Thank you, Harry. It's interesting to look back at a piece a few years on, and re-appraise it (or hear the appraisal of others). This isn't a piece I've done 'live' – other pieces took precedence – but maybe I should change that.

all the best

Steve

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Steve,
Also only Just `caught` this now..

I like the way the end confirms the beginning. The paradox (and the `human condition`) Is that they - and the middle of the poem - are both paradoxically true.

(I like the emotive force of it as a `performer`...I would love to hear you actually read it...particularly that final line)

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Thanks, Ray. Scarred optimism... that's definitely my kind of town. ?

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Just seen this for the first time Steve. It gets life by the balls and squeezes and brings a tear forth. I especially respect the idea of kicking in the TV and the lines leading up to that, because I suppose TV is a sort of sop to keep our minds spongy and diverted. Bitter sweet and a very recognizable sense of scarred optimism just coming through in spite of the mood of the piece.

Ray

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Thank you, Lynn!

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

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That was amazing! I love your story telling style.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

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Thanks, Cynthia.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

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This is excellent, waxing rather long but never losing the grip of the first stanza, a very engaging piece, and very well crafted.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

Thanks, both of you. It feels a lot more tricky to write a poem about despair without tumbling into clumsiness, but I wanted to give it a go. I really appreciate the feedback. All the best.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

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I agree with Isobel. A stand-out poem, very moving

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

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This is a hard one to comment on. Just wanted you to know that it moved me, very much.

You express yourself beautifully.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger

I'm generally optimistic by nature, but every now and then there are days when I think 'stuff this for a game of soldiers'. This is a poem about one of those days.

Comment is about last out of Pandora's box (and last to die) (blog)

Original item by steve pottinger