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From the Editor's Desk
Passageways
February, the shortest month of
the year—Oh, where did it go?
In February 19 OutlawPoets wrote 187 "Love haiku". That
certainly is a lot of loving, but nothing else is more fitting
for Valentine's Day, February 14.
This year, February is the month for Mardi Gras (French for "Fat
Tuesday") the day before Ash Wednesday, and is also called
"Shrove Tuesday" or "Pancake Day". It is the final day of
Carnival. It is a celebration that is held just before the
beginning of the Christian liturgical season of Lent. Mardi Gras
is celebrated in various ways throughout the world; several
poets celebrate Mardi Gras in their verse this month.
In America and Canada February is the month long celebration of
Black History. This theme is reflected in several pieces.
In the Northern Hemisphere, February marks the end of the Winter
season; many of the poets celebrate various aspects of the
unpredictable February weather.
During the final week end of February in mid-western, USA, Iowa,
where I live, we were struck with a four day rain / ice / snow
blizzard that temporarily wiped out electrical service to over
200,000 people. Eventually, all 99 counties in Iowa were
declared a disaster area. The east / west Interstate 80 was
closed for a day and a half and jubilant school children were
given one or more days off of school—without electricity. Ah,
the joys of country living. The end of the month winter disaster
has caused a delay in the publication of the February
Sketchbook. Indeed, March has arrived like a lion.
Most of us are weary with winter weather; we look forward to the
return of sunshine and anticipate the lovely blossoms of Spring.
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