This Poem was Submitted By: Mell W. Morris On Date: 2004-12-08 11:51:35 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Cut and Paste

She looks in the mirror, a woman in shadows, a second-glance type of face, wearing her faded gardening jumper. Once of Della Robbia hue that repeats the blue of sky and varicose veins of her neighbor, Mrs. Levy. Of course, she has changed in the two-year absence since he left her with their obsolete relationship wrapped round her neck like a boa. He continues to stall for financial reasons while the unrest gnaws,  a reminder of this supererogatory burden. She starts to write about her sorrow, pen her sadness, hoping to capture the loss and send it Fed Ex to Mister Ex. Then she remembers what the blue-eyed artist said: "Creative energy makes living in misery possible." His sorrow leaps through the lines, every stroke, evey swipe of brush. She knows the purges in her poems will be unheard, cautionary tales read by a few and this time, for the first time, sadly, sadly true.

Copyright © December 2004 Mell W. Morris

This Poem was Critiqued By: James Edward Schanne On Date: 2005-01-06 10:52:46
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.24444
I find myself rereading the line he left her with their obsolete relationship wrapped round her neck like a boa because I find in my mind rotating the image of a piece of clothing and the image of a snake because old relationships even when gone can be used to cofort by waying of using it for a reason not to go farther in interactions with others but it can all so be used to choke off our life depending on how a person uses it I would guess its hard to throw off, needing much time and therapeutic help, either by our selves or with others help and I have always found poetry very therapeutic, Thanks for letting me read and comment.

This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne M Uppendahl On Date: 2005-01-03 22:38:21
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Mell: It's truly amazing to me -- somehow I missed commenting on this one! I'm afraid that this critique will fall short of my inner response to the piece. It's a form of 'writer's block' when I cannot find the right words to convey the emotions elicited by reading one of your most evocative poems. Forgive me, for I know my words surely will not capture my reactions to "Cut and Paste." "She looks in the mirror, a woman in shadows, a second-glance type of face" shows the subject of the poem to feel as insubstantial as those shadows, as her reflection, as the glances of others remembered. The sense of melancholy is engulfing -- but there is also a certain detachment, as in the description of the exact shade of blue of her jumper as "Della Robbia" and that description paired with both "the blue of sky" and "varicose veins" of her neighbor. What is more ordinary than varicose veins? Or more selective than "Della Robbia" --it seems that the subject is both elegant and wounded. Of course the reference to blue (and lavender) is a trademark of many of your poems. And the word "blue" for me evokes both jazzy blues and depression's deep azure. "Of course,/she has changed in the two-year absence since/he left her with their obsolete relationship/wrapped round her neck like a boa." Again, the contrasting meanings - as of the shades of blue, and the dual meaning of "boa" here. Both a fluffy scarf and a deadly snake -- and I can visualize each, separately and together from these lines. There is a sense of suffocation -- the varicosities, the end of the "obsolete" relationship, which wraps around her neck constricting the flow of -- blood, words, air? The sluggish veins and bluish cast of the poem's 'color' along with this image make it painfully apparent that suffering is not "obsolete" to this speaker/subject. But... "He continues" --this word pair at the end of the line make a demarcation clear. The 'then' and the 'now' of things is suspended between his continuance and her sorrow. Very effective writing -- and I agree wholeheartedly with the quotation: Then she remembers what the blue-eyed artist said: "Creative energy makes living in misery possible." I cannot recall who said this -- though of course I think of Vincent. Your "blue" comes through again, in yet another complex shade. The artist's eyes. And the truth of the saying -- is white-hot embers. When I read the lines below, I read them this way -- His (Her) sorrow leaps through the lines, every stroke(word), evey swipe of brush. She knows the purges in her poems will be unheard, (listening, listening -- and sometimes, not hearing) cautionary tales read by a few and this time, for the first time, sadly, sadly true. It's that last line that does me in. In her poetry is hard-won truth, whether she directly states the 'facts' of the situation, or paints with wide brush strokes. Her "cautionary tales" ring true -- and are heart-breaking. The poem is one which deserves to be heard, read, felt, honored. Oh, how I wish that wishing could lessen pain, and caring lighten blues. But then again, blue is beauteous and especially so here. And so, late as I am, I fervently admire this true tale and its author. Sustained soft applause, "like rain." Immensely moving. Always, Joanne
This Poem was Critiqued By: Joanne Duval Morgan On Date: 2004-12-31 23:15:29
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.93333
