How nice to hear from Jenny Bates again - but where are all the lovely poems she often contributed? Also missing are the interesting contributions from everyone who used to comment on her poems, send in their own donkey experiences and anecdotes, etc.. What has happened to everyone?
I know Jenny has mentioned her collection of donkey books. I have one entitled "Enamoured of An Ass" a Donkey Anthology by Stella Walker. I found it in a second-hand book shop many years ago, it was published in 1977. It is the most fascinating collection of donkey facts, poems and pictures from so many sources, most of which I have never seen before or since (particularly the pictures). Several friends of mine tried to get a copy, unsuccessfully. If you can get hold of a copy, I know you will not be disappointed.
Sylvie.
Oh dearest Sylvie! How kind you are. I truly have not given up poetry, only on a slight hiatus for I am coming to the Sanctuary for Donkey Week 2010! I actually am bringing note book in hand! and will be gathering thoughts and words for my next book! I plan on creating an A-Z Donkey book with rhymes with the look and feel The Book of Kells. I will be drawing the illustrations as well. I will be selling my new book "Opening Doors; An Equilog of Poetry About Donkeys", that I have dedicated to the Sanctuary on the first day of Donkey Week so look for me! All sales will go entirely to the Sanctuary! I did write another poem recently out of sorrow for the "chosen" Donkey of "Corrida de Elecciones" ritual day in Spain. Here it is again and may this ritual become a scar of the past:
A Donkey's Inferno
Is it the river Styx
That I travel this day?
Bruised and scratched
Pushed on all sides
I flee so furiously
Toward my own suicide?
Devils they must be
As they yell and rake
And my doleful soul
Feels implanted like a stake.
If you can, Speakout!
For my species sake
For this day is malignant
And I hope I will wake
From this nightmare inferno
This Timult and Escape...
Would they choose one of their own
For such treatment today?
To receive the first blows
To be covered in filth
To sail the human river of Styx
And be mangled and broke.
They must envy me
In their pride of this day
Electing their own souls in exchange
As their eyes betray me.
Thank you again Sylvie. Walk in Beauty Go in Grace, Jenny B.