12-29-2010, 04:48 AM
I simply adore this poem. No piece of art can ever be perfect, but this comes close. A serious work, with a focused argument to make, and solid, sometimes beautiful imagery. The Scream mask was effectively used, and probably my favourite part. I have just three quibbles:
a) The opening and closing lines aren't really needed (IMHO). They're somewhat blunt and contrived, giving away too much about the message of the piece.
b) Billy has already mentioned the last line of the fourth verse, which again feels contrived, whereas what precedes and succeeds it is mostly down to earth.
a) The opening and closing lines aren't really needed (IMHO). They're somewhat blunt and contrived, giving away too much about the message of the piece.
b) Billy has already mentioned the last line of the fourth verse, which again feels contrived, whereas what precedes and succeeds it is mostly down to earth.
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges." - Gene Wolfe