Looking Out for Number One

like it - you gotta have that coffee! Great images, the pace of walking then pausing; hustling bustling crowds. I felt the cold wind in the air and smell of the cig.

I love how you capture something so 'every day' and turn it into a poetic subject, both in the atmosphere and pace of the poem. Very good. Well done.

Nathan.

Hello t-u-h, you nice folks are so quick to post such nice and encouraging messages. Just finished this poem and already reaction---magnifico. Thanks. RLP

Nice words, Nathan, especially about the pace of this poem. I must have worked at it for about ten hours in the past, in total, with about 25 revisions. This AM I sat down, looked at the poem on my screen, closed my eyes and remembered the moment I captured these scenes. All my work enters my system through my eyes and heart, then my brain goes jiggle-jiggle, like playing a word game and the images tumble out. I then read the words aloud from my mind, sit on it for a while, then return and begin writing, which may be one hour, a day, or a month later. I hardly write any notes now, which I used to. I have learned to memorize my scenes and use a trigger or a code word like cigarette, and the screen in my mind fills up, because it is time to finish the work. Sound complicated?? All the best, Richard LP

Completely agree with Nathan, you have combined the poetic and the every-day into one stunning piece.

I agree with the others as well. They have all said what I would have said anyway. So atmospheric.
well done on the cherry yet again Richard. Regards to your lovely Esther.
;)Pia

Richard L. Provencher

Thank you, Maggie---although I do not smoke, or enjoy drinking too strong coffee, it does not prevent me from observing other people's joys. Richard LP

Highhat, my wife, Esther, says "Hi" back to you. Thank you for your kind comments. RLP

Richard L. Provencher