Dear John, (love saying that)
I’ve read your letters, I doubt very much that you appreciate it, but there it is, someone published them and I read them, and have to say savored them. I’ve read but one of your purposely published works, Cup of Gold, I had wanted to start at the beginning and carry on from there, and then this other fell into my hands, kind of took the backasswards way of getting to know you, but perhaps it was the best way after all. You know that here in Salinas there is a shrine for you, it can be called no less. The Steinbeck Center, and it is the center for culture in this one saloon town. It stands at the end of Old town, where I am sure you caught the now nonexistent train that took you and so many others to the land of Mr. Hans Spreckels, where at least two of my children have attended school. As a matter of fact we were lucky enough to have acquired some of the original bricks Mr. Spreckels brought in from Germany, at the razing of part of that structure and hope someday to incorporate those worthy emissaries of history into the history of our own family. In any case, your monument from the city that never held you close enough to the bosom, is lovely, although I will admit to you, I have only partied there, I have not taken the time to tour as in the proper way it’s hallowed halls, but when more of your work has been absorbed I will go there, and breath in the atmosphere of your dreams. It is better really than the medals you so loved, it is an honor, and deservedly so. Don’t be shy about it.
I plan also when the time is right to visit the site of your grave, and I will lay a rose atop your stone, as I know this would please you, you spoke of such in one of your letters regarding that bard of all time Shakespeare. It is a lovely gesture, and one I am most happy to extend to you. I know that it is silly to write you now that you are no longer actually here, but somehow I know that you will know I have put these words out, and you will catch them and be glad. Your heart you see has spoken to mine, and there is no denying hearts. The purpose of this letter, is to thank you for the encouragement and discouragement your letters have given me. You see I am a floundering poet, or so that is the title I so give myself, and I hope someday to write the great pieces of work that I know are hidden in the abscesses of this soul, and your words I believe will help me to realize this dream. Your constant fear, when starting any new piece is so real and alive to me, and yet when I see your body of work, I know that all things are possible. You, Mr. Steinbeck have made me believe that. For this I am extremely grateful. There I have said what I wanted to say, there is no more, as you were so fond of saying. You have my utmost admiration, and appreciation.
Josie,
This is brilliant, soft and endearing, tis a tribute all men would love to lay claim too,Tis a tribute That indeed would have touched Johns heart, and does indeed even now.
A grander tribute written in such innocence Ive seldom seen! the ground and vinyard where you tilled the earth this day poetess was good and fertile ground indeed! It shall reward you as it has me, review this piece and ground often, for it is one of your grandest moments in time!
I adored this piece, it took my breath away, it is a damn fine piece! Id submit it to a few magazines! Great piece cant say enough! youd make a spicy columnist you would!
he will indeed catch them. what a fitting and wonderful tribute to a great writer, the product of his times, and environment. well done.
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton
4/17/2003
May your dreams come true and the Grapes of Wrath never visit your doorsteps. Good letter to a lot of people's hero.
Reviewed by Susan San Jule
3/8/2003
Funny you should write about Steinbeck Josie; my father-in-law worked with Steinbeck on a project before Grapes of Wrath was written. A man of words to be admired; A woman of words to be read!
He Keeps Me is a devotional journey of revelation and insight birthed out of prayer.Searching the Word of God revealed the many ways that He has kept me and continues to keep me. Each day is an opportunity to recognize that God is mindful of you, eve
He Keeps Me is a devotional journey of revelation and insight birthed out of prayer.Searching the Word of God revealed the many ways that He has kept me and continues to keep me. Each day is an opportunity to recognize that God is mindful of you, eve
