Seeing Behind the Eyes
Viewing comments for Chapter 7 "The Volunteer"A book of poems on people.
56 total reviews
Comment from Day Z Chayn
In a vicarious way, she in fact DOES seem to re-experience that wonder & wildness of the trail, even when not stepping foot on it herself, simply by speaking to her charges.
Hypothetically speaking, supposed she encountered the same rattlesnake who then bit her, sending her back into a time-warp to re-live her childhood?
beside the point, I know, but nonetheless an interesting possibility.
If I'm not mistaken, Sherman Alexie further explores this possibility in his novel "FLIGHT" which I ought re-read again.
I wish my current free verse had the beadth and depth used here when describing those remnants and rabble-rousers of humanity whom you encounter every day.
My current offerings here don't represent the depth or breadth of humanity which you portray here, though perhaps one day in the distant future they ought to, even if or when I never reach this intended goal.
Who needs Facebook or even face-time when we all ought just simply stop by your store, simply to see who stops by? Reading these particular free-verse poems seem to restore my own wavering faith in humanity just now, as they should.
Blessings,
Shane
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2015
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In a vicarious way, she in fact DOES seem to re-experience that wonder & wildness of the trail, even when not stepping foot on it herself, simply by speaking to her charges.
Hypothetically speaking, supposed she encountered the same rattlesnake who then bit her, sending her back into a time-warp to re-live her childhood?
beside the point, I know, but nonetheless an interesting possibility.
If I'm not mistaken, Sherman Alexie further explores this possibility in his novel "FLIGHT" which I ought re-read again.
I wish my current free verse had the beadth and depth used here when describing those remnants and rabble-rousers of humanity whom you encounter every day.
My current offerings here don't represent the depth or breadth of humanity which you portray here, though perhaps one day in the distant future they ought to, even if or when I never reach this intended goal.
Who needs Facebook or even face-time when we all ought just simply stop by your store, simply to see who stops by? Reading these particular free-verse poems seem to restore my own wavering faith in humanity just now, as they should.
Blessings,
Shane
Comment Written 15-Aug-2015
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2015
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Thank you Shane:)
Comment from crzypnter
Very descriptive as I hiked right along side of you. I don't think I would have been as brave as you though. I live in the south and there are plenty of snakes. And I don't do snakes. Lol great imagery lovely picture. Thanks for sharing. God bless
August
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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Very descriptive as I hiked right along side of you. I don't think I would have been as brave as you though. I live in the south and there are plenty of snakes. And I don't do snakes. Lol great imagery lovely picture. Thanks for sharing. God bless
August
Comment Written 07-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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thanks so much. I was brave that day only. I hate snakes. Saw a tiny garder snake today at home and freaked - lol.
Comment from Rubylou
My favorite verse of your poem is the last. Although the volunteer is wonderfully described, I relate to her looking back and her wishes to be young again.
When we were kids (17 and 18 years old) , my now husband of 34 years and I, would spend weeks backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
I can feel the tension of see a rattler. I can understand the genuine concern of the volunteer. That said, I wistfully reflect and wish to experience the wonder of the trails. Now, not being physically able, our best chance to witness the wonder is probably a gondola!. LOL
I enjoyed your free-verse very much.
Rubylou
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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My favorite verse of your poem is the last. Although the volunteer is wonderfully described, I relate to her looking back and her wishes to be young again.
When we were kids (17 and 18 years old) , my now husband of 34 years and I, would spend weeks backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
I can feel the tension of see a rattler. I can understand the genuine concern of the volunteer. That said, I wistfully reflect and wish to experience the wonder of the trails. Now, not being physically able, our best chance to witness the wonder is probably a gondola!. LOL
I enjoyed your free-verse very much.
Rubylou
Comment Written 07-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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Rubylou thank you so much for honoring this poem of mine with a six!
Comment from Gloria ....
I love your observations of the volunteer. Good thing she was able to overcome her crankiness and smile and greet you. It's possible she was hankering for a smoke. Or, like you say she's never smoked at all.
Yowza a four-foot western prairie slither would be a startling encounter. Not the kind of surprise I'm particularly fond of being that I have snakephobia.
Ha, and a bobcat too! All in all it sounds like you had a blast and I'm glad you're still with us to tell us all about it. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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I love your observations of the volunteer. Good thing she was able to overcome her crankiness and smile and greet you. It's possible she was hankering for a smoke. Or, like you say she's never smoked at all.
Yowza a four-foot western prairie slither would be a startling encounter. Not the kind of surprise I'm particularly fond of being that I have snakephobia.
Ha, and a bobcat too! All in all it sounds like you had a blast and I'm glad you're still with us to tell us all about it. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 07-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2015
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thanks Gloria:)
Comment from pipersfancy
I think proper people watching is more an art form than a pastime... to capture the emotions playing out, the minute changes in expression, the body language - and then to express it in writing - well done, Teresa! Your poem makes me visualize this woman... indeed, I'd like to meet her myself!
