Courtly Young Men

They pass my way
carrying the burden
                of life
Sometimes they stop here
and lay it down

All are young
half my age
even one-third of it

They could be sons
if Poetry muse
                ever selfish

Had not dragged me
                after her
with no mercy

Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel after reciting some of her poems at the Okie Festival in Weedpatch, California on October 24, 1998. (John Cooper of the Red Dirt Rangers from Oklahoma kneels to kiss Wilma’s hand after her memorable appearance onstage). Photo credit: Chris Simon of Sageland Media. Contact Chris at: sagelandmedia@gmail.com regarding copies of her film featuring Wilma: Down an Old Road --- The Poetic Life of Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel. Once you see it and hear Wilma reading her own work, you will discover the spirit and priceless nature of Wilma and what her poetry evokes. Courtly Young Men and the photo above appeared together on the back cover of the Back40 edition, Getting Love Down Right ©2000, Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel.  (back)