By Karenlyn Barone
Yasparro has been writing impeccably rhymed poetry virtually all her life, although, since she lost her sight, the process has changed. "First I try to come up with something sensitive, or I take note of something that touches me," said the Lynbrook resident. "Then I paint a picture in my mind and I tell it to Joe, who writes it down for me."
Joe is Rosemary's husband of 33 years, who has become her eyes and hands, and without whom her beautiful works would not be recorded.
"I write the poems for her, but she polishes them into diamonds until she is happy with them," said Joe.
Rosemary admits to being very particular about her work, and said, "I call each poem my child, but sometimes they were difficult births."
The finished product gives no indication of struggle, as the smooth words glide from the author's mouth. Rosemary has committed to memory, by necessity, more than 100 of her poems. Her words take you back to her homeland, as she speaks with a sweet Kentucky cadence and the care that only someone who has lived through adversity can inpart.
Rosemary lost her sight in 1994 due to macular degeneration, which has caused blindness in more than 10 million Americans. She lost the use of her arm after an accident in 1998, and her husband tells of five serious vascular and circulatory surgeries that Rosemary has endured. Amazingly, nothing has dimmed the spirit of this talented poet.
"She will never stop creating or being creative," said Joe.
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave, Rosemary is quiet for a moment. "I hope I brought some beauty into people's lives," she answers sweetly.
With Joe's help, Rosemary has recently published a book entitled "Remember the Raincrow." The collection of 112 poems touches on her fascination with the Civil War and her life as a child growing up on a farm. It also includes reflections on what seems to have been quite a wonderful life.
