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zanna beswick's avatar

Just read and re-read these two poems - delicate and powerful. It is so hard (and necessary) to write with such personal truth about grief, this strange and complex uber-experience. And you're still only 9 or 10 days beyond your father's death, which is such a mega event, even when expected. Congratulations on both poems with their honesty and tenderness, and your own compassion....

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John Edwards's avatar

Ian I hope you have had an adequate number of comments. I have read and reread them both over two days - quietly and aloud. It was a privilege to see them. I wish you well in your thoughts.

Your explanation at the start deals with the pragmatic and leaves the feelings and memories to the side. Then the writer/poet takes over.

The Cut-out. Your use of words — irregular space —awkwardness — Tesco’s chiller aisle explains feelings and emotions so well.

Your later one — ‘as it is’ — speaks of the now with hints of the past. You, for me, encapsulate your thoughts (maybe). And those ‘empty words of the celebrant’ speaks loudly.

That’s why we write — is it not?

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