[Aaron Novick]

John liked the Sphere when we patiently fixed his more promising poems word by word, enjambment by enjambment, and drastic cut by drastic cut. Now that we're less eager to co-author his poems, and instead critique them, it's no surprise that he no longer finds us useful.

[Allen Tice]

I could PM this, but here it is. I want to thank John for his pointing out Gareth William’s dissertation on Ovid.

[James Brancheau]

Hey John, don't go out in a huff. You know, use some fat juicy swear words. Really, stick around and take a little abuse. Plus, I like this poem. Actually, the close is, in my view, wonderfully melancholic. I'd do some things differently-- green heart fell flat for me, and the heart having wings, Christ. But, still, "still the heart wings," perhaps, might give that moment more energy. I am sympathetic to the criticism you've received, but, at the same time, it's my feeling that you're a very voice-driven poet and it's easy to miss wide. Anyway, the voice came through for me here. I often love the meanderings, but I think you could sharpen up some edges. My take on the poem, and the whole thing. Cheers!

[Allen Tice]

If you knew the crap I’ve survived, you’d curl up and hibernate.