Headstall's Poetry Prompts - 10. Chapter 10 Prompt 13-Ghazal- Soaring

On 09/09/2015 01:31 PM, Reader1810 said:

I tried something a little different this time, to see what would happen.

What was that that tried? Well, I thought how would it sound read aloud?

It amplified the meaning of the words, I think. The feelings and emotions were that much more profound.

Powerful writing Gary.

Thank you, Reader. I always read these aloud to myself. You're right... it does change it. I'm glad you found that out. Thanks for reviewing, and the kind words. Hopefully, I can let that scene go now... cheers, my friend... Gary...

Yes, the scene was very powerful, heartbreaking, sad, happy, tragic and a thousand other words. I can understand that you couldn't let go easily, especially if you watch it many times because you are writing a poem. This really was a hard challenge. Anyway, Gary, this is an evolution to your first poem, the last two lines almost made me cry. When you, like me, had to read many stories, had to watch many movies and documentations about this time, because, justifiably, they want to hammer it into the following generation's head: NEVER AGAIN! and still learn something new, it has to be powerful. Your poem showed this.

On 09/09/2015 04:36 PM, aditus said:

Yes, the scene was very powerful, heartbreaking, sad, happy, tragic and a thousand other words. I can understand that you couldn't let go easily, especially if you watch it many times because you are writing a poem. This really was a hard challenge. Anyway, Gary, this is an evolution to your first poem, the last two lines almost made me cry. When you, like me, had to read many stories, had to watch many movies and documentations about this time, because, justifiably, they want to hammer it into the following generation's head: NEVER AGAIN! and still learn something new, it has to be powerful. Your poem showed this.

Thanks, Adi. I think, as humans, we are all fascinated by the human spirit. We all have the capacity to endure, and in this case, incredibly so, and for love to be able to triumph in any form under such circumstance, is astonishing. I wanted to celebrate that, and the first poem just didn't seem like enough... I needed to purge some more of the pain that scene delivered to me. Thanks for the kind words... cheers... Gary...

I agree with Reader and yourself, poetry should be read aloud or if done silently shouldn't be scanned or skimmed but we should be immersed in the words, with a pace and tempo of their own.

Very beautiful, and very powerful. In my head an interesting thing occurred as I was reading it. For although I know the poem was inspired by the love scene from "Bent," I kept conjuring another couple persecuted and killed for their love: Saints Serge and Bacchus. As you may know, their commitment to one another, and to the love of Christ in their hearts, was the cornerstone of all same-sex marriage ceremonies the Church performed for couples up until the 16^th century.

I love this poem, Gary. It hits me right here… *points at heart*

On 09/09/2015 05:52 PM, Bucket1 said:

I agree with Reader and yourself, poetry should be read aloud or if done silently shouldn't be scanned or skimmed but we should be immersed in the words, with a pace and tempo of their own.

Thanks for the review, Buddy. It is so easy to miss what a poet is saying, or trying to. We all get our own reward from a poem... our own interpretation, but to get anything at all you have to invest some focus into the words. Many times I have read a poem and felt nothing, but rereading it aloud, the difference can be astounding. It sounds like you have that true appreciation for this form of expression. Thanks for taking the time to review, Bucket... cheers... Gary...

On 09/10/2015 02:30 AM, AC Benus said:

Very beautiful, and very powerful. In my head an interesting thing occurred as I was reading it. For although I know the poem was inspired by the love scene from "Bent," I kept conjuring another couple persecuted and killed for their love: Saints Serge and Bacchus. As you may know, their commitment to one another, and to the love of Christ in their hearts, was the cornerstone of all same-sex marriage ceremonies the Church performed for couples up until the 16^th century.

 

I love this poem, Gary. It hits me right here… *points at heart*

Thanks, AC, and thanks for the prompt and the powerful scene we could draw from. This one did come from the heart... days of rumination made it necessary to revisit... so I'm glad to hear it hit you where it did. Cheers... Gary...

Who found a way to live in death...

That line is very powerful. As I see it, Max and Horst managed to live surrounded by death and also to live on after death through their strong emotions for each other. A very beautiful poem.

On 09/10/2015 03:44 AM, Puppilull said:

Who found a way to live in death...

 

That line is very powerful. As I see it, Max and Horst managed to live surrounded by death and also to live on after death through their strong emotions for each other. A very beautiful poem.

"And rode the hate to love long due". Thanks, Puppilull, for keying on that line. I think I managed to say what I set out to here. Love will find a way. I love this review. Thanks and cheers... Gary...

Another emotionally powerful poem. A little beauty to an ugly time

On 09/10/2015 03:54 AM, EagleIsaac said:

Another emotionally powerful poem. A little beauty to an ugly time

Thanks, Eagle. This one helped me let go of that scene and get it out of my head. I felt like I was giving them wings, as weird as that may sound... hence the title. I love your line... a little beauty in an ugly time... perfect... cheers... Gary...

Another beautiful and moving poem Gary. You are really coming in to your own with this type of work. I like the idea of reading it aloud, so I tried it. It adds something to the written word when you hear it spoken, even in your own voice.

Sorry for the delay in reviewing. First you need to know that I wasn't familiar with either the style nor the scene upon which the prompt was based so I had to do a bit of reference work.
Your varied works have always entertained and often provoked contemplation. However, both pieces you've gifted us with based on this prompt leave me again impressed. Poetry tends to intimidate me. The varied rules inherent to the myriad styles leave me feeling inadequate. I've read both pieces several times, both silently and aloud, the pup seems particularly taken with "Soaring" as he listened intently as I read it to him. Not to make too lame a joke but "I feel you". You've shown me the beauty inherent in what seem highly defined parameters. Poetry still intimidates me but you've provided a deeper understanding and appreciation. Thanks.

On 09/10/2015 10:24 PM, LitLover said:

Another beautiful and moving poem Gary. You are really coming in to your own with this type of work. I like the idea of reading it aloud, so I tried it. It adds something to the written word when you hear it spoken, even in your own voice.

Thanks, Lit, I really pleased you liked it. Yeah, I think it adds a new dimension when poetry is read aloud... as a writer you can find the flaws in the flow of it. If I am coming into my own with this, it's because I love the intimacy of it. I appreciate the review, my friend... cheers... Gary...

On 09/11/2015 12:32 AM, dughlas said:

Sorry for the delay in reviewing. First you need to know that I wasn't familiar with either the style nor the scene upon which the prompt was based so I had to do a bit of reference work.

Your varied works have always entertained and often provoked contemplation. However, both pieces you've gifted us with based on this prompt leave me again impressed. Poetry tends to intimidate me. The varied rules inherent to the myriad styles leave me feeling inadequate. I've read both pieces several times, both silently and aloud, the pup seems particularly taken with "Soaring" as he listened intently as I read it to him. Not to make too lame a joke but "I feel you". You've shown me the beauty inherent in what seem highly defined parameters. Poetry still intimidates me but you've provided a deeper understanding and appreciation. Thanks.

To be honest, when I first read about this form, it intimidated me too. My first instinct was to avoid this prompt challenge because I thought it too difficult, but when I saw the clip from 'Bent', I needed to write my feelings down. It turns out, the Ghazal suits me. There is a rhythm to it I'm comfortable with. I was pleased with the first one, but my mind wouldn't let go of that scene... so I revisited, and feel the better for it. Poetry is fairly new to me as far as writing it, so if I have somehow aided your understanding and appreciation for it... well... that's a powerful thing to hear. Such a wonderful review, dugh... thank you so much... and cheers... Gary...