MARY NAYLOR Poet of the Year 2007 Congratulations Mary About Our Poet of the year Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 17, 1933. She is 74 years old. She has three brothers and two sisters. She started writing poetry when she was about 34 years old and has written about 95 poems. She has one book published with lulu.com: Of Scales and Tail, Feathers and Pebbles and Endless Immeasurable. Also her poems are included in, Withered Flowers, An Anthology, and The Poets Speak An Anthology, both by the writers from BWOP, on lulu.com. She worked most of her life as a preschool and elementary teacher, and she also worked as a mentor teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a teaching credential by taking classes after work. Mary has one daughter, Kristal Cantwell. She love cats and she is especially concerned for the humane treatment of feral cats. In addition, her hobbies are collecting fine old books, especially books with fine illustrations. She enjoys gardening and bottle collecting and she enjoy playing the piano and several other musical instruments. Mary has been retired from teaching for almost 5 years. A Peek at Mary in her younger days in the pictures below. Isn't she beautiful?
Billy's World of Poetry Staff Billy, Viola, Pami, Donna, Marie and Joy
In Honor of Mary Naylor BWOP POET OF THE YEAR 2007
 A Word from Our Most Outstanding Poet of the Month, PamiTuesday March 4th 2008 I am so honored to be chosen to say a few words for this wonderful tribute to my friend, and truly eclectic and masterful poet, Mary Naylor. Ms. Mary's Autumn Dreams was the second poem I read the first day I joined Billy's World of Poetry and I was completely captivated. I picked her poem to in a poll we had back then, and in fact she became our first and most deserving Queen of the month in 2006. Since then she has continued to thrill, delight, amaze, impress, inspire and awe me with her incredible work. I nominated Ms. Mary as our first ever Poet of the Year and she was the unanimous choice all hands down. I can think of many wonderful poets deserving of accolades and recognition, but few as witty, versatile in style and technique as well as heart and humor, as our Mary Naylor. I am proud to know her, and often humbled by her unstoppable beauty of soul reflected in every poem. My sincerest and happiest congratulations dear Ms. Mary! You are; Billy's World of Poetry's Poet of the Year!!! ~Pami
 A Message from King BillyTuesday March 4th 2008 MARY NAYLOR, I first met Mary on poets.com, I remember her kind reviews and we became friends quickly. I often visited Mary's page to read her latest poems and she returned to mine. I think Mary's poems are exceptional; I was delighted Mary decided to join us, and as a result she has made this site what it is today, a family site. Mary has a way of transforming words into art, her use of the word is unique, as her stories are. I helped Mary publish her first book, a book I know she was proud to publish, her works are incredible and it is a feat I know Mary is proud of. I think its fitting that Mary should receive our first prestigious award of "POET OF THE YEAR," as well as bringing skill to the site she brings friendship, kindness and wonderful reviews. Knowing Mary as a friend is a benefit to us all and I personally wish her every success in the world. Congratulations Mary. Billy Manson
 A Message from Queen Helen Tuesday March 4th 2008 Mary Naylor is a very special person. As a poet, she's compassionate, tender, loving and writes straight from her heart and soul. She deserved to be "Poet of the Year for 2007." The more I read her poetry, the more I appreciate the person that she is. Her words flow like angels wings and she gives so much meaning to her poetry. She is truly a blessing to Billy's World of Poetry and she is truly loved and loving. She gives so much of herself and I hope and pray that she'll remain with us for a very long time. She's a winner every day in my book! God Bless you, Mary...my prayers and love are always with you. Congratulations Mary. Blessings, Helen
 A Message from Empress Marie Tuesday March 4th 2008 Congratulations Mary, on being chosen our Poet of the year for 2007! You certainly deserve it Sweetie, as I always know I am always well blessed when I come to your page. It's great to know you, and if I am ever in need of your help, I know you will be there for me! You are a treasure beyond measure. I consider it an honor to know you and to be your friend. God bless you in abundance! Congratulations Mary. Love Marie Falck
