Thank you, Janet.

Yes, I am very happy to have my poem in the company of your poem also.

In fact, I am very happy to have a poem in the company of ALL the fine poems in this Flea.

Maybe that's because I read a poetry magazine AS a poetry magazine.

Now, if the magazine happened to be filled with the politics of ALL the poets here, I would have to absent myself from this company.

Isn't it great that it IS a poetry magazine.

Yes Mark ;-)

It's not a question of politics, Mark. I'm happy to be included in publications along with people whose politics I strongly disagree with. I'd even be thrilled to be published with you! But I do not use "politics" as a euphemism for all viewpoints, nor do I think the word lends respectability or cover to those who delight in publicly attacking my friends.

I like your poem quite well and am glad to find it online presented so elegantly beside other poems I also admire. I also have great respect for the publication and the integrity with which editorial decisions have been made. Honestly, it's very rare to see so many truly excellent poems gathered together in one place and presented so elegantly, and I'm delighted that so much of the best work is from poets I am proud to know. (Can we just leave it at that?)

Thank you for those comments, Bob.

(Can we just leave it at that?)

Yup, I think we should.

The Flea's elegance is surpassed only by its high quality of verse. Seeing all the Sphereans together makes me realize what a gaggle of fine poets
visit these boards. Paul Lake has done a fine job--as have all the contributors.

Lance Levens

edited in: My error! Paul Stevens.

Lance has edited so all is well.

I've just finished another of several readings of this Flea, and it truly is a wondrous assemblage of quality poems. I wish it was a paper thing I could hold within my hands.

Congratulations to all Spherians involved - all powerful poets showing poems that represent the best of their work, I believe.

Thank you so much for the invigorating experience, Paul. Great work.

Cally

I know exactly what you mean, Cally. The quality of the design is worthy of the quality of the poems, and I can't envisage a better vehicle in which to present those particular excellent poems. Peter Bloxsom has achieved such a realistic 17th century antique printed paper look that THE FLEA just screams out for a printing that exactly reproduces that look. I want to hold it and riffle the pages! And here's a kinky confession: I love the aroma of new books. Engaging with a printed text includes for me an appreciative nosing of the document's bouquet. And then to go on to read such poems!

Yes, wouldn't it look great in paper!

And here's a kinky confession: I love the aroma of new books.

Ah, yes! Isn't it the best smell on earth.

Many years ago (1971/2 to be exact) I worked as a storeman for a year or more at the Penguin Books warehouse in Melbourne - Paul, the aroma in that warehouse was DIVINE!

(Paul, why aren't you watching the game? - Go Storm!)

I am watching, Mark -- it's half time. Go the mighty EELS! Fui Fui Moi Moi!