Hi Mell, what a reminder of lessons, your second stanza fractured me, especially when one considers for years my previous married name was Mrs. Levy (Levi). THAT PARTICULAR LINE WAS THEN SO TRUE, AND NOW i AM THE DESCRIBED CHARACTER, ESCEPT LIVING IN A THREE STORY TALL BUILDING, NO MORE GARDEN. The vericos veins are there and the pain of a artist rings true. Too close me, it's like meeting persona from a previous life in your poem. Maybe too close to home, eh????? From a poetically speaking point of view, the Title and your maintaining the theme is excellent. Needless to say another wonderful submission, but far too close to home Freind/Girl....Love yea, take care and I pray for you every day, I know all these writing tires you out, but being the artist you are these wonderful poems keep springing from your metaphorical pen.....Love ya!!!!!! Jo
This Poem was Critiqued By: Jane A Day On Date: 2004-12-31 11:42:31
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Dear Mell, There is a wonderful stream of conciousnees in this poem that I just love. I also like the exact names, Mrs. Levy, and keep thinking about your images of blue in the first and second stanza. You take wonderful flight here. Later, when the blue-eyes artist comes in it isn't as powerful. I wish the last stanza had the same flowing thoughts as the first. In the opening it seems the poem looks closely and sings. As, we move down there is more of saying what you want to say rather that what nmay have come out if you had kept to the long lines. I really like this poem and have read it a number of times. Thank you! Jane
This Poem was Critiqued By: Erzahl Leo M. Espino On Date: 2004-12-27 21:04:18
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Hi Mell, From the title itself, I am already drawn. Yes, the cleverness of “Cut And Paste” caught my attention – great title! Yes, this can be a reflective poem that could “mirror” any writer’s experience (where only you and I know). Yes, I think and believe that all poets write based on what is happening in their lives and its point of views in life. Yes, it’s truly a “Cut And Paste” concept. I can so relate with this. I liked how you pictured this “woman in shadows”. Very ordinary, very “real” and commonly existing. From the specific “faded gardening jumper” to “varicose veins” to “obsolete relationship” to “unrest gnaws” and “supererogatory burden” – these are sad and “real” scenarios of life that we ordinaries can relate. “She starts to write about her sorrow, pen her sadness, hoping to capture the loss and send it Fed Ex to Mister Ex.” --- Aren’t we poets like that? Writing as on outlet of our “deepest” feelings – part of the healing process. --- I see this as part of reducing this “supererogatory burden”. --- Clever alliteration with “Fed Ex” and “Mister Ex”. Enjoyable! “Then she remembers what the blue-eyed artist said: "Creative energy makes living in misery possible." His sorrow leaps through the lines, every stroke, evey swipe of brush.” --- I enjoyed this share. It only shows that not only poets but also painters do express their innermost feelings through their works. I think all artists are. It is where they got their inspirations. “She knows the purges in her poems will be unheard, cautionary tales read by a few and this time, for the first time, sadly, sadly true.” --- I sorely feel you with this. I have nothing to add or say…for you have said it all in it. This is a moving and a reflective entry. I can so relate with these trials in life...hold on with hope and with the Lord Mell! Good thing we have this pen and paper, this “Cut And Paste” concept that we can share our experience, where others can relate and find lessons in its depth. Thanks for sharing this in boldness. Another winner in its message! As always, Erzahl :)
This Poem was Critiqued By: Dellena Rovito On Date: 2004-12-15 20:03:17
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 9.00000
Mell, This is true, creative energy makes living in misery possible. Because expressing oneself is such a joy..I know this from living my life and sorrows. As you have learned as well.....It is incorperated into me. But who wants to learn it/not I. I'd just as well read and wonder about it. I'm never sure of the purge precicely but it's in their for sure. It's all so sadly sadly true but Thank God it has such saving grace. Fed x - Mr. x was great. You are so smart and wise, talented and kind. If you were the main course, I could have you at every meal and never be bored and need no change. This poem's my holiday presant. Thank you god bless you Mell Dellena
This Poem was Critiqued By: Tony P Spicuglia On Date: 2004-12-09 12:14:59
