Odysseus taunting Polyphemus, by Böcklin‘Sound and Fury’: A Poem by Susan Jarvis Bryant The Society May 22, 2025 Culture, Poetry 32 Comments . Sound and Fury . I. Of Farcical Requital He craved the slavish praise his patter wooed. His slick, linguistic syrup charmed the ear Of she who shunned the candor of the crude— A fellow fox who held his fawning dear. Her honey-butter coos appeased his need For piffle-fizzing frissons of delight— A blarney-bloated, tit-for-tattish deed. They scratched each other’s backs with toady might… Until their hogwash concord lost its sheen. One bunkum-stricken, claptrap afternoon A blazing bolt of truth tore through the scene Of puffery to pierce their pomp-balloon. Crapola-caked, they plummeted to earth To learn just what their weasel words were worth. . Il. Sticks and Stones “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right To tell people what they do not want to hear.” —George Orwell She spewed a slew of filth from fevered lips To scorch the frigid fringes of the day. It reeked of dung and stung like snapping whips On paper skin with fervor meant to flay. This ghastly glut of smut burst from her gut To fluster bossy fussers till they fried. Aggrieved, this triggered tribe began to tut— The pique of pious cliques won’t be denied. Her words provoked a vow of swift redress— A tar-and-feather threat, or fusty cell, Unless she crooned contrition and confessed. She spat, “Go fuck a duck and cluck in hell!” Pearls were clutched; the cosmos was offended— Exactly as this livid lass intended. . . Susan Jarvis Bryant is a poet originally from the U.K., now living on the Gulf Coast of Texas. 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. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 32 Responses Mark Stellinga May 22, 2025 I hope the inspirations for these 2 terrifying scenarios are not rooted in your personal past, Susan! If they are, how wonderfully satisfied you must have felt after whipping each of these disturbingly-intimidating sonnets up! I’m definitely not going to let Connie read these! Just one friendly criticism – you might wanna think about working on your assimilational skills a wee bit. Both fantastic – as always – 🙂 Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 I’m glad you enjoyed this piece. It’s just a fearless poetic observation on how people choose to use speech and the effects of it. I embraced the subject matter in all its glorious entirety… ouchiness, grouchiness, and downright offensiveness included. As for assimilation, a flamboyant Shakespearean sonnet on a contentious subject will most certainly alienate me from the in-crowd… just the way it’s always done, and just the way I like it! Mark, thank you. Reply Mike Bryant May 22, 2025 Susan, as your biggest fan — and someone who’s watched the value of free speech attacked over the years — I think this poem says something we all need to hear. “Sound and Fury” doesn’t just entertain, it shows the way free speech has been boxed in from all sides. In the first part, you show how false flattery smothers truth. In the second, how unapologetic outrage triggers censorship. People are either being taken in or they’re shouting out — and honest, thoughtful expression is getting lost. It’s a clever, cutting reminder of why the freedom to speak — even when it offends — matters so deeply. You’ve nailed it. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Mike, thank you. You’re so right on the free speech front. It seems that these days speech swings from the safe-zone of self-censorship or support for the current-thing to vitriolic rebellion… we have (almost) lost the art of honest debate. Reply Margaret Brinton May 22, 2025 Susan, sometimes a “livid lass” has been too much of a “timid lass”. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 You’re spot on, Margaret, and thank you. Sometimes that livid lass begs to burst out for very good reason. She shouldn’t be denied. Reply Joseph S. Salemi May 22, 2025 Wow — these two really kick butt, as we say in Noo Yawk. The second poem is very direct in its advice about how to deal with pearl-clutchers who feign moral indignation when they hear what they don’t want to hear. Just tell them to bugger off, since you don’t give a swiving hump what they think. And Mike Bryant is right — this is usually where the calls for censorship originate, although the word censorship will usually be disguised and masked with synonyms like “civil discourse” or “moderation” or “respect for others,” or similar left-liberal chickenshit. The first poem is more complex. It clearly is about some kind of sick relationship, marked by flattery, parasitism, or folie a deux. But something happens at the line-nine volta — all the poem tells us is that it was “truth,” and leaves it for the reader to wonder about the details. Also, I don’t think Susan Bryant has to work on any “assimilational” skills. She’s an Englishwoman with English habits and English thoughts. The last thing we need in poetry is any more cowardice and timeserving “niceness.” Reply Mark Stellinga May 22, 