Comments for The Buffaloe Pen

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Julie

Julie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:28:12 +0000

Thanks so much, Juliet! It’s always a pleasure to see you. I hope your weekend is a beautiful one.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Crafty Green poet

Crafty Green poet — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:02:46 +0000

powerful poem, good news about the chapbook!

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by JR

JR — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:29:50 +0000

“OUR” not “are” or “r” or … man, I hate it when I type too fast.

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No problem, JR. Thanks so much for the good words! I saw a men’s only journal when I was looking around. It might be the one you mention. I think this is the fourth women’s journal I’ve been in. The fourth (I think fourth) Southern one. Some working class ones, etc. I try to submit according to the style of the poem and who might be open to it.

But last week, I screwed up and sent one to a place that is totally different than my style, because I was excited by the theme they were using for an upcoming issue. I could have kicked myself after I sent it in. It was totally amateur of me to do that. A waste of their time and mine. Submission is a learned skill, ain’t it? Just when I think I’ve got it mastered, I do something stupid.

Thanks again. I’m out and about again but will be back soon to visit you. Have a great weekend! -Julie

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by JR

JR — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:28:48 +0000

First, congrats on your upcoming acceptance of poems and the progress regarding your chapbook. You certainly seem to be in plenty of those women’s journals. Makes me want to submit to Bull Men’s Fiction — yeah, we got are outlets too.

Second, another strong poem. I’m envious of your imagery. It takes me forever to describe something, so I can appreciate your economy of words.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Julie

Julie — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:59:51 +0000

Hi, Brigindo. Your comment also reminds me of an article I read a while back and need to find again. It talked about the history of midwives in the US and how they were regulated (I think it was beginning in the 20’s, but I’m not sure). The article said that the idea behind the regulation was to eliminate midwives altogether. Even their bags were checked to make sure they had no herbal teas, etc. It seems ridiculous, especially since many of the midwives had been bringing healthy babies into the world for a long time.

Thanks much, Brig. Great food for thought.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Brigindo

Brigindo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:18:45 +0000

What a powerful tribute…to a woman…to a profession…to all women really.

I’m learning a bit more about midwives these days, including how their reputations were besmirched by MDs trying to get women into hospitals at the turn of the century. Sad to think that this type of care was thwarted for profit.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Julie

Julie — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:36:53 +0000

Hello, Joaquin! I was just thinking about you today, because I got an e-mail telling me that your book has been shipped. Yes! I’m so looking forward to it.

Thank you again for all of your wonderful support. Another thing I was thinking about this week is that I enjoy you and everyone else, because talking to y’all is like a workshop…WITHOUT the drama and catty stuff I’ve seen in (cough) some workshops. Ha! Ha!

But seriously, I do appreciate the inspiration and encouragement. Have a great weekend.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by joaquin

joaquin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:34:06 +0000

add me to the list of those who can’t wait for the chapbook – moreso that it’s filled with new poems! and congrats on your growing list of credits – i really admire the energy and resolve you have when it comes to submitting – and am not surprised at all that your work is regularly accepted by first-class publications.

this is a perfect example of why. “her big hands spanned / those moaning globes” takes me into those moments, into what she did, and also takes me out to see who she was. that you can give a eulogy so much life is amazing. i love how the earthiness of it – the rosemary and onions and clay, the hands that “will always stir the earth”, the sense that our moving from dust to dust is something to embraced instead of mourned. i especially love that they plant her – i guess i love that this is less about an end and more about innumerable beginings.

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by Julie

Julie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:13:40 +0000

Hi, swapna. Oh, yes. That is awesome. I know folks with braided hair, too. The ones I know are older, and they’re so beautiful. I’d love to see your beautiful people, too.

Thank you very much for the kind words. I hope your day is a great one:)

Comment on Eulogy For A Midwife by swapna

swapna — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:25:41 +0000

In my part of the world, folks have basil and flowers braided in their hair….still. “Rosemary braided in her hair” brought back all those lovely way of life and people to me.

You have painted the character with such a warm brush that it has come out beautifully.