Alison Clarke

2006-09-25
Dear Kathy:

I really enjoyed the imagery in this poem. Is it based on the life of a real person? Is it based on a person who had many dreams unfulfilled and had to live on the streets to survive--to avoid other perils existing where she lived? I would like to know. I enjoyed the rythm of this piece, and the insight into the point of view of this person. Great writing. Take care, and have a great day.


Alison

2006-09-25
Vanna:

This poem is very interesting about the potential of love. Some very unique imagery: especially about the otter and the beaver. Take care, and keep writing.


Alison

2006-09-25
Mike:

I thoroughly enjoyed this poem. It was fun, very vibrant, and I could feel the real sense of a new love and passion for one person. I really enjoyed the rythm in this piece; I really enjoyed the setting. Is Marlborough in England? Which parish is it located in? I would like to know. Also, is this town or city located in or near The Moors, or the Midlands? As someone who is British but was raised in Canada, I'm always interested in these things. Take care, and I hope to hear from you soon.


Alison

2006-09-25
Amanda:

Amanda, this is a very heart-felt poem. Keep writing. I hope that your next job will work out well. Embrace life, and I know that you will continue to inspire people in many ways: in ways that you probably are not aware of. I wish that more teachers felt strongly about passing knowledge onto their students. You are very passionate about young people. Good for you. It's wonderful how just one action creates a ripple effect--one action creates one reaction. I love to teach as well--but mainly E.S.L. students on a volunteer basis. I did get paid to teach one Korean student; and that was a wonderful experience. So I totally understand what you mean. Anyway, take care, and good luck with anything else that you want to accomplish.


Alison

2006-09-25
Keith:

I thought that this was a very fun poem. It made me laugh--is this humorous piece autobiographical as well? I just wondered. Take care, and have a good day.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Vanna:

A very interesting perspective on one's high expectations of someone else. I feel your disdain, frustration, for not being accepted. I can understand what you're feeling. Keep expressing yourself through words. Enjoy life. Take care.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Night Soul Woman:

This poem is very interesting: a kind of dream within a dream--a kind of stream-of-consciousness. It's very unique. Keep writing. Take care.


Sincerely yours,

Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Judy:

I really understand how you feel and I get this poem: for I'm a two-time cancer survivor; everything you said about how your priorities change, how you do not take one day for granted, how you realize that you have a purpose here on earth, and it's your duty to find out what it is and to carry it out. I totally get you. Everyone I have talked to who has survived cancer gets the philosophy that is underlined in this poem. From one cancer survivor to another, God bless you, continue on your mission/missions here on this earth, and keep taking life one day at a time. Cancer changes you for the better if you let it; and you totally understand that. I know that my focus, clarity, creativity, sensitivity, compassion, my doubtless purpose to give voice to injustice, ignorance, and insolence, to pursue and discover all of my other callings, is all due to the fact that I have faced death twice. Facing the grim reaper makes you realize how lucky you really are; and that you are a fool to not live your life differently. Judy, I commend you and keep doing what you're doing.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Zoya:

This is a lovely birthday wish. Good job. Take care, and have a great day.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Zoya:

This poem was very moving: I think that it calls people to action--to live life to the fullest. I already know what that's like: being a two-time cancer survivor. I totally understand what you are saying here. In the end, as I say to people, Carpe Diem. Take care.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Zainab:

That poem was very powerful. Keep writing. Take care.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Zainab:

I really found this poem moving. It's horrible to not have an understanding, and empathetic boss. I can relate: I had such a boss when I worked in retail. But those days are behind me, and I'm now pursuing a Masters Degree In English. School is just awesome. I hope that these terrible, horrible, dead-end jobs are behind you now. Take care.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Kathy:

I really enjoyed this poem. The imagery was sensual, sensitive, and very visual. It was a heart-warming salute to, I assume a very dear friend. Good job.
Take care.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Kathy:

This poem is very powerful; I too, even though I am Canadian, was very affected by what happened on that horrific day. Artists all over the world will always be haunted in memories, words, hearts, and in actions. I totally understand. God bless you for letting out your sadness, frustration, in an honest, poetic, and sincere way.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Chris:

This poem was fun: with tongue-in-cheek imagery, a sense of apprehension (in getting the hair cut), a sense of honesty, and an admirable way of poking fun at yourself. Good for you. This poem was very refreshing to read. Have a great day.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Chris:

What a dark poem. It's an interesting perspective, though, and a unique slant on life. Keep writing.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Keith:

This poem is very disturbing. I hope, if it's autobiographical, that you do not feel that way anymore. Take care, and enjoy life.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Keith:

I like your comment on the poem, "Elastic". It's a short poem underlining, even warning about the problem of overpopulation; and how poor Mother Earth is trying to cope with the impending danger. Very introspective.


Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Lourdes:

I found this piece to be mystically haunting. Great work.

Alison

2006-09-16
Dear Lastromantichero:

I really sensed the longing, resentment, sadness that you felt toward this person. It's a very sad poem recording a painful period of time. I'm glad that you now see it as light-hearted. I have been in that situation; and I understand

2006-09-16
Dear Judy:

I really enjoyed, empathized, and agreed with this poem: with having the cornerstones of respect, dignity, and empathy a society can never truly crumble. A wonderful meditation on an ironically horrific, haunting, and tragic day.

2006-09-16
Judy:

I really enjoyed this poem. I can understand these pet peeves. I wonder myself why there is such a fascination, obsession with that part of a male's anatomy--and the association with the supposed masculinity. Also, your critiques about stupid commercials is something that I agree with too. I really understanding this piece. Take care, and have a good day.

2006-09-03
Dear Kathy:

I really liked this poem: as I am a "night writer" myself. I loved the imagery with the moon. That's cool. Take care, and I hope to hear from you soon.


Sincerely yours,

Alison

2006-09-03
Dear Mike:

I loved this poem--because it says what everyone feels and what Oprah has constantly said over the years: that everyone needs validation. I so get this poem. Keep writing. Also, thanks for writing your wonderful comment on my poem "Another Artist". That means a lot to me--and I really value, and appreciate the support I receive on poetbay.com. Take care, and have a wonderful long weekend.


Sincerely yours,

Alison

2006-09-03
Dear CC:

Your poem is very interesting: however, did you mean to put "fourties," and "awaitens"? If not, the correct spelling is "forties" and "awaits"; I don't think there is such a word as awaitens. Check your dictionary--otherwise a very interesting piece. Have a great day.

Sincerely yours,

Alison