The Phantom Library (Short Story) - 12/13/2013 7:02:07 AM
I found the story had an intriguing concept that would fit Friday the 13th. I can't say that I liked the story though. Perhaps it is just me. I assume the article has received critical acclaim. It may be an Australian spelling, but Americans use the word "aisle" rather than "isle."
Ron
How Can I Be of Service?: Conversations with OpenAI’s “ChatGPT” (Article) - 1/31/2023 6:31:07 PM
many thanks for your review Ron - you make some very valid and interesting points, an interesting also to read your perspective on how far it has all come. I began interviewing the Bot around the 23rd of January, and the 1st and 2nd drafts were completed a little later. I'm about to put up a slightly modified (on the 2nd Draft) version which includes some questions I put to the AI about possible future mergings of programs like ChatGPT with Bioengineering A.I. bots. The future there looks quite dystopian as the Bot acknowledged that given our long history of political instability, international and internal conflicts as well as the plethora of 'nefarious actors' (e.g. authoritarian/anti-democratic governments) strutting the international stage, it would be all but impossible to combat either very serious ecosystem disruptions or a full-scale 'bioengineered apocalypse'. That acknowledgement should be a warning to us all.
How Can I Be of Service?: Conversations with OpenAI’s “ChatGPT” (Article) - 1/30/2023 12:24:28 PM
Ian,
Wow! You have been busy. I just heard about ChatGPT from a CBS 60 Minutes interview a week ago. But it appears that you have been working with the program for some time since you are now using GPT-3.
I have to see what's going on, so I will download the full document you've created and hopefully have time to read it.
The promise of GPT is both exceptional and a bit frightening. It will require human attention to make sure that the conversation isn't steered in the wrong direction. AI, so far, doesn't seem to have any ethical restraints.
Also recently, I have found that using all the speeches from well-known people that are available on the Internet, there is a program that can have them appear to be making a speech that is written by someone else. Uninformed people when they view these videos believe that they are real. So far, a careful examination of the videos proves that they are not real. For example, former president Obama often hesitates with the world “ah". If those pauses are not present, it's probably not Obama
AI has come a long way since my monogram in 1972 where my doctoral advisor asked me to change the name from Artificial Intelligence to Machine Intelligence. Perhaps even, Digital Intelligence would be more appropriate, because there is nothing artificial about intelligence.
And, AI is a far cry from the program I generated for my dissertation in 1973 that had the ability to add human information in its database and the ability to discard information that had no use over time. A form of self learning and improvement for the system.
Ron
The Gods Abandon Olympus for Hollywood: Old Story Arcs for Modern Writers (Article) - 1/6/2023 3:00:36 AM
Many thanks for the in-depth review comments, Ron - you have given the article a fair reading and have also extended some of the ideas covered through your thoughtful comments. Kind regards, Ian
The Gods Abandon Olympus for Hollywood: Old Story Arcs for Modern Writers (Article) - 12/20/2022 2:36:52 PM
I read a portion of the article. It certainly is meant for a higher education audience because of the terminology used. Not something that the average person would read. But it appears that you have thoroughly covered the subject matter and that is why it is so long.
I have read or watched the movies of the great stories from the Greek, Egyptian, Norse and other cultures, and found them to be as you describe, guideposts for the future of their believers. And your description of those working closer to their daily existence rely on many gods to keep them from pain and suffering in their dangerous worlds.
Starting with comic books and simple characters like Superman and Batman, modern writers seem to be creating superheroes that pattern after the ancient gods, particularly when leaving the confines of Earth for other worlds.
Very well written for those who are interested more than me in the subject in such detail.
Ron
Beautiful Hybrids: Alternative Histories and Parallel Worlds (Article) - 12/1/2022 11:28:43 AM
As a result of all these sub genres of science fiction, the genre is overwhelmed by fantasy with no basis whatsoever in science. Some good fantasy and some very bad fantasy.
Perhaps the first fanciful tale that is easily recognized is the Odyssey, where real events became heroic and fanciful. And then, the modern era begun by Alice in Wonderland, Gulliver's Travels, The Time Machine and War of the Worlds, to name a few.
