Halcyon Days: Example

Years ago, in a library out of town, I found the following poem nestled within the pages of an old book. It encouraged my soul so much that even I was amazed. I read it, closed my eyes, took a deep breath and reread it again and again and again. What makes it so appealing? It's the word choices. They speak of halcyon times. It's submissions like these that I want accepted into Halcyon Days.

Psalm to My Beloved
by Eunice Tietjens (1884-1944)
          Lo, I have opened unto you the wide gates of my being
        and like a tide, you have flowed into me.
        The innermost recesses of my spirit are full of you,
        and all the channels of my soul are grown sweet with your presence.
        For you have brought me peace
        the peace of great tranquil waters, and the quiet of the summer sea.
        Your hands are filled with peace as the noontide is filled with light;
        about your head is bound the eternal quiet of the stars,
        and in your heart dwells the calm miracle of twilight.
        I am utterly content.
        In all my spirit is no ripple of unrest,
        for I have opened unto you wide the gates of my being
        and like a tide, you have flowed into me.

Reviews

In this world of rush, rush, Halcyon Days is an exquisite rest stop, a log inviting a reader to sit, take a breath, watch the sun set. It’s not just a magazine, it’s an essential part of life! Enchantment growing, evolving, expressing is Halcyon Days. Words couples with snapshots create powerful feelings of calm and serene, whether you're in a temple or reading it in the subway. It's an effective reminder to take life easy, getting through each moment at a time. We could all use a page each day, reread a poem, get lost in the stunning red flowers or golden orange leaves. This magazine is powerful in the way it offers some bliss as we move through chaotic days. We can always return to the bosom of Halcyon Days!

From Jerrice J. Baptiste

Contributor and Subscriber

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It is simply one of the most beautiful magazines anywhere. The pictures are always eye candy showstoppers. They instantly bring a feeling of peace, especially in this torn-apart world. Just looking at them reduces my stress level and makes me realize there still is beauty to be found and enjoyed. I love receiving it and immediately stop and look through it, even before I take time to read the poetry. Thank you for providing me with a tiny bit of much needed tranquility.

From Patricia Goodman

Contributor and Subscriber

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I first noticed a copy of "Halcyon Days" at a friend's home. I was struck by the stunning cover and couldn't wait to open the magazine. The images within were also exceptionally lovely and so appropriate to the poetry represented. The writing was varied in style and subject but one thing was certain. Examining and reading each page left me with a feeling of affirmation and wellness. I was hooked! I simply had to have my own subscription! In this time of fear and depressing news, any time a newspaper is opened or a device turned on, I am grateful for the sanctuary "Halcyon Days" provides.

From Gaiyle J. Connolly

Contributor and Subscriber

- Hamilton, ON area writer and artist

- Retired art teacher and consultant

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When you really, really like something, you have to be careful not to get carried away, or otherwise you risk 'overselling' it; but that my be a problem with my admiration for both Halcyon Days and Founder's Favourites.

First, and most important, is the quality of the writing: it is clear, accessible, poignant as it touches the heart and sometimes even rubs the soul--the antithesis to so much so called poetry today, so recondite and idiosyncratic that is is much like reading a concrete wall and looking for clues as to the meaning of life. But it is the 'basin', the physical magazine, that holds the poems and stories that amplifies their beauty many times over. And here the editor shows an almost uncanny ability to pick the most apropos image, as in the Sept 2020 issue of Founder's Favourites where my poem, 'A Passing Glance" is matched with an old man driving a car. It's mostly his arms on the steering wheel that show but I did a double take when I first saw it because they look like my arms! Long and then with wrinkled skin--for a split second I wondered, 'How did Monique get my photo? No wait, that's not my car, it's got a 5 speed.' Okay. Joking a bit here but you get the point.

Finally, kudos on the quality of the photos and their sheer beauty. It really is a pleasure for mind, eye and hand to hold these fine magazines.

From Nolo Segundo

Contributor

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Halcyon Days epitomizes its title: past, present and future. The poetry, glorious illustrations and the idealized layout transport the reader, ameliorating the most stressful times and transforming them into Halcyon Days.

From Bruce Levine

Contributor and Subscriber

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When you want to relax and retreat from daily turmoil, just pick up a copy of Halcyon Days. The poems, stories and graphics celebrate the joys of nature and human kindness. For a dose of gratitude, a measure of peace, a lesson in hope, open up the magazine and read.

From Ingrid Bruck

Contributor

1 comment:

Ingrid BruckJune 22, 2018 at 12:52 PM
What a beautiful poem, Monique. As someone who has found this same kind of peace in the summer at the ocean (I know it's meant metaphorical, but I'll settle for summer at the shore), I know this wonderful place and return there over and over again. Now I can read this poem and it'll take me there. Ingrid

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