My kids had a close encounter with a rattlesnake while we were camping under the shadow of the marvelous Devil's Tower in Wyoming one summer... laying out on a gravel road, soaking up the sun rays was a 3ft long rattler ... my son nearly stepped on it as he and his sister walked (barefoot) to the convenience store for a Popsicle! Were it not for the fast reaction of his sister - grabbing him by the collar and yanking him off-balance and away from the snake... I shudder to think what might have happened!
Ah - but we love to have the stories to tell!
Regards,
Christina
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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I think proper people watching is more an art form than a pastime... to capture the emotions playing out, the minute changes in expression, the body language - and then to express it in writing - well done, Teresa! Your poem makes me visualize this woman... indeed, I'd like to meet her myself!
My kids had a close encounter with a rattlesnake while we were camping under the shadow of the marvelous Devil's Tower in Wyoming one summer... laying out on a gravel road, soaking up the sun rays was a 3ft long rattler ... my son nearly stepped on it as he and his sister walked (barefoot) to the convenience store for a Popsicle! Were it not for the fast reaction of his sister - grabbing him by the collar and yanking him off-balance and away from the snake... I shudder to think what might have happened!
Ah - but we love to have the stories to tell!
Regards,
Christina
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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ooohh scary for your kids. thanks /christina:)
Comment from Joan E.
You don't need a picture, since your description allowed me to visualize the wizened and caring volunteer. I liked your acknowledging that she probably wasn't a smoker. I too was glad no one was attacked on the hike! Cheers- Joan
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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You don't need a picture, since your description allowed me to visualize the wizened and caring volunteer. I liked your acknowledging that she probably wasn't a smoker. I too was glad no one was attacked on the hike! Cheers- Joan
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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thanks Joan:)
Comment from I am Cat
Yeah, i stay as far away from snakes as possible!
Two years ago we moved to the country from the city (San Antonio) where we had lived for the previous 20 years... I had only seen snakes in aquariums and on
television... and in zoos...
Yeah, as far as I'm concerned, it could have stayed that way.
The day I found a 6 foot bull snake in my back yard and my 4 pound Yorkie thought he could 'take it'... i nearly lost it.
My best friend and her teenage daughters learned of my most colorful words that day...
Yeah... everyone knows that Cat is deathly terrified of snakes now.
And when someone asks, "What kind of snake?"
I just stare at them and say, "DOES IT MATTER?"
lol
I enjoyed your poem... and i had to just wondered...
Has she lost her f****** mind?
lol
Well written, you had me at hello
Cat
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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Yeah, i stay as far away from snakes as possible!
Two years ago we moved to the country from the city (San Antonio) where we had lived for the previous 20 years... I had only seen snakes in aquariums and on
television... and in zoos...
Yeah, as far as I'm concerned, it could have stayed that way.
The day I found a 6 foot bull snake in my back yard and my 4 pound Yorkie thought he could 'take it'... i nearly lost it.
My best friend and her teenage daughters learned of my most colorful words that day...
Yeah... everyone knows that Cat is deathly terrified of snakes now.
And when someone asks, "What kind of snake?"
I just stare at them and say, "DOES IT MATTER?"
lol
I enjoyed your poem... and i had to just wondered...
Has she lost her f****** mind?
lol
Well written, you had me at hello
Cat
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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lol. I have lost it. I hate snakes too and deathly afraid. I don't know what got into me that day - all day I just wanted to see a rattlesnake (be careful what you wish for) and then when we did I wanted to a closer look. to think what could have happened though. I shutter. thanks for the great review:0-) bull snakes can get huge I guess but now poisoness at least.
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That's what everyone keeps saying... but all I heard in my head was the sound of screaming and it kept going.... SNAKE!!!!!
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I agree. poisoness or not i don't want one wrapping itself around me or slithering up my leg.
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AMEN SISTAH!
Comment from tfawcus
You build a clear picture of the woman with your simile of the smoker, her concern and her wistful reflections. Your author notes were interesting. Clearly you are an intrepid photographer. My only steps are slowly backwards when I encounter snakes! LOL
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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You build a clear picture of the woman with your simile of the smoker, her concern and her wistful reflections. Your author notes were interesting. Clearly you are an intrepid photographer. My only steps are slowly backwards when I encounter snakes! LOL
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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Thanks Tony. I hate snakes - don't know why I was being brave that day. lol
Comment from c_lucas
I have an image of a fifteen foot rattler, but i can't send the image. Rattlers are notorious for their short tempers. This is very well written, Did you try thumping it on its nose to get its attention.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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I have an image of a fifteen foot rattler, but i can't send the image. Rattlers are notorious for their short tempers. This is very well written, Did you try thumping it on its nose to get its attention.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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No I didn't thumb it - I don't touch snakes, even dead ones - lol. thanks charlie.
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A very wise choice.
Comment from Tomes Johnston
This is a very descriptive poem that the author has created with this piece of writing. It doesn't matter that there are no pictures, because you have painted a vivid picture in my mind's eye with this poem. Well done.
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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This is a very descriptive poem that the author has created with this piece of writing. It doesn't matter that there are no pictures, because you have painted a vivid picture in my mind's eye with this poem. Well done.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2015
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Thank you:)
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My pleasure
