I, Katie, Addie Williams youngest child and daughter would like to thank all that have read and responded to her poetry and works. I wanted readers to know that I have put a link on her Biography home page that has pictures and other information on her, with permission of my sister Delia that spent so much time putting this site together not long after she died. It use to be by special invitation only. And still is kinda. All the readers now have special invitation.

My mothers writings and works sometimes seem to be confusing, as like many, she did suffer through some depression, and expressed it in her poems. Yet, though, she wrote whenever and whatever was on her mind and in her heart. She was a very special lady.

Some readers have questioned as why I have not worked on getting her poems and works published. The reasons for this, is legality of having her estate settled and settlement of all her 5 children in regards to this. It is very sticky and I want to make sure I do what is right concerning this and when I do this. I have been contacted by PublishAmerica that they would like to publish her poems.

I think it might be interesting to the readers that while I submit the poems to AuthorsDen, many times it is also my first time to read them. She has books upon books of poetry, thoughts, essays, etc. that she wrote which will take me a lifetime to type and organize as they are all in long hand writing. She also has several cassette tapes where she read her poems, which is really helpful to me, as I sometimes have a hard time reading her writing.

All of her works, (or the ones I have) came to me only one day before she had her stroke in may of 2003. She was so excited when I told her of the volumes of her works the day before, as she had no remembrance of writing anything at that time as she suffered from Alzheimers.

She was thrilled that she had done something important and wanted me to publish or share them if they were worthy of that. And of course, they are. But, at this point, I only want to share and share as much as I can.

After mother died, I got in touch with many of her fellow college Professors and good friends from Jefferson Davis Junior College in Brewton, Al. They all loved her so much. One in particular was John Spicer, whom my mother adored and they were such close friend. With his permission, is a copy of an email he sent me the other day on reflection of my Mom.

 

"Yes, I did get the email, and read the poems on the website.

Her desire was to be a poet. She saw in poetry the experiences that she felt deeply about, but could never find in her

earthy life. All of us are looking for the perfect rhyme and meaning. Sometimes we hear the rhythm, but can't get the words to fit. Sometimes we have the words, but fail to get the meter and time.

I have always liked Walter de LaMare's The Listeners, and Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar". Longfellow wrote many works that reflect what Adddie was after. Then, I think we all pine after those experiences that are haunting and private. Longfellow, Coleridge, Poe, and Houseman. Then there was a poem that I remember from British LIt I, "Say not the struggle naught availeth". THen there is the imagery of closing curtains, and the vanish form into darkness. I know that Addie longed for all of this. In some ways, she was Kathy in Wuthering Heights, dying in the soft light of day with the soft breeze of the west wind blowing the curtains softly, ever so softly, and then leads into the dusky light of shadows and ghosts were others have of late traveled.

John Lee from Monroeville was talking the other week about Addie, and he spoke of her principles and courage, her strength against adversity and injustice. He does not have a computer, or you might contact him to let him know what all you have done. At any rate, I wish you well with your fine project. John Spicer"

 

I am so thankful that readers are enjoying her works and poetry. I just wish she could have realized how important of what she said and how it touched others before she died. But, you know what, she probably knows anyway. I hope so.

Thanks to all.

Katie Fairchild