119 Comments

I love that you cluster poems together (except that it complicates commenting) in part because I naturally aim to find a connecting theme or thread beyond YOU, your art, your skill with ideas and words. My current thought is that I have never really punched anyone, in part because I've clearly been trained not to. And yet I yearn to feel the feel of punching a racist in the face, listening to their racist words deteriorate into garble, squelched back into their pie hole.

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This is a great collection of poems. Each one ending with a gut punch I didn't expect, even when I was sure I knew where the poem was going. You handle serious subject matter with respect and care in a way that can resonate with a wide variety of readers. Thank you.

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Thank you, Daniel. I do my best to keep my poems accessible.

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Great poems Sherman, thank you.

All great moments and places in time. Sad, painful, frustrating or insightful...all the moments that make up a life.

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Thank you, Mary Kay.

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I first “met” you through an NPR reading of “If you pawn it, I will redeem it”, and loved you then. With each poem, book, essay or editorial I love you more. Your transparency, honesty, and vulnerability are inspirational…..you put so many of our/my raw emotions to words that help heal the brokenness in each of us. Love you.

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Thank you so much, Jana.

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You take me there, Sherman. In the driver’s seat getting away with everything. Floating down the river like a lost shoe. Thank you.

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Ah, that's a very sweet reponse. Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Your ability to communicate transcendence is my favorite thing about your poetry. Thanks for sharing it.

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Thank you, Carol.

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Breathtaking!

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Thanks, Justin.

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“Can you hear the whir whir whir of an ignition that will not turn over?”

Oh hell yes!

Heard it way too often….

I think you invented the onomatopoeia of the year. Thanx!

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That damn sound! When I have car trouble now, I'm joyous that I can call AAA.

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So much loss and pain… I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. Not because of the pain or loss but because I get reminded we’re not alone, here in Inch or anywhere. 💔💔💔 it sure feels overwhelming I wanna drive a broke down pretend car somewhere and escape without leaving

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Thank you, Shelly. "Escape without leaving" is perfect.

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May a river of hugs flow over your heart

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Thank you.

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Man, the poems about your father always bring a fond remembrance of my father and a tear to my eye for time lost with him. Thank you!

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Thank you, Jason.

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Nice sir

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Thanks, David.

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O Expo 74

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Yes!

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I might’ve been in the swing seat right behind you.

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I hope you tied your shoes better!

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four gifts I appreciate

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Thank you, Jill!

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I can't imagine how you keep up with all the comments, but you're really good at it. I'm reading and watching and learning.

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It's at least 37% mental illness! Ha!

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That is a moving image of you and your father at the casino. I don't know if that was your last time with him when he was alive. As I did most months, I drove three hours to visit my mother, who was 99, at the convalescent home. This time, I stayed three hours on the first day and five the next. I didn't know it was to be our last time together, and I wish I had stayed longer.

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That was the last time I saw my father cogent.

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