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MAUREEN SAYS SHE LOVES MY RESPONSE - Cyndi Macmillan's Blog

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Cyndi MacMillan lives in a small town in Ontario that is home to North America’s largest working waterwheel. Her writing has appeared in notable Canadian literary journals and local newspapers.

A Cruel Light is her debut gothic mystery (4/4/2023). She has been a Jill-of-all-trades, but for as long as she can remember, she has dreamt of being a novelist. Hard work and the wonderful team at Crooked Lane Books have made that dream a reality. Please note that her husband and daughter kindly keep her coffee mug filled when she is wrestling with a suspenseful chapter. During a pandemic lockdown, the family adopted a rescue cat who chirps.

When not writing, Cyndi enjoys reading Gothics, scrapbooking, and losing horribly at board games. Works-in-progress include the second (and third) Annora Garde Mystery, a Canadian noir series, and a standalone horror mystery, so more often than not, Cyndi is writing. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

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MAUREEN SAYS SHE LOVES MY RESPONSE

Blog Posted:9/8/2014 10:25:00 AM

I'm shaking. I'm like a puppy, goobering up the monitor, doing everything but nosing the screen!

So, I took a huge chance this morning. I found Maureen Hyne's website.

http://maureenhynes.com/?page_id=5

Then, I took a deep breath, I went to her contact page and I sent her an email with a link to my last blog. I had no idea what to expect. Really, I just decided to let her know that I loved her poem and that it was so well written that it deserved recognition... and study!

Here is the email I sent:

Hello,

Recently, I came across your poem, Overtime in the Scriptorium. I was intrigued by its composition, and I fell headfirst into your wonderful lines.

As a poet and member of Poetrysoup, I decided to "try" to analyze your poem. Your careful use of space, your imagery, your rhymes, all these things added such dimension to the poem, and the craftsmanship of this piece merited a closer look. I have posted a blog with my attempt.

I realize that interpretation is very personal. But I couldn't help but wonder, how far I had wandered off the mark. So, I am being brave, putting on my 'big girl pants,' and I am sending you a link to my blog.

I do this realizing that your days are full, with writing, with friends and family, with your work as an editor, and with teaching. Still, if I do not take this leap and reach out to you, I think that I will always wonder, what would she think of this interpretation and why didn't I just send her a quick note, let her know how much her work moved me?

So, here I go, feeling ridiculously nervous, sending you this link...

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=25868&PoetID=23760

Most of all, I just wanted to say thank you.

Sincerely,

Cyndi MacMillan

Today at 10:28 AM

My gosh, Cyndi -- I am so honoured and chuffed by your discovery of the poem, your careful attention to its parts and the whole. It's always so interesting to hear from readers and to find out what they see in he poem. So much of the time out poetic choices are intuitive and subconscious and it's the task of revision to bring these decisions up to a conscious level, to weigh the instinctive choice against the effect we really need to make.

Anyway! I need to spend more time with your wonderful analysis -- I'm on my iPhone in a film festival line-up and will return to your thorough and generous response later today.

But be assured I love your response to the poem!

More later--

Maureen

Sent from my iPhone

I NEED TO LAY DOWN!

LOL... I am touched she took time out to respond to me and in shock that she responded so quickly. Then, this wordsmith, this artist!, calls my simple analysis wonderful!!! I am dizzy, giddy, feeling like a school girl who got a smile from her idol. I feel so much, too much...

I will ask her if I can share what she thinks of my interpretation...

What an opportunity for those who want to learn... here is an EDITOR and NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED, PUBLISHED AND AWARDED POET, willing to share a deeper study of HER WORK. Okay, I think my head just blew off my shoulders.

AWK AWK AND WAAAAHooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

xoxoxoxxo

It may take me till Thanksgiving to calm down. Please, bear with me!!!!

Post Comments

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Nette
Onclaud

Date: 9/10/2014 12:32:00 PM

the nice thing about her poem is the ability to use a creative tool to mark the essence of her theme, soul sis... very hard to so but she pulled it... yeahhh.. hugggs and an early turkey treat for you..

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/10/2014 5:12:00 PM

HOLY COW! Looks like nearly 10 days of rain for you and the temp is close to what it has been here in Canada this week. Take care of yourself! Are you traveling soon? Cyndi is worried... xoxox

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/10/2014 5:09:00 PM

Hello, honey! How are YOU? I'm horrible when it comes to remembering when your rainy season is.. hmmm... I'll go to a peek now. See what is going on in the Philippines. I finally took it easier today and wrote a poem, but not for soup. xoxo Love sent!

