Dan's Path 5 October 2015 Comments

I had a different reaction to your poem. I read it on the day I received photos from my parents of a plaque affixed to a tree deep in the woods in West Virginia, along the Cheat River, where my brother's ashes were buried more than 5 years ago(they visited him today) . I was just starting to write a poem about the walk to the tree with my husband, parents, sister, our children, members of the nature conservancy.... When I felt I could not write. Then I happened upon this beautiful piece! I often wonder what people think when they happen to see my brother's tree, what my brother thinks being buried in the middle of nowhere in the mountains... It's all so surreal. You captured perspectives and moments in this write. I'm glad you wrote this and I saw this tonight. Thank you!

I read your latest poems: Dimitri's Soul, Dan's Path 5 October 2015 and Debussy. All of them are very good, but Dan's Path is the one I prefer. It belongs in The Double Door, of course. It is a tale of death - a young man dead we don't know when (but it is not important) and 'found again', per chance, at the beginning of Fall - but without the sorrow that comes along with death.. In it, there is rather the acceptance of a sad fate that cuts a life and let others - friends, family members - go on living theirs.. The memory of the dead guy is left on a plaque, affixed to a tree, in the lush green park where the man used to go. And in the minds of those who loved him.. But maybe.. and here a 'hope' rises — but you know I hate that kind of 'hope'! ;) — there is a place for the souls.. an afterlife.. for those who wish or need to believe in such a chance.. An 'open' finale.. with a wise 'smile'. EXCELSIOR!

I'm fascinated by this fantastic (but real!) phrase: slipping in and out of each other's dreams, and no evil can disturb their delight... although you invite to share reader's opinion - I have nothing more beutifel and faithful to add. exept may be that God granted them more power - to extract others from evil and expand their delight more and more! great!

I loved the magical feeling I felt. The poem had the ability to transport me to Salem Hills, where there stood this beautiful magical tree. I could see everyone as they drift away and only one stood behind. But one among you lingered alone, under the tree's shade, staring at the name and occasionally glancing at the path below. I watch over your silence at the edge of speech. What is it you want to say? I am listening. Do you want to say Dan is in God's heaven, with Jesus and the saints? I will bow I could feel that person's sorrow and how much the tree seem to want to comfort that person. This poem is one of those Memorable Poems, that stays in your head for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely poem.

I was with you on that walk, Daniel. I saw the plaque and imagined the service too. My first thoughts were of the other Dan. Was it an illness, an accident? Then, as I do, I did not grieve for the deceased but those he left behind and wondered about how they are dealing with it. The thought of a place where the dead hold hands and share dreams is lovely. I too am still listening.

Life follows with twists and turn that is as usual. Walking through Salem hill and experiencing this is nice and amazing in this imagery drawn here. Imagining community of people and holding hands and pilling experience many things in deep emotion. I listen to all whatever words you say here with wise imagery. Very amazing and wonderful sharing definitely....10