2025 Joe, both Susan and Mike will promptly apprise you of the fact that my feigned criticism concerning her assimilational prowess is nothing more than one of my typical glib wisecracks. They know what to expect from me as a lifelong ‘populist’. We all know what a phenomenal poet she is. Here, to prove my point, are a couple you’ll likely never see – the first is pretty close to a sonnet!!! My Tribute to – You Know Who I’ve surfed a ton of poetry sites for close to fifty years In search of what, to me at least’s, the ‘best’ among ‘The Best’! One that towers – again – for me – above her learned peers, And now, at last, have found a bard that ‘aces’ every test! Alliteration superstars are few and far between, But when it comes to trimming verse with ‘words that sound alike’, And utilizing perfect terms and metaphors to preen Her every composition — with her doting husband, Mike, Posting quite profusely from the coastal plains of Texas — Who the ‘all ’round champion’ is I’m carrying on about — (The stinker who’s the reason I’m a close friend of ‘Alexa’) – Shouldn’t – with all I’m sharing – be that tough to figure out! She takes the first-place trophy, friends – Susan has no equal, And I – along with all her fans – are keen for every sequel! God Save The Queen I read some poems a while back – I’d say around two months – That – due to esoteric terms, would take me more than once To fully grasp what I perceived – their themes. Their author – of the fairer sex – or so she’s always claimed – Who, in this piece, appropriately, will kindly go unnamed – Is widely known for penning caustic memes! Literarily gifted, and surprisingly profuse, Her prowess for composing leaves me feeling quite obtuse, And – as a ‘Brit’, she thrives on stoking fires! Never ‘pulling punches’ and, when helpful, prone to curse – Countless – ‘have-it-coming’s’ – have been victims of her ‘Verse’ As effigies – atop her rhyming-pyres! Envy-green with spite for my ‘vocabular’ disparity – Desperate to interpret ‘unfamiliar-terms’ with clarity – But prouder far than those that quiz ‘Alexa’s – I’ll not stoop to probing ‘spyware’ – neatly-housed-in-plastic’ – Just to help decipher words – (my need-to’s not that drastic) – I simply text a poet-friend in Texas! And I’m no longer pestered by how difficult it was To understand the wordage in those poems, and that’s because She’s kindly filled me in on what they mean! Her subject matter’s massive – her vocabulary, too – So – just the same as other gifted poets often do — A ‘not-too-common-term’ – to keep them ‘clean’ – Is – to make for ‘perfect-rhyme’ – or, help maintain its meter, Thrown into her linage to appease the ‘learned’ reader – At ends, or, when required – in between! A ‘Formalistic’ superstar, her pieces are amazing, With ne’er a need for pruning terms or tactical rephrasing. She’s penned the finest work I’ve ever seen. Many a seasoned fan of ‘Verse’ hath placed her on their throne – Including me. I’ve rightly crowned this — God-sent ‘Shakespeare-clone’ – The ‘Empress of the Bards’ —- God Save The Queen! Believe me, I adore her work every bit as much as you all do, but I don’t have the education required to critique them as well as many SCPers can manage. Thanks for sticking up fer her – Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Mark, I am almost speechless (which is most unusual for me) and I am blushing. Thank you so very much for these lovely poems which will spur me on to do my very best… always. Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Joe, I am thrilled I’ve kicked butt with words in a world where physical violence is rampant and speech is on a tight leash. I just love the way your comment complements my poem – “Just tell them to bugger off, since you don’t give a swiving hump what they think” has me wishing I’d slotted this explosive phrase into the poem. “Swiving hump” remains one of my all-time favorite terms… and the term “folie a deux” is a shining gem – a soupçon of finesse sprinkled on the unfiltered tongue goes a long way. Thank you! Reply Warren Bonham May 22, 2025 Each line is a carefully constructed gem that when fully assembled packs a very powerful punch. Your sound and fury signify quite a lot. I really enjoyed these. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Warren, thank you very much for your appreciation and your encouragement. I especially like your attention to the title. My nod to Macbeth didn’t escape you – I’m smiling. Reply Frank Rable May 23, 2025 I was thinking William Faulkner, but now I remember that he borrowed “Sound and Fury” from Shakespeare. It was an homage to the Master, without whom we might be speaking a different language of all technical terms. And you honor the Bard as well in a way he would approve. It was difficult on the Ouija, but I believe Bill (we’re on first name terms) said of you. “Her words pleaseth me, most verily. Prithee, play on.” There was more, but he speaks very rapidly and I sprained my wrist. Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Frank, you have me laughing at your Ouija-board connection with Bill the Bard. I am sorry to hear of your wrist trauma… perhaps next time Will will channel your quill. I look forward to reading the results here at the SCP. Brian Yapko May 22, 2025 This is poetry as notable for its incredible linguistic pyrotechnics as it is for the unexpected and almost painful vitriol and contempt of the speaker. I find it as emotionally upsetting as it is intellectually brilliant. If corrosive acid could be transformed into words, it would be thus – aided and abetted by weaponized alliteration. There are a hundred things to note here, but I am particularly intrigued by the reference to the fellow fawning fox. It reminds me of the reference to the little foxes in the Song of Solomon which metaphorically describes a small thing which, despite its smallness, yet destroys something valuable. The poem is filled with images and verbiage concerning hypocrisy, puffery rebuffed and a surprising amount of animalistic imagery, including “toady might” “hogwash concord” and “weasel words.” The speaker is clearly done with pity. No doubt the subject(s) of this poem has (have) richly earned this keen level of disappointment and judgment. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Brian, I am always most grateful for your passion for words and appreciation of their power. I especially love your term: “weaponized alliteration” – I led up to the F-word with this bit of fun: “fluster bossy fussers till they fried” which has me smiling at your observation. I am also taken with your eye for the symbolic critters littered throughout. These sonnets were written with humor in my heart (as many of my poems are) and I hope you can see that. I certainly didn’t intend them to be “emotionally upsetting”. But you have picked up on the serious nature of both. They do make an important point. From where I stand, self-serving, manipulative language is worse than an impassioned outburst of cuss words in a crowded room. Both are far from ideal, but free speech feeds brown-nosers, blasphemers, and busybodies with all they need to make the world a more difficult place to live in… but, without free speech it would be worse, much worse. Having the power to call out the BS is a gift that gets us nearer to the truth, and I believe I did just that in my poem. Brian, thank you! Reply Brian Yapko May 23, 2025 Susan, thank you for your generous reply to my somewhat overwrought comment in which I teetered perilously close to becoming that pearl-clutcher. Having re-read your poem, I realize the extent to which I brought my own subjective and unhappy mood into my reading of your work. This is something of a cautionary tale regarding the critical reading of poetry for it sometimes is better not to jump the gun on an interpretation (or misinterpretation) of a poem. Subjectivity and subjective projection can be a bitch. This was a lesson I was supposed to have learned in college when I poorly explicated a poem called “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke — rI read a darkness into that poem that wasn’t there. Or, at least, I greatly exaggerated it past the black and white of the text. I believe I did that here as well and must apologize. Having now gone through your extraordinary catalogue of alliterative zingers and disdainful imagery I realize that my own dark mood caused me to overlook the sheer sardonic fun of the poem. Not that I now see your piece as all sweetness and light. Hardly. It still runs acid green. But the targets are worthy ones more clearly identifiable to me, the snarky voice is delicious and that shade of acid green is a peculiarly attractive hue. I am now reminded of the famous quip by Theodore Roosevelt’s socialite daughter, Alice Roosevelt (also quoted in Steel Magnolias): “If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit next to me.” Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Brian, you certainly didn’t have to make another comment – although, I am grateful you did, especially for Alice Roosevelt’s quip – it sounds like something Oscar Wilde would be over the moon to have written, and I love it. I think this poem is uncomfortable because it speaks of the human condition with hyperbolic absurdity beneath which is a whisper of harsh truth in acid green… my go-to color for this type of poetry. Brian, thank you for two beautiful and thoughtful comments on one wild and whacky poem. jd May 23, 2025 As always, I am so impressed with your wordly arsenal, Susan. You are beyond compare. I am also impressed by Mark’s two tributes, the second of which I see as a true “labor” of love, which is not to say I liked it better than the first. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 jd, thank you so very much for your kind and appreciative comment. I am thrilled you enjoyed my wordy arsenal (I love that term!). And – yes – Mark’s tributes were labors of love indeed. I’m blushing still. Reply Frank Rable May 23, 2025 Susan: I am in awe, in awe! You woke me from my deep old man’s sleep today! What must it be like, to be a Texan and to encounter you. A shock, and I hope an awakening of the soul. Shakespeare vs the Baptist Church and football. Coos. You got my attention. I’m not that old. Well maybe. But why not cooze? British spelling? Aha! The double entendre! The call of a dove (or fellow fox?) for it’s mate as well as every straight man’s delight. Oh, you naughty girl! Each morning now I try to read at least two poems. And what a pretty pair today. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Frank, you have me grinning. You most certainly have a fine eye for my multi-layered cheekiness. You are clearly a reader of wit and wisdom. Thank you for making my sunny Saturday all the brighter! Reply James A. Tweedie May 23, 2025 And to think I was recently critiqued as being overly alliteral! Susan, you are never less than entertaining. And to paraphrase an old saying, If you want to send a message, call Western Union. If you want to get one (or two), then puzzle through the latest pair of sonnets by Susan Jarvis Bryant! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 James, if alliteration is a crime, then let’s be recidivists together. Shakespeare would have lost his head for linguistic excess… literally. As for the Western Union quip, for anyone puzzling my poems for mere messages – it’s a bit like reading wine labels for nutrition details – you’ll miss the kick and remain sober. It’s all about fun – and that brings me back to the alliteration. Words without music fall flat. It’s not about the words alone – here’s to music, mischief, and meter! Reply C.B. Anderson May 23, 2025 It always amazes me how Ms. Bryant manages to squeeze so much cogent thought out of what, on its face, is simply spectacular wordplay. If there is anything comparable in the English canon, I’d like to know about it. A wheezing geezer such as I can only sigh and watch the sky. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 C.B., your kind words both humble and hearten me. Your “wheezing geezer” sigh makes me smile. I have a strong feeling the sky sighs back, grateful for your own poetical gaze. I’ve learned from the best on this site, and you are one of them! Reply Mike Bryant May 26, 2025 I’d like to know too, C.B. Reply Russel Winick May 23, 2025 Susan – I hope you had as much fun writing these as I did reading them! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Russel, I had a blast writing this. Sometimes the best poems are written with a mischievous grin and a melodious heart. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the ride. Reply Yael May 23, 2025 Wow Susan, these are some sparkly verbal pyrotechnics you’ve dished out here. Looks like fireworks season is starting early this year. I’m looking forward to what July 4th will bring. Thanks for the light show! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Yael, what a fabulous fireworks metaphor. If I’ve lit a few fuses, then I consider the spark well-spent. Thank you for lighting up the page with your encouraging comment. Reply Julian D. Woodruff May 25, 2025 Susan, Dinah Shore once sang (in another time, in another context), “Then the fireworks began …” In the song, they remain for the listener to construct (“I bet you can guess just exactly what happened …”), but you could have lit up the room like no one else before or since. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Mark Stellinga May 22, 2025 I hope the inspirations for these 2 terrifying scenarios are not rooted in your personal past, Susan! If they are, how wonderfully satisfied you must have felt after whipping each of these disturbingly-intimidating sonnets up! I’m definitely not going to let Connie read these! Just one friendly criticism – you might wanna think about working on your assimilational skills a wee bit. Both fantastic – as always – 🙂 Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 I’m glad you enjoyed this piece. It’s just a fearless poetic observation on how people choose to use speech and the effects of it. I embraced the subject matter in all its glorious entirety… ouchiness, grouchiness, and downright offensiveness included. As for assimilation, a flamboyant Shakespearean sonnet on a contentious subject will most certainly alienate me from the in-crowd… just the way it’s always done, and just the way I like it! Mark, thank you. Reply
Mike Bryant May 22, 2025 Susan, as your biggest fan — and someone who’s watched the value of free speech attacked over the years — I think this poem says something we all need to hear. “Sound and Fury” doesn’t just entertain, it shows the way free speech has been boxed in from all sides. In the first part, you show how false flattery smothers truth. In the second, how unapologetic outrage triggers censorship. People are either being taken in or they’re shouting out — and honest, thoughtful expression is getting lost. It’s a clever, cutting reminder of why the freedom to speak — even when it offends — matters so deeply. You’ve nailed it. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Mike, thank you. You’re so right on the free speech front. It seems that these days speech swings from the safe-zone of self-censorship or support for the current-thing to vitriolic rebellion… we have (almost) lost the art of honest debate. Reply
