I hate to pop this one back up, but wanted to quickly thank all those who commented to it. Special thanks to Mark who articulated my deeper intentions so clearly I'd begun to wonder if he'd written the poem. I was also delighted by the interpretations proffered by Janet, Carol, David, Henry, Kevin, and others. All reported various readings that I'd hoped were peripherally available in this poem, and it's really good to know they were visible to some. Because I do tend to write in a kind of weird mist, it's always really helpful to know what people are seeing and what's being obscured. Many thanks to Tonia, Chris, Michael, Margaret, Oliver, Robt, Terese, Henry, Rose, David, Tim, and of course Rhina for good words, smart suggestions, and such honest replies.
I also feel I should confess that this poem did see print this year. I hadn't seen where only-unpublished-poems need apply, but a couple of days ago I heard someone say they hadn't submitted because their better poems had already been published this year. Ever since, I've been feeling a need to come clean on this. I apologize if I've violated an unspoken rule, or the spirit of the event.
I'm also horrified to report that L15, which gave some of you metrical/musical difficulties, read in an earlier draft,
Breathe in, it says, and let go of.
I know. I am ashamed.
Thanks again to the whole lot of you for all the attention paid to this. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated more than you know.
wendy
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