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Mell, in a sense I a speechless over the depth and passion in this piece. The depth of feeling in this verse is astonishing. It is almost like absorbing sunlight directly into the soul. She looks in the mirror, a woman in shadows, a second-glance type of face, wearing her faded gardening jumper – I find the first appearance of this woman disarming. I have always found stoic beauty far exceeds “traditional”, media beauty, and I immediately like this woman. Once of Della Robbia – (NOTE: I was unfamiliar with the works, and make assumptions after due research. I did not know if your inspiration was Luca or Andrea, but both were known for their use of blue in sculptures and friezes. Thanks for spurring me into unknown waters.) hue that repeats the blue of sky and varicose veins of her neighbor, Mrs. Levy. – There is a colloquial, almost “personne physique” about Mrs. Levy, from the sky blue pigments that Della Robbia (both Luca and Andrea), is known for, to the varicose veins that come from a life of labor and mimics the fruitfulness laid out on canvas, there is the moment, once must decide right now, yes or no. The decision is of no consequence, for she is before us, painted a protagonist. Of course, she has changed in the two-year absence since he left her with their obsolete relationship wrapped round her neck like a boa. – You use three analogies to describe a single event, and by the time you finish, we hate him. You have already sold us on the value of the woman, but now, “two-year absence”, “obsolete relationship”, (love that line), “around her neck like a boa”, we see the absence has solidified “his” opinion that it was an obsolete relationship, and “she” has dealt with the wind being knocked out of her, every day since. He continues to stall for financial reasons while the unrest gnaws, a reminder of this supererogatory burden. – My assumption is he is stalling on finalizing their divorce/separation because he knows it will cost him dearly. This burden is clear that it is not so much the financial closure that cause her pain, but the emotional closure that is missing, as well as the “fact” that something as meaningless as “finances” is more important to her than the fact that she is a person/his ex-love/in need of closure. She starts to write about her sorrow, pen her sadness, hoping to capture the loss and send it Fed Ex to Mister Ex. – what great alliteration and duality. I find this verse brings alive that “satire” that illuminates hidden passions. And also, having written much from the depths of despair, I know well this writer, and how the eloquent phrases can fly from the pen of sadness. Then she remembers what the blue-eyed artist said: "Creative energy makes living in misery possible." His sorrow leaps through the lines, every stroke, every swipe of brush – I assume the “blue-eyed artist” is once again Andrea Della Robbia, but I am unable to find the quote “Creative energy makes living in misery possible” but I do know that the quote is true. I have this knowledge first hand. Although “painter” may be one I have no knowledge of, I hope in your reply you will briefly fill me in if I have mislaid the mark. She knows the purges in her
This Poem was Critiqued By: Turner Lee Williams On Date: 2004-12-08 20:29:20
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 10.00000
Mell–A haunting persona poem,IMO, with a compilation of expressive satirical, sarcastic, and sardonic bits depicting reflections/self-examination of one who has been to and risen from numerous depths: despair, disillusion, desertion, maladies, and self-pity. The protagonist was prevented from prolonging negativity and entertaining malignity through a well timed recollection of “...what the blue-eyed artist said:” “Creative energy makes living in misery possible.” It is believed by this reader that the alignment of protagonist with this “Muse” is redeeming and inspirational: at/from this point, instead of being reactive, she will use a proactive approach. However, the last six lines inference that reader(s) may not think this genuine. Sorry in advance for any mistatement(s). Thanks for an intriguing read. TLW
This Poem was Critiqued By: marilyn terwilleger On Date: 2004-12-08 15:38:34
Critiquer Rating During Critique: 1.00000
Hi Mell, The pain and anguish in your words and between the lines is obvious to me and gives me an overwhelming feeling of sadness. For all that you have lost and all that could have been....'a second glance type of face'...what a perfect line! Those that deserve a second glance are usually beautiful or attractive in ways that draw us to them. ...'the blue of sky and varicose veins of her neighbor'.... priceless. Yes I am sure "she" has changed after two years of never knowing what to expect from one moment to the next. Even an obsolete relationship suffers after a two-year absence...and yet she still wears it like a boa wrapped around her neck...doesn't really need it but yet she can't help but keep it there....but still he stalls when what he really needs to do is just get it over. At least that would allow her to move on but the indecision is maddening...she has enough trials in her life without him stalling the inevitable. 'Pen her sadness'..great line...we poets tend to do that, dont' we? We seek the cathartic effect of putting our emotions on paper where we can get a good look at them....'send it Fed Ex to Mister X' this line would make me laugh if it were not for the pain inside the line. I love the quote..."Creative energy makes living in misery possible" Your ending...'tales read by a few and this time, for the first time...sadly, sadly true' speaks volumes to me and even makes my throat ache. It is horrible to lose someone for any reason...perhaps I have completely fractured your meaning here but this is what your words say to me. As always you are forever in my prayers as I ask for peace, calm, and healing of the physical and spiritual body. Your Friend and admirer...Marilyn
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