Linda Kulp Trout

Friday, August 23, 2019

#DearOneLBH


It has been such a sad summer around here. Within five weeks, we lost a beloved family member, our sweet kitty and now Lee.  So many good-byes.  So much grief.

Lately,  I've been doing a lot of wondering about why things happen the way they do.  I haven't written much lately except in my journal, but when I heard about the Poetry Friday tribute to Lee Bennett Hopkins, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Lee played a huge role in my writing life through his anthologies, his poems, and encouragement.

Just imagine my excitement when way back in 1995 Lee called me to discuss using my poems in one of his anthologies.  Lee Bennett Hopkins on the phone with me!  I remember the two of us laughing a lot, but other than that, I don’t remember much about the conversation. I was in a daze and felt like I was dreaming. 

Not long after that, I started getting little handwritten notes from Lee about upcoming projects.  I kept every one of those notes. They are treasures! Years later,  we corresponded by email.  I kept those too and read them whenever I need a boost of encouragement.  Not all of the poems I submitted to Lee ended up in his books, but when one did, what a thrill!  


The last email I received from Lee said,  “Dear One:  I’m sorry that your poem had to be dropped from the collection. Please don’t fret too much over this. There will be other times I’ll get you into a collection. I have always loved working with you, Linda, and I look forward to new things coming up in the future. I write with love-ness, Lee”


Those were his last words to me. Lee always knew how to make someone feel like the most special person on the planet. He will forever live on in my heart.

For my tribute poem, I chose the lines ”I sit/alone/on the edge of the bed/wondering” from Lee’s poem “Once More” published in AMERICA AT WAR.  It's a poem I have loved since I first read it.




I wrote this poem not only for Lee, but also for all the loved ones I've lost. My poem is very simple, and but it comes from my heart.


Without You

     for Lee Bennett Hopkins

I sit
alone
on the edge of the bed

wondering—

How does the world
keep going
without you?

I see your face.
I hear your voice.
Your laughter—
fills the air.

So how can it be
that you are not here?

I sit
alone

wondering...

           Linda Kulp Trout


Amy is hosting today's Poetry Friday at The Poem Farm with more tributes to the amazing Lee Bennett Hopkins.

33 comments:

  1. I have been enjoying the tributes people have written, and especially the stories of how LBH encouraged and mentored. Let's keep up that legacy! (Thanks for your lovely poem.)

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    1. I am so grateful for having Lee in my life. He really did make a huge impact on me. I agree that we all need to keep the legacy going. xo

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  2. This is beautiful! Thank you for saying what so many feel.

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  3. Oh, Linda. I am full of tears, holding your words in my heart. All my love to you with your losses. May these we still hold dear all find each other in the great beyond as they watch over and still, somehow, send little notes in different ways. Thank you for sharing this poem and your words about Lee. Hug. xx

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    1. Thank you, Amy. Your kindness always touches my heart. xo

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  4. Sending hugs to you, Linda, and thanks for sharing your remembrances and this poem.

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  5. It seems like when we lose someone special to us, that's really all the energy we have... just enough to sit and wonder. I'm sorry for all your losses in such a short period of time, Linda. I also want to thank you for taking part today and sharing your personal recollections of Lee. Your poem and this post have been helpful in my own healing.

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    1. Yes, I've been doing a lot of wondering lately. It really is the only thing we can do. Thank you for your kind words. xo

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  6. Thank you for this thoughtful, heart-full post, Linda. Lee's was the third death of someone dear in my world this year, too - I find your post a comfort. "Lee always knew how to make someone feel like the most special person on the planet." - He certainly did; he had words that could be bold and sharp OR soft and iridescent, depending on the situation! Thank you again. XO

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear about your losses, Robyn. It has been a hard year for many of us. Sending you love and hugs. xo

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  7. I'm sorry for these hard recent losses, Linda. You've written a beautiful and heartfelt poem for Lee and all your loved ones. It is poignant, one to remember. Thank you for sharing your connections to Lee, too, a blessed memory.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. Loss is something we all must face, but it never gets easier. xo

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  8. What treasures indeed! I'm sorry about how rough life has been as of late. I'm such a beneficiary of how you turn sadness into something as beautiful as your poem. Thank you for carrying on in Lee's spirit. You lifted mine today.

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    1. Thank you so much, Linda. Your words mean a lot to me. xo

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  9. Linda, your poem is such a comfort. I have lost 2 close friends and 2 other friends this year. It was a difficult week finding out that my close friend passed on. Wondering is what is left so your poem spoke to that need. Thank you for sharing your encounters with Lee and mail from over the years. It hurts when someone you care about passes on. Today's tribute has been a blessed one.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Carol. I'm sorry to hear about your losses. I'm sending love and hugs for healing your way. xo

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  10. Linda, I'm so sorry for this summer full of losses and grief. As all artists do, you have turned your emotions into a thing of beauty, a gift for others. Hugs, Linda...

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    1. Thank you, Laura. Your words mean so much to me. You have always been in my corner cheering me on, and I hope you know how much I appreciate it. xo

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  11. There is nothing simple about your poem. It is true. We have lost a master, a leader, and a dear friend.

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  12. Your excellent poem inspired me to write one myself. I didn't know Lee but I did see the inspiration he brought to others. The poem I wrote is on my blog Linda (the one called Catalyst). If you like it please feel to share it.

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  13. Loss is hard. Nothing prepares us for it, but it prepares us for everything else.

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  14. I'm sorry for your losses this summer. It is never easy, but your poem offers such comfort. Reading the stories of how Lee encouraged so many poets has been inspiring.

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    1. Thank you, Kay. I've enjoyed all the stories too. xo

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  15. Your heartfelt poem makes my heart ache. This is the second reference to the America at War collection. I really need to find a copy.

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    1. Cheriee, it is a beautiful book. I know you'll love it. xo

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  16. Nice to hear from you again, Linda! Your poem does not shy away from grief. I appreciate your sharing Lee's last note to you. It's wonderful to hear his voice, and helps those of us who didn't know him well personally to understand his power as a friend and mentor--he really did make everyone not just feel but BE special.

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    1. Heidi, yes he really did. Thanks for stopping by! xo

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  17. Your story about Lee's kind and thoughtful nature regarding the poem he couldn't use is the type of story so many of us can relate to. I remember him telling me how much he hated a poem I had written, but then followed that up with, "don't worry, I still love you!" Ha!

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    1. I love that, Matt. That sounds exactly like him! : )

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  18. Oh, this poem made me cry. What a treasure those notes from Lee must be, Linda.

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