Footprints

[Bob Pacey]

We are starting to wander off the subject again ! Zondrae i think Heather has been around long enough to know that we all offer our opinions in good faith and any suggestions as such are hers to use or loose as she feels fit.



Bob

[Stephen Whiteside]

Zondrae, don't forget there is such a thing as 'the folk process'. We encourage the re-working of old classics if it occurred a long time ago. We use the analogy of a stream washing the corners off a stone. But we get very precious about it if it is happening in the 'here and now'.

Personally, I would not get too fussed if somebody made a minor change to one of my poems in their performance of it. In fact, I would take it as a compliment that they were putting in some effort to 'make it their own'. I would prefer them to check with me first, but I recognise also that that is not always practicable.

I write my poems with the intention that they be circulated as widely as possible, and I would be very reluctant to place any barriers before that process.

[Neville Briggs]

I think Zondrae means that if we adopt other people's wording, the poem is no longer ours. To be our poem it has our words. A valid point I suggest.

Just my view, I think constructive suggestions on poems should be broad hints rather than
specific alternative wordings. And as Bob as said, it is the writers prerogative to adapt or reject any suggestions. Let good will and common sense prevail.

You've done well Heather. Got some discussion and interest going.

[Heather]

Thanks Dennis.

Terry, thanks for the comment. Pleased to have taken you to the beach for a little while....

Zondrae, in the end I always make up my own mind and I can often see (and even agree with) two points of view. I like and appreciate comments and discussion. It's how we learn.

I actually agree with those that thought there should be more. I can absolutely see that the poem probably needs another stanza in the middle to complete it and I might just work on that. However, it says all I wanted to say about my grandmother's experience. So, again, it depends on why the poem is written.

Wander all you like Zondrae. Going off the well-worn track is what makes life interesting....