Margaret Brinton May 22, 2025 Susan, sometimes a “livid lass” has been too much of a “timid lass”. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 You’re spot on, Margaret, and thank you. Sometimes that livid lass begs to burst out for very good reason. She shouldn’t be denied. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi May 22, 2025 Wow — these two really kick butt, as we say in Noo Yawk. The second poem is very direct in its advice about how to deal with pearl-clutchers who feign moral indignation when they hear what they don’t want to hear. Just tell them to bugger off, since you don’t give a swiving hump what they think. And Mike Bryant is right — this is usually where the calls for censorship originate, although the word censorship will usually be disguised and masked with synonyms like “civil discourse” or “moderation” or “respect for others,” or similar left-liberal chickenshit. The first poem is more complex. It clearly is about some kind of sick relationship, marked by flattery, parasitism, or folie a deux. But something happens at the line-nine volta — all the poem tells us is that it was “truth,” and leaves it for the reader to wonder about the details. Also, I don’t think Susan Bryant has to work on any “assimilational” skills. She’s an Englishwoman with English habits and English thoughts. The last thing we need in poetry is any more cowardice and timeserving “niceness.” Reply
Mark Stellinga May 22, 2025 Joe, both Susan and Mike will promptly apprise you of the fact that my feigned criticism concerning her assimilational prowess is nothing more than one of my typical glib wisecracks. They know what to expect from me as a lifelong ‘populist’. We all know what a phenomenal poet she is. Here, to prove my point, are a couple you’ll likely never see – the first is pretty close to a sonnet!!! My Tribute to – You Know Who I’ve surfed a ton of poetry sites for close to fifty years In search of what, to me at least’s, the ‘best’ among ‘The Best’! One that towers – again – for me – above her learned peers, And now, at last, have found a bard that ‘aces’ every test! Alliteration superstars are few and far between, But when it comes to trimming verse with ‘words that sound alike’, And utilizing perfect terms and metaphors to preen Her every composition — with her doting husband, Mike, Posting quite profusely from the coastal plains of Texas — Who the ‘all ’round champion’ is I’m carrying on about — (The stinker who’s the reason I’m a close friend of ‘Alexa’) – Shouldn’t – with all I’m sharing – be that tough to figure out! She takes the first-place trophy, friends – Susan has no equal, And I – along with all her fans – are keen for every sequel! God Save The Queen I read some poems a while back – I’d say around two months – That – due to esoteric terms, would take me more than once To fully grasp what I perceived – their themes. Their author – of the fairer sex – or so she’s always claimed – Who, in this piece, appropriately, will kindly go unnamed – Is widely known for penning caustic memes! Literarily gifted, and surprisingly profuse, Her prowess for composing leaves me feeling quite obtuse, And – as a ‘Brit’, she thrives on stoking fires! Never ‘pulling punches’ and, when helpful, prone to curse – Countless – ‘have-it-coming’s’ – have been victims of her ‘Verse’ As effigies – atop her rhyming-pyres! Envy-green with spite for my ‘vocabular’ disparity – Desperate to interpret ‘unfamiliar-terms’ with clarity – But prouder far than those that quiz ‘Alexa’s – I’ll not stoop to probing ‘spyware’ – neatly-housed-in-plastic’ – Just to help decipher words – (my need-to’s not that drastic) – I simply text a poet-friend in Texas! And I’m no longer pestered by how difficult it was To understand the wordage in those poems, and that’s because She’s kindly filled me in on what they mean! Her subject matter’s massive – her vocabulary, too – So – just the same as other gifted poets often do — A ‘not-too-common-term’ – to keep them ‘clean’ – Is – to make for ‘perfect-rhyme’ – or, help maintain its meter, Thrown into her linage to appease the ‘learned’ reader – At ends, or, when required – in between! A ‘Formalistic’ superstar, her pieces are amazing, With ne’er a need for pruning terms or tactical rephrasing. She’s penned the finest work I’ve ever seen. Many a seasoned fan of ‘Verse’ hath placed her on their throne – Including me. I’ve rightly crowned this — God-sent ‘Shakespeare-clone’ – The ‘Empress of the Bards’ —- God Save The Queen! Believe me, I adore her work every bit as much as you all do, but I don’t have the education required to critique them as well as many SCPers can manage. Thanks for sticking up fer her – Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Mark, I am almost speechless (which is most unusual for me) and I am blushing. Thank you so very much for these lovely poems which will spur me on to do my very best… always.
