In Memoriam: Walter Dennis, 1937-2010, Poet, Chef, and Man about Town

April is National Poetry Month. Among the many local poets featured in the Beaufort District Collection is Walter Dennis. 

It is fitting that Walter's body is resting among his fellow veterans at the Beaufort National Cemetery. David Lauderdale, columnist for the Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette writes far more eloquently than I can about Walter's contributions to our community. (You can read his article in our Research Room either on microfilm or through our vertical files.)  I just know that through the years, Walter and I spent more than a few convivial hours talking about his research documenting African-American history, his love of cooking, and poetry.

Over the years, Walter was very generous in donating copies of his work to the Library. Because Walter wrote non-fiction about the people, places, food, and culture of our area, many of his works qualified for inclusion in the library's "Forever Collection." Therefore we have more than 20 titles of his poetry volumes and cookbooks. A few also circulate through our Local History sections, including I don't like Oatmeal; Fried Grits; and Stone Soup Cook Book.

Here's one of my favorite poems that he wrote:

Lamentation: To the Tired Oak

No longer do you stand proud ...

The once-mighty oak with head unbowed.

With moss whispering amongst your leaves.

Now you stand alone; looking like firewood ...

Amputation and mutation cursed you!

Time has come and gone; no more leaves; 

Even the moss is no longer worn.

You have seen the mysteries of life and death ...

Swing low on the chopping block, come to carry you home. 

Weep no more, sweet willow, weep no more --

Time has spoke ...

So long, you tired oak.

You can read his obituary on the Marshel's Wright-Donaldson Home for Funerals, Inc.website. (Accessed 1 March 2018)

Walter Dennis, 1937 - 2010 (Marshel's)