Dorothy Tarpley

Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Dorothy Tarpley, can legitimately claim to be “an Okie from Muskogee,” (not necessarily proud to be). She was raised in Tulsa with her three sisters, with whom she is still very close. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill, and they have been married for over 60 years.

Dorothy and Bill moved as snowbirds to Fountain of the Sun from their summer home in Durango, Colorado. They enjoy the great weather in Arizona as well as all the activities offered in the community. Dorothy joined the Joy of Writing class in 2019, not because she was an accomplished writer, but just because she enjoys writing. The class is a perfect mix of amateurs like herself, as well as experienced, published writers. Dorothy loves that the atmosphere is relaxed, and no one is made to feel inferior about their writing. The weekly assignments are varied, to keep the writing fresh and to offer some challenges. It is also a bonus that meetings continue by Zoom in the summers when the snowbirds return to cooler climates. Dorothy has a bit of a reputation in the class for writing some of her assignments in verse.

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW

By Dorothy Tarpley They married young, merely teens out of high school.  Inexpensive wedding bands were all they could afford, though that had nothing to do with the love they felt for one another.  No one would bet on this marriage lasting, they were just too young.       He graduated college while working a night shift…

A HOMOGRAPHIC LOVE POEM

By Dorothy Tarpley You’re the OBJECT of my affection Unless, of course, you OBJECT This isn’t a CONTEST of wills You can always CONTEST or accept Right this MINUTE I’m crossing my fingers And planning each MINUTE detail I’ll WIND up my plans when you answer Hope the WIND isn’t cut from my sail Surely…

PERHAPS LOVE

By Dorothy Tarpley Your words were thoughtless and hurtful, The tone of your voice sharp and cruel Your embarrassing tirade was childish, Only making you look like a fool What happened to make you so angry? Did someone do harm to you first? Your wounds have not healed, they have trapped you Till they do,…