Ghost Ship
Elegy for the thirty-six killed in the Ghost Ship fire.69 total reviews
Comment from Lu Saluna
You mentioned "Ghost Ship" in your Haiku Suite, I wanted to read this first. I didn't realize this had happened. I am so saddened for this terrible loss and your personal loss.
You have honoured these 36 souls in a way no one else could, and it was directly from your heart.
I can only hope the pain eases over time for you and those family and friends of those who lost their lives.
Blessings,
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2016
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You mentioned "Ghost Ship" in your Haiku Suite, I wanted to read this first. I didn't realize this had happened. I am so saddened for this terrible loss and your personal loss.
You have honoured these 36 souls in a way no one else could, and it was directly from your heart.
I can only hope the pain eases over time for you and those family and friends of those who lost their lives.
Blessings,
Comment Written 19-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2016
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Thank you, Lu, for your generous, six star review. Last night I attended a benefit reading and fundraiser for the victims. Many poets knew someone who died, others read the poems of people who died, and still others had performed at the Ghost Ship at previous concerts. It was a gut wrenching evening assuaged some by our sharing our poetry. I performed "Ghost Ship" which haunted the audience. Thank you again for your review and condolences.
Comment from judester
This is a heartfelt tribute to your friends lost in that tragedy. All the riches in the world are nothing compared to the cherished and treasured souls lost. I am sorry that you have lost your friends and fellow artists.
You are one of the best on this site, congratulations on your poet of the month award. judester
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
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This is a heartfelt tribute to your friends lost in that tragedy. All the riches in the world are nothing compared to the cherished and treasured souls lost. I am sorry that you have lost your friends and fellow artists.
You are one of the best on this site, congratulations on your poet of the month award. judester
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
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Yes, judester, the line that most resonates with people is when I speak how people are the greatest treasures in the world. Thank you for your review of my heartfelt tribute and for congratulating me for being awarded December's Recognized Writer.
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Cheers, j
Comment from oliver818
What a wonderful poem. I really the rhythm and flow, as well as the imagery you used. Thanks for sharing and have a great day
Oliver
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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What a wonderful poem. I really the rhythm and flow, as well as the imagery you used. Thanks for sharing and have a great day
Oliver
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Thank you, Oliver, for your generous, six star review. I am glad you liked my imagery and rhythm.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Sis Cat,
there is so much powerful imagery within the context of this tragedy... right from the very start you know of its strength... its beating heart.
Polarizing verse...
But the treasures we most desire to keep
are the people whose lives enlivened us,
but whose deaths deaded us.
Really enjoyed the reading of this unique, sad and powerful poem... words that linger in one's mind, way past its due date.
Also, thank you for furnishing the notes that explained it more in depth... yes, I caught this very sad tragedy on TV, my thoughts goes out to all the family and friends, so very sad!
And I am so sure this magic poem will be so appreciated and applauded at the fundraiser for the victims... also a truly beautiful gesture... please take along my love and best wishes with you!
With our thoughts we create,
lingering gassing's
James.
******Stars!!!!!!
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
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Hi Sis Cat,
there is so much powerful imagery within the context of this tragedy... right from the very start you know of its strength... its beating heart.
Polarizing verse...
But the treasures we most desire to keep
are the people whose lives enlivened us,
but whose deaths deaded us.
Really enjoyed the reading of this unique, sad and powerful poem... words that linger in one's mind, way past its due date.
Also, thank you for furnishing the notes that explained it more in depth... yes, I caught this very sad tragedy on TV, my thoughts goes out to all the family and friends, so very sad!
And I am so sure this magic poem will be so appreciated and applauded at the fundraiser for the victims... also a truly beautiful gesture... please take along my love and best wishes with you!
With our thoughts we create,
lingering gassing's
James.
******Stars!!!!!!
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
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Thank you, James, for your generous review. I performed my poem twice today. First, in front of the Ghost Ship warehouse ruins where I nearly burst out in tears, and second at an open mic where the audience nearly burst out in tears. I have performances coming up all through next week. My line about treasured lives resonated with people. I am glad my notes helped explain my poem in more depth and I have adapted it as an intro before I perform my poem.
Thank you for your review, stars, encouragements, and condolences.
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Yes Sis Cat, to not cry, or at very least tear up in delivering such an emotional response would have to have been tough... I myself was tearing up at the thought and from remembering what I witnessed on TV... and what a great way to intro that magically powerful poem... primed and ready to cry... yes, emotions... and lots of them are what's needed for every one to move forward from any such tragedy... all the very best in your performances... shine brightly Sis C((((((((((((((((((((((... and keep the Kleenex handy!
