Lennard J. McIntosh's E-Mail Address: lenjomc@ntl.sympatico.ca


Lennard J. McIntosh's Profile:
Len lives in Northern Ontario, Canada, on the shores of a beautiful lake, along with his wife of fifty years. They enjoy good health, and though the aging process moves along, they are able to keep active. Len’s days are spent studying ancient history, that includes examinating a variety of bible translations; and, writing poetry.

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Below you will see ALL of the Critiques that Lennard J. McIntosh has given on The Poetic Link.
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Displaying Critiques 51 to 69 out of 69 Total Critiques.
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Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Lennard J. McIntoshCritique Date
Enchanted StewEdwin John KrizekRe: "Enchanted Stew" The writer describes a life in which the narrator reveals alternating times of love/hate, safe/toxic, misery/happiness, etc. The poem's consonance is outstanding; it comes alive when "spoken." An example is the effect of the intrernal "i" in lines 1 to 3. Check it out: read the lines aloud. The little extras make good poetry. Also, please give attention to both alliteration and assonance found in the repetition of the words, "little, used," and "from." This reader can't believe this happens by accident - this makes poetic sound! Writer: "Come dine with me tonight and taste a meal filled with love." LJMc: The narrator concludes with an invitation to a meal that shares all of the divergencies of life. Yet, seasoned with the never failing spice of "love." I'm sure that pragmatists do their part in adding to the distintions of man. However, the poor souls simply cannot serve meals like this one to which we've been invited. Good work, writer. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-23 21:47:50
Sunday Morning With a Used Car SalesmanMolly JohnsonRe: "Sunday Morning With a Used Car Salesman" This is surely a paradigm of proof that poetry can be successfully written about anything; even unusual subjects. I applaude the author for her creativity in this regard. Writer: "My fingers itch to tuck at the thin strips of his frayed collar." LJMc: The writer is showing the man's personality. It is how the best writers do it. Writer: " ... a daughter turning twelve; she’s embarrassed by his baldness," LJMc: The writer mentions the salemman's daughter being embarrassed by his baldness. Then confesses her own her own similar embarrassment. This reader cannot help but feel irony the the lines. I believe the key lies in the word "bald" having several shades of meaning. One of those shades denotes a lack of scruples; e.g. as in "bald-faced." If this hidden assertion is intended as irony it is outstanding. If it wasn't intended, well, I will simply have to confess it as outstanding reading! Writer: "If we would just let him finance us ... his fine fabric would crackle then ignite." LJMc: The allegory fairly explodes. While the consonance of the piece is aided by a sprinkle of alliteration: "fine/fabric." In all, this is poetry very well written, and by a writer who apparently will never need worry of subject matter. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-21 15:32:11
Upon Making the Acquaintance of DeathEdwin John KrizekRe: "Upon Making the Acquaintance of Death" This is a remarkable, poetic view of that eventuality with which all know, but few wish to discuss. Writer: "I am the naked musician" LJMc: There is nothing to hide this conspicuous aspect of life, for it arrives whenever it wishes and does what it will with us. Oh, on occasion it allows a second chance but so rarely, it isn't worth a bet. Writer: "a representation of the totality of life." LJMc: How splendidly the writer summarizes death's effect/affect: "the totality of life." Writer: "What, then, do I care if the birds sing or the crocus blooms, or the moon rises?" LJMc: The author has chosen death to narrate his work. And what a fine job death does as narrator. He evokes a contemptible shiver to pass through me. I consider this unusual as it wouldn't have happended as a young man. However, in beginning to count my eighth decade ... / Well, things do begin to look different. Writer: "I am the ultimate reality." LJMc: I believe the writer makes the above statement correctly. Man has no more contol over this event than the wind. It simply cannot be harnessed, or if death is to occur can it be posponed. Writer: "life’s ultimate irony is its end. It is finished. REJOICE!" LJMc: The writer tells it like poets do; like it is! Moreover, death is the greatest irony in life. It has one ponder, if life as we now understand it, is all there is, why does it happen? By accident? In that case, I am writing "by accident," as well? Nevertheless, the writer leaves us with a suggested, positive outlook. The writer's use of alliteration adds to the poem's cadence. E.G., past/present; dream/ of dreams, for the poem speaks very well. This is the work of one well acquanited with our craft. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-19 21:01:15
