12 Years Late, Justice’s Poem Printed

A dozen years ago, Statesman editors told retired Idaho Supreme Court Justice Byron Johnson that he’d have to translate to prose a poem he’s submitted as a letter to the editor if he wanted it published. Poems are generally not allowed on the editorial pages. Last week, I had lunch with Johnson, whose memoir was the topic of my May 31 column. Thanks to the miracle of electronic media and this blog, I believe it’s time to revisit the question. Johnson hadn’t forgotten what he considers a snub to a perfectly good art form. He’d declined the offer to turn poem to prose, but brought a copy of his poem to lunch. Bear with me, this takes some set-up/ Dan Popkey , Idaho Statesman. More here including Johnson’s poem. (Limberlost Press photo, review here )

Question: Have you ever written poetry? When? What prompted you to do so?