"The Prodigal Son Feeding Swine" by MurilloThree Poems on Forgiveness, by Susan Jarvis Bryant The Society November 25, 2023 Beauty, Poetry 38 Comments . Wayward Their frosty hearts and polished oaken door Slammed shut the night she found her stolen voice. She sang a moonbeam song—a shocking choice In mystic keys that spurned the common score— A black-sheep beat that rocked the status quo In jarring notes of pink and indigo. Her sickened kin—they banished her from sight With tongues so sharp they severed touch and tie; With barbs so blunt they bruised her summer sky. Through squalls of pain her bold refrain took flight— A phoenix rising from the ash and dust Of pyres of ire where bursts of cheer combust. It cleaved through cloud to float in crystal air Where sunshine soothed her mournful mood of blue; Where souls made whole were blessed with gifts anew— The hug she sought in each despairing prayer. She shares its warmth in dreams that wing their way To winter hearts she knows will melt someday. First published in Expansive Poetry Online . . Deliverance Today I put my baggage down. __The weight grew hard to bear. It added furrows to my frown __And frost to frostless hair. Some folks are foul. Some folks are fair. __My heart’s too scarred to judge. Life’s far too brief for long-term grief— __I’m ditching every grudge. Today I felt a grin begin __To smile in stormy eyes. It warmed my skin then spread within __To jolly joyless sighs. I’ve trekked through lows for vengeance highs— __A tragic trail to trudge. Life’s far too brief for long-term grief— __I’m ditching every grudge. Today my pursed and bitter lips __Let loose a mellow trill, Forgiving stinging slights and quips— __Each chill and callous ill. Today I felt a sunbeam thrill— __A silver-lining nudge. Life’s far too brief for long-term grief— __I’m ditching every grudge. First published in Expansive Poetry Online . . Her Father’s Eyes “The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.” —St. Jerome On hearing he was teetering and weak, Defiance led her through a maze of dread. Though banished from his sight her need to speak Would gnaw her spirit raw until she’d said Three words to him—the one who’d held her hand And heart through cherished, wild and childish years— The phase before he failed to understand That grownup daughters often turn deaf ears On rules that ridicule the rosy dream Of life beyond the path that dads have planned. Her bold, unbidden journey (deemed extreme) Were rebel steps ensuring she was banned __From where she stood right now as her words flew __To shine in eyes that beamed, “I love you too!” . . Susan Jarvis Bryant has poetry published on Lighten Up Online, Snakeskin, Light, Sparks of Calliope, and Expansive Poetry Online. She also has poetry published in TRINACRIA, Beth Houston’s Extreme Formal Poems anthology, and in Openings (anthologies of poems by Open University Poets in the UK). Susan is the winner of the 2020 International SCP Poetry Competition, and has been nominated for the 2022 Pushcart Prize. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. CODEC Stories:Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) 38 Responses Mark Stellinga November 25, 2023 Susan, it’s so wonderful to reap the bounties of your unfathomable intuition, but, at the same time, now and then, fairly tough for some to cope with the heart breaking issues it exposes. Insight is a powerful attribute, but can also cause depression for those who don’t understand it. You obviously do! Outstanding pieces, all 3. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Mark, thank you very much for your astute observations and kind words on my poems. Forgiveness is a tough subject to deal with… going through the physical process and writing about it creatively. I’m glad I hit the right note for you. Reply Allegra Silberstein November 25, 2023 Your 3 poems on forgiveness are beautiful and needed in our world. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Allegra, how kind and encouraging your words are. I thank you wholeheartedly for taking the time to read my poems and to comment on them. Reply Roy Eugene Peterson November 25, 2023 I seem to have found the silver linings taken from the clouds in all three poems from the melting of hearts and sunbeam thrills to recognizing love in the silent beam of a father’s eye. All three fit together beautifully and as always there is the wonderful alliteration and imagination in the presentation. Reply Ginger November 25, 2023 You are an amazing poet! I love reading your stuff. Thanks for sharing! ❤️ Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Ginger – Thank you for reading and commenting on my poems… it means a lot! x Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Roy, I thoroughly appreciate your comment. Forgiveness is far from easy, but it comes with its own rewards… silver linings that make the painful and often long process worthwhile. Thank you! Reply Hari Hyde November 25, 2023 Three wonderful poems. “Deliverance” tingles with Dickinson’s electricity wherein the material and the abstract mingle in magical simplicity. I love the word choice of “ditching” every grudge. Ditches must be dug and they’re always flanking our chosen avenues. Forgiveness is hard, but when we forgive, we might finally heal the original wound. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Hari, it’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed “Deliverance”… I had a lot of fun with that one and to hear you say it “tingles with Dickinson’s electricity wherein the material and the abstract mingle in magical simplicity.” (how poetic!) has made me glow with joy! Thank you very much indeed. You are spot on with your forgiveness observations. Forgiveness comes with pain and requires strength. It is very hard to forgive… but well worth the effort if one wishes to move forward with their life. I thoroughly recommend it! Reply Norma Pain November 25, 2023 Thank you Susan for these three wonderful poems on forgiveness. I agree with Ginger, your poetry is amazing. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Norma, thank you so very much… I always appreciate kind words of encouragement from fine poets… and your poetry shines! Reply Mary Gardner November 25, 2023 Susan, you express well that forgiveness brings relief to the one who forgives. Compared to it, the “vengeance high” is low indeed. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Mary, thank you so much. you are right on your forgiveness observations… relief is the gift forgiveness brings… though, I appreciate it’s often an arduous journey to ultimate peace. Reply Rohini November 25, 2023 Such beautiful imagery and such a soft, tone. These are different and so moving. Tears in my eyes, thank you. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Rohini, I thoroughly appreciate your lovely comments. I stepped way out of my comfort zone with these, so your words are all the dearer to my heart. Thank you! Reply Brian A. Yapko November 26, 2023 Susan, these poems are driven by a heart-wrenching (but fascinating) exploration of the frontier between psychology and spirituality, of wounds inflicted and healed, of the heart hurt by a door slammed in the face but healing and growing in strength and power as a result. “Wayward” has a devastating emotional conflict at its center and addresses the question: what does one do with such pain? Well, you can either feel sorry for yourself, or you can do what you have chosen: rise like a phoenix from the ash and dust of pyres of ire.” This amazing poem is fleshed out and rendered into art wiith images that are indelible – that phoenix, of course. But also the moonbeam song – the jarring notes of pink and indigo – down to the winter hearts she knows will melt.” Ah, those winter hearts. Will they indeed melt? One can only pray and hope. “Deliverance” describes a speaker who has made her choice. Not only defiance but strength, dignity and a slightly sardonic humor characterized by a use of alliteration and internal rhyme which drives the speaker’s emotional state both forward and into a place of confidence. As you paraphrase the Weird Sisters, “Some folks are foul. Some folks are fair.” In this poem of acceptance you acknowledge this and then move on. In fact “Moving On” could be an alternate title for this piece. Forgiveness is the way to go, but not because it is to their benefit. It’s for the benefit of the speaker so that the terrible burdens of second-guessing and resentment can be put down at last. “Her Father’s Eyes” may be the most emotional of the pieces as we explore the troubled relationship between a father and an adult child. The father’s understanding of his rebellious daughter is only tentative and yet children may – in fact, often must – choose lives beyond what dad plans. This poem, though it feels personal, has great universality and, I believe, speaks for many children and parents who, despite water under the bridge, are nonetheless bound together by a love that may transcend linguistic expression. It certainly speaks to me as I recall the anger and disappointment with which my own parents greeted me as I showed them who I really was. Eventually they came around and a deeply abiding familial love prevailed and covered a multitude of sins. Love is possible even without approval. Susan, I realize that this may sound way out there, but this trio of poems reminds me of the Japanese practice of kintsugi, in which ceramics which have been broken are repaired with gold leaf paste such that the cracks now display a delicate beauty which enhances the meaning and value of the damaged vessel. Such objects are deeply treasured as works of art. As are you. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Brian, you have a way of getting right to the core of my work and explaining the points I endeavor to make with clarity and a creativity that has touched my heart – your closing three words have tears pricking my eyes. They mean a lot. I especially love the kintsugi observation whereby “ceramics which have been broken are repaired with gold leaf paste such that the cracks now display a delicate beauty which enhances the meaning and value of the damaged vessel. Such objects are deeply treasured as works of art.” How utterly beautiful… tis the stuff of poetry, and I would love to write that poem. Brian, it sounds as if you have a great understanding of the subject of forgiveness… a subject that is far from simple to process, understand, and move forward with. “Moving On” (great alternative title that I will consider) is exactly what the middle poem is about… it’s tough to put one’s grudges aside when one is so hurt and irked… but, it is well worth the effort. It took me six years to forgive… six long years of learning, looking inward, reaching out, and (the hardest one of all) accepting that one cannot change another’s outlook. But every challenging step was worth it… it freed me from the miserable grip of regret. It’s amazing to me that you should say my poems were driven by an “exploration of the frontier between psychology and spirituality…” I read many a psychology book to understand the nature of cruelty and forgiveness, but it was only through a biblical perspective that I fully understood both. Brian, thank you very much for your fine eye, and most of all for your understanding of poetry and poets. 🙂 Reply Russel Winick November 26, 2023 Susan – Resentment, estrangement, and forgiveness are not easy subjects to write about. You have done so in a marvelous way that nobody else could. A tragic trail to trudge, indeed. These poems are good therapy for me and likely many others. Reply Julian D. Woodruff November 26, 2023 Susan, although all three are full of darkness, they are ultimately, and characteristically, positive, with spiritually beneficial action undertaken (or at least implied–no. 3).Do you think you could do a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained, despite opportunity for moving into the sunlight? Or is it worth considering such a project? Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Julian, thank you so much for your close reading of my poems and for your question… a challenging one I’d like to rise to poetically. As Dr. Salemi says, poems are “fictive artefacts”… and I have taken full advantage of that. There are many shades of forgiveness, and I will try to write “a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained”… I’ll post it below if I’m successful. Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Russel, thank you very much for your kind words. I wasn’t sure if this little series would work, and it appears it has… I am most grateful for your encouraging feedback. It means a lot. Reply Daniel Kemper November 26, 2023 Am I crazy to pick up Mary, the Mother of Jesus in poem #1? Loved the crisp meter and the careful control of narrative in all of these poems. Reply Joshua C. Frank November 26, 2023 The others are good, but my favorite of these is the last one. It seems the most real of the three, the most grounded in concrete reality. I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Josh, thank you. I’m over the moon the last one is your favorite… I wasn’t sure it worked, but it’s the one dearest to my heart. Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Daniel, there’s a huge spiritual undercurrent in the first poem… so I’m thrilled to hear you’ve picked up on it, and even more thrilled that you’ve enjoyed the series. Thank you very much! Reply Joseph S. Salemi November 27, 2023 I can’t add much more to the praise that these three poems have received, or to the sharp analysis that Brian Yapko provides. I would mention that the placement of the poems strikes me as deliberate: the first is about a sundering alienation from family members; the second presents the speaker’s conscious decision to purge herself of all bitterness over it; and the third describes a deathbed reconciliation with at least one family member. I recall the first two poems from Expansive Poetry Online, and I surmise that the third poem was composed and placed here to flesh out this triptych-like arrangement. Susan has put forth a complete story in three different poetic forms. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Joe, I thoroughly appreciate your wise words on my poems and the placement of them. You’re right when you say the order is deliberate – the first two being a prelude to the third… I wrote the third poem a couple of weeks ago to complete the theme. I wanted to keep a level of detachment to stop me treading that line of sentimentality that can easily become cloying and overbearing. As the second poem is somewhat humorous, the first person seemed appropriate. I chose the forms to match my mood. I stepped way out of my comfort zone with number three and wasn’t sure it would work. I am over the moon with the responses I’ve had and thank you very much for your wisdom and constant inspiration. Reply Sally Cook November 27, 2023 Susan, there are some things that may be repaired; others that may not. To know the difference requires great discernment. I believe you have that discernment. Sometimes problems are laid on our shoulders to force us to grow. If we can do that so much the better. If those who remain stuck in the cement of former opinion will not or cannot change, well, as Jesus said, shake the dust off your feet and go on. I believe what He meant was there is only so much one can do. This is my interpretation of your group of poems. They are very successful. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Dear Sally, I always appreciate your wise eye and your comment is full of words that sing to me with a crystal clarity. You have put me in mind of the serenity prayer. To hear my poems are successful thrills me no end. Sally, your words are a warm hug on a cold night in Texas, and I thank you for their honesty and sagacity. Reply Margaret Coats November 27, 2023 “Her Father’s Eyes” touches me most, not because I was a rebellious daughter, but because my father and I had completely different styles of life. He was a man of extremely few words, for one thing. I was not sure he would want to walk me down the aisle at my wedding, or that I would want him to. I said so to an older friend, who urged me simply to plan that we would do this, because “the experience is incomparable.” So I didn’t ask my dad, just ordered him a tux. The experience is incomparable, and he died a few months later. How good to have friends with good advice, and ones like you who can portray it in writing as well! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Margaret, what a beautiful story. I am so glad to hear you were able to experience that incomparable moment and share that glorious time with your father. I believe many precious thoughts are conveyed in the absence of words – in the touch of a hand, the twinkle of an eye, the warmth of a smile etc. In the absence of words, we tend to assume what people are thinking… and we are quite often wrong. It’s lovely to hear your father rose to the occasion… and thank you for sharing such a heart-touching memory. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 “Do you think you could do a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained, despite opportunity for moving into the sunlight?” ~ Julian Woodruff Shadows and Serenity She’d craved her chilly mother’s tender touch – That warm and guiding hand through girly days Of gauche and giddy ways. It proved too much To want from one repelled by childish ways. She’d wished maternal arms would soothe the sting Of teenage angst and growing up with all The tricky things that womanhood would bring. This daughter – keen to crack her mother’s wall – A wall that cast a shadow on her dreams – Knew if she tried once more, she’d fall and fail Just like before. She’s finished with extremes – Seeking ends that suit a fairytale. Instead, she sends her love wrapped in a prayer To Mom – the one she knows will never care. Reply Joseph S. Salemi November 28, 2023 Susan, this is a very sad poem. You needed something from your mother, and she couldn’t give it. Reading your three poems once more, I am reminded of two lines from William Blake: Mutual forgiveness of each vice — These are The Gates of Paradise. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 Joe, thank you for the beautiful quote from Blake. It sings to me. Just recently, I finally accepted the fact that you cannot make someone love you. After spending much of my childhood and most of my adulthood trying, I’ve decided to leave this sad situation with He who knows best. I intend to revel in love and joy shared willingly without looking back with regret. Michael Vanyukov November 28, 2023 “I felt a sunbeam thrill” indeed, Susan, reading that. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 I am glad to hear this, Michael. I love a bit of infectious joy and I always strive to bring a soupçon of sunshine to my poetry. Reply Dave Whippman December 8, 2023 More excellent work from you, Susan. My personal favourite is “Her Father’s Eyes,” with its message of reconciliation beautifully building to the last line. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Captcha loading...In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Mark Stellinga November 25, 2023 Susan, it’s so wonderful to reap the bounties of your unfathomable intuition, but, at the same time, now and then, fairly tough for some to cope with the heart breaking issues it exposes. Insight is a powerful attribute, but can also cause depression for those who don’t understand it. You obviously do! Outstanding pieces, all 3. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Mark, thank you very much for your astute observations and kind words on my poems. Forgiveness is a tough subject to deal with… going through the physical process and writing about it creatively. I’m glad I hit the right note for you. Reply