CondensationMark Andrew HislopRe: "Condensation" The writer adapts an interesting form to manifest a concrete relationship to the poem's title. Writer: "... finger-fibres that can channel the cosmos ..." LJMc: In the the above poetic flourish, the writer converts one's ability to reproduce words, in what has to be called thoroughly literary; remarkable dexterity with words. Writer: "Gently rinse your eyes in this ink." LJMc: Have no fear writer, for I cannot but rinse my eyes in the gentle words that have hooked me into your bidding. Writer: "Your face, splashed across a mirror." LJMc: Yes, I see it! I've also seen my own face in different washrooms. And, if we linger long enough, we'll see both images pass from exisence in the condensation that takes them. You have turned a common-place experience into a mystic encounter by the intensity of your poem, sir. It's an effort deserving applause. Congratulations! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-19 14:05:23
Brush With InfinityRegis L ChapmanRe: "Brush With Infinity" This is a work in which the author has seemed to reach for expression beyond the material world, into the metaphysical. Moreover, it is done in a remarkable facility of language. Writer: "Moebius strip unsurpassed" LJMc: The German mathematician, Mobius [1790 - 1868], would be honored in the poetic frame his "strip" is given. In this the writer stretches our learning. Writer: "czar of pride" LJMc: A splendid word choice in what I under to be the cat. When it comes to pride, they couldn't be better described. This is inspite of the constant hair flow. The writer's style would best be read by the educated reader, or those enjoying the challenge of analyzing literature. [I merrily labor in the latter group] Without an education to match the writer's skill alalyzing can be laborious for those who do not necessiarly enjoy it. Herein, lies a word of caution: A writer may miss some readers who do not care to take the time to scrutinize work for love of the language used, its literaty wonder, etc. The choice in this is, of course, the author's. And, must always be recognized as such. The style leaves this reader in awe, Congratulations to the writer! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-17 13:27:47
Beside the GateJoanne M Uppendahl Re: "Beside the Gate" Here is a "no place like home" theme much older than The Wizard of Oz, and yet, as fresh as our next meal, or the certainty of a smiling face. It is presented in four quatrains [excepting the 3rd stanza of seven lines], and in a cadence pleasing to the ear. Writer: "Home is all the truth I know" Len: As the first line of the first and last stanzas, the above phrase becomes a refrain. In shorter works it doesn't stand out as clearly, however, it's visible and does a good job of supporting the theme. It's a good choice of one of the many techniques available to propduce strong writing style. Writer: "the steaming cup warms my fingers, and books stand by in somber readiness." Len: The hot beverage, and food for the soul constitutes home as the one real, meaningful facet of many individuals. This isn't particularly nice, but the writer drives home the point, with a skillful use of allegory. [cup; books.] Writer: "Seasons grow about this house, like ivy blanketing an old tree." Len: My word, this is rich simile. It also connotes the picture of love, secuity, in the ivy's embrace of the tree. [home] Writer: "beside the gate, a radiant angel waits." Len: This coup de grace of the narrator's argument comes at the end: an angel to insures the security for which so many yearn. This work is impressive , right down to its title. Just look at the internal assonance: "place/gate/waits." These combinations create a euphany not managable by run-of-the-mill poets. It takes knowledge of the craft and the skill to put it to work. Congratulations to the writer. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-13 23:02:43
