Thank you for the: Thank you for the prayers.
Any poem of yours is a great reading experience; but, within that vast greatness, the poems I call centerpieces stand out radically. I compare them to two cherished astronomical experiences that blessed my life: when I saw, through my hobbyist's telescope, one of the planets (unknown which; just a point of light) move across the star, Vega; and when, in Spring, 1979, I saw the rings of Saturn, in real time, through the college observatory's telescope.
I’m keeping you in my prayers: I’m keeping you in my prayers and asking that you find all the comfort, happiness and peace you deserve.
I was thrilled to read your sublime, far reaching analysis and insights. Truly astounding and reassuring. “Thank you” just doesn’t seem to cut it, but truly, thank you!
How did I miss this? I am: How did I miss this? I am sorry that my health issues contributed to my silence.
This is one of Patricia's centerpiece poems because it contains a phrase that is not only its center of gravity, but also defines her entiire collection: festival of galaxies / and truth / and gentleness. This is what makes her a Cosmic Poet, one of those chosen to be a voice for the silent Cosmos, and who explain the Universe to itself. This is also her explanation to us, about us, and about the potentiality to be pure spirit and to stand in a / fountain of stars.
This phrase, fountain of stars, describes the mechanism of her poetry as well. Each star, including our sun, is a fountain of light. The light you take into your eyes and through them to your soul, call it "that light," is a one time gift: it will be folllowed by more, but never "that exact light" again---once it arrives. (Like the Greek philosopher who wrote that you cannot step into the same river twice.) That starlight is a highly individuated gift to you, like her poems, that lift our seemingly mundane lives to the stellar level. All of our bodies contain elements fused in the cores of stars. I think those elements communicate with the souls of Cosmic Poets, urging them to stand in a / fountain of stars, and then their poems radiate forth like starlight. This is how her poems work. And the stellar communion she describes will bring us to truth / and gentleness.
Thank you! It is an immense: Thank you! It is an immense blessing and a privilege to be so appreciated, and even more of a privilege to know you. May you be blessed as you've blessed others.
I am overwhelmed by this: I am overwhelmed by this comment, and by your understanding of how much George Sand helped me that year, the centenary of her death at Nohant. Your understanding, not only of the poem but also of my admittedly fractured soul. I truly believe that you, as my friend, understand me better than I understand myself. Only my high school mentor, and BlueShift, understood me as well.
I just had to revisit this: I just had to revisit this again. The power you have compressed into a few brief lines is amazing. Like I said earlier, this poem is what I consider a textbook example of Poetry's nature; and, having over a half century's reading experience, I think I have some credibility to back up the assertion. You should be very proud to have written this.
". . . your mind, a: ". . . your mind, a forge,
changed base mettles to fictive artistry;”
I don't believe I've ever read such supreme poetic applause for any writer. Those coveted words are the highest praise, and for the best reason: The literary alchemist did more than brew works of gold.
She transformed a life.
And what true “artistry” this real life story became in your voice: a blend of tangible emotion, poignant sincerity and evocative expression. She would have been proud to have read this and proud that she gave you a voice. And a name.
I’m impressed by this unflinching, nonconformist, creative genius as well. It’s important to remember that no one remembers the names of her spineless contemporaries, but many, including one vital Poet, remembers her.
Congratulations on this monumental sonnet!
I am so sorry that I failed: I am so sorry that I failed to acknowledge this fine comment in a timely way. Lately, I am having difficulty keeping track of things. Please forgive me.
I am amazed by the way you: I am amazed by the way you deploy your rhyme patterns---an example that, in my opinion, is textbook perfect! I am bookmarking this poem for easy revisits, and it has already given me an idea for a poem of my own.
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