Allegra Silberstein November 25, 2023 Your 3 poems on forgiveness are beautiful and needed in our world. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Allegra, how kind and encouraging your words are. I thank you wholeheartedly for taking the time to read my poems and to comment on them. Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson November 25, 2023 I seem to have found the silver linings taken from the clouds in all three poems from the melting of hearts and sunbeam thrills to recognizing love in the silent beam of a father’s eye. All three fit together beautifully and as always there is the wonderful alliteration and imagination in the presentation. Reply
Ginger November 25, 2023 You are an amazing poet! I love reading your stuff. Thanks for sharing! ❤️ Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Ginger – Thank you for reading and commenting on my poems… it means a lot! x
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Roy, I thoroughly appreciate your comment. Forgiveness is far from easy, but it comes with its own rewards… silver linings that make the painful and often long process worthwhile. Thank you! Reply
Hari Hyde November 25, 2023 Three wonderful poems. “Deliverance” tingles with Dickinson’s electricity wherein the material and the abstract mingle in magical simplicity. I love the word choice of “ditching” every grudge. Ditches must be dug and they’re always flanking our chosen avenues. Forgiveness is hard, but when we forgive, we might finally heal the original wound. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Hari, it’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed “Deliverance”… I had a lot of fun with that one and to hear you say it “tingles with Dickinson’s electricity wherein the material and the abstract mingle in magical simplicity.” (how poetic!) has made me glow with joy! Thank you very much indeed. You are spot on with your forgiveness observations. Forgiveness comes with pain and requires strength. It is very hard to forgive… but well worth the effort if one wishes to move forward with their life. I thoroughly recommend it! Reply
Norma Pain November 25, 2023 Thank you Susan for these three wonderful poems on forgiveness. I agree with Ginger, your poetry is amazing. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Norma, thank you so very much… I always appreciate kind words of encouragement from fine poets… and your poetry shines! Reply
Mary Gardner November 25, 2023 Susan, you express well that forgiveness brings relief to the one who forgives. Compared to it, the “vengeance high” is low indeed. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Mary, thank you so much. you are right on your forgiveness observations… relief is the gift forgiveness brings… though, I appreciate it’s often an arduous journey to ultimate peace. Reply
Rohini November 25, 2023 Such beautiful imagery and such a soft, tone. These are different and so moving. Tears in my eyes, thank you. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Rohini, I thoroughly appreciate your lovely comments. I stepped way out of my comfort zone with these, so your words are all the dearer to my heart. Thank you! Reply
Brian A. Yapko November 26, 2023 Susan, these poems are driven by a heart-wrenching (but fascinating) exploration of the frontier between psychology and spirituality, of wounds inflicted and healed, of the heart hurt by a door slammed in the face but healing and growing in strength and power as a result. “Wayward” has a devastating emotional conflict at its center and addresses the question: what does one do with such pain? Well, you can either feel sorry for yourself, or you can do what you have chosen: rise like a phoenix from the ash and dust of pyres of ire.” This amazing poem is fleshed out and rendered into art wiith images that are indelible – that phoenix, of course. But also the moonbeam song – the jarring notes of pink and indigo – down to the winter hearts she knows will melt.” Ah, those winter hearts. Will they indeed melt? One can only pray and hope. “Deliverance” describes a speaker who has made her choice. Not only defiance but strength, dignity and a slightly sardonic humor characterized by a use of alliteration and internal rhyme which drives the speaker’s emotional state both forward and into a place of confidence. As you paraphrase the Weird Sisters, “Some folks are foul. Some folks are fair.” In this poem of acceptance you acknowledge this and then move on. In fact “Moving On” could be an alternate title for this piece. Forgiveness is the way to go, but not because it is to their