How? Poem by Max Reif

Max, How indeed... I love its simplicity with deep questioning. -Eila

This is a fantastic poem, the reason why is that although it is short it manages to invite the reader to questions mans actions and the effects they have. This poem made me sit and think for a long time afterwards. Many poems much longer and of the same subject have failed to affect me in the same way, this is one of the reasons why i started reading poetry. finding work like yours above. with ongoing respect Vincent Turner

I agree with Vincent, this poem offers the reader much to think about, the frustration clear, and often I wonder of how the world can be so beautiful even though...

In response to your question re: 'one person's cliches'... I am reminded of the one time I submitted poems for a workshop in college. The poet dismissed the poem as a forced metaphor failing to recognize that with my rural background the metaphor was natural. However, the poet's response gave me insight into how my poem would be perceived by one set of potential readers. Years later, I attended a workshop led by Jody Allieson. The class revision of my poem was an excellent poem but with a tone and style similar to Jody's. (Sidebar: I love Jody's work and have all her books and most of her chapbooks.) However, another student pointed out that she prefered the more conversational tone of the original. I simply consider the two versions as two separate poems which I like equally. Cliches may be used in surprising ways to strengthen a poem or they may weaken a poem into a puddle of mediocrity. My personal opinion is that the poem is solid but could be improved by tighter language and fresher images. blood-pour-war, hate-black, and disappearing-divine ocean are all 'cliches' but not necessarily cliches that have lost their power. Their power is confirmed by the readers who have commented in various ways about the poem's power to make them think. So you can be comfortable, your poem conveys its message. On the other hand, no one commented that any image, language, or structure caught their attention. In that sense, the poem appears to be taken as one poem among many, nothing 'special.' It is for you to decide if this meets your standards for excellence. I suspect what Tony Miller meant was that it doesn't meet his standards for excellence.

I don't know the answer Max, but in my over bearing opinion, we have no choice but to forgive and create a blood free world for generations to want to live in. A real thought provoking poem. All the best, Tai

I love it Max. To question life and this world is what makes us better people. Great job. Sincerely, Mary

So much force in so few, image-loaded words. Nice work, Max. Regards, Gina.

A question yearning an answer.I often think that there is a lot to be said about timing when answering anything.Thankyou Max.Hope all is well with you.Love Duncan