Tuesday March 4th 2008 Mary Naylor is a wonderful poet whose tender heart sees in life what many miss. She shares with us the wisdom of a child, the sad life of a bag lady, and the wisdoms she has gathered over the years. Mary is truly a remarkable lady filled with tenderness for all of life. Congratulations Mary. Hugs and love, Lou
 A Message from Viola Tuesday March 4th 2008 Mary Naylor, I met Mary on Billy's World of Poetry and since the very first moment of talking with her in the chat room I knew she was a special lady. I remember how loving and kind she was in all of her reviews to me and she has given me much encouragement not only in my writing, but also as manager of the site. Mary is a lady who believes in everyone and she does all she can to help people reach their goal in life. Mary is a unique lady that has a way with words that will make you laugh and cry, her poetry and stories are on the very top of being the best. Indeed it is fitting that she receives our first prestigious award "Poet of the Year." Mary I love and admire you, it is an honor just to know you and with all of my heart I wish you all the happiness in the world. Congratulations Mary, I am proud of you. Love, Viola Jane Tabor
Tuesday March 4th 2008 Mary Naylor my dear, I wanted to say congratulations to you. You have done a really great job this year on making Poet of the Year. That is a challenge and I wanted to congratulate you on a Job well done. Your Friend, Donna J. Tabor AKA Blueberry
 A Message from Theo Tuesday March 4th 2008 Congratulations Mary, 2007 BWOP "Poet of the Year"!!!!! After learning that you are our Poet of the Year, I went to your poetry page and re-read some of your work. There were several that stood out in my mind but when I started reading your poems once more, I realized that each and every one of them is special in its own way. The Lantern held me in its grip, the visions it had swirling around in my mind made me feel as though I was in the shop too. Saying Goodbye to Mama touched my heart and I reviewed it again because the last two lines really gripped my heart. I could go on about your other poems and awards but with limited space available I will just say, Congratulations Mary for having been chosen the 2007 Poet of the Year of BWOP. You are an excellent poet and deserving recipient of this honor. Love, Theo
Tuesday, March 4th, ‘08 I am very pleased to hear that Mary Naylor, one of our finest poets, has received the Poet of the Year Award. It was my pleasure to meet Mary on line and to enjoy her terrific writing, and the many disciplines and ideas she has for her writing. When I joined BWOP, I noticed that a lady had been chosen as poet of the month, and, her name was Mary Naylor. Needless to say, I was very impressed. She has a fine mind, and can write anything from a sea shanty to a poem about a con artist. My adult daughter absolutely loves Mary’s writing, and on occasion, I forward one to my daughter. Barbara, my daughter, especially likes the Blessing of the Hearth, and I sent one of Mary’s books to Barbara, and she and the children were very pleased. This is not her first award, nor will it be the last. I am honored to consider myself a colleague and fellow poet, as she exudes warmth, protestation, and whatever is needed for some pieces that are consciousness raising. I think that one of my very favorite poems she has written is called, ‘Jonathan Nathan, Do your homework!’ Congratulations, Mary! Toni Helfrick  A Message from a Special Admirer of Yours Mary, Toni's DaughterTuesday March 4th 2008 I’d like to congratulate Mary on her award! I always enjoy reading her poetry; it provides such great insight into life. I’m very glad my mother introduced me to Mary’s poetry, and look forward to reading more! Congratulations on a well-deserved award! Barb Buckley  Congratulations Mary from All the Members On BWOP You are Our Bright and Shining Star
composed by Viola Tabor ..Site Administrator
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POET OF THE YEAR 2007 
It is with great pleasure to present you, Mary with the very first highest award that has ever been given on Billy's World of Poetry. "Poet of the Year, 2007, Award." This beautiful trophy will soon be coming to you with your name engraved on it. May you find a special place in your home for this beautiful trophy and show it off with great pride. 
A Message from Princess Lou 
A Message from Donna 
A Message from Toni 
