May 17th, 2026
I like this. To the better of my experience of having seen you at the Handsome Daughter, the slowed down pace of your writing is much much better (than the sped up poetry that felt like we were racing through our thoughts. . .) again, this was my experience of how rushed or hurried to the ear it was hearing everyone reading their work. I cannot recall the exact theme of the poetry contest, but if I remember it correctly had to do with Canada.
I felt like my work I had read aloud wasn't well received but I felt nothing of the rejection. That is success in my mind. Because most contemporary poetry is boring to me, when it becomes so convoluted in competition. I rather be an avantgarde believing what I write has air.
So long story short:
your work reminds me of an undiagnosed version if Leonard Cohen had ADHD. (I have ADHD - seriously) so - I hope my joke isn't over your head here because it's offered as a compliment.
Very deep sensations I get in transmitting your words into my own field of its aesthetic. I appreciate all art. Especially when it is revealed through candid self expression. What my point is, that I am proud to be a writer and I am (like any other writer) very particular to who I allow to draw my attention. What this means is (as I regurgitate myself) is that I hope you continue in your artistic pursuit. I transcend thoughts as these of mine are, but only because I care no more or no less of what critics place me in the world of literary minds. The truth is we are from Winnipeg, and I want to be me only - the me that no one will understand is imperfect. There is no place like this in the world. I think this has to do with some of what your poem is about. So thanks for it!
- Marco





