Tara, I’m so glad you held on to this! I love the way you carried “thirteen” through the poem, each time layered with greater meaning. And the poignant expression of the nature of change: sorrow, but also joy. Thank you for this.
Congrats, Tara! And so well deserved. I always enjoy the way you gently carry the reader through such tender, beautiful moments. And such a great final stanza! As a reader, I always enjoy your poems, and as a poet, I'm always inspired by them. :)
Congratulations on the award, Tara! That's awesome! The poem is lovely. It feels intimate. Exactly like a drive in a car with someone you love. The soft flow of conversation and thoughts. And the last line is a beautiful wrap up to the themes you've woven throughout.
I can't agree more about having a trusted second reader. Adam is such a wonderful second reader to have and it sounds like your husband is, too! That second viewpoint is so helpful, encouraging, and a perfect safety net.
Also, thank you for introducing me to this painting. It is both haunting and comforting. I hope to see it in person sometime.
Thank you! I didn't start writing poetry in order to get published or awarded, but it does feel nice to have a poem recognized, kind of like a progression and encouragement to keep going. And if you ever make it to Portland, we'll go see that painting together. 🤗
This was a great read. The theme of thirteen along with the repetition was something that felt fresh and innovated upon with each repeat and I never got tired of it, even with phrases that I already know of you phrased them in a way that feels new, the counting of crows is a good example of this. The descriptions felt beautiful and vivid, the last line especially was a great one to end this on. I'm happy you didn't retire this one and were able to share it with us.
Thanks, Thomas. My husband has been reading my stuff longer than anyone, so he's the foremost expert on the poetry of Tara Connor. I'd be a fool not to listen to him.
Tara- Congratulations on Thirteen=. 13 just happens to be a family thing where we love that number. Your poem was so delightful I sent it to someone I love. thank you so much
Thank you, Gloria. Sharing this poem with a loved one is just about the best compliment I can imagine. I really appreciate you reading and reaching out. Sorry this response is so delayed. I was away last week and had no internet access, which was actually lovely. 😊
Tara, I’m so glad you held on to this! I love the way you carried “thirteen” through the poem, each time layered with greater meaning. And the poignant expression of the nature of change: sorrow, but also joy. Thank you for this.
Thanks, Mary. You're such a loyal reader. I really appreciate you being here. 💕
Congrats, Tara! And so well deserved. I always enjoy the way you gently carry the reader through such tender, beautiful moments. And such a great final stanza! As a reader, I always enjoy your poems, and as a poet, I'm always inspired by them. :)
Thanks, Adam. Right back at you on the inspiration.
Congratulations on the award, Tara! That's awesome! The poem is lovely. It feels intimate. Exactly like a drive in a car with someone you love. The soft flow of conversation and thoughts. And the last line is a beautiful wrap up to the themes you've woven throughout.
I can't agree more about having a trusted second reader. Adam is such a wonderful second reader to have and it sounds like your husband is, too! That second viewpoint is so helpful, encouraging, and a perfect safety net.
Also, thank you for introducing me to this painting. It is both haunting and comforting. I hope to see it in person sometime.
Thank you! I didn't start writing poetry in order to get published or awarded, but it does feel nice to have a poem recognized, kind of like a progression and encouragement to keep going. And if you ever make it to Portland, we'll go see that painting together. 🤗
😊❤️
I concur with the above comments. I can see why it won a prize. So happy you shared it with us.
Thank you, Monica. Much appreciated. 😊
This was a great read. The theme of thirteen along with the repetition was something that felt fresh and innovated upon with each repeat and I never got tired of it, even with phrases that I already know of you phrased them in a way that feels new, the counting of crows is a good example of this. The descriptions felt beautiful and vivid, the last line especially was a great one to end this on. I'm happy you didn't retire this one and were able to share it with us.
Thanks, Daniel. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. I really appreciate the feedback.
Congratulations and this is a truly beautiful poem!
Congratulations Tara, and what a beautiful poem!! Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you, Lisa. Thanks for reading!
Wonderful news for a wonderful poem! Congratulations, Tara!!!
Thank you so much. 🤗
Your husband has good taste in poems. 🙂. Congratulations on the success!
Thanks, Thomas. My husband has been reading my stuff longer than anyone, so he's the foremost expert on the poetry of Tara Connor. I'd be a fool not to listen to him.
How wonderful to have a trusted reader to “bounce your poems off” and test them out. Tremendous!
Congratulations! And I'm so glad you kept sending it out. I had a poem rejected 20 times before it was finally accepted.
Wow, 20 is a lot of time to get up off the mat. Well done!
Beautiful writing, a heartfelt story. Congratulations on it being a winning submission!
Thanks, David. Really appreciate you being here.
"I imagine thirteen graceful shapes against the snow, feathers
shining blue-black in the too brilliant light, the contrast stark and lovely,
like the wing of dark hair across her pale cheek." 💛🌿
Tara- Congratulations on Thirteen=. 13 just happens to be a family thing where we love that number. Your poem was so delightful I sent it to someone I love. thank you so much
Thank you, Gloria. Sharing this poem with a loved one is just about the best compliment I can imagine. I really appreciate you reading and reaching out. Sorry this response is so delayed. I was away last week and had no internet access, which was actually lovely. 😊
Beautiful! And I am taking your lesson about rejected poems to heart.