20 Comments
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Richbee's avatar

Wes you know how to build a sturdy poem-house that will stand critical chat and the test of time, weather and scrutiny. I’d like a ranch house with bricks cemented and notated with your hash marks. Perhaps a keystone in a corner edits noted. Well done.

Weston Parker's avatar

Thanks for the comments. We are in Ireland and find it fascinating

Richbee's avatar

Erin go Bragh.

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

Half the battle in creating something beautiful, but not yet known to us, is finding the right place for each piece we were given. The second half is removing what is not necessary or repetitive and allowing only the essence to shine through. That's the art of seer / craftsman we call a poet. So yes, most poets do live with an editor inside them. It's an absolutely essential part of the process, (and quite enjoyable really). Thanks for this, Wes.

Weston Parker's avatar

Thank you for reading and the insightful comment. We are in Ireland right now. Where are you Martin?

Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

I'm in Cork, Wes. It's at the opposite end to where uou are. But all of Ireland is very beautiful - and very green

Weston Parker's avatar

It really is just lovely here and enjoying meeting people. I have an Irish friend here who used to work with me 30 years ago and he’s back here visiting family he left in 1970.

MK Creel's avatar
4dEdited

Love this one. And thanks for sharing a page from your notebook, as well as a note about your process.

Weston Parker's avatar

Thank you MK. We left Northern Ireland this morning and drove 10 miles south over the border to Omeath. What lovely places.

Laurie Easton Parker's avatar

Poor you … also married to an editor! It’s an honor for me to be your first reader.

Weston Parker's avatar

And an honor for me to have you as both a reader and a talented critic/editor.

LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

As an editor and poet myself, I can safely say that even editors need editors.

Weston Parker's avatar

Isn’t that the truth! I am really lucky that Laurie is such a monster editor.

Cheryl Towers's avatar

Editing editors live to edit. Thus spake The Editor.

Weston Parker's avatar

Hi Cheryl and thanks. We are in Ireland and it really is lovely

Cheryl Towers's avatar

I’m just a tad jealous! Hope distance is causing our current political mess to recede in your thoughts somewhat.

Weston Parker's avatar

It really has Cheryl, especially since our situation is understood to be temporary, at least we all hope so.

Debi Hassler-Never Forsaken's avatar

Well said!

Weston Parker's avatar

Thanks Debi. We left Northern Ireland this morning and came 10 miles south over the border to Omeath. Such lovely places

Stanley Wotring's avatar

Excellent poem describing the process and purpose. It exactly why I have always referred to you as a true craftsman.