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Yes

I'd like to be an invisible donation--

indeed, You spoke me into being:
so why not?  To nearly everyone
We both seem invisible at times.

I could be (or not)the half-scratched child
with a leer of broken
paper, on the sign near Ronald
McDonald.  "Donations are appreciated,"
I've been empty as that can before.

These forgotten and small
moments  (yesterday
after work she had
enough to give--
the unshaven man with
a Pale Ale hat
and some teeth to spare.)

Can I be her change?
In that moment, tired
as she knew she'd had
enough, and Him nothing?

Of course not!
Far too easy.

 

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A

Arrow

17 years 9 months ago

There are a number of things I like

I like . . . -your use of line breaks, esp. in lines 3 and 5. I esp. like line 5 because, although you seem to be using it in a passive sense, the way the line is separated allows you to read it in an active sense. And, the things we choose not to be, either through action or neglect, are so important. -the use of "Him" as opposed to "him" in the next to last stanza -the distasteful quality of the (leering) child. It's harder to give when a person is repelled in some way. I've mixed feelings about the use of McDonald's and Pale Ale imagery. I'm not familiar with the sign and I had to look up Pale Ale, which took away from the poem. I would have preferred less culturally-bound images but I may just be a hopeless recluse. (Did you want a period at the end of "Donations are appreciatd,"?) I also would have liked something else at the end, like an answer to "Why not?" or guidance as to what she/I should be. (I have my own idea but I am curious about yours.) But, you've commented on didacticism so take it as you will. Good!
RSScheerer

RSScheerer

17 years 9 months ago

Yes

I agree with Arrow on several points. The choice of line breaks gives you impact where it is needed. The images are strong, but using brands might be a problem. This could easily be transformed by "on the corner" or "outside the store" and "ragged hat" or "sunbleached hat" (those are just the first that came to mind, you'd probably do best to come up with your own!). The ending also left me feeling as if it wasn't enough, until I realize that perhaps that empty feeling at the end emphasizes the entire piece. Great work. Evokes powerful images and questions. Best, ~ Ronda
Q

Quillsvein1

17 years 9 months ago

Absolutely

right, arrow and Ronda. When I wrote "Pale Ale" I was actually thinking of "Magic Hat", but I think the ending has been misunderstood here: the desire to be nothing more than an anonymous donation to the ailing is actually a wish sorely lacking in himility, which is why I end with "Far Too Easy". I'm unable to alter this poem at all; I guess the technical aspects of the site aren't working very well right now. Every time I try to revise and submit the new version of the poem, it says: "Another user is currently utilizing this section of the site", or something to that effect. I'll have to talk to Andrew about this. Nonetheless, your criticism are spot on and thank you!
Candlewitch

Candlewitch

17 years 9 months ago

quills

Being invisible and yet still being tangible... what a marvelous and original idea! I like it! Always, Cat
whitetea

whitetea

17 years 7 months ago

pure poetry

five stars from me. i wish more poetry were like this. i love your modern approach and your plugging out from everydayness into your own insights.