Blending of the HeartDebbie SpicerRe: "Blending of the Heart" Writer: "Love is an exposure of the heart" LJMc: What an engaging poetic with which to begin the "Blending" of this piece. And the implied metaphore of film, [it's the image this reader receives] makes the point spendidly. Writer: "compassion sits holding hands with care." LJMc: Comparsion and care are intrinsic to love, writer, and you've connected them beautifully. Writer: "Cyclic exact as nature in motion similar to the ocean’s ebb and flow." LJMc: Your argument is pursuasive, yet what is remarkable is the poetic manner in which you present them. Excellent work! Writer: "Love is the flower fragrant and sweet yet the passing of its innocent beauty too." LJMc: Oh my, such tender words, placed in a way that cannot but capture the attention of a sensitive soul. Writer, after doing such a fine job on the content, style; an impressive display of alliteration, e.g. "holding/hands; flower/fragrant; shaking/sorrow;" and the striking assonance, e.g."inspiration/intuition/illumination;" you then take on the quatrain form in abab rhyme pattern. What else are you going to do? This reader will most certainly be watching for Part 2 to see. Congratulations! A fellow poet, Lennard J. McIntosh 2004-05-12 20:19:46
MorningMark Andrew HislopMark: Some years ago, back when Moses was a pup, an older fellow told me that facing the grind of each and every day was a toil that could be comprehended fully, only by experience. Your poem has brought the statement to mind. The well is far deeper than than first glance implies, sir. Mark:("Double!") Len: The use of parenthesis in your poetry has me doing it. (I'm not kidding!) At least when you use it, it has the reader pondering what you've left unsaid. In poetry, that is one of the goals to be achieved, is it not? Mark: "some ... lurch early to peck their imperatives." Len: This is great stuff. " ... pecking their imperatives ...?" Well, it at least appears to give attenion to the priories, ol' sock. And to think, the time I've wasted merely "scratching my probables." Take another stab in the morning, mate. But in the meantime keep the poetry coming; this one is a real chuckle, well written, in form and title. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-11 16:20:41
Can I Be Jewish Too?Paul R LindenmeyerHello Paul: What a remarkable poem. The content has one draw the conclusion that its writer is a spiritually inclined person. I have the task of assessing this interesting work, and it must be done on the basis of how I perceive it. Paul: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One." Len: This is a well-known quote which along with other scriptural support, counters the Trinity doctrine. The publication, "The Doctrine of the Trinity, Christianity's Self-Inflicted Wound," by Anthony F. Buzzard and Charles F. Hunting, published by The International Scholar's Publications, presents an interesting slant on the long-debated subject and is based on both Hebrew and Greek text. [Buzzard was a theological professor at Atlanta Bible College, at the time of the book's publication.] I mention the foregoing making certain the writer is aware that a number of other's, Christian and non-Christian, believe that Yaweh is One God and Christ Jesus is not God but the son of God, and not equal to his father. Paul: "Still, my Lord was Jewish too... " Len: Apparently the writer has no problem identifying with "A Jew!" There is more evidence that a man named Jesus, a Jewish carpenter, walked this earth talking about his father's Kingdom and preforming extraordinary works, some two thousand years ago, than there is to support some historical, secular figures never doubted. My last critique was written by a writer of courage, also. The writer here speaks of his "Lord," who is not a popular subject in an increasingly secular society. I applaude and admire his mind set, for it does take backbone. The title injected a measure of humor to my perspective that had me immediately wanting to read more. The form selected did the job, well. A minor aside may be, the writer's use of the ellipsis. The Gregg Reference Manual, 274, along with other fine publication on writing style, may be helpful to review. I mention this minor point in a splendid work merely because poetry is more often read by academics [myself excluded] who are well up on the rules of grammar and style and expect to not be detracted by variations. You have a subject to entice this aging student of history, and it is well-done. Thank you. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-07 15:17:47
