A lonesome, isolated child, Mary Godwin
did not allow her monsters to raise an odd din
within the chambers of her smart and pretty head:
she put them in her novels and tales, instead.
To Frankenstein and the others, the world has been led:
and no longer uses the term, mere might have been;
but honors and values all that she has written and said.
Starward
[*/+/^]
Author's Notes/Comments:
When I chose, for my sophomore project in the History Department (as required to earn my BA), a bibliography of articles and reviews, from 1818 forward, on Mary Shelley's first novel, my choice was criticized, even disparaged (and subject to coercive threats if I refused to change). Even in 2001, at a private reunion lunch buffet, my former faculty advisor's first words of greeting to me were, "Is Mary Shelley still your girl?" Since then, I have witnessed great and positive scholarly interest in her work; including the endorsement, by one of the world's leading geneticists, of the ethical lessons in both Frankenstein and The Last Man. Her imaginative monster has been part of my life since Christmas Day of 1963. Universal Studios three films (with Karloff; 1931, 1935, and 1939) introduced me to her. Inspired by her example, I wanted to become a writer. I do not foresee, at that time, becoming a poet; but I acknowledge her as being the first author on my path to the publication of my poetry.
