15 Comments
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Kilby Austin's avatar

There is so much here, Mark, and so deftly pieced together. I’m reading Job right now, and this is a perfect match. Your poems are always rewarding.

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Mark Rico's avatar

You've nailed the vibe, Kilby. Our family just finished Job a week ago and it must have been bouncing around in my mind. Interesting to set out to write a poem without harmonic intent, and having it happen anyways. Thank you for reading and commenting!

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Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

Gorgeous (so much more than that, but I'm out of words at the moment).

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting, Margaret Ann! I know what it's like to not have a lot of words after using so many as a parent and trying to write my own poetry with whatever resources I have left. I'm grateful that you spent some time here.

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Sierra Westerholm's avatar

Amen.

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting, Sierra!

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Maureen Doallas's avatar

This poem sends a profound message, and that is:

* Those who through great suffering and humility learn to put their faith and unquestioned trust in God and Her wisdom will not be abandoned.

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting, Maureen!

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X. P. Callahan's avatar

Leaps and bounds here, Mark. Leaps and bounds.

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words, X. P. I'm curious ... may I ask what stood out about this one to you? I have to confess that I often don't respond to my own work in the same kind of way that readers seem to. No worries if you don't have time to answer. I understand you're a busy person.

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X. P. Callahan's avatar

Consistently strong figures of speech in the first stanza (though my ear wants "longer-abiding" in line 5), together with arresting, cogent thoughts, all in the space of a beautifully crafted sonnet whose rhyme scheme is subtle enough to go undetected for a few lines, after which it can be enjoyed, not just admired. Well done.

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you for explaining – I'm grateful! I'll have to mark down line 5 as one to consider when editing later on.

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X. P. Callahan's avatar

Or maybe it’s not my ear wanting that in line 5. Anyway, you have to trust your own ear.

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Randy Edwards's avatar

A timely read for me this morning. Thank you, Mark. Shine, Lord.

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Mark Rico's avatar

Thank you for reading, Randy! I'm glad there was something here for you.

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