Thank you, Ben, I really appreciate that! Might not hold a candle to, say, George MacDonald, but he’s definitely an influence and so I try to do what I can. :)
This was great! I had been anticipating it since your first post about it, and had such a great experience listening to it. I loved the sound effects, especially since I was listening to it while having a walk on Halloween. Thank you for this gift!
As always, your craftsmanship is on full display, but what I found interesting about this poem is that while I expected it to be set in the past, or a mythical place, you set it in the present. For me, this highlighted something about why I think your work is so important -- you preserve the form while updating the perspective/time (I hope that makes sense - the form is mostly traditional but the content is modern). For me, that adds a new dimension to your work and you as a poet (wordsmith): you are not a man of the past, but a modern man speaking through disciplined form.
I really appreciate that, Johan! That is actually something I'm trying to achieve with poetry—show how myths, verse, stories and imagination are more relevant and needed now than they've ever been. We need expression, community and vibrance in a world that can be so clinical, isolated, and devoid of color if we're not careful. I'm so glad you got something out of it and thanks so much for telling me so!
Thanks, MJ! Love a good scary story for Halloween. :) I haven't seen nearly as many this month as I would have liked, so hopefully I can catch up this weekend.
I think some of them mislead…my first impression was a goddess from Irish mythology (you’re title is similar to her name 😉)….especially the crows…but the description got me going back to my Greek mythology (a little gal with scissors to be precise)…
Thanks, Marian! I freaking love this time of year, and I’m a big fan of the metaphysical poets, who really brought it when it came to Halloween poems. Figured I’d have a little go myself.
Absolutely thrilling! Your use of dramatic devices to draw the reader in is really superb stuff!
Thank you, Ben, I really appreciate that! Might not hold a candle to, say, George MacDonald, but he’s definitely an influence and so I try to do what I can. :)
I could tell by your loose rhyme scheme! ABCB all the way!!
This was great! I had been anticipating it since your first post about it, and had such a great experience listening to it. I loved the sound effects, especially since I was listening to it while having a walk on Halloween. Thank you for this gift!
As always, your craftsmanship is on full display, but what I found interesting about this poem is that while I expected it to be set in the past, or a mythical place, you set it in the present. For me, this highlighted something about why I think your work is so important -- you preserve the form while updating the perspective/time (I hope that makes sense - the form is mostly traditional but the content is modern). For me, that adds a new dimension to your work and you as a poet (wordsmith): you are not a man of the past, but a modern man speaking through disciplined form.
I really appreciate that, Johan! That is actually something I'm trying to achieve with poetry—show how myths, verse, stories and imagination are more relevant and needed now than they've ever been. We need expression, community and vibrance in a world that can be so clinical, isolated, and devoid of color if we're not careful. I'm so glad you got something out of it and thanks so much for telling me so!
You certainly took me on a strange journey through All Hallow’s Eve, James. I will be reading this again tomorrow (with the lights on).
hahah certainly understandable! Thanks a ton for reading, Paul, and hope you enjoyed it.
I live alone in an old house that sometimes creaks and shudders during the night.
Beautiful! Nice work, James.
Thanks, MJ! Love a good scary story for Halloween. :) I haven't seen nearly as many this month as I would have liked, so hopefully I can catch up this weekend.
Loved this poem, nicely done, James!
Thanks, John! What’s Halloween without a creepy story or two?
Nice! This was a really fun read!
Now I'm struck trying to figure out who she is!😁
Hey, glad you liked it!
There are clues in the text, if you wanna follow ‘em up. :)
I think some of them mislead…my first impression was a goddess from Irish mythology (you’re title is similar to her name 😉)….especially the crows…but the description got me going back to my Greek mythology (a little gal with scissors to be precise)…
But ambiguity is good!😁
Yep, you’re pickin’ ‘em up just fine. Very well done. :) It's indeed a mix of a few stories.
"My name means rust. It means decline,
The Faded Light, the Trailing Breath—
When visiting the West, your kind
Has called me Living Death."
What a vivid way of telling a secret yet keeping the mystery intact!
Thanks a ton, Mark! This was indeed a lot of fun to put together.
This one hit! I loved the characterization, and how you utilized a full sensory experience, not just visual description.
Very gripping!
Thanks, Zane! Really appreciate your careful reading. Glad you found it worthwhile!
Wondefrul - and the ending lines are superb!
Thanks, Marian! I freaking love this time of year, and I’m a big fan of the metaphysical poets, who really brought it when it came to Halloween poems. Figured I’d have a little go myself.
Awesome poem! Loved it!
Thanks so much, Bonita! Glad you enjoyed it!