13 Comments
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The 21st Century Salonnière's avatar

Sestinas are hard and this is a really good, affecting one. A lot hinges on the words you choose at the beginning. Very cool!

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Yes! You are right that the key words are, well, key. And I like how Casey plays with them--for example “be civil, eyes / down” for “civilized.”

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Sarah's avatar

Yes, I really liked that wordplay.

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Louis Noble's avatar

Clever use of imagery contrasting our blunt nails with sharp claws. (She wrote this during lunch?sheesh, humbling lol.)

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Thanks! And yes, it is humbling! The poetry I wrote in high school was soooooooo terrible!

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Theresa Brown's avatar

This is beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. Brava Casey!

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Thank you!

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Sarah's avatar

This is a wonderful poem!

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Coming from such a brilliant poet as you, this is high praise indeed!

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Erin E.'s avatar

Casey is a gifted poet. This was remarkable!

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Oh thank you! I am blown away that she dashed this off during her lunch hour one day, just for fun!

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RedhorseVA's avatar

Your daughters poem made me cry for humanity...I know you’re proud. Hugs for us all.

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Mari, the Happy Wanderer's avatar

Thank you so much for these kind words. And yes: Hugs for everyone! We sure do need it.

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