I think this is a highly sophisticated piece of writing. It surprised me a bit. It does not sound like anything I'd expect from the heart of Mormon territory especially. It has a bitterly grievous tone. Wholly understandable in the circumstances--but can you express yourself as freely at BYU for example?
I agree, Tom. I really found myself taken aback by this poem. “Highly sophisticated” is an apt description of this fine poem, and I also agree that it possesses a “bitterly grievous” tone.
On rereading I wondered about "among," i.e. "a sapphire ... among lava." A bit like saying "a sapphire...among concrete." It seems like a number conflict.
I was briefly checking my email over dinner tonight and was interested to see a new post from The Chained Muse in my inbox, all the while having little idea what I was in store for. In reading “Mediterranean Fortunes”, I feel as though I have embarked upon a brief, yet profound literary odyssey. I do not hyperbolize when I say that I think this poem is truly phenomenal. Every line possesses richness, sophistication, and a deep resonance. Being a history buff, I always enjoy seeing poets make reference to the events of that past; I feel that doing this with skill connects the poet to something beyond him or herself.
With that being said, I thank David Gosselin for starting the new year with such a fine poem. It really was the highlight of my day, and I hope to see more of Professor Blankinship’s work here in the future. Happy New Year, everyone!
I think this is a highly sophisticated piece of writing. It surprised me a bit. It does not sound like anything I'd expect from the heart of Mormon territory especially. It has a bitterly grievous tone. Wholly understandable in the circumstances--but can you express yourself as freely at BYU for example?
I agree, Tom. I really found myself taken aback by this poem. “Highly sophisticated” is an apt description of this fine poem, and I also agree that it possesses a “bitterly grievous” tone.
Yes, it's an excellent depiction of being swallowed by ferocious forces. Of everyone's raison de'etre in other words.
On rereading I wondered about "among," i.e. "a sapphire ... among lava." A bit like saying "a sapphire...among concrete." It seems like a number conflict.
I was briefly checking my email over dinner tonight and was interested to see a new post from The Chained Muse in my inbox, all the while having little idea what I was in store for. In reading “Mediterranean Fortunes”, I feel as though I have embarked upon a brief, yet profound literary odyssey. I do not hyperbolize when I say that I think this poem is truly phenomenal. Every line possesses richness, sophistication, and a deep resonance. Being a history buff, I always enjoy seeing poets make reference to the events of that past; I feel that doing this with skill connects the poet to something beyond him or herself.
With that being said, I thank David Gosselin for starting the new year with such a fine poem. It really was the highlight of my day, and I hope to see more of Professor Blankinship’s work here in the future. Happy New Year, everyone!