Spirit Woman #5

I liked the rhythm of this and also the extensive information you provide at the end of the poem. The only thing I couldn't understand was the expression 'death birds'. It made me think of vultures, but I'm not sure if that's what you meant. Best wishes, Robert.

Liked the flow the sense of urgency to this piece. From what I have read, Custer was not only arrogant, he probably wasn't too smart. they say he died well,though.

Again my friend, I respect your need for urgency and impact using the short line form, and it works, but I think you carry more emotional depth in longer lines. Having said that there is a certain symmetry in the 5 pieces put together this way. Hope you don't mind me being so coldly analytical, it does not mean I wasn't stirred and moved, I was. Your greatest gift as a poet, in my opinion, is your generousity of spirit. I am also looking at your work in the long run, seeing them altogether in a book. cheers, Jess

A very serious suggestion, do you know any people who know tribal drumming? Read your work aloud with someone drumming. Then you and them decide if any changes need to be made. Then, I suspect, to put it in capitalist terms, you might find a new market. But you will certainly have to be in integrity with your partners to do it. its easy for me to say, us whiteys lost our dreamtime to middle-eastern religion centuries ago, you have a chance to regain yours with honesty. respectfully, Jess

Have copyed and pasted them all on to one page, then read 1 to 5 and they are lovely, with the bit of history and the trip into the spiritual side of those lovely people. I have quite a few books here at home, The American Heritage Book, which seems to factual. Bury My heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown, 2001 Then of course, The Trail of Tears. Sorry I mixed the two up when talking of your poem the other day, you will have to put it down to age LOL, Great write, and will post one for you today,on Neo cant remember the title LOL. As you sit there on your Verandee In your rocking chair and glass of Jackie A pipe hanging low with embers glow Thats not a shadow there you know It will be me as I check each one For it's the season of great fun. Many thanks for you my friend, looking forward to 2009. Yours, Ian

Custer's last stand was a great day for the Indian Nations... not so good for Custer and the many men that fell... I have enjoyed reading your tributes to the American Indians through your Spirit Woman poems... they are written with the love and admiration that the people deserve... I have to agree with Jess... perhaps it is time to try a publisher again... Richard