Dublin's Poet Laureate Shares Newest Poem

On May 18, the Dublin City Council appointed a new poet laureate, Jonnie McCoy-Howell, to a two-year term. McCoy-Howell made her debut during the Fallon Sports Park dedication on Saturday, Aug. 28th.

McCoy-Howell, 35, graduated from City Reachers International School of Ministry in November 2009, where she obtained her Ministers license.  She currently does mission work in the greater Bay Area.

At Fallon's event, she braced the gusty winds and read a poem she wrote in celebration of the grand opening entitled, "To Fallon." She said it reflects her signature style of writing, which aims to be both insightful and inspiring.

McCoy-Howell "believes that a writer has a great responsibility to influence, inspire and/or provoke thought towards change in others."

Therefore, she added that she, "uses the gift of writing to be the `voice' for those silently looking for encouragement to thrive, even in the face of adversity."

As poet laureate, she hopes to continue to build on the foundation that Ronnie Holland, Poet Laureate Emeritus, has established in Dublin.  In addition, she says she wants to as bridge the gap between all generations, which will diversify the ever-growing poetic community.

She shared her recent poem, "To Fallon" with Dublin Patch readers:

"To Fallon" 

It's Time!

Time to revisit America's past, that's nearly been lost amid the economic pressures of today.

Revisit a time not long ago, where Americans were not solely known for their fancy cars, houses or wardrobes, but rather known as being a land for the free and a country united as a family.

It's Time!

Time to pick up where our four fathers left off and remember.

Remember a simpler time, where having a family picnic in the park, while watching our children play together; was much more valuable than a play date.

It's Time!

Time to take time away from busy schedules and ride bikes again!

Let us ride along side our kids down to Fallon Sports Park, where you can hit willies together in the BMX field within Fallon.

Collecting memories that money surely can't buy.

It's Time!

Time to turn off TVs and make a lasting impression on our children by helping them!

Help them improve their football, basketball, soccer ball, volleyball or baseball skills by being the Parent Coach.

Encouraging them to do their very best and too never give up!

It's Time!

Time to dedicate Fallon Sports Park for such a time as this!

Therefore, we are united together today, not just as a Region, City or Community-But as a Family!

We dedicate, commemorate and celebrate our Fallon Sports Park to every child that's ever had a dream.

A dream of becoming the next: Babe Ruth, Jerry Rice, Lance Armstrong, Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Venus or Serena Williams!

Fallon Sports Park has been developed and created especially for you, me, us-Dublin!

It's Time, It's Time, It's Time!

Now let's play ball!

To Fallon!

Courtesy:  Jonnie McCoy-Howell