10 Comments

I love the pictures you included with this little treasure trove. They add to the sense of a life fully lived in all its joys and wonders and moments of tragedy.

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Yes, I think the pictures complement the poems. I agree with our friend Sappho about saluting the lovers.

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A life without lovers and mothers and children wouldn't be much of a life. My daughter and my grandchildren called over a while ago, and there was so much talk and fun and laughter. Then we all watched a movie together, and you just couldn't ask for more than that!

As for Sappho, her high regard for her daughter, Cleis, creeps in to some of her later fragments, showing how much being a mother mattered to her.

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My wife Beth is the hub of our family. I'm always surprised that we don't have more poems by great poets for and about their mothers.

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At the moment the majority of publishers seem to have their priorities totally wrong. All the topics that really matter, such as love and being part of a family,. just don't get published

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Yes, there is so much prejudice against honest human emotion, passion, praise, etc.

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I agree, and every time I read poems Mike has dedicated to his mother, myself or our son, I always find myself in awe of the beauty and raw emotion portrayed. He is truly an artist who paints portraits with words which would rival Old Masters skill with paint. That I am seemingly the “muse” of so many of his incredible pieces both humbles and astounds me.

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It helps to have great subjects, so thanks!

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First of all, thank you for this lovely collection. A quick glance at the title "Daredevil" brings so many questions to mind, yet after reading the preface, one understands why it's apt. I enjoyed every poem, especially the set of haiku (I think they stand apart for not only being laconic but also impactful). The longer versions are thoughtful too, especially "Such Tenderness". From what my instincts tell me, I assume Jeremy is your son. Thank you for these.

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Shamik, I'm glad you liked the collection and thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, Jeremy is my son.

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