This poem brings to mind “Oysters” by Seamus Heaney. The way in which we are mentally in many places at once, considering the aspects of randomness at our good fortune when others are suffering greatly. A poem can contain so much. Thank you for this one.
Oh yeah, I bellied up, belly ached, and took an antacid. That it was a virtual tapas bar mattered not--maybe it's less corrosive that way. At least I can still think for myself.
The world needs your poems, X.P. Thank you for today's post.
Happy to have you back, XP. Thanks especially for the process note on this piece. I'm glad for the turn in where the poem went - although I imagine I would be equally glad had it turned out to be what you originally thought it might.
So good to read a poem of yours…this one is especially layered and rich. I (along with others) love your process notes and how they enrich the reading of the poem.
Oh I forgot to follow that link! Wow, what a wonderful poem. I'm glad I asked where to find it! And will remember that your links often lead to unexpected riches.
Intricate poem. Fascinating to read and my first reaction when reading the byline at the start re: Tapas de Lolas was that this would be an exciting reaction to a trip to somewhere I know so well (both restaurant and city) but it became a complex mix of three places and situations.
It is also interesting to see how something like those protests could impact on not just the local people but also the visitor who happens to be there at the same time as the protest... It leaves a lasting impression regardless and asks so many complex questions.
Thanks for sharing this and giving this insight in your notes. It is really excellent writing.
This poem brings to mind “Oysters” by Seamus Heaney. The way in which we are mentally in many places at once, considering the aspects of randomness at our good fortune when others are suffering greatly. A poem can contain so much. Thank you for this one.
That’s a wonderful poem by Heaney. Thank you.
Oh yeah, I bellied up, belly ached, and took an antacid. That it was a virtual tapas bar mattered not--maybe it's less corrosive that way. At least I can still think for myself.
The world needs your poems, X.P. Thank you for today's post.
LOL, Celeste. Thank you.
Wow!!!!
Great to have you back.
Thank you, my friend. And we're still on for our collab, so . . .
Happy to have you back, XP. Thanks especially for the process note on this piece. I'm glad for the turn in where the poem went - although I imagine I would be equally glad had it turned out to be what you originally thought it might.
Thanks, Janie. If I go back and write that original poem, I will dedicate it to you.
Marvelously written.
Thank you, Mr. Mike.
I read your poem again after reading the whole post and it comes even more to life. We hold both the sweetness and horror at times.
So good to read a poem of yours…this one is especially layered and rich. I (along with others) love your process notes and how they enrich the reading of the poem.
Thank you, Mary. I hope you read and enjoyed the poem by Catherine Bowman, too.
Did you refer to a particular Catherine Bowman poem? I’d so, I can’t find it. I know her poem Heart, But that’s the only one.
Yes, it’s linked to the word “duende” in the last paragraph of the craft note.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/91453/duende-583868f201eb3
Oh I forgot to follow that link! Wow, what a wonderful poem. I'm glad I asked where to find it! And will remember that your links often lead to unexpected riches.
Intricate poem. Fascinating to read and my first reaction when reading the byline at the start re: Tapas de Lolas was that this would be an exciting reaction to a trip to somewhere I know so well (both restaurant and city) but it became a complex mix of three places and situations.
It is also interesting to see how something like those protests could impact on not just the local people but also the visitor who happens to be there at the same time as the protest... It leaves a lasting impression regardless and asks so many complex questions.
Thanks for sharing this and giving this insight in your notes. It is really excellent writing.
Thanks so much. Tapas de Lola was a highlight of the trip.
It really is delicious however i distinctly remember leaving with a proper garlic stench on my breath 😅😂
Thanks for sharing such a considered piece from your time in Dublin!