Pandora

I am always attracted to literary works which allude to some other work. It holds some promise for another layer, maybe more maturity which goes beyond naval gazing. Many times it works. I was not disappointed!

I am also attracted to succinctly written poems. Almost immediately you slow down your reading, and examine each word like a little clue.

Then I got the self reference framework to another time of a poem writing on the same subject. Hamm…. TRICKY TRICKY! I like it even more!

All together the effect is similar to sticking your head between two mirrors – you get many reflections of yourself, presumably ad –infinitum. She once wrote a poem about herself, she says, which we assume she is NOT doing now (or else why the word “once”); even though the word defies her action, because she IS doing it. Quite a paradox! She is calling our attention to compare and contrast ‘once’ and ‘now’. The way I am searching: the connection between this paradox and the allusion to 'Pandora'. Suggestions are welcomed.

TSSST…the talent of some of these young poets! There is still hope for America!

as usual. Pleasant to read, and the title is great.

Your poems are short, which I think makes it vital to keep every word useful, and the entire poem mistake free.

I think there is excess in line one (perhaps "once", perhaps "a poem")

In line 2 "my soul" doesn't feel right, and I think might be better verbs than "convey" for your purpose.

I am just offering some things you might want to think about, not only in those 2 lines but in all of your poetry. Your ideas and method of expression are excellent, I think -- your word choice needs to improve if you want your poetry to step up to the next level, and so does your care in making them precise and error-free.

I think the last line here is a perfect example -- terrific closing thought, that might be phrased more precisely. . .

so everyone could see

there wasn't a stone inside.