Iraq in AprilMark Andrew Hislop Oh my, if I am reading the remarkable allegory in this selection correctly the symbolism is virtually soaked in a sarcasm that points to the current war. [and perhaps all those previous, that have been fought in the name of false gods, mammon, greed, pride, etc. Mark: “Kill the saviour. He came in war to bring us peace, God love him.” Len: Here is the first metaphor that parallels the saviors of Iraq with the Messiah, who “came in war to bring peace.” The only hitch is that the Messiah certainly did not come in war to bring peace; he came in peace to bring an everlasting peace. These events are recorded, and were prophesied. [Isaiah 9: 6; Daniel 12: 1; Daniel 2: 44; Luke 1: 8-14; John 8: 36] Why, the real Savior [the Messiah] wouldn’t even take part in the politics of his day, but chose to look ahead to his Father’s Kingdom. [John 6: 14, 15; Matthew 6: 10] Mark: “… you Judas Are only God’s handmaiden. If that.” Len: Judas Iscariot, histories’ pre-eminent traitor, has found a parallel in this moral thrashing of self-appointed savior(s). These saviors have even been known to quote scripture to support their arguments. [to their own satisfaction] However, the writer creates a doubt in their assessment, “If that.” Mark: “God Is. Great if you can stomach The body bags that drag This truth home to your hearth. Great if you cannot.” Len: Good night, Jeeves, this is heavy stuff! [Opps! The Queen’s English just caught hell] The writer rubs hypocritical noses in what men are doing in the name of god (?). [both sides] I am honored to be associated with a craft that can, and often does, tell it like it is. It takes courage to do this. It is courage I find often wanting in myself, but apparently not in you, sir. Congratulations! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-05 13:22:08
RainValene L JohnsonHello Valene: I continue intrigued by the imagery that some writers can jam-pack in the few syllables of Japanese verse. I hope I am correct in venturing that the author has chosen a variation of the traditional haiku form, that consists of seventeen syllables in three lines; the first and third of five syllables and seven in the second. This selection consists of a mere eleven syllables rather than the traditional seventeen, which actually constitutes an greater challenge. Yet, the writer's hand is not in the least short of imagery. This surely requires no small ammount of consentration. Congratulations, Valene! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-04 16:58:06
DemonMark Andrew HislopHello Mark: The content saturates the boundies of life, as we most know it. The writer acknowlegdes this, and may well be successful in making the reader who believes in the existence of demons shudder. Mark: "Like a trance, I whirl my dervish Heart, barren, barren of passion ..." Len: The word choice equals the poem's setting, splendidly. Mark: "Sense my senseless soul and save me From the callous power of my frailty." Len: The writer here confesses the helpless state of flesh and blood in the face of evil that simply overwhelms a frail man. Mark: "And set me, God, O set me right And forgive these awful stars that I embrace." Len: I've heard of situations where individuals drawn to the world of occult by curiousity, or whatever other reason, are trapped in a black prism, unable to escape. What a unique subject for a poem. Among much more you've shown the versatility of the poem. Congratulations! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-05-03 21:37:51
organ-iRegis L ChapmanHello Regis: I'm allured by this piece. Perhaps it's the unaffected form; possibly the arcane imagery. Whatever it is it hooks this reader into wanting to delve, investigating, know more. Regis: "to not vie for your attention and in clarion intention ..." Len: The narrator's approach leaves suspicion behind; it's honest, on the table. Regis: "can I come to you organically as a breeze blowing through hair ..." Len: What exceptional allegory! I wish I'd written it. Regis: "...as the water washes clean fault and carries away tears salt as the green grass reaches for the feet like Achilles the hero ..." Len: The quality of your imagery carries forward. [I must ask if you intended, "tears salt," and make certain it isn't transposed?] Regis: "...can I lift you up in my gravitas ..." Len: Excellent use of the vocabulary, languaqge to conserve words. Moreover, you continue to have my attention in the questions demanding answer in your conclusion. Good work, sir, including the title. A fellow poet, Lennard 2004-05-03 20:45:10
Gone Daddy GoneRegis L ChapmanHello Regis: The form chosen is of particular interest: four stanzas of three line each, with a rhyme sequence not often seen. The writer addresses a situation hidden to the reader. This is a style that has been used splendidly by certain poets, e.g. Robert Lowell. It is recognized that the reader need not comprehend the meaning of a poem. However, it is absolutely necessary that the poem be enjoyed. In that, the writer was successful, for this reader was hooked in the charm of the work’s ambiguity. It is a nice job, sir. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-04-30 23:41:32