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 9/9/2014 7:01:00 PM

Just read the Camp of Musina you showed the link to. That is the kind of poetry I enjoy. As for the sestina, it was a nice one, Cyndi, but I still find that to be a very annoying poetry form. What she was saying in that poem could have been said so much more succinctly in a sonnet or some other shorter form of poetry.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/10/2014 8:42:00 AM

I could probably find hundred of poems that we would both enjoy. I think we agree on more than you think, hon. It is only in the area of figurative language and (perhaps) some rhyme. I will also be posting some blogs on other devices, less frequently used which may be easier for some to "absorb." Meiosis was one I was thinking of exploring...

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/10/2014 8:19:00 AM

Yes, that is what I liked about it too.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/9/2014 8:59:00 PM

What I really enjoyed about the Camp of Musina was its use of meiosis, which so few poets utilize. What makes that such an emotional read is that it underplays the trauma, making it even MORE traumatic. It is so devoid of emotion yet SPILLS it over.. shook me up, reading that.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 9/8/2014 5:34:00 PM

Basically, as Debbie would say, a poet has a toolbox. We don't need to use EVERY tool, but the more we know how to use different ones, the better our poetry can become. I was trying to show how one can look at a poem and find meaning in complex imagery. It's learn-able. It doesn't mean you have to learn it, but if you do learn how to see into somebody else's poem, I mean DEEP into it, then it can build on writing skills, not just reading skills. I would never tell a poet to write 'against' their personal style. But I tire of poets who say they can't, when in fact what they really mean is, "I just don't want to." Which is fine. But there is a difference. I could learn to surf. I don't wanna.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/9/2014 2:07:00 PM

If I post more of these blogs, then perhaps the few Soup poets who are interested in growing in this direction will SLOWLY begin to read today's free verse with confidence and enjoyment. I believe in investing those hours; it is not wasted time.

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/9/2014 2:03:00 PM

Everyone here already knows how to read poetry that is not based on figurative language. If it reads exactly as prose, then a full analysis is not necessary, right? We need more blogs on how to read poetry that is layered, mho.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/9/2014 8:51:00 AM

People can only learn to write at the level that they can understand what they are first reading!! When I have free time, I will try to see the links you gave me. Too late to remove my remarks by now and I stand by everything I say anyway. We are all different and that one thing you and I can agree on!

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 9/8/2014 3:55:00 PM

oh great, a famous poet gets to see that I don't like her style of poetry. I am shaking with joy too. hahaha. Awesome for you, Cyndi!! and by the way, why couldn't you have shown that blog to Stephen King or something?

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 6:06:00 PM

Another I am sure you'll like. A sestina. Published. Touching, lovely, easy on the eye. http://www.library.utoronto.ca/canpoetry/graham/poem2.htm

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 5:08:00 PM

Hey, want that I delete my one comment on my last blog and its stream of.. ahem... lol... gobbly gook? Still, poets are used to being enjoyed by some and not-to-the-taste of others. Your call. Okay? Like Craig said, still love ya, toots!

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 5:05:00 PM

http://www.contemporaryverse2.ca/en/poetry/excerpt/the-camp-at-musina I think if you read this, you will like it. It is heartbreaking, clear and only three stanza's of short lines. Here is one I think we can both agree on. Yes?

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 5:02:00 PM

Hmmmm... brb....

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 5:01:00 PM

Actually, I read a rhyming poem published by CV2. AND Quills in Canada had a lot of rhyme/meter. Times did change, but there are those who still enjoy the more traditional approach to poetry.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/8/2014 4:53:00 PM

But there are no more famous Robert Frosts out there, Cyndi. Today's poets that "make it" in the professional journals all write in the style like this lady. WEll, not all, but the ones you like anyway. I was born in the wrong century!!

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 4:32:00 PM

I may do this, again, Andrea. It would be thrilling to have those recognized as celebrity poets, the lauded poets, walk us through THEIR verse, yes? /

Cyndi Macmillan
Date: 9/8/2014 4:25:00 PM

If ever I write a blog about Stephen King, a review about one of his novels, maybe I'll just do that.

Sara
Kendrick

Date: 9/8/2014 12:10:00 PM

Great that such a review happened on soup..Sara

Debbie
Guzzi

Date: 9/8/2014 11:38:00 AM

That pic so looks like baby YOU. Hey she responded to your generous heart with her own! Why not, she's human just like us.

