21 Comments

Hi Brian and Dominique. With your poem of late, 'The Hunt' as well as this guest poem, 'Promises', you have so been on my page. We are walking out an injury, (my spouse), and the pain and slow recovery from that. It feels like that ruinous field. Nature's spring has been turning her back even though I've sought her comfort. The garden is too hard, too cold and I've been so looking for escape from this painful place. Both of you describe the intensity of this place so accurately. I know this restoration is coming and there is little I can do to hasten it. My clawing risks the deeper healing needed, attempting to circumvent this season. Thank you Brian and Dominique for your insights and intimate words of this place.

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I hope you feel some peace knowing while your situation is unique, many have felt what you’re feeling. I think that’s the beauty in poetry/art that is difficult. It provides a space for people to feel into another’s experience and see themself reflected in the work.

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Much appreciation, Brian.

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Wow! Wonderful prose with a gorgeous visual. Thank you!

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Thanks Hudson!

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You are welcome. I was ignorant of your collaborator. I really enjoy this community. Really cool talented people, turning other people onto really cool talented people! Thank you!!!

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Love this captivating illustration by Dominique.

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Me too!

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Thank you both :)

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I love this quiet, echoing moment in the middle of it all. It speaks to me about the way time moves--like water--like waves lapping the shore--where we can pause--feeling still in a moment of clarity--and washed by an endless flow of time. Also, I love the art--hands are so beautiful and difficult to make alive. Gorgeous work by both of you!

The truth beneath your gaze,

circumstance swept away by circumstance

swept away by circumstance.

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Thanks Ann. I find that part one of my favorites in the poem, and perhaps the real summation...the middle was an interesting place for it. And I agree, the art was just a perfect pairing by Dominique!

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Aiii

Não consigo nem escrever algo

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I love this, Brian - It certainly appears to have benefitted from its long gestation period. The intensity speaks louder than I can say, Thank you for sharing.

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Thanks Paul’

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This is life if one chooses honesty over ease

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Very well summarized!

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Wow! Incredible piece, Brian!

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Thanks! I wrote this a year ago and polished it slowly. It was a tough one…

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Stunning, Brian.

A lot to chew on here. Choice, consequence, acceptance.

The style is really strong for me here, if that's the right word.

Lines like:

midnight blacks are your noon

and brown is the field you walk through

and even the opening line: So long the wait.

There's a certain feel that the pacing and words elicit.

Love the connection to Promises. Sublime closing lines:

and place it softly in the field

by the first

fire-yellow crocus

of spring.

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Thanks Nathan! I like the ending stanza as well. Really appreciate your comments!

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Mar 31
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Thank you. It definitely is a human experience!

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