AMY KITCHENER'S
ANGELS WITHOUT WINGS FOUNDATION
PRESENTS THE 2008 GOLDEN PEN AWARD
LIVING POET TO
Ida Fasel
Ida Fasel, 99, professor emerita of English from the University of Colorado, was born in New England on May 9, 1909 and is retired in Denver. A fulltime writer, mostly of poetry, Ida has won many literary awards. Boston University, from which she has degrees has honored her as a Distinguished Alumni. She earned her Ph.D. from University of Denver.
Her latest book "We Were Not Falling but Rising" (Small Poetry Press) is featured in the Books Section of our website as 2006 Book of the Year. Former President George Bush sent a letter to Ida which she shares here:
"... Your poems are an inspiring response to the tragic events of September 11 and show your deep love for our country."
Missing In Action
MISSING IN ACTION
All through the crowded mall the music
follows me -- constant deep tone
sustaining the melody, warm, strong,
steady voice standing to a solo.
You are a boy again, dear Scott,
practicing in your room, door
and windows shut tight not to disturb.
It has been many years. Mother left me
your Troop 24 merit badges and skill patches,
your letters of commendation, your horn.
Easy to ask what it was all for,
easy to despair but for memories
and the strong hope that in the valley
of the shadow of the jungle
where your plane was shot down,
an angel plucked you up before you
dashed your foot against a stone.
Missing in action has a future.
Come back, Scott!
There will be a place for you wherever
music celebrates safe return.
Ida Fasel
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
