Thanks so much Mark - I really appreciate it - and am glad they resonated. I really like them too - it has a kind of 1800s sensibility in some of the phrasing and rhythms, and an entirely 1900s freshness in other ways. A lovely blend!
Cheers Robert. Yeah Anniversary is a great poem huh! Initially that was the only one I had in my notes, so I am glad I went back and checked and found the other ones. Thanks for the kind words about my verse too - much appreciated. It was an enjoyable one to write. :-)
When it was school'd to mountains and to trees."--Whew!
"Alone" feels so modern (in the best possible way--I like being reminded that people are people, feeling a lot of the same things, no matter what century/decade they are in; I don't know why this is so hard for me to grasp).
Absolutely Margaret, that stanza is so good! I love your thoughts here - and it is one of the things that strikes me so often researching poetry. Whether it is an ancient Egyptian or Greek epigram, a Japanese tanka from the 700s, Old, Middle, or Modern English, or any other language/culture from any era - there are poems that just jump out, unfettered by time and tide, seemingly as contemporary now as they must have been then. And just as you say, it reminds me of our "peopleness" - same core feelings, desires, and thoughts, no matter how different the context might be. It's mind blowing really. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, and reminding me of this today. :-) And also a big thankyou for the kind words about my poem, super appreciate it! 💜
I really appreciated the depth of feeling and consideration for the pain and suffering that growth often brings. Good Old Earth to me really speaks to someone going through the wringer, but looking at the tribulation as something that will inexorably bring beauty. The language about the violent and turbulent evolution of our world evokes both a hope for as well as a connection to the cosmic beauty and wonder that is all of existence. We are made of the stuff of the Earth who has been through it all, and that's of comfort I think.
I also appreciate the intimate connection we can find with other people from so long ago and different cultures; Reading some Japanese poetry and realizing these people could just as easily have been writing emo lyrics in their bedrooms in Upstate NY in 2003 to figure out how to get over yet another heartbreak.
Cheers for the thoughtful comment Joshua. Yeah - agreed - Good Old Earth is a special one! And yeah, I get so much out of reading and translating old Japanese poetry. As fresh today as it ever was!
Really enjoyed this one, and your tribute to him.
Thanks so much Mark - I really appreciate it - and am glad they resonated. I really like them too - it has a kind of 1800s sensibility in some of the phrasing and rhythms, and an entirely 1900s freshness in other ways. A lovely blend!
The last line of 'Anniversary' speaks of ‘A cadence freshening to our souls’. I could say the very same thing about the entire piece.
Wonderfully put Martin! Thanks as always for your re-freshing comments. :-)
These are beautiful, timeless pieces. Thank you for sharing them.
A pleasure Caroline - thanks for the thoughtful comment. :-) Timeless is a bang on way of describing them.
I love the form you use in your own poem, almost slowing us down to listen within the gaps and carrying us along in longer lines.
Thanks so much Treasa - love your analysis! Pacing in poetry is something I think about a lot, so really glad it comes across. :-)
I love that first poem (anniversary). The first section of your tribute really spoke to me, too.
Cheers Robert. Yeah Anniversary is a great poem huh! Initially that was the only one I had in my notes, so I am glad I went back and checked and found the other ones. Thanks for the kind words about my verse too - much appreciated. It was an enjoyable one to write. :-)
"When Destiny holds me in its school,
And flogs me to a better sight of things,
I seem to feel the groaning of the earth
When it was school'd to mountains and to trees."--Whew!
"Alone" feels so modern (in the best possible way--I like being reminded that people are people, feeling a lot of the same things, no matter what century/decade they are in; I don't know why this is so hard for me to grasp).
Your tribute poem is beautiful.
Absolutely Margaret, that stanza is so good! I love your thoughts here - and it is one of the things that strikes me so often researching poetry. Whether it is an ancient Egyptian or Greek epigram, a Japanese tanka from the 700s, Old, Middle, or Modern English, or any other language/culture from any era - there are poems that just jump out, unfettered by time and tide, seemingly as contemporary now as they must have been then. And just as you say, it reminds me of our "peopleness" - same core feelings, desires, and thoughts, no matter how different the context might be. It's mind blowing really. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, and reminding me of this today. :-) And also a big thankyou for the kind words about my poem, super appreciate it! 💜
I really appreciated the depth of feeling and consideration for the pain and suffering that growth often brings. Good Old Earth to me really speaks to someone going through the wringer, but looking at the tribulation as something that will inexorably bring beauty. The language about the violent and turbulent evolution of our world evokes both a hope for as well as a connection to the cosmic beauty and wonder that is all of existence. We are made of the stuff of the Earth who has been through it all, and that's of comfort I think.
I also appreciate the intimate connection we can find with other people from so long ago and different cultures; Reading some Japanese poetry and realizing these people could just as easily have been writing emo lyrics in their bedrooms in Upstate NY in 2003 to figure out how to get over yet another heartbreak.
Cheers for the thoughtful comment Joshua. Yeah - agreed - Good Old Earth is a special one! And yeah, I get so much out of reading and translating old Japanese poetry. As fresh today as it ever was!
To stress the word "stress"!
Yeah - that's a great moment :-) Made me smile anyhow!
Wonderful choices - I agree, those lines are just magical. :-) Aw, and thanks for the kind words about my verse, really means a lot. 🌸