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Joe, I am thrilled I’ve kicked butt with words in a world where physical violence is rampant and speech is on a tight leash. I just love the way your comment complements my poem – “Just tell them to bugger off, since you don’t give a swiving hump what they think” has me wishing I’d slotted this explosive phrase into the poem. “Swiving hump” remains one of my all-time favorite terms… and the term “folie a deux” is a shining gem – a soupçon of finesse sprinkled on the unfiltered tongue goes a long way. Thank you! Reply
Warren Bonham May 22, 2025 Each line is a carefully constructed gem that when fully assembled packs a very powerful punch. Your sound and fury signify quite a lot. I really enjoyed these. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Warren, thank you very much for your appreciation and your encouragement. I especially like your attention to the title. My nod to Macbeth didn’t escape you – I’m smiling. Reply
Frank Rable May 23, 2025 I was thinking William Faulkner, but now I remember that he borrowed “Sound and Fury” from Shakespeare. It was an homage to the Master, without whom we might be speaking a different language of all technical terms. And you honor the Bard as well in a way he would approve. It was difficult on the Ouija, but I believe Bill (we’re on first name terms) said of you. “Her words pleaseth me, most verily. Prithee, play on.” There was more, but he speaks very rapidly and I sprained my wrist.
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Frank, you have me laughing at your Ouija-board connection with Bill the Bard. I am sorry to hear of your wrist trauma… perhaps next time Will will channel your quill. I look forward to reading the results here at the SCP.
Brian Yapko May 22, 2025 This is poetry as notable for its incredible linguistic pyrotechnics as it is for the unexpected and almost painful vitriol and contempt of the speaker. I find it as emotionally upsetting as it is intellectually brilliant. If corrosive acid could be transformed into words, it would be thus – aided and abetted by weaponized alliteration. There are a hundred things to note here, but I am particularly intrigued by the reference to the fellow fawning fox. It reminds me of the reference to the little foxes in the Song of Solomon which metaphorically describes a small thing which, despite its smallness, yet destroys something valuable. The poem is filled with images and verbiage concerning hypocrisy, puffery rebuffed and a surprising amount of animalistic imagery, including “toady might” “hogwash concord” and “weasel words.” The speaker is clearly done with pity. No doubt the subject(s) of this poem has (have) richly earned this keen level of disappointment and judgment. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 23, 2025 Brian, I am always most grateful for your passion for words and appreciation of their power. I especially love your term: “weaponized alliteration” – I led up to the F-word with this bit of fun: “fluster bossy fussers till they fried” which has me smiling at your observation. I am also taken with your eye for the symbolic critters littered throughout. These sonnets were written with humor in my heart (as many of my poems are) and I hope you can see that. I certainly didn’t intend them to be “emotionally upsetting”. But you have picked up on the serious nature of both. They do make an important point. From where I stand, self-serving, manipulative language is worse than an impassioned outburst of cuss words in a crowded room. Both are far from ideal, but free speech feeds brown-nosers, blasphemers, and busybodies with all they need to make the world a more difficult place to live in… but, without free speech it would be worse, much worse. Having the power to call out the BS is a gift that gets us nearer to the truth, and I believe I did just that in my poem. Brian, thank you! Reply
Brian Yapko May 23, 2025 Susan, thank you for your generous reply to my somewhat overwrought comment in which I teetered perilously close to becoming that pearl-clutcher. Having re-read your poem, I realize the extent to which I brought my own subjective and unhappy mood into my reading of your work. This is something of a cautionary tale regarding the critical reading of poetry for it sometimes is better not to jump the gun on an interpretation (or misinterpretation) of a poem. Subjectivity and subjective projection can be a bitch. This was a lesson I was supposed to have learned in college when I poorly explicated a poem called “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke — rI read a darkness into that poem that wasn’t there. Or, at least, I greatly exaggerated it past the black and white of the text. I believe I did that here as well and must apologize. Having now gone through your extraordinary catalogue of alliterative zingers and disdainful imagery I realize that my own dark mood caused me to overlook the sheer sardonic fun of the poem. Not that I now see your piece as all sweetness and light. Hardly. It still runs acid green. But the targets are worthy ones more clearly identifiable to me, the snarky voice is delicious and that shade of acid green is a peculiarly attractive hue. I am now reminded of the famous quip by Theodore Roosevelt’s socialite daughter, Alice Roosevelt (also quoted in Steel Magnolias): “If you can’t say something nice about someone, come sit next to me.”
