In What We Trust (Final)

[Knot]

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Hi Mark

Hoped that readers might pick up on the palindrome for God (dog), and that it would naturally fill in for "What". At least for Americans... Good to know I wasn't barking up the wrong tree (ahem) for once.

The Autumn Star is formally known as Fomalhaut (Fo-ma-ho) and it is also called "the loneliest star" as its brightness stands out in a seemingly empty expanse of the southern sky near Jupiter, in autumn

Thanks, didn't know this, glad I do now. Love a bit of astronomy.

It could end there, but it is important, to me at least, that readers know that this epiphany has stuck with me for all these years.

I think that much is clear (if only by virtue of you having written the poem ) but perhaps, rather than a whole verse labouring (as it were) the point, 'I think of him often' somewhere near the beginning might also work? But really, I don't think you need it.

Throughout this piece, I paid close attention to past tense until the very end, and that was tricky.

Fair enough, but in such a nicely conversational piece, I think you have a bit of wriggle room should you wish.

I very much like some of your suggestions, and I can see myself revising this one down to a much, much shorter piece:

Not too much shorter, I hope? It was a good read (and, last verse aside) didn't feel as if it overstayed its welcome.

I have a tendency to do that with most of my stuff. I may actually do that just to contrast with this longer version.

Always an interesting exercise.

The urge to distill is strong, though I can see that taking a couple of months, if not years.

You in a rush?

Best, Knot

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