Down to the riverMark Andrew HislopHello Mark: Your poem virtually oozes allegory in a manner that crafts mystery. Yet, mystery distinguishable enough to have this reader reasonably certain he recognizes its meaning, though, not entirely secure in that understanding. Herein, lies what I consider an exceptional work. In Hamlet, man’s mortality that was symbolized by Yorick’s skull. It was not understood on the initial readings. Yet, the inscrutability of Shakespeare’s work encompasses a fascination hardly equaled. Mark: A sacred wish to leave all things behind. Len: There is no mystery about how the narrator [the father] describes their feeling to get away – so intense he calls it sacred. Mark: …we are, unknowing, wise, we spores, Waiting on a wind to fling us Len: My goodness, this is a poignant assessment of man on this earth; we really know so little, yet we take pleasure in our wisdom, while in fact, we’re spores thrown about by the winds of circumstance. And this forms a curiosity to demand reader concentration. Are they on an actual canoe or sailing trip, camped [and cramped] among many others, who apparently show little inclination toward friendliness? I don’t really know. However, you craft exhilaration in me from my supposition. This is excellent styling! Mark: Should I choose the air that cleans the stars, Or the light that makes diamonds of the sand, Or the chill waters my son and daughter baptise me in, Len: I have read that the best in nearly every field most often walk in doubt. Parents are among those who work in diligence, yet can only proceed in hope. With the exception of the one who sees fault in all but himself or herself. Len: I checked your spelling of “baptise,” to find that Webster considers it acceptable, though not preferred. Might I suggest that you check it, also? I’ve bee wrong before. :o) This is powerful writing, Mark. Congratulations, sir! A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-04-30 13:42:35
Rock a Bide WomanLynda G Smith (((((Pound))))) 2004-04-28 16:11:11
The world is wet.Jane A DayHello Jane: How interesting! The first stanza presents a somewhat surreal picture. While the second gives the explanation of how this picture came to be. This style of writing is not to be seen among beginner poets, milady. It belies experience in the craft. J: "neighbors checking their windows for the seep, for the glimmer Of drops against the panes." L: I cannot help receive the impression that neighbors monitoring their windows more than usual on "wet" nights. I feel that in this the narrator is toying with the reader in a playful, tongue in cheek manner. Then, brings us back to the reality of dreamland is an excelling conclusion, which in my humble opinion, places this piece in the rank of "outstanding." A tip of the hat, Jane, and my congratulations. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-04-27 23:47:54
Night MovesLynda G SmithHello Lynda: This is good; it's delightful in word selection, the living symbolism, form, and it's brevity. I like the way you've capitalized the first and last words. You substituted punctuation with a creative form that did the job nicely. eg. "divisible" You wanted a noticable pause and achieved it in the new line. Also, you show a creativity in finalizing the piece with a period, in spight of no previous punctuation. I like that, as good poets as not afraid to break the rules. For me to assess negativity to this work would be misusing "the critique." A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-04-27 10:53:36
"Hill's By The Sea"Cathy Hill CookHello Cathy: Thank you for posting this lovely piece. C: "Our family is so drawn to the majestic moments at the Heavenly Sea, God’s first days of creation where the Heavens and Sea came to be." L: The narrator has such love for the families bit of land by the sea that it is metaphorically presented as being brought about with the first days of creation. Very nice! The content of your poem is simply beautiful. "Twinkling stars, grains of sand, and, waves dressed in transparent white." The wording is ethereal and very impressive. Since I am one of those old fashioned "fools," who believes it ridiculous to suggest that what exists results from a huge bang, it is particularly touching. [Although, when someone writes about evolution,I read it objectively. It's just that it can't touch my heart, as I see it as fiction.] I congratulate you for the accomplishnment, and thank you for the warm experience, milady. Cathy, I lost the rhyme pattern for a few lines after "falls/walls," and picked it up again with, "Crown/Gown." If you intended this, all is well, if not you may want to look at it. Thank you for posting this fine work. A fellow poet, Lennard McIntosh 2004-04-26 22:14:52
Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Lennard J. McIntoshCritique Date

Displaying Critiques 51 to 69 out of 69 Total Critiques.
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