Backstory
Rich Follett has been writing poems and songs for more than forty years. His works have been featured in numerous online and print journals. You may well have heard him perform acoustic folk music at venues throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
One of Rich’s CDs received the following review from Amazon.com: “Rich Follett’s melodies are not only soothing to listen to, his lyrics speak right to your heart with feelings only he seems to be able to put to words.”
Some of those words are quoted in today’s story.
Rich Follett
We all seem to be reaching for answers. We don’t like the things that are happening. We want things back the way they were.
That will never happen. The typewriter will never return. You’ll never dial to use the telephone. Appliances no longer have simple knobs that read “on” or “off.”
There are apps for every conceivable purpose. Dancing is now calisthenics to music. There is fear and stress in the world. There is danger, never before felt.
It makes some people unhappy and turns us whiney. It causes others to reach into their soul and find strength.
My friend, Rich Follett, reached like that and this is what he decided, and I quote: “That which is beyond our control is likely to remain so. What remains to us is to continue looking for opportunities to use our artistry and humanity to bring beauty into this weary world. When I die, it will be with a psalm on my lips, love in my heart, gratitude in my soul, and a spirit attuned to hope. These things can never be taken from us unless we release them; I am one who will never let go!”
May you know peace of well-being and face tomorrow with love, understanding and hope. Like Rich does.
P.S.
Rich’s CD recordings are available at www.richfollett.com. He lives with his wife Mary Ruth Alred Follett in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where he is a Middle School Theatre Arts teacher and pursues his interests as a professional actor, playwright and director.
[Show #626]