It's curious how deep down we: It's curious how deep down we all know this feeling and episode and how invariably different for each one this journey may be. "barfed up bite" That image stands out and reminds me of the allusion of the proverbial dog returning to its vomit.
I'm always left humbled and: I'm always left humbled and breathless by your comments that hit the mark with stunning precision and beauty. Thank you so much for reading and understanding the nuances of this poem that was an anniversary gift a lifetime (or so it seems) ago.
My deepest gratitude, fine Poet.
Thanks Patricia quite: Thanks Patricia quite literally my gratitude for your kind and fitting words. I never know if poems like this would work. They are not the easiest topics to navigate and being by matter of information and established 'lore' a rich fodder for what is termed as 'found poetry' and the like. So your most appreciated consideration of it is genuine and from the heart. To be tasteful and yet opening up what to others may be an open-shut case and giving it a form and expression from a visiting mind and generation, that brings to life and bridges between epochs and understandings. (A metered exposition might be an apt description for this, perhaps)
An impressive combination of: An impressive combination of meter, history and tightly-packed drama that doesn't merely depict the brutality of the events, but reveals nefarious motives and a centuries-old cover-up.
An explosive presentation. Bravo!
As winter sets in again, this: As winter sets in again, this 2022, an opportune time to meditate and imbibe from a poem such as this. And it speaks with an eloquence that is familiar to your poetic voice as it is to the heart that seeks. First to be invited to peruse the burial ground of both sweet and savage seasons past. And that image of mints which seem to be a constant companion of aging together with throat lozanges, chaptstick, and a handy bottle of lemon water. Last winter we had our first successful planting of crocuses and though they bloomed rather shyly at first there is hope that they will bloom again with renewed vigour when their time has come. Thanks for having kept this poem posted for 2 decades running.
As long as one doesn't wallow: As long as one doesn't wallow too long in negativity, I believe these types of expressions can be cathartic for the writer and a relatable comfort to readers who feel alone in their angst.
Personally, I appreciate well-crafted word sculptures on a variety of themes—dark, light and everything in-between, and I don't believe a poet should be shackled by the personal preferences of editors.
The literary world abounds with masterpieces by writers who kept it raw and real and didn't hold back or worry about "experts" who preferred to see the world through an idealistic, heart-shaped, feel-good lens. Examples of "victim poems" that resonated with the world and helped open up dialogues about difficult subjects are Sylvia Plath's "Tulips" and Margaret Atwood's unparalleled description of toxic love: "You Fit Into Me".
I stand by my opinion that this poem and many others forged in the blazing crucible of your imagination are worthy of recognition and analysis. Keep pouring your wonderful authenticity and power onto the page.
Thank you for that insight,: Thank you for that insight, astute as always. The summary of prayer, as you have written it, is very precise, theologically, without sounding like an academic textbook.
Prayer when it commences: Prayer when it commences reminds me of "break, break, break / on thy cold grey stones, O Sea!" Wherein we bring ourselves to the magnificent presence of Majesty. And yes, what a privilege and opportunity it the becomes to come alongside in compassion And eventually communion.
In such situations I remind: In such situations I remind myself of Iscariot and Peter, both imperfect in their own individual ways and yet both given patience, mercy and grace. But one gave up where the other came back and turned from his ways. And I do understand and relate deeply with that sense of shame. It is a standing reminder that it is not the Christians but the Christ that saves, else there would be no need for atoning, repentance, redemption, reconciliation, resurrection, imputation, justification and all those big and marvellous things that can only be truly understood by living faith and grace.
All of humanity entire is an: All of humanity entire is an exploring kind, some tamer than others but still an excursion outside the known fence lines. Good stuff.
Haven't gotten that request: Haven't gotten that request in all these years, but kind of looking forward to it, just wonder if they are a bit older when they ask. Oh my. What to do, then?