Letter to Editor: I Miss Boyle

Dear Editor,

When I read Boyled Over in the May 2nd edition of The Wave, I wasn’t afraid that Kevin Boyle was dead as he jested in his editorial (If nothing else, great writers are immortal). However, I must confess that I’ll mourn the editorial passing of Kevin Boyle and pray for his resurrection.

In an era when emails and texting have reduced writing to something less flavorful than canned soup, the writer in me craved the bouillabaisse of Boyleing Points each week, served so splendidly by Kevin. He has the rare ability to turn a phrase, and make it stand on its head and do homage to the English language. I’ve saved all his editorials, so that I can prove to my writing students that the elements of literary style are still applied in great writing.

And, while he was celebrating the English language, his editorials provided us with all the news that affected our community—even the news that some columnists would find too controversial to print. You see, Kevin refused to put a literary bandage on the truth. As an investigative reporter, he tirelessly uncovered and pursued the significant issues that affect Rockaway, especially the issues generated by Super- storm Sandy. With limitless passion, on a limited budget I might add, he rivaled our leading newspapers in the way he addressed our major problems.

Like a mighty wind, his passion helped to move us toward survival from Sandy, and despite the possibility of a storm, he persevered. I am certain that there is a politician or two out there who has been “inspired” by the power of Kevin’s words. Clearly, Kevin Boyle proves that the pen is mightier than the sword. He will be sorely missed.

JOAN DIEHL