Newsroom poet moved by memories and voices lifted amid a spectacular setting

of my favorite places on Earth, the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library.

The view is spectacular, the art is incredible and Ron Roberts – a five-time mayor of Temecula who almost single-handedly won the state funds needed to build that amazing facility – was a dear friend.

Ron was a legendary public servant who died a tragic death several years ago after a fall left him with severe head injuries. His memorial service at Rancho Community Church nearly filled that sprawling sanctuary. The words spoken there fell far short of marking the measure of the man.

To me, that library is akin to holy ground. I visit it whenever I can.

she kicked off the nearly two-hour event. “I’m excited about hearing them. We’re forming a poetry community here in Temecula.”

One poet drew upon the death of her dear aunt two years ago.

Written the day of the woman’s death, Rya Melanson, a 15-yearold Temecula Valley High School sophomore, described her aunt as “ … the most beautiful star in the galaxy …” cuddle her as daylight turned into dusk and then darkness. In my note, I told Margaret she is missed by many, and that love is a miracle that defies the miles.

I have a split personality when it comes to the word – part poet and part storyteller. I read the dictionary for fun as a child. Being a reporter satisfied my inquisitiveness, and spinning sentences became my muse. Poems often come to me in the night, and for those I credit the Almighty.

I wake in the dark and the cold.

Kitty in my arms like a hand in a glove. Let’s lay a while together friend. i’ll pray. You purr. Amen.

Tim O’Leary

Special to Valley News

It isn’t often that a newsroom poet gets to share his ragged doggerel with his contemporaries. And

Valley News/Courtesy photo it isn’t often that 20 people get to share their wonder, pain, promise, praise and purpose. Thus, on April 27, myself and a batch of my fellow balladeers shared our love of the word at one

A recent stopover there led to my discovery of a notice for Poetry Night, an event in which Jeannie Young and her husband Les were seeking poets to read a selection or two of their offerings. In the end, Jeannie shepherded us to the lectern, where we delved into our lives and the victories and defeats, crackpots and calamities that befall us all. About 60 people, some standing, joined the fun.

The event coincided with National Poetry Month and National Library Week. Its genesis was “Poetry with Purpose,” which raised money for nonprofit causes.

“There are some really talented poets here tonight,” Jeannie said as

My first offering at Poetry Night consisted of a scribble I wrote for Margaret, my wife of nearly 22 years, soon after she sent me an email from the dementia care facility that had become her permanent home a month earlier.

I was the spousal caregiver to this beautiful, talented woman for eight years of our marriage. She now lives in the Boston area near her large, loving family. On Dec.

6 she wrote: “It would be such a gift if you would consider writing a poem to distant Margaret, your wife.”

The following words came to me. In my note back to Margaret, I reminded her how our cherished black cat, Shadow, would often

Poetry Night progressed amid enthusiastic applause for the array of voices, feelings, experiences and cultures. Enough time remained to allow eight of us to read a second poem. I picked one of my first poems, which I penned when I was about 16 and confused about the world and my place in it. Thunder mountain. Lightning river. And i’m right between the two. Thunder mountain. Lightning river.

Jeannie closed out the night with words of gratitude for the feelings we all had shared. “I feel inspired to go home and write something meaningful,” she said. “Thank you so much. This was so much fun.”

Temecula to host Tribute To Heroes: Memorial Day Observance Concert with Temecula Valley Symphony

TEMECULA – In commemoration of Memorial Day, Temecula’s Community Services Department will host the patriotic-themed concert, A Tribute To Heroes: Memorial Day Observance performed by the Temecula Valley Symphony Saturday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street. Remember to bring lawn chairs, blankets and loved ones to the free, family-friendly concert.

Under the musical direction of Maestro John Mario, this annual military and patriotic-themed concert will include musical works by John Williams and John Phillip Sousa. Other featured selections on the program include Aaron Co- pland’s “Hoe Down” and Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.” The Temecula Valley Symphony is a 60-member community orchestra that has become a regional organization attracting professional and volunteer musicians throughout Southern California.

“Temecula’s Tribute To Heroes Concert honors all our fallen heroes as well as former and current service members,” Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said. “Join us as we thank and pay respect to all military branches and the brave service people who have made personal sacrifices that continue to protect our collective freedom. This free, family-friendly event is one that is very special, and we are looking forward to seeing you here.”

Keep updated on all upcoming Temecula Community Services events, activities and programs, by visiting http://TemeculaCA.gov/ TCSD and following @TemeculaParksandRec on social media. Submitted by city of Temecula.