British film critic/poet Richard Jack Smith and I write film poems and include them in our movie reviews. So it’s not surprising that we send each other rhymes instead of Christmas cards during the holiday season. Below are excerpts from this year’s exchange. What fun!

   To Richard from Betty Jo

You see a film with poet’s eye.

So your reviews poetify.

In each review your language soars.

And reading them opens new doors.

Thanks for all the great work you do.

Loud Christmas Cheers, Richard, to you!

To Betty Jo from Richard

An imaginative lady of the arts

Shaping hopes, dreams and hearts.

You make these times better

Through mastery of the letter.

A soul inside the celluloid

Knowing things to like or avoid.

*****