The 2006 â€" 2007 edition of “The Reach of Songâ€� reached the shelves of the Morgan County Library on Monday, August 6 when George C. Williams III, poet and Madison resident, presented a copy of the book to the library.

Williams’ poem, “Storm,� was included in the anthology, published annually by the Georgia Poetry Society.

“Storm� is, indeed, a descriptive poem about an oncoming thunderstorm. Williams wrote it earlier this year, though he didn’t write it during a storm.

“I have what I call surges,� Williams said, of his inspiration in writing poems. “Sometimes it’s a phrase; sometimes it’s just one word. I recognize when something is going to follow. Sometimes it’s two or three poems.�

While “Storm� came to Williams while he was at home, there have been times he is inspired while he’s out.

“Then, I write it on the back of my checkbook,� Williams said.

Williams said he has been in an eye doctor’s examination room when a poem has come to him before.

Williams first published poem revealed itself to him after a conversation with his sister.

“My sister and I were talking about my mom over the phone,� Williams said. “That’s when it came to me. It was the first poem I published, the first poem I sold.�

The poem was called “Mama’s Song,� and it ran in last year’s edition of “The Reach of Song� as well as Lake Oconee Living magazine.

Regardless of where the idea comes to him, Williams plans to keep writing and publishing his poetry. And as long as he does, the Morgan County Library will be glad to take contributed anthologies from the local author.

“We’re always pleased to have local authors contribute to the library and it’s a pleasure to have it (“The Reach of Song�),� Morgan County Library Manager Miriam Baker said.