My Past Blog Posts


Ekphrastic Writing Within Fiction. An Article published in CRIMEREADS Date Posted: 5/10/2023 10:26:00 AM
Publishing News, a Dream Come True, and an Article on Ekphrastic Writing Date Posted: 4/15/2023 5:52:00 AM
A WRITER'S DREAM COME TRUE Date Posted: 7/19/2022 7:17:00 AM
My novel will be published by Crooked Lane Books Date Posted: 3/21/2022 12:16:00 PM
HOW THE POSITION OF POET LAUREATE HAS CHANGED Date Posted: 11/6/2017 3:12:00 PM
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS? OPEN DISCUSSION. Date Posted: 10/24/2017 7:59:00 PM
Emotion in poetry: laying it on heavy by leaving it to the reader, a response to Brian's Blog Date Posted: 9/1/2017 5:00:00 PM
POETRY TOOLBOX SERIES: CONNOTATION Date Posted: 7/12/2017 8:51:00 AM
RESOURCE LINKS TO POETRY JOURNALS & EXCELLENT POETRY ARTICLES. HELP YOURSELF :) Date Posted: 6/12/2017 5:27:00 PM
A HAIKU SHABU SHABU PUB - SHOP TALK & SMALL TALK. Date Posted: 6/9/2017 8:07:00 PM
THE POETRY PUB: SMORGASBORD Date Posted: 5/26/2017 9:14:00 PM
THE POETRY PUB: CONTEMPORARY RHYME & THE NEW FORMALISM Date Posted: 5/5/2017 12:19:00 PM
***EDIT. ALL FIVE MOSIACS COMPLETE. THANKS FOR PLAYING THE WORD PAIRING GAME. THE PAIRINGS WERE AWESOME! Date Posted: 4/20/2017 2:06:00 PM
POETRY PUB: EMOTIVE. READ AND BLEED.**EDIT***MORE ON THE POEM GRIEF! Date Posted: 3/20/2017 11:32:00 PM
POET PUB: LET THERE BE LIGHT... (and poetics, friendly disagreements, shared observations and hot apple cider...) Date Posted: 1/15/2017 9:11:00 AM
5 PROOF BLOG. IF YOU ENTERED A POEM, PLEASE READ THIS. JOIN IN ON THE DISCUSSION. Date Posted: 2/25/2016 11:16:00 AM
POET PUB, TONIGHT'S SPECIAL: EXTRA TENDER, EASY TO DIGEST Date Posted: 1/25/2016 9:40:00 PM
THE POET PUB, GRAND OPENING, NO WIFI, WARM SEATS Date Posted: 1/11/2016 9:28:00 PM
CONTEST: 5 PROOF: FREE VERSE THAT SHOWS IT AIN'T NO PROSE Date Posted: 12/23/2015 6:30:00 AM
A CLOSER LOOK AT PUNCTUATION. SOME, PLENTY, NONE. Date Posted: 5/25/2015 10:05:00 PM
WORK WORK WORK! WAY TO GO! AND HOW TO USE AN ELLIPSIS. Date Posted: 5/16/2015 8:51:00 AM
FARMHOUSE: Uncommon word pairings poem #2 Date Posted: 4/9/2015 6:02:00 PM
WHATTA PAIR YOU GOT THERE: A WORKSHOP ON IMAGERY AND WORD PAIRINGS Date Posted: 4/7/2015 9:30:00 PM
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE ON THE CONTEST PAGE: A WORD COLLAGE FOR CHAN. PLEASE, Take up the challenge. <3 Date Posted: 11/10/2014 9:30:00 AM
A LOVE-IN & WAKE FOR CHAN. ALL SOUPERS WELCOME. PLEASE ADD SOMETHING. Date Posted: 11/9/2014 10:03:00 AM

My Recent Poems

Date Posted	PoemTitle	Form	Categories
7/25/2023	The Library's Book	Sonnet	emotions,feelings,poems,p
9/20/2018	The Yield	Free verse	moving on,peace,sleep,
10/20/2017	Dinner Guest: Me	Free verse	emotions,longing,rude,
9/20/2017	Toothsome	Free verse	life,poetry,writing,
9/5/2017	The San Antonio Night Crossing	Free verse	change,death,immigration,
8/23/2017	Turning the Other Cheek	Free verse	christian,hate,people,
8/16/2017	Whatever Happened To the Real Poets	Free verse	poetry,political,society,
6/18/2017	Fetal Position In the Er	Sestina	death,heartbreak,my child
6/7/2017	Well Understood	Free verse	feelings,language,people,
6/4/2017	I'D Rather Write About	Free verse	poetry,writing,,memorial,
5/19/2017	The Palm-Chats of Jalousie, Haiti	Free verse	analogy,bird,humanity,lif
5/4/2017	Water, Water	Free verse	africa,sympathy,
11/18/2016	We, Nasty Women	Ekphrasis	allegory,history,politica
5/22/2016	The Chronicles of a Phonophobic	Free verse	fear,life,people,
5/6/2015	Tail Spin, Revised	Free verse	courage,fear,love hurts,
11/10/2014	Chan	Free verse	friend,goodbye,
1/31/2014	Journey Companions: the Friend Sonnets Part Ii	Sonnet	friend,hero,places,poetry
1/29/2014	Divine Steeples	Sonnet	friend,love,places,poetry
1/26/2014	Muse	Sonnet	friend,love,places,poetry

