Wings of the Mind

By Bob Heafner © 2014

Online: November, 2014

The poetry of Dr. C. David Hay first appeared in The Mountain Laurel, in April, 1988. Over the years we have admired his work for the way he manages to portray an entire story and mental image with a few well chosen words in powerful and touching short poems. He is truly a great American poet.

Last year I ran across a poem by Dr. Hay, entitled, "The Wall," that described his emotions while visiting the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. It is a beautiful poem that brings forth emotions in a way that few books, let alone a poem can evoke.

Recently, I was having a conversation with a Vietnam Veteran suffering from PTSD, who I thought reading "The Wall," might benefit. I tracked down Dr. Hay at his new address in Terre Haute, Indiana, and asked for his permission to share his work with the veteran. Dr. Hay was most gracious and allowed me not only to share his poem with the veteran but gave me permission to add it, along with others, to The Mountain Laurel Archive.

Dr. Hay is the author of five books of poetry and has been widely published. He was the first American to appear in the Nezavisimaya Gazeta in Russia and has had his poetry read on the British Broadcasting Channel. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize in Poetry and is the recipient of the Ordo Honoris Award from Kappa Delta Rho.

His latest book is a compilation of his favorite poems, entitled, "Wings of the Mind." It is slightly less than one-hundred pages, and available for $15.00 plus $3.00 postage and handling from C. David Hay, 2155 Cottage Court, Terre Haute, IN 47802. You will cherish this book.