A TRIBUTE TO CHARLES M. SCHULZ (1922-2000), cartoonist, writer and, among many other things a psychologist. Schulz, who was probably the most famous cartoonist in the world, had been syndicated in more than 2,000 newspapers. He never lived to see the publication of his last "Peanuts" comic strip, which the world saw shortly after his death on February 13, 2000. He was 77 years of age. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer several months earlier. He later had small strokes and had abdominal surgery in November. He passed away just a few hours before the publication of his final Sunday strip. His last daily strip was published on January 3, 2000--a strip showing Charlie Brown's dog, "Snoopy," at his typewriter. Schulz had announced his medical condition in the previous Autumn, along with his plans to retire. The Sunday strip showed Snoopy at his typewriter and included a letter from Schulz--addressed to his "Dear Friends." The strip, now in classic reruns, began on October 2, 1950. Peanuts became a part of Americana, and will be for years to come. Charlie Brown's troubles never let up and his friends never changed. Snoopy, the aspiring writer and flying ace, still continues to fantasize and still has "writers' block." I decided to take him one step further, now with a laptop and an idea that includes the three most famous phrases found in literature. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you like it!

ONCE UPON A TIME by Charles F. Bybee Once upon a time a beagle Thought he could be a writer. He took his laptop to his roof, "Because the air is lighter." "If I can find the words I'll get this story going." It wasn't long 'til he came down, "Because the wind is blowing." He whiled away the hours To try to find a story; He wandered in the flowers; He picked a morning glory. He curled up in his doghouse, His favorite dreaming place. He dreamed of shooting at a louse Who really was an ace. He went through dogfights in the air, Bullets and tracers flying. "If I tell this to the barracks boys They'll think that I am lying. "Von Richter fights and flies away But, we'll have at it another day. So, I'll go back and hit the sack Until it's time for my quaff and snack." He returned to base Then found the place His best relaxing spot. With a French barmaid He really liked a lot." That night, alone, In his barracks home With his book in mind No plot did he find. But in his heart He knew that the start "--Just a seed Is all I'll need." He listened to Bach. And then a light Came on so bright-- Gone was his writer's block. "I've found the rhyme, I've got it right! I sing! I dance! I twirl with laughter! "'Once upon a time It was a dark and stormy night, And they lived happily Ever after.'" Copyright (C) 2004 Charles F. Bybee All Rights Reserved

Sadie and Charlie Bybee, on my 84th birthday

My son, Robert (Bob) Bybee, with me on the same birthday. **********************************************************

This site is dedicated to better writing and especially to better poetry. I know many are turned off by just the word, "poetry." I recently bought a book; it was one of about 20 the poet had published. He was a "laureate." There was not one poem in the book that was understandable or enjoyable. No rhyme, no reason, not for any season. Below is a poem of mine which gives my philosophy: Poetry Is Poetry that rhymes, (Even in these times.) Poetry with meter, Nothing sounds much sweeter. Poetry with meaning, Every line a gleaning. Poetry that can be understood, In one easy reading--good! Sure it takes more time to write; Sure it takes more thought. But, to the reader it is light; Not a mass of words of naught. (from "Life Is A Poem. All rights reserved) Poetry should be relaxing, pleasant to the eye and ear. The reader should be able to curl up with a few poems and forget the cares of the world! I promise you that the poetry you read on this site will live up to this criteria, my own works, as well as those of others, which I will include. I plan to put some of the "greats" here--Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Bronte and several others--as time allows. Just for starters, here is one from a well-known poet of the 18th century. He was a contemporary of the great Samuel Johnson. +++++++THE FOOL AND THE POET +++++++ ++++++++++++++++by+++++++++++=++++++ +++++++Alexander Pope (1688-1744)++++++++ Sir, I admit your general rule, That every poet is a fool. But you yourself may serve to show it, That every fool is not a poet. (public domain) Not bad for an old fogey, eh? Here is another oldie, but a goodie. Unfortunately, the author never gets credit for it. LINES BY AN OLD FOGEY (Poet unknown) I'm thankful that the sun and moon Are both hung up so high. That no presumptuous hand can stretch And pull them from the sky. If they were not, I have no doubt But some reforming ass Would recommend to take them down And light the world with gas. (public domain) I am working on this site. Please be patient. I welcome any comments at: charlie@bybeeweb.com

Award for "Life is a Poem"

My new book (of poetry), "Life is a Poem," is now available. It can be purchased from the publisher, Xlibris (link below) or directly from the author. The latter is somewhat less in price and you will probably receive it sooner. [And it can be autographed] Take your choice!

Contents of "Life is a Poem" To give you an idea of what is included in the book, here is a list of the poems: Why Writers Write Mem'ries Mother Nature's Little Boy Birds Where Did they Go? Cameos The Garden of Eden Sometimes Pain Return to Paradise Ode to the Orange Dome My Prayer The Golden Years I'll Cry Tomorrow How Fast It Falls Tribute The Cry On Christmas Eve Regrets Solace The Bonnie Brave Scot The Red Hibiscus Under the Rainbow Happy Birthday, Frances A Rose Is A Rose Vice Verses Poetry Is The Four Seasons of Life LATE LIFE LOVE LINES Sadie Ode To My Love Love From Above Chanson d'Amour My Brown-Eyed Valentine Life Is A Poem

Order a copy direct from the author:

To receive a copy by mail, please send a check or money order (No cash or credit cards) to: C. F. Bybee Apt. 411 1225 Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33881 Hardback copy $22.50 + 2.50 S&H = $25.00 Paperback copy $17.50 + 2.50 S&H = $20.00 U.S. dollars only. Copy will be autographed and dated, unless you specify otherwise. If you are having a hard time finding an appropriate gift, here is your answer!

Charlie

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