My Photos

Fav Poems

PoemTitle	Form	Categories
The Sowing	Free verse	devotion,
Ten Little Toes	Rhyme	daughter,lifeold,old,gran
Woodland Rhapsody	Quatrain	inspirational,
Contradicting Keats	Sonnet	introspection,life
Surrender To Love	Rhyme	loveme,
A Totum Pole Ode	Concrete	native american,people,
More Dreams To Row	Rhyme	inspirational,life,
When the Tab Comes Due	Free verse	inspirational,introspecti
Lighting My Candle From Within	Quintain (English)	caregiving,introspection,
The Kirk By the Sea	Couplet	nostalgia,religion,love,
Moonlight on the Ward	Choka	health,life,
Nocturnal Poetry	Rhyme	imagination,life,poetry,
Slumber	Epic	dedication,slam,
Frosty Night Stroll	Couplet	inspirational,seasons,
Our Thanksgiving	Light Verse	holiday,
My Country 'Tis of Thee	Etheree	peace,
A New Star Shines Above Hawaii	Rhyme	dedication,music,
Monarch of Summer	Haibun	animals,devotion,inspirat
Untouched	Rhyme	forgiveness,me,me,
Beaucoup Blooms	Terza Rima	nature,spring,spring,
On Heaven's Doorway	Narrative	inspirational,life,care,c
Walking On Faith	Verse	faith,children,
Sleepless Nights	Narrative	angst,imagination,mystery
Another Face	Rhyme	lost love,
Paired Parings	Ballad	childhood,
Friend To Friend	Haiku	people,philosophy,
Calligraphy	Verse	on writing and words,
Cyndi	Sonnet	dedication,
Night Comes	Rhyme	time,
Without Hope's Gleam	Terzanelle	flower,hope,joy,paradise,
When Your Dead Your Dead	Rhyme	friendship,love,wife,
Chamber Music Chopped	Blank verse	music,
Down Fall	Italian Sonnet	beautiful,miracle,nature,
After My Prayer	Haiku	inspirational,
God Forbid	Couplet	angst,devotion,write,life
To Kashinath and Cyndi	Rhyme	dedication,devotion,frien
Cherished	Sonnet	love,peace,
Bliss State	Quatrain	faith,
Onward Christian Soldiers	Rhyme
A Tribute To Leonora G	Dramatic Verse	death,deep,evil,sorrow,st
In the Mood	Light Verse	adventure,woman,
Westward Movement	Free verse	devotion,love,peace,
The Rocking Chair	Rhyme	child,christmas,sister,
In Stillness	Free verse	change,life,
Beyond Tears	Rhyme	child,encouraging,hope,,L
Release	Free verse	encouraging,grief,hope,st
To the Rescue	Rhyme	snow,
Dewberry Cobbler	Haibun	growing up,
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis	Epic	abuse,analogy,art,corrupt
To Love Myself	Sonnet	love,new year,self,
The Byway	Rhyme	care,
Within Reason- Maurice Yvonne and Seren Roberts	Verse	life,
Candles of Your Fingers	Light Verse	death,memory,missing you,
The Skeletons and Songs of Samsara - 1	Crown of Sonnets	birth,death,life,
Softly	Sonnet	poetry,
Inner City	Free verse	city,
My Own Way	Free verse	adventure,life,self,

Fav Poets

Poet	Country
Debbie Guzzi	United States	Read
Caryl Muzzey	United States	Read
Joe Flach	United States	Read
Nette Onclaud	Philippines	Read
Poet Tacito	United States	Read
Elizabeth Wesley	Canada	Read
Rhonda Johnson-Saunders	United States	Read
Carrie Richards	United States	Read
Kathryn Collins	United States	Read
David Williams	United Kingdom	Read
Charmaine Chircop	Malta	Read
Francine Roberts	Canada	Read
Faye Gibson	United States	Read
Hannington Mumo	Kenya	Read
Lora Robinson	United States	Read
John Lawless	United States	Read
Kabuteng P.Ink K.	Philippines	Read
Roy Jerden	United States	Read
Anthony Mark	United Kingdom	Read
Brian Strand	United Kingdom	Read
Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser	Philippines	Read
Charlotte Puddifoot	United Kingdom	Read
Joann Grisetti	United States	Read
Painted Hunter	United States	Read
Connie Marcum Wong	United States	Read
Tim Ryerson	United States	Read
Olusegun Arowolo	Nigeria	Read
Becca Teagan	United States	Read
Royal Ninja	United States	Read
Justin Bordner	United States	Read
Garth Von Buchholz	Canada	Read
Jim Howe	United States	Read
Shronda Wilson	United States	Read
Sneha Rv	India	Read
Agnes Krampe	United States	Read