Thanks most kindly for that: Thanks most kindly for that most appreciated comment. It may be that we are closer to each other in time than he was and the feel of the place I am sure is quite different 'these days' to the days of yore. I am particularly humbled that the first words struck that chord of recognition and connection. This to me is an indication that this poem may just have enough of itself to go beyond the years that are allotted for my sojourn here in this earthly life. Your words are a true encouragement.
This is quite a beautiful: This is quite a beautiful love poem, somewhat elegaic in tone, but very moving---and very accurate to the experience of many---nonetheless.
I cannot think of this as: I cannot think of this as being pale in comparison to any other poem. As I read the first words, I began to think of Sandburg, and I like your poem better than his.
Thanks for that reply. This: Thanks for that reply. This afternoon was a little rough for my health (or what's left of it, lol), but I was so excited by reading this poem that I wanted to get my comments onscreen as they formed in my head. You brough to your poem quite an ancestry: Homer, for the epic quality; Catullus (whom I failed to mention earlier) for the epyllionic form; and Cavafy for the use of Ithaca as a journey metaphor. This, alone, is quite an achievement; but then, with the precision of your metaphors and similes (your word combinations never fail to amaze me), you knocked it out of the park and into the realm of High Literature. I am glad to have seen this poem in the short term; and, in the long term, many others will see it, and respond to it, and talk or write about it---of that, I am confident.
I'm ecstatic that you: I'm ecstatic that you perceived an epic quality in my journey, that you appreciated the accessible style I chose and that you took the time to deeply, and I mean deeply, analyze my vision.
I often break rules with impunity, so it's greatly satisfying and vindicating when you interpret a poem's intent with precision and acceptance, then define it with such contemplative brilliance.
Your encyclopedic knowledge applied to my expressions is a great honor and a treasure.
There's never any need to: There's never any need to apologize. I understand! I'm immensely grateful for your astounding feedback in spite of your physical pain.
Trust me, you're making a difference in the lives of many people. We're blessed beyond words by your presence here.
Your prose has an engaging: Your prose has an engaging charm, conversational wit, striking word choices and a cunning voice.
". . . thick as a telephone pole and heavy as bad news. But once it achieved liftoff speed, even Tennessee summers kindly dipped their hats and strolled off yonder with their humidity and their heat."
Some knockout wordcrafting that took a small slice of Americana and turned it into cleverly understated social commentary and pure pleasure. Score!
My gosh, what inspired this: My gosh, what inspired this one? Why does the ghost haunt only once a year, and where does the ghost go on the other 364 days? I have read quite a few ghost stories over the decades and, again, this one is very unique in my reading experience, especially in the questions it raises.
I failed to reply to this: I failed to reply to this one, as well, and can only apologize with the utmost sincerity. This was just after my release from the hospital, and I had a bit of a rough patch transitioning back home. Please know that none of my failures to reply are intentional. But I am so scatterbrained, especially when I am ill, that I make too many omissions on too many things.