Comment from nancyrabbrose
Wow, that is a magnificent poem and a perfect tribute to the people who died in the fire in Oakland. I used to paint in a studio that was actually an old warehouse in Oakland. My son once lived in a place similar to the one which burned. I cannot imagine how deeply you feel now. God bless you and the others who mourn for lost loved ones and friends. Such a shame to lose artists of various mediums -- especially now when our country needs artists more than ever.
Well done.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Wow, that is a magnificent poem and a perfect tribute to the people who died in the fire in Oakland. I used to paint in a studio that was actually an old warehouse in Oakland. My son once lived in a place similar to the one which burned. I cannot imagine how deeply you feel now. God bless you and the others who mourn for lost loved ones and friends. Such a shame to lose artists of various mediums -- especially now when our country needs artists more than ever.
Well done.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Yes, Nancy, I visited the ruins again today and nearly cried when I performed my poem in front of it. There is a palpable sense of death and loss. You can still smell the smoke and death itself. I had never been in the presence of something so haunted before. I perform my poem tonight in Oakland at an open mic. The loss is devastating. Thank you for your generous, six star review and condolences.
Comment from CEO2020
First, congratulations on your reward.
"But the treasures we most desire to keep
are the people whose lives enlivened us,
but whose deaths deaden us."
I found those words very powerful.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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First, congratulations on your reward.
"But the treasures we most desire to keep
are the people whose lives enlivened us,
but whose deaths deaden us."
I found those words very powerful.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Yes, CEO2020, reviewers singled out that stanza as the one that resonates with them the most. Thank you for your reivew and for your congrats on my reward.
Comment from Ben Colder
This poem placed my mind to remember Cephalonia and the history of Hitler's massacre of the 5000 Italian troops some sent to drift on the sea to the unknown.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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This poem placed my mind to remember Cephalonia and the history of Hitler's massacre of the 5000 Italian troops some sent to drift on the sea to the unknown.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Thank you, Ben, for your review and reference to the Cephalonia massacre by drowning. I looked it up and it was horrendous.
Comment from F. Wehr3
Very nice tribute, Andre. I think it was perfect to choose Charon to carry them away. It planted a solid image within my mind. Best of luck with your performances, I'm sure they will help.
Take care,
Russell
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Very nice tribute, Andre. I think it was perfect to choose Charon to carry them away. It planted a solid image within my mind. Best of luck with your performances, I'm sure they will help.
Take care,
Russell
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Thank you, Russell, for your review of my tribute. During rehearsals before test audiences, I stunned people with the solid imagery I planted in their head. Thank you for wishing me success for my performances. I have three within six days and the first one is tonight.
Comment from ciliverde
I am stunned and humbled by the beauty and humanity of this piece of work. It is beautifully done, rich as the tapestries you mention, complex as the lives of artists, rebels, poets, queers and trans...all so necessary in this complex, uneasy world. The Ghost Ship burns as we stand upon the shores of life, weeping. I'm glad you're safe, and commend your fundraising efforts. Thank you...this has moved me to tears.
Carol
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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I am stunned and humbled by the beauty and humanity of this piece of work. It is beautifully done, rich as the tapestries you mention, complex as the lives of artists, rebels, poets, queers and trans...all so necessary in this complex, uneasy world. The Ghost Ship burns as we stand upon the shores of life, weeping. I'm glad you're safe, and commend your fundraising efforts. Thank you...this has moved me to tears.
Carol
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Thank you, Carol, for your heartfelt review. Many like you have remarked being stunned "by the beauty and humanity of this piece of work" and also by the tragedy of losing a tapestry of artists. Thank you for commending me on my fundraising efforts with this poem.
Comment from Jackarrie
Hi,
This was such a tragedy, 36 died apparently some electrical fault. I saw on the news that a young couple died hugging each other. A similar thing happened in Ireland in 1984, but one would imagine in 2016 things would be different.
Your poem is written so well, a highly creative write. I wish you well with reading it, very inventive to use 36 lines a tribute each one of the victims. Such a waste of talent.
Mary.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Hi,
This was such a tragedy, 36 died apparently some electrical fault. I saw on the news that a young couple died hugging each other. A similar thing happened in Ireland in 1984, but one would imagine in 2016 things would be different.
Your poem is written so well, a highly creative write. I wish you well with reading it, very inventive to use 36 lines a tribute each one of the victims. Such a waste of talent.
Mary.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2016
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
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Yes, Mary, this was a tragic waste of talent. The police have opened up the streets around the warehouse which I will visit again today. Yes, you think things would be different in 2016. Thank you for your generous, six star review of "a highly creative write."