In Memory of Frank Polite: A Poet, Mentor, and Friend

1936-2005

Frank Polite was a poet and husband to Charlene Polite, an actress. He was my literary professor while attending classes at Maryland University, European Chapter while serving at NATO HQ in Izmir, Turkey.
He was my mentor when it came to writing suggesting I join a writers' seminar when returning to the United States.
Before he left Turkey he gave me a signed copy of his poetry book, Letters in Transit. It has followed me throughout my travels in my personal library.
He was from Youngston, Ohio where he spent his last days of his life and where his beloved Charlene died of breast cancer in 1999. They had gotten back together after being divorced in the 1960s because she wanted to spend her last days on Earth with Frank and his family. I didn't know her cancer was the reason why Frank and Charlene left University of Maryland, European Chapter in Turkey to go back to Youngston. She kept Frank's last name since their divorce, her maiden name being Charlene Ann Miller.

CHARLENE POLITE 1943-1999

While there, Frank had a small publishing establishment. My going away gift was a framed one page poem I wrote in his honor entitled Poet, Mentor, Friend as a going-away present. 
Some of his works and accomplishments can still be found on the web, A Poet is Not A Writer and The Black Butterflies.
I am forever grateful I befriended Frank and Charlene who enlightened my life with their personality and talents. Inspiration to many who knew them. It was an honor to know them.

WORKS OF FRANK POLITE: 

• TORNADO
• THE JAPANESE CONSULATE  (1979)
• LETTERS OF TRANSIT (1980)
• HYDE, A NOVELLA NOIRE 
• BLACK BUTTERFLIES 
• FLAMINGO