Reading the first half of this poem, I was reminded of Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's exchange about an accomplished woman, of which Mr Darcy knew only six. Hearing Darcy's list of requirements prompted Elizabeth to say, "I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."
On a serious note, an excellent poem. I love the perspective shift to the Author in the second half.
Haha, great reference! I always love a good P+P quote. Like Darcy, it's possible that all it would take for the narrator to relax her strict standards would be a pair of "fine eyes."
Thank you! Your most recent one was wonderful as well--I need to come back to it and read it a few more times before I can offer further thoughts, but the language was great.
Better yet, I'll show up in person with a checklist for a pre-date interrogation, if you want. *checks clipboard* "Do you know the difference between 'then' and 'than'? Use both correctly in a sentence to prove your grammatical abilities, please."
Also: to be peevish, I’ll always enjoy these poems far beyond the pamphlet wars they inspire (speaking as a fan and as a friend to Nik Hoffman and William Collen).
Ha, I made a point to share a poem yesterday in part because various members of my family were like, "Yeah, I didn't really get the poetry essays." Poetry is what most people like, the niche philosophizing and picking minute hills to die on is...less enjoyable for everyone. 😂
It’s not always enjoyment between the two forms. It’s just that when I read a good poem, I’m reminded that it is the actual reason for any of this, rather than the criticism it inspires.
What an excellently composed piece, Olivia! Upon reading, I was also shocked that you seemed to have discovered my own extensive list of requirements for a prospective lover.
Thank you! Consider it proof, as Thomas said, that though I may be a vigorous defender of free verse, it's out of no distaste for a good, metered poem. 😉
Reading the first half of this poem, I was reminded of Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's exchange about an accomplished woman, of which Mr Darcy knew only six. Hearing Darcy's list of requirements prompted Elizabeth to say, "I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any."
On a serious note, an excellent poem. I love the perspective shift to the Author in the second half.
Haha, great reference! I always love a good P+P quote. Like Darcy, it's possible that all it would take for the narrator to relax her strict standards would be a pair of "fine eyes."
Thank you! Your most recent one was wonderful as well--I need to come back to it and read it a few more times before I can offer further thoughts, but the language was great.
The you're/your test is gonna eliminate a lot of swell guys. A charming piece. I enjoyed reading it.
He who cannot distinguish "you're/your" is not for me, and he who cannot distinguish "less/fewer", I am not for him.
Ah, beautiful!
Thank you!
OLIVIA….literally, what the heck!!😍😭 Let me just present this to every man who asks me out on a date.😭🤭
Better yet, I'll show up in person with a checklist for a pre-date interrogation, if you want. *checks clipboard* "Do you know the difference between 'then' and 'than'? Use both correctly in a sentence to prove your grammatical abilities, please."
this one reminded me of st catherine of alexandria https://archive.org/details/aha2726.0001.001.umich.edu/page/165/mode/2up
I love her! My middle name is Katherine, so I see her as sort of an unofficial patron.
Very skilled poem, and fairly wise!
Also: to be peevish, I’ll always enjoy these poems far beyond the pamphlet wars they inspire (speaking as a fan and as a friend to Nik Hoffman and William Collen).
Ha, I made a point to share a poem yesterday in part because various members of my family were like, "Yeah, I didn't really get the poetry essays." Poetry is what most people like, the niche philosophizing and picking minute hills to die on is...less enjoyable for everyone. 😂
Family members are the bluntest readers, right?
It’s not always enjoyment between the two forms. It’s just that when I read a good poem, I’m reminded that it is the actual reason for any of this, rather than the criticism it inspires.
Charming, and more than charming.
Thank you!
What an excellently composed piece, Olivia! Upon reading, I was also shocked that you seemed to have discovered my own extensive list of requirements for a prospective lover.
Born to be Jane Austen heroines and marry a man from our first seeing his beautiful grounds, cursed to live in the dating app age. 🥲
You've really taken the tone and style in Coleridge's poem and made it your own! It's light and lyrical, with a modern sense of chivalry.
Thank you! Consider it proof, as Thomas said, that though I may be a vigorous defender of free verse, it's out of no distaste for a good, metered poem. 😉