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Brian, you certainly didn’t have to make another comment – although, I am grateful you did, especially for Alice Roosevelt’s quip – it sounds like something Oscar Wilde would be over the moon to have written, and I love it. I think this poem is uncomfortable because it speaks of the human condition with hyperbolic absurdity beneath which is a whisper of harsh truth in acid green… my go-to color for this type of poetry. Brian, thank you for two beautiful and thoughtful comments on one wild and whacky poem.
jd May 23, 2025 As always, I am so impressed with your wordly arsenal, Susan. You are beyond compare. I am also impressed by Mark’s two tributes, the second of which I see as a true “labor” of love, which is not to say I liked it better than the first. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 jd, thank you so very much for your kind and appreciative comment. I am thrilled you enjoyed my wordy arsenal (I love that term!). And – yes – Mark’s tributes were labors of love indeed. I’m blushing still. Reply
Frank Rable May 23, 2025 Susan: I am in awe, in awe! You woke me from my deep old man’s sleep today! What must it be like, to be a Texan and to encounter you. A shock, and I hope an awakening of the soul. Shakespeare vs the Baptist Church and football. Coos. You got my attention. I’m not that old. Well maybe. But why not cooze? British spelling? Aha! The double entendre! The call of a dove (or fellow fox?) for it’s mate as well as every straight man’s delight. Oh, you naughty girl! Each morning now I try to read at least two poems. And what a pretty pair today. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Frank, you have me grinning. You most certainly have a fine eye for my multi-layered cheekiness. You are clearly a reader of wit and wisdom. Thank you for making my sunny Saturday all the brighter! Reply
James A. Tweedie May 23, 2025 And to think I was recently critiqued as being overly alliteral! Susan, you are never less than entertaining. And to paraphrase an old saying, If you want to send a message, call Western Union. If you want to get one (or two), then puzzle through the latest pair of sonnets by Susan Jarvis Bryant! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 James, if alliteration is a crime, then let’s be recidivists together. Shakespeare would have lost his head for linguistic excess… literally. As for the Western Union quip, for anyone puzzling my poems for mere messages – it’s a bit like reading wine labels for nutrition details – you’ll miss the kick and remain sober. It’s all about fun – and that brings me back to the alliteration. Words without music fall flat. It’s not about the words alone – here’s to music, mischief, and meter! Reply
C.B. Anderson May 23, 2025 It always amazes me how Ms. Bryant manages to squeeze so much cogent thought out of what, on its face, is simply spectacular wordplay. If there is anything comparable in the English canon, I’d like to know about it. A wheezing geezer such as I can only sigh and watch the sky. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 C.B., your kind words both humble and hearten me. Your “wheezing geezer” sigh makes me smile. I have a strong feeling the sky sighs back, grateful for your own poetical gaze. I’ve learned from the best on this site, and you are one of them! Reply
Russel Winick May 23, 2025 Susan – I hope you had as much fun writing these as I did reading them! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Russel, I had a blast writing this. Sometimes the best poems are written with a mischievous grin and a melodious heart. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the ride. Reply
Yael May 23, 2025 Wow Susan, these are some sparkly verbal pyrotechnics you’ve dished out here. Looks like fireworks season is starting early this year. I’m looking forward to what July 4th will bring. Thanks for the light show! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 24, 2025 Yael, what a fabulous fireworks metaphor. If I’ve lit a few fuses, then I consider the spark well-spent. Thank you for lighting up the page with your encouraging comment. Reply
Julian D. Woodruff May 25, 2025 Susan, Dinah Shore once sang (in another time, in another context), “Then the fireworks began …” In the song, they remain for the listener to construct (“I bet you can guess just exactly what happened …”), but you could have lit up the room like no one else before or since. Reply
