I agree, writing, once it: I agree, writing, once it takes on a life of its own, is weird, but you're so good at it! I could tell you were really in the flow here and everything just . . . clicked. The subject matter and style was organic, urbane, smooth and engaging. You definitely have a gift for prose. Stay inspired!
If a poet's calling is to: If a poet's calling is to give a voice to the ungraspable, you excelled in your purpose. Waves of majesty, wonder and heartfelt praise thunder through each line.
Magnificent!
.: and I prepare to enter luxury again so I'm attempting to make my home a little cleaner in the meantime so I'm not too culture shocked when I come back from the lands of hot running water and uninterrupted power
Your work, as always, is a: Your work, as always, is a drill into the hollows of the soul. Where echoes are begged to speak within, till they pound down the walls of separation and isolation which encase emptiness. I truly hope that these efforts lead you to solace.
Thank you for the reply. I: Thank you for the reply. I concede that I may have misunderstood your intention. Perhaps my original comment should be removed.
I applaud, and agree with,: I applaud, and agree with, your assertion that this dire problem needs to be addressed---loudly and relentlessly---because it happens too much and too often (well, even one incident is one too much). But, although I agree with you on the dire seriousness of it, I think the attempt to "rewrite" one of the holiest hymns of one of the year's two Holiest seasons, is a disrespectful toward the hymn and the season. Just my opinion, and I do applaud bringing this horrible social problem to the fore of your readers attention; that is most commendable.
This is truly beautiful and: This is truly beautiful and engrossing. But my favorite verse is the sixth one:
"rivers flow
through the night
herding the storm
to far away"
While I don't live by a river, it reminds me a lot of the creek near my cabin, rushing along after a thaw or rain. Sometimes it sounds like a small waterfall, as the the water races downhill, heading into a river and then out into a lake somewhere hours away. Spectacular, the way that you put the visual.
It is a happy coincidence,: It is a happy coincidence, not an allusion. I feel that special feeling that comes with discovering a new style and I am excited to explore it and happy that the change of pace has moved you.
As always, I am very grateful for your encouragement and praise. I am thinking of creating a series for it to sit in and I hope that the follow up poems inspire you similarly