benefit. It’s for the benefit of the speaker so that the terrible burdens of second-guessing and resentment can be put down at last. “Her Father’s Eyes” may be the most emotional of the pieces as we explore the troubled relationship between a father and an adult child. The father’s understanding of his rebellious daughter is only tentative and yet children may – in fact, often must – choose lives beyond what dad plans. This poem, though it feels personal, has great universality and, I believe, speaks for many children and parents who, despite water under the bridge, are nonetheless bound together by a love that may transcend linguistic expression. It certainly speaks to me as I recall the anger and disappointment with which my own parents greeted me as I showed them who I really was. Eventually they came around and a deeply abiding familial love prevailed and covered a multitude of sins. Love is possible even without approval. Susan, I realize that this may sound way out there, but this trio of poems reminds me of the Japanese practice of kintsugi, in which ceramics which have been broken are repaired with gold leaf paste such that the cracks now display a delicate beauty which enhances the meaning and value of the damaged vessel. Such objects are deeply treasured as works of art. As are you. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Brian, you have a way of getting right to the core of my work and explaining the points I endeavor to make with clarity and a creativity that has touched my heart – your closing three words have tears pricking my eyes. They mean a lot. I especially love the kintsugi observation whereby “ceramics which have been broken are repaired with gold leaf paste such that the cracks now display a delicate beauty which enhances the meaning and value of the damaged vessel. Such objects are deeply treasured as works of art.” How utterly beautiful… tis the stuff of poetry, and I would love to write that poem. Brian, it sounds as if you have a great understanding of the subject of forgiveness… a subject that is far from simple to process, understand, and move forward with. “Moving On” (great alternative title that I will consider) is exactly what the middle poem is about… it’s tough to put one’s grudges aside when one is so hurt and irked… but, it is well worth the effort. It took me six years to forgive… six long years of learning, looking inward, reaching out, and (the hardest one of all) accepting that one cannot change another’s outlook. But every challenging step was worth it… it freed me from the miserable grip of regret. It’s amazing to me that you should say my poems were driven by an “exploration of the frontier between psychology and spirituality…” I read many a psychology book to understand the nature of cruelty and forgiveness, but it was only through a biblical perspective that I fully understood both. Brian, thank you very much for your fine eye, and most of all for your understanding of poetry and poets. 🙂 Reply
Russel Winick November 26, 2023 Susan – Resentment, estrangement, and forgiveness are not easy subjects to write about. You have done so in a marvelous way that nobody else could. A tragic trail to trudge, indeed. These poems are good therapy for me and likely many others. Reply
Julian D. Woodruff November 26, 2023 Susan, although all three are full of darkness, they are ultimately, and characteristically, positive, with spiritually beneficial action undertaken (or at least implied–no. 3).Do you think you could do a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained, despite opportunity for moving into the sunlight? Or is it worth considering such a project? Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Julian, thank you so much for your close reading of my poems and for your question… a challenging one I’d like to rise to poetically. As Dr. Salemi says, poems are “fictive artefacts”… and I have taken full advantage of that. There are many shades of forgiveness, and I will try to write “a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained”… I’ll post it below if I’m successful.
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Russel, thank you very much for your kind words. I wasn’t sure if this little series would work, and it appears it has… I am most grateful for your encouraging feedback. It means a lot. Reply
Daniel Kemper November 26, 2023 Am I crazy to pick up Mary, the Mother of Jesus in poem #1? Loved the crisp meter and the careful control of narrative in all of these poems. Reply
Joshua C. Frank November 26, 2023 The others are good, but my favorite of these is the last one. It seems the most real of the three, the most grounded in concrete reality. I have to admit, it brought tears to my eyes. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Josh, thank you. I’m over the moon the last one is your favorite… I wasn’t sure it worked, but it’s the one dearest to my heart.
