GSR is saddened by the passing away of a member of our family, Nina Peach. Nina was 95 and the heart of Getting Something Read. Nina reviewed and sorted submissions, she answered the mail and often sent out personal notes to the writers we accepted and encouraging notes to those we did not.
She was a kind and loving soul. We will miss her.
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I am sorry to hear that Nina is gone. She was indeed a kind soul. And wise. Her gentle suggestions and encouragements were helpful to me and to my writings.
I didn’t know her at all, I felt I did. And, though I “knew” her for such a short time, I will remember her.
a candle blown out
tonight I light a new candle
because it casts less less light
we see more
Dear Nina,
Thank you for sharing so generously your warm heart and love of poetry–and your wisdom: “Go out at night. Look up at the stars. If every star were brilliant, we’d never find our way.” (Nina Peach, GSR, May 2009)
Thank you, Nina. Thank you. Thank you.
Nina, please know that you were much loved.
Nina, you will be missed.
I am very sorry to hear this. The world is less of a place when a poetic soul leaves us.
Miss Nina,
I was 12 years old when you taught me to read and write in a one room school house in rural Mississippi. I’d never read a book before, never had a book to read, couldn’t read anyway. You patiently and with great kindness taught me about words – words as tools. Tools to build with. You taught me “every word counts.” Every word has a purpose – just like every tool has a purpose. My family moved on, but I’ve never forgotten your kindness. Never again been without a book. Never lost my respect for those who use words to build and create.
Last year my kids set me up with a computer and I found you here. I wrote to ask, “Were you the same Miss Nina?” Yes you were – and now you’re gone.
I’m sorry I didn’t take the chance to say this before, “I love you Miss Nina.” You taught a poor, sullen, nobody cares about kid to read and you changed his life. Thank you, thank you, thank you with all my heart.
And I still think, when I read, “Every word counts.”
Love,
Little Donny
I was fortunate to know and to love Nina Peach. Now she is gone and dearly missed. Let’s remember her spirit and gentle nature.
I was saddened to hear about Nina Peach. Her poetic spirit will continue to live on in our literary hearts.
Sorry to hear about Nina’s passing. I once got a lovely email from her–and knew by her name and her kindness, she must have lived a rich life. I know poetry needs a soul like that!
Nina,
You were the heart of GSR. Our conscience. Our soul. Our harshest critic. Our inspiration. You nourished the dreams of many. May your spirit continue to guide us.
“Adventures, old friend!”
We will miss you.
Dale
I am so sorry to learn of Nina’s passing. Though we never met in person, I thought a great deal of her.
She accepted poems of mine for Short Poem and then made it possible for that issue to be appreciated by listeners as well as readers. After repeated futile attempts to send me a URL that would allow me to hear the poems, Nina sent me a gift of a CD player! I was overwhelmed by her kindness and thanked God for people like her in our world. Now I am sure she’s in the better next world, reaping the rewards for her kindness.
Salvatore Buttaci