November 11, 2020
A Tribute to Max Molleston
By Eloise Graham
On October 8, 2020, we were saddened by the passing of one of our friends and contributors to 50+ Lifestyles magazine. Max Molleston had been penning poetry or sharing other poets and their works in his column in 50+ Lifestyles for over two decades. He often shared some of his own poems and the background behind writing them. He would also introduce us to some of his favorite poems and poets. Some of these poets were well known, others obscure. Often he would introduce us to local or Midwest poets that he had met through his acquaintances in Quint City Poets, Midwest Writing, and The Iowa Poetry Association.
I first met Max around 2000. We served on the Friends of Vander Veer Board together. He was a tireless volunteer, an avid lover of natural beauty. He had a pensive quality about him as he listened to others discussing their dreams and concerns for the conservatory, the fountain and the park. Then he would express his opinion, melding together many of the thoughts of the others. He would often surprise us with a short poem or verse that he had just penned for us. He always made people feel special.
He was already writing his monthly submission to this magazine, but I was not yet involved with the publication. I was not involved with 50+ Lifestyles until 2008. I was so happy that he wanted to continue his column when my husband and I became the owners of the magazine. I continued to see Max monthly at the Friends of Vander Veer Board meetings until he and Rhoada moved to Coralville. I perhaps saw him in person a few times after that at Vander Veer functions, but we “visited” monthly by snail mail, then email when he would send his articles for this page.
I would like to end this tribute to Max by sharing opening and closing excerpts from his article from November 2015:
“Some writers are born with creative genes, or a heritage encouraging then to launch into writing as a profession, pushing into producing poetry, short stories or novels, stage plays, movies or music. Others gain skills as technical writers, and spend careers writing and editing special subject matter. The more language we learn and know, the better we can describe situations to our colleagues by speaking to them.
I want my readers to understand and try their skills, developed over the years as professionals and amateurs. Nowadays a poem can take almost any form. The importance of the action is to get it out of yourself and onto paper, composing on a PC, or writing with a pencil or ballpoint.”
Max wanted people to strive to be the best they could be in any undertaking. He will be sorely missed in our communities and many poetry circles.
