Fascinating, and much appreciated. You are putting the reader's mind into an uncomfortable position that spins up greater attention to meaning and impressions. Thanks for the ride.
I'm in the camp of all three poems being complete and also different from each other. I'm not able to read the two longer ones out loud right now, but I don't think they are too similar (or even that similar at all). I might come back later with more coherent thoughts. I like how the revised poem has a telegram/fragment-type feel to it, but the original poem has some framework that I really like. And the third poem is so tight.
I love looking at the original poem and the new one. It's almost like doing an erasure poem from your own work (although there are wonderful words added in the new one). Both are mysterious but the new one, especially with its wonderful title, is especially mysterious. I appreciate both Laura and Mark's comments. And also Margaret Ann Silver's comment "I don't think they are too similar." As usual, your notes are such a fabulous addition. I want to spend some time with that Flight of the Mind document--it's extraordinary! I so well remember when you went to that and how much you loved it. h how I envied you. I love this comment from your friend. " Wow,” she said, “I’m a real writer!” She added, “Nobody said I have to be a good one.” It's so great to live day after day (in community!) with that "real writer" identity--just a fact, nothing fancy. Thanks also for sharing your experience of the hole and how you lived with it and it passed. It'll be help me next time that hole comes my way.
Thank you for sharing all three full poems and the process notes, the journey in and out of The Hole (I, too, know that damn hole), and the reminder to PLAY. Great title. Great work.
I've spent time in that hole as well. Maybe all writers do. I love this new take. Once I went back to a poem that was okay, nothing special, and wrote it from the end to the beginning, and it worked. I should find that poem.
I think whether you, XP, are in the hole or on the mountain top, that I’m always so nourished by your thoughtful generosity as a poet among poets and a poet with readers. I don’t know anyone else who gives such fascinating background, history, and details of craft! Or anyone who writes or thinks like you! Please keep on, keeping on, nourishing our senses and stirring the ol’ brain pie!
Always beautiful work even if I don’t “get” it… whether it comes from the hole or the mountain top !
Fascinating, and much appreciated. You are putting the reader's mind into an uncomfortable position that spins up greater attention to meaning and impressions. Thanks for the ride.
I'm in the camp of all three poems being complete and also different from each other. I'm not able to read the two longer ones out loud right now, but I don't think they are too similar (or even that similar at all). I might come back later with more coherent thoughts. I like how the revised poem has a telegram/fragment-type feel to it, but the original poem has some framework that I really like. And the third poem is so tight.
I love looking at the original poem and the new one. It's almost like doing an erasure poem from your own work (although there are wonderful words added in the new one). Both are mysterious but the new one, especially with its wonderful title, is especially mysterious. I appreciate both Laura and Mark's comments. And also Margaret Ann Silver's comment "I don't think they are too similar." As usual, your notes are such a fabulous addition. I want to spend some time with that Flight of the Mind document--it's extraordinary! I so well remember when you went to that and how much you loved it. h how I envied you. I love this comment from your friend. " Wow,” she said, “I’m a real writer!” She added, “Nobody said I have to be a good one.” It's so great to live day after day (in community!) with that "real writer" identity--just a fact, nothing fancy. Thanks also for sharing your experience of the hole and how you lived with it and it passed. It'll be help me next time that hole comes my way.
Thanks, Mary. We all have our unscheduled appointments with The Hole, don't we.
Thank you for sharing all three full poems and the process notes, the journey in and out of The Hole (I, too, know that damn hole), and the reminder to PLAY. Great title. Great work.
Thank you, Janie. Oh that hole. And its voice. What is it trying to say except "Shut up."
Sometimes "Shut up and lie down here forever." Blegh! to the hole. Huzzah to those of us who climb back our every time.
Yes, I think so.
I've spent time in that hole as well. Maybe all writers do. I love this new take. Once I went back to a poem that was okay, nothing special, and wrote it from the end to the beginning, and it worked. I should find that poem.
You should!
I think whether you, XP, are in the hole or on the mountain top, that I’m always so nourished by your thoughtful generosity as a poet among poets and a poet with readers. I don’t know anyone else who gives such fascinating background, history, and details of craft! Or anyone who writes or thinks like you! Please keep on, keeping on, nourishing our senses and stirring the ol’ brain pie!
Thank you. I guess I will not shut up even though DEEP DOWN I KNOW I REALLY SHOULD!
I love the last line of “Liminal”! It just feels like such a perfect way to wrap up a poem such as that one.
Well, thank you kindly.