it to give him. He found this to be a betrayal to friendship. It was shortly after that the troubles began.

[augusta]

Oh, mb. I did not know your mother died. I hope she is in a better place now. My sympathies to you.

So it was over you not loaning him money? That stinks.

Hanging "you" was psychotic! How could he possibly act like a friend to your face? I admire you for not confronting him. It must not have been easy to do, and you must have a tremendous will. The company not doing anything does not sound right.

I'm facing something of the same thing right now myself. I just found out that my "best friend" has been talking terribly behind my back and telling me lies. I am so far not confronting her. I despise that kind of person. I have been dodging her calls because I can't fake things, and I'd probably tell her some good stuff and hang up on her, and I'm not sure if I want to end this "friendship" or not. I know, I am But your comments are so intriguing on the subject. And maybe it helps you to share them.

Aww, thank you Allen. I didn't say anything I didn't believe.

[Angel]

I'm so very sorry too, MB, about your mother.

[mbhenty]

.
.
.
.
.
Yes, Thank you Angel

Thank you Augusta

.........for the warm words. Such acknowledgements are always comforting and appreciated. Being "Mothers" your kind words mean that much more.


Yes Augusta. Your problem with your friend is a tuff one. Everyone around us have a designation. They are a friend, relative, stranger, enemy, combatant, etc. etc. When it comes to my old friend he is no longer an enemy, but neither is he a friend, and he sure is not a stranger...........so it is sad. I could never, ever be close to him or trust him. Yet, if he called me or needed me I would be there for him. We were close friends at one time. But, I choose to keep my space. I choose that we spend no time together as friends or otherwise. It is best that way. It is safe that way. At least safe for me.

So, when hearts are on the line we are naked to injury, injury of the worst kind at times..............taking a long time to heal, if ever.

But, what can you do?

[mbhenty]

One more funny story about this certain friend/co-worker of mine, that is, the fellow who harassed me in the posts above.

Let us call him Gus.

Gus was very confrontational. He was afraid of nobody and everyone feared him. He was actually a very nice guy, friendly, kind..............but in a strange way.

One day Gus was giving me a ride home. Suddenly this large truck cut us off as it ran a light. Instead of continuing straight down the road in the direction of home, Gus veered hard to the right and began to chase the truck. He was demanding justice.

He swerved the car from left to right threatening to pass, as the driver of the tuck kept saluting us out the window with a derogatory finger.

After a couple of blocks the truck pulled over. A big guy got out of one side and a little guy, the driver, got out of the other. My friend Gus also stepped out. All three doors slammed one after another. Gus began confidently walking towards the two burly looking characters. I remember thinking, "ah, what the heck. This is what the guy lives for."

I sat in the car, stayed put. I was not going anywhere. After all, Gus could take on these two guys with one hand tied behind his back. You must know. In the Gym that week I watched Gus squat 650 lbs. and do curls with 100 lbs dumbells.

I had full confidence Gus would come out on top. Afer all, I just wanted a ride home.

So, Gus marched towards the two truckers, his arms pumped and swinging like a gorilla. The driver of the truck, baseball cap on backwards, began tossing his hands in the air. "come on, come on, you want to hit me".

He was only a little guy. "Boy, he's brave", I thought.

He was very animated, reminded me of a character from west side story, with squinty eyes and a pack of cigarettes rolled up in the sleeve of his tight t-shirt. Gus continued his Terminator stride towards them.

Suddenly the driver tore at his shirt exposing one firm but flopping breast.

"Come on", the driver shouted, "You want to hit a women" ?

Gus stopped dead in his tracks with embarrassment and began slowly back to the car. Being a very fair skin Irishmen his face was flushed as red as a ripe watermelon. The truck driver and her passenger, satisfied they won, got quietly back in the truck, there was a grind of gears and the truck sped away.

It was the only time I seen someone confront Gus and win.

We laughed all the way home and weeks after.

[augusta]

Oh, that was rich, mb! I'm surprised Gus still didn't slug her. He could have been putting you in danger, too. He sounds like a ticking time bomb.

That was a good story! And you wrote it so well. It'd make a good article on adult bullying.

It's all the worse that you and Gus were close friends. After he started doing those psychotic things to you, did he ever ask you to go to a ballgame or go fishing, or anything to hang out with him?

My friend is being very quiet now. (That's good, because I still do not want to talk to her.) No emails even (that's good too, because I don't want to email her either). I had done nothing negative to her. Her daughter said she just talks that way about everybody (she does always talk bad about everyone to me), and she said it was because she is jealous of people that have more than her. It's sick. As I tell my kids when they do something weird, "I think she needs to make a phone call" - meaning to a psychiatrist. I cannot understand a person being two-faced because I am not like that. And your 'best friend' ... Ha! No, not any longer. When trust is gone, this badly, it's gone for good.

