A review of "The Collection"

Yesterday, I had a poetry reading event. In addition, I received a review of The Collection from Meryl Stratword (author of The Magician's Daughter) and will share the review with you.

Here are some of the poems that especially appealed to me and my thoughts thereon:Fairy Tale:  I'm currently reading anthologies of fairy tale poems.  Anne Sexton's Transformations remains one of my favorite books on the subject.
Running From Love:  I like the way the chorus repeats itself like a song.Loaded Gun:  It brings to mind Emily Dickinson's famous poem, My Life Had Stood a Loaded Gun.  Susan Howe wrote an entire book about that one Dickinson poem, My Emily Dickinson.The Heart of Man:  I like the use of metaphor.The Ugly Girl:  This is really interesting in its use of alter ego.  You could do more with this.  And I notice Cinema Paradiso has just opened a film on this theme, The Double.Wolf:  I'm just now reading a beautiful novel with a wolf man theme, Alice Hoffman's Second Nature.A Visit to Brighton:  This is my favorite, and, in my opinion, your best work.  It excels in its narrative drive and in its use of specific detail.  Or, as they say, showing, not telling.Neolithic's Best: I've also been to Stonehenge!No Title:  I like the repetition of shoot me.  This is a good one for poetry readings!Everywhere:  Surreal.  I like the mysteriousness of this one, its dream-like quality.
Many thanks for your book!  It's now on my bookshelf, alphabetically,  between Lucille Clifton and Emily Dickinson.
Love, Meryl

Have you read The Collection? If yes, share your comments with me below.

The Rain Never Bothered Me Anyway

It's July! Yes, midsummer where dreams of sonnets have often invaded my nights after the humidity of the day and the afternoon thunderstorms. The afternoon thunderstorms don't deter me from going out after work. Less people when I take the classes, maybe the rain stops them. I like to do activities after work even if it is raining (Rain or no rain, I have to leave work when my work is done). But if I am already home, I may not want to leave as I like listening to the sound of the rain beating down on the roof.

If at home, why not write! Here's a topic: Miami Heat is losing LeBron and if you're into writing haiku, there's a contest for that go to https://t.co/WQO59s4f69
and you can say your goodbyes to LeBron.

I don't mind driving in the rain to get to poetry events so here are a few  for July:

• Sea Glass Poetry (reading by Sea Glass Project participants) July 24, 2014 starting at 6 pm. Studio 18. 1101 Poinciana Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025. (954) 961-6067.
• Poetry Reading in the Courtyard. July 26, 2014 at 6 pm. Cinema Paradiso. 503 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (I'm hosting).
• Open Mic Poetry Nite. July 27, 2014 at 5 pm. Hosted by Anastasia Clark. Tropical Skoops. 11635 Red Rd, Miramar, FL 33025.

If you know of any other poetry events for July, let me know in the comments below.