The Slam: Slammables

Lonely Farmer

by EliW, California

Birds Sounded the other night ---
stark black creatures now Resting
in a potato field --- with Blight ---
sent they out their Blessing?
Talons spread on clumping Dirt
Beaks peck the Floundering Worms
Eyes of Potatoes --- themselves not Hurt ---
watch on in silence and negotiate no Terms.
They’ll Flee on my approach,
Frightened --- they saw no smoke ---
and seem to Relish our mutual Reproach ---
as I Hope for a potato not Broke.

Slammings

I found your piece very interesting. Your style of writing seems unique and it almost reminds me of Emily Dickinson. I liked the simple imagery incorporated in your writing.

critiqued by Iyscyube
Jun 15, 2010

AUTHOR'S NOTE: That's right! I tried to write it in the style of Dickinson.

critiqued by EliW
Jun 27, 2010

I like the idea of this.  I can tell it's an intentional theft of Dickinson's style -- and I use theft in the best way possible, since writing is by nature the best form of theft -- but certain parts of your diction left me wondering.  For example, "as I Hope for a potato not Broke."  I'm not sure exactly what you are going for in this line; it seems very awkwardly phrased, and I don't know if that's intentional.  If so, it doesn't quite fit with the eloquence of the rest of the piece.  Also, your capitalization confused me in places.  You capitalize "Blight" but not "creatures," "Flee" but not "spread."  Again, it's highly possible that this is intentional.  But without an explanation, I can't really figure out its significance.

 

I think this is a very promising piece, but a little clarification is necessary to make it shine.  I would love to read more of your work.

critiqued by peace_poet, New Jersey
Jun 22, 2010