[augusta]

I thought that this issue's "News & Views that Wouldn't Fit: Notes from the Compositor's Bench" by Douglas A. Walters (page 62) was brilliant. Both his narrative and dialogue ring authentic. And how he creates humorous bits in that era's style can be no simple task, tho I think the reader would not know it. I do know that Doug devotes a tremendous amount of time to his feature, which shows but is not suspected, and that he does a good deal of research, even tho his pieces be fiction. In issues past, I have asked him about small details, expecting an answer of, "Who cares - it's fiction?", which would be perfectly acceptable. But danged if he didn't answer every single one with an authentic background. I was not only surprised, but impressed with the care he took with his details.

I think that Doug's gift to us is he is not only a sophisticated writer, but he really takes us back into Victorian times - something that is often promised by others but not delivered. As you probably know, this was Doug's last installment. I wish it were not so, as I find him a large asset to 'The Hatchet'. Over the past five years, he has been consistent in quality - not an easy thing when writing continuous pieces. He has been a class act all the way.

Thank you, Doug, for so many outstanding works and for so many hours of delightful reading.

[augusta]

The poem by A.L. Bixby (page 67) I thought was a good choice for 'The Hatchet'. I liked it, and enjoy reprints that are from the Victorian era.

The photo essay of Oak Grove Cemetery by Stefani Koorey (page 74) I enjoyed. I especially liked the photo of the cannon with the military graves and the Celtic cross.

The poem "Newport Gleam" by Michael Brimbau I thought was nice. I especially liked his line, "and umbrellas never to kiss the rain".

Mb, did you mean "striped" in line 4 instead of "stripped"?
In the third line from the end, there's a space after "t" in "the", that you probably already know about. It's unimportant.

The poem "Sakonnet Shore" by Michael Brimbau (page 77) I thought was full of lovely imagery. I don't know poetry, but I can tell you I liked this one very much.

Mb, in the second line from the bottom, did you mean "silver" instead of "sliver"?

[augusta]

The poem "A Daughter Found" by Aurora Lewis (page 60) I liked very much. I liked the often perfect words she chose and the mood she created. Good stuff!

There are two places that I am unsure about. In the line, "Beaconing her to walk a while", I wonder if the writer meant "beckoning"?

And at "Be gone least he raise his hand", I wonder if she meant to say "lest" instead of 'least'?

I loved A.L. Bixby's "My Bony Friend" (page 61). I had never read it before. I thought it was a great choice for 'The Hatchet', and totally enjoyed it.

[augusta]

This issue's 'Meet the Author' on page 78 featured Kat Koorey. I so enjoyed it! It was interesting to read her insightful answers. Her disinterest in owning Maplecroft was an eye opener to me. I think she's right about getting inside. That does make me put it more in the back of my mind than as it used to be, in the front. I could have easily read more yet on Kat's views and interesting life. Beautiful picture, too! I tell my husband that Kat is "an ageless beauty".

I read Denise Noe's Whittlings on "Bible Readings at Lizzie Borden's Funeral" (page 70). I think it was a good topic for her to cover. I dug into it with gusto, but found myself a bit disappointed in a few areas.

I think she may have been best off talking to an Episcopal priest, since that was Lizzie's last organized professed religion. (I think her cousin, Grace Howe went to the Church of Ascension and may have had something to do with Lizzie affiliating herself there.) Bible interpretations are many and varied, depending on who you talk to. She may have gotten different answers from an Episcopal priest, or an Episcopal website.

The instructions Lizzie wrote out for her funeral may have only been part of her service. She was laid out at Maplecroft, and there is nothing to say that she did not receive full Burial Rites at her home.

The Book of Common Prayer that was in use by Episcopalians at that time held only one version of Burial Rites. (Today the book offers two different ones.) I brought that subject up in a past post on the Forum and I think I gave a link to that old prayer book as well. So if she did receive the Burial Rites, that would have been the one that was used.

When an Episcopal funeral takes place today, and I've been to too many, the next of kin - or better yet, instructions left by the deceased - are asked to choose two readings from the Bible. And they also - kin or deceased - choose what hymn(s) they wanted sung.

I know the graveside service was very short, and I think Lizzie's preferred verses only were said there, and very possibly the Burial Rite was said at home, but I have no proof.

The comment is made in the article that "the specific custom of 'anointing' has long since passed"... and that people can experience it in a metaphorical sense. Had she talked to an Episcopal priest, she would have found out that this is not true. They still do anointing with oil when someone is ill. I don't know about other religions, but in this case we are talking about the Episcopal faith.

The explanation of the meaning of what "sheep" are is off base in the Episcopal interpretation. We are taught that we are all God's sheep and he is our shepherd. Sheep follow the shepherd. There is the parable (Bible story) of 'The Lost Sheep' that gives a good example of what us being 'sheep' means. I don't think Dr. Tedder's interpretation is wrong, but it seems to go a little deeper than that with the Episcopal church.

I had never heard of "my cup runneth over" meaning it runs over with anointing oil. To me, that doesn't make sense. I've always taken it another way - that we are blessed with so many things, if we tried to contain them in a chalice, they would not all fit. You have more blessings that you can count.

I would have liked to have seen Lizzie's funeral described.

I thought Denise's summation about Lizzie was very good. And her overall writing excellent.

I applaud Denise for taking this task on, and for her unbiased writing of the article, which was a needed talent for this article.