Thanks. I have to admit that I am really not writing at the moment. I actually posted this as what seemed like a fitting coda. I may come back, who knows? In the interim, I have made you a friend, so feel free to take a look at any of the stuff in my memories.
I didn't recognize the allusion off-hand and had to look it up (though I do recognize it, now that I see it again.) Yes, there is a distinct echo in Roethke's work. I wonder if it was conscious.
It's not at all amazing to be able to recite a poem of two - think of all the songs we know by heart. I remember reading this in junior high and finding the images and meter really compelling. I knew it was racy and that gave it an added appeal, though I know I was young enough that I didn't understand the double meanings of "rake," for example. Anyway, I didn't write this from scratch - I was far too lazy and simply copied it off the Internet. I am fully capable of such a recitation if called upon, though. I like to do it while lying down, as it seems to take away the supercilious edge.
I have a better memory than most. It isn't anything I earned.
Well, as I said above, I didn't write this out from memory, as it was far too easy to cut and paste it. I can recite it, though that isn't as good a party trick as you might imagine. :) My dad read to us quite a bit when we were young, and I think that gave me a weakness for the spoken word. I remember him playing a recording of Dylan Thomas when I was in elementary school, and the way that voice completely altered my perception of the poems.
Thank you for saying that the poem reminded you of me. Certainly there are elements in it that are familiar, and elements that I would like to imagine I might own someday, if not now.
I think that we both, like most people, see more of our "faults" and shortcomings than the strengths that others see. I'm willing to bet you come a lot closer to this now than you give yourself credit for. As for me, I just try to be the person my dogs think I am. A lowly and pedestrian goal, admittedly, but at least I'm honest. ;)
Just wishing you all the best for 2005 and to let you know that Jamie and I tied the knot on 15th December! Bit of a shock all round - especially when we honeymooned on the Seychelles and got flooded out :-)
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And from memory? You're amazing.
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It's not at all amazing to be able to recite a poem of two - think of all the songs we know by heart. I remember reading this in junior high and finding the images and meter really compelling. I knew it was racy and that gave it an added appeal, though I know I was young enough that I didn't understand the double meanings of "rake," for example. Anyway, I didn't write this from scratch - I was far too lazy and simply copied it off the Internet. I am fully capable of such a recitation if called upon, though. I like to do it while lying down, as it seems to take away the supercilious edge.
I have a better memory than most. It isn't anything I earned.
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Thank you for saying that the poem reminded you of me. Certainly there are elements in it that are familiar, and elements that I would like to imagine I might own someday, if not now.
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