OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR POETRY
by Melissa Farrell

Even as a young girl, Port Austin resident and poet, Jane Mayes, was fanatic about poetry and remembers cutting out clips of poetry she liked from a weekly paper her father published. She also vividly recollects the time her dad brought home Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, bounded in a moss green cover.

Mayes's writing subsided for many years while teaching English, French and physical education classes at Port Austin High School for 17 years, except for an occasional special poem for a birthday or graduation. It was not until she retired from Bad Axe High School as the librarian that she began to voice through ink, the writer from within.

She explained that people tend to write about events and situations after they happen.

"When I retired my thoughts all came flowing out and I finally had time to put them on paper."

Writing gives Mayes a chance to be heard without speaking.

Mayes has written and self-published three poetry books so far. Her first book, Impression, is a collection of poetry reflecting a unique variety of subject matter; her second book, Scene to Unseen, has a spiritual significance to it; and her most recent book published this year, Seeing through Nature, captures truths revealed through nature and the simplicity and sheer beauty of nature and its inhabitants.

"I am in awe of the intricacies of nature," Mayes commented.

A poet with many interests, she also writes about the joys of being human and explores human foibles.

Mayes describes her poetry as simple and easily understandable.

Poetry, like all writing, speaks to people in different ways. Mayes was surprised when she came home to a message on her answering machine from Kenneth Galbreath, Mount Morris High School Chorale Director. He said her music sang to him. His interest in her poem, Reflection of the Heart, is now lyrics in a chorale piece.

"That (opportunity) was certainly life dropping out of heaven," Mayes said.

Reflections of the Heart is a trilogy. The first poem, Blessing, is a prayer; the second poem, Impressions, is about the connection one may feel praying together; and the third poem, One Perfect Treasure, is about walking on the beach and finding the one perfect treasure and is a love poem to her husband.

Galbreath's interest in putting her poems to song was only the beginning.

At the University of Michigan Alumni Concert in Flint, Mayes met José Lus Maureta, a music theory professor who teaches at Central Michigan University. He asked Mayes to write a short poem he could take to China as a peace exchange.

Mayes wrote The Dream of Peace for the Candle Choir at the Tianjin Conservatory in China. This piece was translated to Chinese and performed June 3, 2005.

"Beautiful people different but alike, Making friends among nations,… in the world family that shares this earth we stand in awe at the beautiful variety that each individual brings to the blend of nations."

Talk about perfect timing for a tender heart.

"I was so upset with the world's situation and the war, especially because I couldn't do anything about it. If I reached even a few people in another country it made me feel like I was doing something to foster peace."

With plenty to do, Mayes has a lot of writing ahead of her. Her goal is to completely fill her shelf with her work.

"I am half way to where I want to be; I would like to think I am getting better."

Not only is Mayes engulfed in poetry, she dabs into her many other interests which include painting, biking, swimming and kayaking.

Said Mayes of her experiences, "I like so many things, but I am learning to slow down and prioritize."