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« Who am I? The dermatologists want to know | Main | "Who Said It?" [quotes of the week: no. 1, January 20, 2025] »

January 19, 2025

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well done

An eye-opening, original narrative full of precise observation, holding the reader from start to finish. I especially love how it ends in such a beautiful unexpected rush of imagery. It's wonderful that we get to see this complex world through Shelly Wong's eyes, with such an intriguing mix of domestic and international realms. Nice pick Terence!

I really like this poem a lot. The use of the couplets form (and single last line) gives it a sparseness, although the details here are so vivid and powerful. I like the bit of Asian history ("a mix of enemies"). Each piece of new information the reader gets sounds authentic/genuine. Some very well-crafted storytelling here, Shelley; I enjoyed reading this very much and would love to check out more of your work.


Don: thanks for commenting.

The bond between women is so delicate, like breaking a crab claw, that specific.Thank God for the poets who document this is a world of clutter.

oops IN a world of clutter

In one of the gifts of poetry, in a relatively short space, a beautiful and deep friendship unfolds…I relate to this poem on a more personal level, in that my friend, Mary and I were 4 and 5 when we met and were friends for over 60 years…she died suddenly in a fire on September 6, 2024..though different in so many ways, our friendship and love transcended those boundaries …another keeper! Thank you Terence and Shelley!

A quiet chill went through me as I read the last lines. A shiver. The way true poetry gets under ones skin unexpectedly.
Perfect painting too.

The poem is so paradoxically clear. I love that we “get it” and then realize, “Hey, this is wondrously complex. And I shake my head wondering how any of us can get along. Thank you for undermining my assurance and bringing me back where I belong.

I love the friendship and affection between the two women . One is aloof and the other outgoing and playful. To have a friend for over forty years is an amazing gift. This poem expresses this so clearly. The artwork is beautiful.


Thanks, Leslie, for your always meaningful comments.

Thank you all for engaging with my work! This poem was originally published in Hanging Loose journal and is an outtake from my debut book As She Appears, which meditates in the aftermath of a queer relationship between two Asian American women. I wish I had kept this poem in and feel affirmed by your generous comments.

Oh my God! I love this poem! I want to frame it and put it above my desk. Thank you for posting it, Terrence! And thank you for writing it, Shelley! I look forward to reading your book.

Opens my eyes and warms my heart.

That's a truly fine poem. Self-aware and perfectly nuanced. I'm glad to have met you, Shelley.

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That Ship Has Sailed
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"Lively and affectionate" Publishers Weekly

Radio

I left it
on when I
left the house
for the pleasure
of coming back
ten hours later
to the greatness
of Teddy Wilson
"After You've Gone"
on the piano
in the corner
of the bedroom
as I enter
in the dark


from New and Selected Poems by David Lehman

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