Poems From White Oak Ridge
by
Bessie Magness Dickerson and Naomi Dickerson Hiebert
One of my writing friends from the neighboring town of Andover presented me with a book of poetry she had published in 1996 filled with the poems she and her mother had written through the years. Her autograph in my book read, “To Gail. Thanks for your encouragement. I hope you enjoy this small book. Naomi Hiebert”. I enjoyed the poems so much I decide to do a book review of their precious words.
The flyleaf goes on to say and I quote: “Any good thing found in these poems comes from the Lord. But any mistakes are solely mine. N.D.H. On down the page Naomi went on to write,” Thanks to the Prairie Prose group, especially Lois Friesen, Cindy Ross, Gail Martin and Emma Miller. Also to a very helpful lady I haven’t met, Lily Angle. Thanks Lily.”
The poems are easy reading and a nice mix of their poems. Some were written as early as 1934. Catching my attention was one written by Bessie that year, “When I Reach My Home In Glory.” Oh what a great feeling I had as I read about meeting all our loved ones and never saying goodbye again.
The beautiful poem “Mothers“ by Naomi written in May, 1969 touched my heart as it will touch all mothers who read it. What a tribute to Naomi’s mother, Bessie when the book was published in commemoration of the 100th year of Bessie’s date of birth. An inspiring collection of poetry of their family’s history down through the years.