During my four years of college at St. Andrews
Presbyterian College, in Laurinburg, NC, I had the opportunity to take
some creative writing courses. The "writer in residence" was Ronald H. Bayes.
Ron is not only a well recognized poet, in his own right, but I had the privilege
of having him as a Professor. He was a great mentor and was quite motivational!
Ron has made countless trips to Japan to visit and write with his friends.
I believe the discipline that he learned from the Japanese poets had profound
effects on his teachings, and for the better, I may add.
Most of my poetry was written in just a few months. Being one thousand
miles away from home and living on my own really fed my "muse". I was at
times homesick, lonely, happy, sad, having the time of my life, and wondering
where I was going. Often times I would stop to write down a thought, a line
of verse, or a poem. Writing, while waiting in line at the cafeteria or between
classes, were common. Having that time to myself helped me to grow and strengthen
as a person. Now I wonder where those college years went...I had a ball!
I don't write much poetry now as I have too much inner peace. At times I
find myself yearning to go back to that picturesque college where I found
my "muse" and left it...mostly.
