I am never quite sure how to comment on poetry. "I like it," seems rather a banal response. But, here you go... I like it.
Marcus
· 2 years ago
You know, that's the most important response of all, L.L.
I remember trying to teach that to my students. This isn't about metaphors and deep meaning guys. 90% of poetry is on the surface. What's going on? What is the poet saying (in the most literal sense)?
For me the violence of the poem gives incredible power to those images at the end. Teeny (Ally?) is just so small and vulnerable--watching everyone cry. It breaks my heart.
Eve Nielsen
· 2 years ago
I found it disturbing. I think it was meant to be. I can honestly say I don't read a lot of poetry (I had to read it over and over).
The blood and funeral were harsh enough, but the dad was the worst-to me.
I'm in over my head on this one.
Eve Nielsen
· 2 years ago
Oh, it provoked some deep thinking on my part-all good :) Thanks Alli (and Marcus).
Marcus
· 2 years ago
Eve, poetry is supposed to be read over and over--so you're doing it right. I agree that it is a harsh poem in some ways, but she is so understated in the way she presents it.
I'm in over my head too. That's why I like it.
Eve Nielsen
· 2 years ago
Phew, that's a relief. Like I said-outa my league, here.
Charity Singleton
· 2 years ago
I love this poem. Joe Valentine seems like a decent guy who's taking a moment to teach his son a valuable life lesson.
I feel like I'm one of the people he can see from the front row. This poem evoked a lot of emotion in me, reminds me of the two funerals I attended in the past year of dear friends who died too young.
I also remember all the times I had to do things as a child because it was the right thing to do. Finish out the softball season, even though I despise softball. Completing school projects. Visiting old relatives. Even a funeral of a young friend who died in a car accident.
This is such a powerful poem.
Thanks for sharing it, Marcus. And thanks to Ally for writing it.
Ally
· 2 years ago
I feel like such a bad blogger/commenter friend for not commenting sooner. I spent the weekend in Dallas for AFI. That was pretty awesome, and crazy.
Goodyear, thanks for posting my poem, it's the highest form of flattery for me. I really appreciate it - and I look forward to reading more of your poems (if you choose to post them). I don't mind constructive criticism either, it always helps, and there's always room for improvement in a "finished" poem - at least for me.
And thanks to everyone who commented. I'm so flattered I'm embarrassed :P
Ally
· 2 years ago
I guess I should respond to everyone's comments to show my appreciation for their interest.
L.L. - sometimes "I like it" is all a writer needs to hear to feel like their work is worthwhile. Thank you.
Eve. I agree that some of the images are disturbing, and that's why I made myself write this. It's more or less this recording of a two-sided story my parents told me. They both knew this boy, Crowell, and attended his funeral - and both had a different perspective. (The first part of the poem is my dad's story, and the last part is my moms', Teeny.) I guess I felt like these horrific events/lessons in life are worthy enough for a story. And lastly, some of my favorite poetry is "over my head," or disjointed as I call it. Thanks for your comment.
Charity - I never thought anyone would read the poem, but I imagine what you took from it is exactly what I wanted to happen. Your insight is inspiring to me - makes me want to write more than a few days out of the year. Thank you!
One more thing, what do you call someone who writes, but isn't a writer? Like: I'm a cook, not a chef. I'm a ______, not a writer. What is that?
Marcus
· 2 years ago
Charity, what a wonderful comment. And I agree with you that the poem evoked powerful emotions in me. The conflicts here are just incredible. I appreciate what Joe V is doing, but I am so sad for the kid who is confronting mortality in this incredibly harsh way. But then Joe V's son needs to confront mortality. Thanks for the comment, Charity!
(And I'm really enjoying seeing your art over on L.L.'s site!)
L.L. Barkat
· 2 years ago
Ally... maybe a word tinker? A word grazer? Pandora?
Marcus
· 2 years ago
Ally, wonderful comments. How fun that we can talk about the poet and the poem for a bit, then hear from the poet herself!
As to your question: One more thing, what do you call someone who writes, but isn’t a writer? Like: I’m a cook, not a chef. I’m a ______, not a writer. What is that?
First, I think you are being humble. I don't question your sincerity, though.
And I understand what you mean by wanting to avoid pretense. A lot of writers get this weird Creator/god complex.
I don't know if there is another word for amateur writer, besides amateur. But here's what I would type:
All Comments
I remember trying to teach that to my students. This isn't about metaphors and deep meaning guys. 90% of poetry is on the surface. What's going on? What is the poet saying (in the most literal sense)?
For me the violence of the poem gives incredible power to those images at the end. Teeny (Ally?) is just so small and vulnerable--watching everyone cry. It breaks my heart.
The blood and funeral were harsh enough, but the dad was the worst-to me.
I'm in over my head on this one.
I'm in over my head too. That's why I like it.
I feel like I'm one of the people he can see from the front row. This poem evoked a lot of emotion in me, reminds me of the two funerals I attended in the past year of dear friends who died too young.
I also remember all the times I had to do things as a child because it was the right thing to do. Finish out the softball season, even though I despise softball. Completing school projects. Visiting old relatives. Even a funeral of a young friend who died in a car accident.
This is such a powerful poem.
Thanks for sharing it, Marcus. And thanks to Ally for writing it.
Goodyear, thanks for posting my poem, it's the highest form of flattery for me. I really appreciate it - and I look forward to reading more of your poems (if you choose to post them). I don't mind constructive criticism either, it always helps, and there's always room for improvement in a "finished" poem - at least for me.
And thanks to everyone who commented. I'm so flattered I'm embarrassed :P
L.L. - sometimes "I like it" is all a writer needs to hear to feel like their work is worthwhile. Thank you.
Eve. I agree that some of the images are disturbing, and that's why I made myself write this. It's more or less this recording of a two-sided story my parents told me. They both knew this boy, Crowell, and attended his funeral - and both had a different perspective. (The first part of the poem is my dad's story, and the last part is my moms', Teeny.) I guess I felt like these horrific events/lessons in life are worthy enough for a story. And lastly, some of my favorite poetry is "over my head," or disjointed as I call it. Thanks for your comment.
Charity - I never thought anyone would read the poem, but I imagine what you took from it is exactly what I wanted to happen. Your insight is inspiring to me - makes me want to write more than a few days out of the year. Thank you!
One more thing, what do you call someone who writes, but isn't a writer? Like: I'm a cook, not a chef. I'm a ______, not a writer. What is that?
(And I'm really enjoying seeing your art over on L.L.'s site!)
As to your question:
One more thing, what do you call someone who writes, but isn’t a writer? Like: I’m a cook, not a chef. I’m a ______, not a writer. What is that?
First, I think you are being humble. I don't question your sincerity, though.
And I understand what you mean by wanting to avoid pretense. A lot of writers get this weird Creator/god complex.
I don't know if there is another word for amateur writer, besides amateur. But here's what I would type:
I'm a writer, not a Writer.