[John Riley]

After reading Matt's comment I can't add anything. I did feel a dropoff after the first two stanzas.

It's true Ted Hughes wrote about animals. Crow is a marvelous book. I don't know if you've read that or his other poems. They aren't studies of animals. They're brutal metaphors. I don't see you going in that direction, which is fine. If you haven't read Hughes it may serve you well to do so and see what his work is actually about.

I like what you've done here and suggest using Matt's notes.

[Trevor Conway]

Thanks, John. Yes, I'll definitely apply at least some of Matt's advice. I've read Hughes, alright, though Crow isn't the kind of direction I want.

Thanks for adding your voice to this.

Trev

[John Riley]

I only mentioned Hughes to point out how different your poem is from his work. I didn’t mean to suggest that was a negative. I like what you’ve done.

[Trevor Conway]

Hi John,

I didn't take the Hughes reference as a negative either. I was just echoing your sentiment that it isn't the direction I wnat here. I do like a lot of Hughes's poetry, though Crow didn't hit me in a big way. Maybe my reply sounded too curt. Apologies if that was the case. Time constraints are always a factor with a 6-year-old daughter nearby!

All the best,

Trev

Originally Posted by John Riley

I only mentioned Hughes to point out how different your poem is from his work. I didn’t mean to suggest that was a negative. I like what you’ve done.