Don’t forget about the Verse Reviewers link I’m creating here on Savvy Verse & Wit.

Send me an email with your blog information to savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com

And now, for the sixth edition of the Virtual Poetry Circle:

OK, Here’s the first poem up for reactions, interaction, and–dare I say it–analysis:

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

This week’s poem brings us back to a contemporary poet, Jeannine Hall Gailey whom I interviewed. If you missed my review of her book, Becoming the Villainess, feel free to check it out. I’ve selected a poem from her book called “The Conversation” from page 70.

The Conversation

I am an avenging goddess, she said, severely.
What about that do you not understand?

I need you, he said. Even without your costumes.
I lie in the dark and think of you. Every night more.

I eat men like you for breakfast. Her right hand gripped
a sword. I’ve forgotten how to make my lips do anything but sneer.

I could make you French roast instead, he offered.
He was blond and easy on the eyes.

There is no happy ending for us. You’ve seen the stories–
in the end I’d be bent over your slain body,

miss the gunshot, the final blow. But think, he said, how sad,
all that you’re missing–the slow sunny afternoons in pajamas,

maybe a cat–or an African pygmy hedgehog–on the couch.
Trips to the grocery store. Bad movies.

Anyway, she said, I’m late. She picked up a handbag full of arrows.
Please try not to disclose my secret identity. I’ll see you later.

He pretended not to care as her shadow lengthened in the doorway.
She pretended not to notice the sudden heaviness of her sword.

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence. Most of all have fun!

Don’t forget about the Verse Reviewers link I’m creating here on Savvy Verse & Wit.

Send me an email with your blog information to savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com

And now, for the fifth edition of the Virtual Poetry Circle:

OK, Here’s a poem up for reactions, interaction, and–dare I say it–analysis:

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

We’re going to check out one of my favorite poets from the Romantic period. Here’s a poem from William Blake’s Blake’s Poetry and Designs, “Night” (Page 33):

Night

The sun descending in the west,
The evening star does shine;
The birds are silent in their nest,
And I must seek for mine.
The moon, like a flower,
In heaven’s high bower,
With silent delight
Sits and smiles on the night.

Farewell, green fields and happy groves,
Where flocks have took delight.
Where lambs have nibbled, silent moves
The feet of angels bright;
Unseen they pour blessing,
And joy without ceasing,
On each bud and blossom,
And each sleeping bosom.

They look in every thoughtless nest,
Where birds are covered warm;
They visit caves of every beast,
To keep them all from harm.
If they see any weeping
That should have been sleeping,
They pour sleep on their head,
And sit down by their bed.

When wolves and tigers howl for prey,
They pitying stand and weep;
Seeking to drive their thirst away,
And keep them from the sheep.
But if they rush dreadful,
The angels, most heedful,
Receive each mild spirit,
New worlds to inherit.

And there the lion’s ruddy eyes
Shall flow with tears of gold,
And pitying the tender cries,
And walking round the fold,
Saying, “Wrath, by His meekness,
And, by His health, sickness
Is driven away
From our immortal day.

“And now beside thee, bleating lamb,
I can lie down and sleep;
Or think on Him who bore thy name,
Graze after thee and weep.
For, washed in life’s river,
My bright mane for ever
Shall shine like the gold
As I guard o’er the fold.”

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence. Most of all have fun!