James I hope you are instantly submitting "Cold, Contrary Country" to one of the many writing journals I see at Barnes and Noble. This poem is outstanding. Not only did it put pictures in my mind of the changes in the land and water, but the language flows with wonderful imagery. You really knocked me out with this one. Bravo!
Thanks so much, Sandy, that is very valuable feedback! I was hesitant to share this one as it’s a little different from what I usually work on and it drew from a lot of real places and events. It was really rough going at the beginning, trying to find a form that would fit, but after awhile I really liked the direction it was going. Thanks for reminding me to trust my gut and to stick with it!
The double rhyme in the four-foot line works really well, and overall the sense of cold and isolation and mystery is palpable, this one definitely hit the mark. 👍👍
Thanks so much for that, Thomas, great to hear! Honestly, it took me forever to get this one off the ground. I couldn't quite find a form that was descriptive enough but not overly so. A kind of ballad seemed to fit best so I'm glad you found it working.
James I hope you are instantly submitting "Cold, Contrary Country" to one of the many writing journals I see at Barnes and Noble. This poem is outstanding. Not only did it put pictures in my mind of the changes in the land and water, but the language flows with wonderful imagery. You really knocked me out with this one. Bravo!
Thanks so much, Sandy, that is very valuable feedback! I was hesitant to share this one as it’s a little different from what I usually work on and it drew from a lot of real places and events. It was really rough going at the beginning, trying to find a form that would fit, but after awhile I really liked the direction it was going. Thanks for reminding me to trust my gut and to stick with it!
Your gut is your friend, go with it. You have a fine command of language and a gift for creating a sensory moment.
Oh, well done!!!
Thanks very much! It was a slow start but then got fun to work on.
I agree with Thomas - that double rhyme is perfect. Nicely worked!
Thanks a ton, Mark! Not exactly the usual kind of thing I work on so I went out on a bit of a limb. Glad you enjoyed it!
The double rhyme in the four-foot line works really well, and overall the sense of cold and isolation and mystery is palpable, this one definitely hit the mark. 👍👍
Thanks so much for that, Thomas, great to hear! Honestly, it took me forever to get this one off the ground. I couldn't quite find a form that was descriptive enough but not overly so. A kind of ballad seemed to fit best so I'm glad you found it working.
Very cool...somewhat Robert Service inspired, perhaps?
No but I can totally see that! (And thank you for reminding me that I need more Service poetry on my bookshelf!)
Great imagery! I could clearly visualize the scenes/history of such a cold place.
Thanks very much! They're admittedly a handful of vignettes that leave a lot of room for imagination, so hopefully that part was successful!
Wow that was stunning thank you
Thanks so much for reading, Carole!
Thanks for being there doing what you do,