110 Comments
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Kathleen Brant's avatar

I so enjoy your poetry; always thought provoking words and images.

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José Sotolongo's avatar

These poems are so American in their core. I love them. The best poetry, for me, is focused in message and plays with a jaunty tone. These are all that.

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Hallie Aldrich's avatar

I love your poems so much I erase my comments. Erase erase erase. Sigh. Lots of ferry time.

I love how sometimes you show me how ignorant my ass is. Oops, should’ve erased erased erased!

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bruce.norman.smith's avatar

Thank you! I learned from you that poetry doesn't need to be scary. Sometimes a poem can simply be about feelings and memories. My grandparents lived next to a ravine. There were no fences. My cousins and I used to go in their garden and run away immediately saying, "This is boring.". We'd fly down the ravine, playing with G.I. Joes and looking for cougars. Now that I'm old I know my grandparents would reply, "Yes, it is boring."

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Jack Duane's avatar

Thanks for the smile and chuckles Sherman. Your poetry never fails to surprise and entertain.

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Reading Off Into The Sunset's avatar

I do like you even better after reading your poems. Nailed it. I hope you are able to deliver your last poem in voice and that someone is present to record it. What an amazing way to deliver last words. Kind of like Oscar Wilde - either this poem writes its own ending or I do.

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Holly Starley's avatar

I as a nomad, of course, love the first poem. And I find it true. Actually, I love all these poems.

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Dennis Martinez's avatar

Beautiful

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Miep's avatar

I like "Prayer" and "Third Degree.." the best.

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Pamela Wolfe's avatar

I saw the title and got excited thinking you were going to teach me how to write:)

I have found myself relating to just about everything you have written. Just spent two weeks in a cabin in the Appalachian Mts and two of the books I reread were Blasphemy and FLIGHT.

My favorite book you have written and one I have reread and listened to more than once is your memoir "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me." I aspire to write a memoir as profound as that book.

Thank you for sharing your gift of writing. And if you ever do teach an online writing class on poetry let me know. I will be the first to sign up.

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Kath's avatar

Thank you for a beautiful series of poems. 'I only know that I don’t blame it on god' . I’d like to hear that more often.

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Bernie Mortensen's avatar

Thanks Sherman. Your poetry inspires my writing. Maybe with your grace I can write on my own substack some things about my author ship and why I am who I am.

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Cassie's avatar

101 = LOL... I love the idea of someone (maybe you) getting an award and saying, I just want to take a moment and ask that you don't blame God for my art.

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Bernie Mortensen's avatar

Sherman I’m not afraid to say what I am in real life. If I do, it would be on a stage for comedians. My friends know me too well.

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Jan Myhre's avatar

Your poetry is my favorite classroom! You teach through your work. Some days it all makes me smile. Other days I am inspired to write my own works. Other days I simply enjoy the journey through your words and am waiting for more when I come to the end. Thank you!

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Lisa's avatar

Prayer… I have missed the death of my father and my husband. At this point I am convinced it will be a surprise when I don’t miss my own.

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