The Bard loved Blogfest 2016

As you know, Tom Wobker, The Bard of Sherman Avenue, attended Blogfest 2016. And took his well-deserved public bow to the applause of those there. At the time, Tom was dying from the cancer that finally took him. He never had a memorial service. His wife, Sharon, told me afterward that Blogfest served that purpose. The love shown him that day meant a great deal to him as he struggled those last months, still penning an occasional poem for Huckleberries. After blogfest, Tom sent a note to tell me how much it had meant:

“Had more impact on me than I ever expected.  You had told me, but I certainly discounted the affection many people have for these odd little rhymes.  It almost gives me a feeling that this is a calling for me and a reason to keep pushing on as a benefit to others; hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose.”

As you also know, Tod Marshall, poet laureate for the state of Washington and a Gonzaga professor, has compiled a book of 200 of Tom’s poems: “The Bard of Sherman Avenue: Poems by Tom Wobker.” It will be available for sale at $10 apiece at Blogfest 2016 (1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Steve Widmyer’s Fort Ground Grill). All proceeds will go to charity.