without warmth

gossip over the back fence

was often merely meant to keep fellow

villagers informed so they, too,

might pray for neighbor’s health and joy

gossip on blunt email lacks

the softening effect of person to person

misses touch’s feeling we are all human

and comes across as callous bullying

WiGs’ 13th annual

 ah, the sweetness of success

in getting together at Ridgewalker

under Jeff Farrar’s gracious hosting

listening to fun and thoughtful

original readings by members

of Writers in the Grove and friends

authors supporting each other

encouraging, gently responding

laughing aloud with the humor

expressions reflecting the pain

warmth of fellow audience members’

reactions adding layers to the depths

of what is presented, enriching us all