the net
writing is a fisherman’s net
you think
there must be fish out there
so you toss it as far out as you can
hoping to bring in a haul
but so many times the net comes in
empty
writing is NOT like fishing
you don’t do it to bring in a haul
but to unleash the burning images
colliding in your brain
looking for a place to find home
writing is not for you
it’s for the wind
like dandelion puffs grabbing the breeze
and, laughingly, floating to daring destiny
the pen and the puff are first cousins
nothing to lose
nothing to win
only to fly
Rich Melcher August 2, 2020
Originally from Buffalo, Minnesota, Rich Melcher has been writing since 1982 and has self-published eight books on spirituality, mental health, empowering youth and other inspirational topics. His most recent book, 55 Reflections of a Searching Skeptic, is a literary mosaic composed of an eclectic assortment of spiritual, mental health and self-development reflections. Barbara Bamberger Scott, of Pacific Book Review, states, "Rich Melcher's gifts are fully developed here in this varied, thought-provoking collection, and his readers will hope for more to come." As the youngest of nine in a big ol' Catholic family, Rich offers a unique perspective of life and his spiritual journey. In 55 Reflections, he guides readers through a potpourri of varied reflections, from biblical commentary, to experiences dealing with his bipolar disorder, to days of being an urban middle school teacher's aide, and many more. Rich enjoys creating watercolor & calligraphy greeting cards, with meaningful quotations imprinted on the cards, written with his own unique calligraphic style. He also enjoys rollerblading, cross-country skiing, ice skating and just plain walking. Walking is his regular go-to exercise, his stress reliever and his creative thought activator. Rich hopes to get his self-published book, 55 Reflections, published by a traditional publisher, and out into the marketplace within a year's time. "55 Reflections is my most comprehensive and creative work, and I would like it to get in the hands, on the screens (e-book) and into the ears (audio book) of as many people as possible. It is not a fast read, but a 'slow read,' in that readers will pause to ponder the significance of the poetry and prose." Rich is a Certified Peer Specialist, and lives with his wife, Sandra, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.