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Daniel, there’s a huge spiritual undercurrent in the first poem… so I’m thrilled to hear you’ve picked up on it, and even more thrilled that you’ve enjoyed the series. Thank you very much! Reply
Joseph S. Salemi November 27, 2023 I can’t add much more to the praise that these three poems have received, or to the sharp analysis that Brian Yapko provides. I would mention that the placement of the poems strikes me as deliberate: the first is about a sundering alienation from family members; the second presents the speaker’s conscious decision to purge herself of all bitterness over it; and the third describes a deathbed reconciliation with at least one family member. I recall the first two poems from Expansive Poetry Online, and I surmise that the third poem was composed and placed here to flesh out this triptych-like arrangement. Susan has put forth a complete story in three different poetic forms. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Joe, I thoroughly appreciate your wise words on my poems and the placement of them. You’re right when you say the order is deliberate – the first two being a prelude to the third… I wrote the third poem a couple of weeks ago to complete the theme. I wanted to keep a level of detachment to stop me treading that line of sentimentality that can easily become cloying and overbearing. As the second poem is somewhat humorous, the first person seemed appropriate. I chose the forms to match my mood. I stepped way out of my comfort zone with number three and wasn’t sure it would work. I am over the moon with the responses I’ve had and thank you very much for your wisdom and constant inspiration. Reply
Sally Cook November 27, 2023 Susan, there are some things that may be repaired; others that may not. To know the difference requires great discernment. I believe you have that discernment. Sometimes problems are laid on our shoulders to force us to grow. If we can do that so much the better. If those who remain stuck in the cement of former opinion will not or cannot change, well, as Jesus said, shake the dust off your feet and go on. I believe what He meant was there is only so much one can do. This is my interpretation of your group of poems. They are very successful. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Dear Sally, I always appreciate your wise eye and your comment is full of words that sing to me with a crystal clarity. You have put me in mind of the serenity prayer. To hear my poems are successful thrills me no end. Sally, your words are a warm hug on a cold night in Texas, and I thank you for their honesty and sagacity. Reply
Margaret Coats November 27, 2023 “Her Father’s Eyes” touches me most, not because I was a rebellious daughter, but because my father and I had completely different styles of life. He was a man of extremely few words, for one thing. I was not sure he would want to walk me down the aisle at my wedding, or that I would want him to. I said so to an older friend, who urged me simply to plan that we would do this, because “the experience is incomparable.” So I didn’t ask my dad, just ordered him a tux. The experience is incomparable, and he died a few months later. How good to have friends with good advice, and ones like you who can portray it in writing as well! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 27, 2023 Margaret, what a beautiful story. I am so glad to hear you were able to experience that incomparable moment and share that glorious time with your father. I believe many precious thoughts are conveyed in the absence of words – in the touch of a hand, the twinkle of an eye, the warmth of a smile etc. In the absence of words, we tend to assume what people are thinking… and we are quite often wrong. It’s lovely to hear your father rose to the occasion… and thank you for sharing such a heart-touching memory. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 “Do you think you could do a poem where a negative spiritual stasis is maintained, despite opportunity for moving into the sunlight?” ~ Julian Woodruff Shadows and Serenity She’d craved her chilly mother’s tender touch – That warm and guiding hand through girly days Of gauche and giddy ways. It proved too much To want from one repelled by childish ways. She’d wished maternal arms would soothe the sting Of teenage angst and growing up with all The tricky things that womanhood would bring. This daughter – keen to crack her mother’s wall – A wall that cast a shadow on her dreams – Knew if she tried once more, she’d fall and fail Just like before. She’s finished with extremes – Seeking ends that suit a fairytale. Instead, she sends her love wrapped in a prayer To Mom – the one she knows will never care. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi November 28, 2023 Susan, this is a very sad poem. You needed something from your mother, and she couldn’t give it. Reading your three poems once more, I am reminded of two lines from William Blake: Mutual forgiveness of each vice — These are The Gates of Paradise. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 Joe, thank you for the beautiful quote from Blake. It sings to me. Just recently, I finally accepted the fact that you cannot make someone love you. After spending much of my childhood and most of my adulthood trying, I’ve decided to leave this sad situation with He who knows best. I intend to revel in love and joy shared willingly without looking back with regret.
Susan Jarvis Bryant November 28, 2023 I am glad to hear this, Michael. I love a bit of infectious joy and I always strive to bring a soupçon of sunshine to my poetry. Reply
Dave Whippman December 8, 2023 More excellent work from you, Susan. My personal favourite is “Her Father’s Eyes,” with its message of reconciliation beautifully building to the last line. Reply
