Michael (I assume eventually you'll see this) I want to acknowledge the risk and the guts that it takes to offer up an opening-out of your mind. It is one thing to write bravely, experimenting with sense and para-sense, privately; something entirely different to put it out into 'critical reception'-land. While I don't 'get' each stanza fully, I feel enough from each, to feel connected to you as a fellow writer/ fellow life traveller. What the editors of OP have done by including your poem in this part of the Journal, is give me hope. I gain from your success, in this publishing, a much-needed sense of relief. So, you and they, have brought light into a tiny corner of the gigantic maelstrom we're somehow a part of. Congrats!
Michael (I assume eventually you'll see this) I want to acknowledge the risk and the guts that it takes to offer up an opening-out of your mind. It is one thing to write bravely, experimenting with sense and para-sense, privately; something entirely different to put it out into 'critical reception'-land. While I don't 'get' each stanza fully, I feel enough from each, to feel connected to you as a fellow writer/ fellow life traveller. What the editors of OP have done by including your poem in this part of the Journal, is give me hope. I gain from your success, in this publishing, a much-needed sense of relief. So, you and they, have brought light into a tiny corner of the gigantic maelstrom we're somehow a part of. Congrats!
Thanks, that’s very kind. Though I left this style behind over a decade ago. Here’s my latest if you’re interested:
https://thesewaneereview.com/articles/altogether-elsewhere
Phew, the code of Substack finally worked. I hoped someone would analyze this poem. I want to make sure I get it!
I was never tempted, but this is very good writing. A glimpse really, but very soulful.