Morphological Confetti

By Corrine Luthy The Enterprise      Stephen Bess, a 1985 graduate of Williamston High School, has published “Liquid Lunch: Blues-Inspired Poetry”, a blues-inspired book of poetry. Bess said much of the poetry was inspired by his time spent in Williamston when he was growing up.      Bess was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, but spent many of his summers with his grandparents and family in Williamston. In seventh grade he came to live in Williamston and go to school, continuing his education and graduating high school here.      “These are my deepest roots,” he said of his family here, who has been in Martin County for more than 200 years.       He said during his time spent here he heard many stories from his grandparents, Tom and Eunice Best. These stories and his experiences with his family have influenced a lot of his poetry.      For example, his poem “...

"Looking back on when I was a little nappy headed boy, then my only worry was for Christmas, what would be my toy. Even though we sometimes would not get a thing, we were happy with the joy the day would bring...I wish those days could come back once more, why did those days ever have to go? I wish those days could come back once more, why did those days ever have to go? Cause I loved them so." ~ Stevie Wonder By the way, I am the taller of the two little boys. I remember that day well. I also remember that the shirt I was wearing was new and my grandmother purchased some flip-flop sandles to keep my feet cool. It was the Bess Family Reunion in the Summer of '75. Stevie Wonder's hit song, I Wish , would not become a hit until 1977, but it was so appropriate for this photo. I mean, just look at that image of me, little Stevie; life was so simple then. Peace~

These are photos of Downtown Williamston, NC. I took these pictures on Christmas Eve. Downtown is equivalent to about two to four city blocks. I love it! Small towns have a certain charm about them during this time of the year. Otherwise, it was a great time spent with family and friends. Williamston Downtown Other sources: The Martin County Chamber of Commerce online