A Critic's Salute

A very interesting use of words, a bit different for you but good. Looks like you have been in deep thought Chrys

This. This be a riot. Of funny. Thank you much. The zinger at the end. Beautiful. Drove the knife in so smoothly, hardly felt it. But oh, the laugh was worth it. Every bit. And by the way, I don't take it personally. Of course not. You're not singling me out for death like everyone else is so looking forward to. I know that. Of course I know that. Thanx, thanx, thanx. Yours always, Chuck PS: If I were a really, really good writer (hah!), or, heaven forbid, a natural-born balded beauty, naturally I'd take offense. But no, my aspirations contain themselves to being nicely trimmed. Though to save money, the trimming's accomplished by barber students, you know, at present. If Salvation Army'd have them on staff at their thrift store, I'd go there for it instead. I'd bring along my own shears and demand a senior's discount. A good bargain can make life, such as it is, worth living. Sometimes. Just now I'll retire to my "study," where with one hand I'll apply pressure to the gut wound, and with the other try to scribble something pretending to be a poem. For future post, that is. Provided I live that long.

You captured the neighborhood where I live; "blowing in the seas of mediocrity!" This piece is very unusual and a breath of fresh air. I wonder what your source of inspiration was? Always, Cat

"wrapping the fish headways/in newspaper follies" is simply priceless! You have gone overboard this time with your astute twisted metaphors and images, and I love it. One tiny thing: "the who we ares"? Yours, ~Nina

Have you been percolating, or stirring some special broth, or baking an extravagant cake, that the flavours are investing in the time of make? This poem is superb and full of serious flavours. The only part that is a little weak, not poetically speaking but in a "reality" kind of way, is the issue of "placement". You are disproving such notions with the sinews of your poetry. Many years ago I was complaining to a friend about the "establishment". He turned and said, "You are the establishment." And, of course, I being slow to catch up, then had to admit that I indeed was part of this woeful thing. Well, that was then and now is now, and in many ways I have reverted back a way. Continue writing as well and you may find yourself in a displaced state of mind too.

I must be a lttle weak in the judgement dept. lately,if anyone has read the comment I left,I am truly sorry,I did not mean to offend anyone,if you didn't,I don't want anyone to know what a jerk I was. Moonman,you are a true gentleman and I think,one hell of a poet! I misread what you wrote and deserve to be keel-hauled for what I was thinking! Gee.

Been away for a couple of days and I came back and this was the first poem I found , very different for you but I love it ;) Love and Light Jayne x

Richard, I love this, it's jam packed and kind of makes me want to dance, an unassuming little jig perhaps, maybe a more flambouyant salsa but definitely a dance, yes of celebration of your very big voice :) much love b xx

There isn't one line I liked better than the other. It all flows together just awsomely. I have always loved you poems. I do agree that this one is a bit different than what your usual, but no matter it was a wonderful poem! Where did you get the idea to write this? Take care my friend. Friends, Pixee

Richard Most of our poems are written fast and furious without thinking. As you just have to get the words onto the paper that waits. Like you I do not think I am a genious or anything special. I am just me who ever that is. I do not write to impress anyone. Just put the words down. Very rarely do I edit anything. All our work is timeless It reaches everyone we all can relate to your mastery here. As for the idea of this poem most of us do not know where our ideas come from we just have to write it is our life's blood we just have to do it. No questions asked because if we try to examine it we loose the focus of the object written. We read what we have written and have no idea where it comes from most of the time. I salute you my friend another masterpiece Electric blue

I celebrate your beauty your time here on earth but it is limited like mine …yay how lovely! shan

AKA MOON DOUBLE YAY!! ______________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous

Oi Richard, you crazy boy, who are you kidding, I was a little slow to see your beauty since it doesn't shout as loud as some, but it shines no less my friend... & genius, you must know, it's in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes you are magnificent, moreso every time I read from you poem or comment. I think not as you suggest, you are more & more in the forefront of our poetic pleasure dear Moonman. There is no point in comparing one to another, there is only opinion & taste here. In my opinion you are a gem dear Richard, always... generous, warm, kind, insightful & a truly good writer~ Anni ~~~ "I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in the kindness of human beings. I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and angels." Pearl S. Buck:

I enjoyed the poem - especially celebrate your beauty your time here on earth but it is limited like mine …yay Found it refreshingly different Leonard

Hello Richard Time for me to visit at last and am I glad I did! What an interesting piece. The title seems self-reflective? i.e. Saluting the critic? I'd hardly call that a 'small voice'if it is yours! Liked the second verse. So nuturing, so sensible! Like "mother hen" herself! and then still to pro offer "another yah on it's way" - well make that ONE for you!!! Stunning! Thanks Boni

i loved the viciousness. the 'we're enot all that bad or great, so get over yourself', refreshing. that being said... the ending of the first stanza seemed off. you painted a pic of dullness and comfort, not sure how the mettle is tested. lots of visualization, great ending. any critiques in particular that inspired this?