While the comic book story, Dick Tracy, had a wristwatch similar to today's mobile phone or smartwatch, I am not sure there was any science fiction that predicted use of the cell phone the way it is used today except in Star Trek. Supposedly, in a far-off future with unrealistic metal spaceships doing "warp" speeds. A very bad analogy to the warping of space theory that may make some parts of visible space closer than the eye (of the telescope) sees. Not an acceleration beyond light speed. And other strange anomalies in modern science fiction like animals that act like human characters.
Why I've stuck with science with the many predictions in my writing. Some of them may actually come true. But those who dream of living on Mars will find it a very difficult and dreary place to live compared to the Eden we have here.
Ron
Prolegomena to a Transpersonal Relational Psychology (Article) - 8/21/2022 12:42:25 PM
While scientific discoveries are creating new wonders and understanding of our world at a more rapid pace than ever before, I find that many people are simply overwhelmed by the changes taking place. The average person is seeking out easy ways to encompass change rather than doing the learning required to better understand the technologies they are using.
I quite often refer to Alvin Toffler's two books on what change does to people. Around me so many are afraid in many ways and all of those terms that you have listed apply. They reach for straws as a way of simplifying their response to fear. The easiest simplification is just to do nothing and let God or gods take care of the whole thing. While the world in general better, I believe that most feel it is getting worse with all of the exceptions they hear about, distorting their reality.
I remain optimistic, because as a people, worldwide, we can adapt quickly to very dire circumstances. And we will, even if there is great loss of life and damage to the ecosystem that we caused and need to correct.
Ron
In Search of the Muse-Goddess (Article) - 8/18/2022 11:43:57 AM
It's good to see you posting again, Ian. I scanned your chapter 1 of this magnificent history of poetic development from the mid 20th century, primarily the work of Robert Graves.
I write poetry for fun and the enjoyment of others, but have never been a student of poetry like you are. I do not have a background in the arts and probably would not do any justice in attempting to read and make reasonable reviews/comments on each of these very long chapters.
So I will bow out for now. But I may return later if I have time to read and more interest in what you are posting.
Ron
The Music of Goya's Child - Online Info Site (Article) - 11/22/2018 9:50:51 PM
It is a sad fact that nowhere on either of the above two sites will you find a single reference, these days, to my contribution to Goya's Child. Luckily, friends, family, many of our fans, and others who knew the band back in the early 1990s have helped me develop a philosophical sense of humour about such ongoing - and ingenious, studious, systematised and calculated - acts of rock and roll 'Ethno-Irvine Cleansing".
Ian my friend - I first meet you in a caravan park, you told me your dream of a band...... I thought yar right.... Then Goya's Child - I was there in the early days and loved giving you guys support. It was a huge part of my life sharing your journey.... Then the spilt, it was my opinion that was going to be the end of the band (not taking it away from the other band members that did contiune and what they achieved). You were the drive in the early days, I remember we put together some posters and the excitement from you and how it would lift the spirts of the other band members.
I do find it hard seeing tube vid's with no mention of you. Your true friends know the truth.
Stay sane and do what you love.
Gary
P.S. Hi to Sue
Interstitum (Band) and Songs of the Interstitium (Project) (Article) - 10/20/2018 11:04:10 AM
You have been busy! Some great words and music. Many of the songs are dark and moody. I caught a little bit of the sound of Men at Work in some of them.
Keep up the good work! I hope that you've established a fan base. You deserve it.
Ron
Counteracting the Negative Muse (Article) - 9/26/2018 7:34:21 AM
While I understand that the idea of muse comes from Greek goddesses and I understand that we could have "positive" and "negative" muses operating in our psyche, I believe that Graves's insights into the Greek tradition don't offer any insight for me other than an academic exercise.
Your use of Cinderella as an example of the bad muse is very good. Also good illustrations of the negative muse influencing movements like women trying to finally break free from gender dominance by men.
I think your six strategies for overcoming the oppressiveness of the negative muse are excellent and very useful for those who have been oppressed by negative insults.
A very useful and powerful article helping to understand what it takes for creative people to overcome negative influences that surround them while trying to remain creative.
Perhaps that's why we haven't seen you posting here recently. Has the negative muse been at work against you?
Ron
The Simulated Reality Trope in Sci Fi and Quantum Fiction (Article) - 5/29/2017 10:30:45 AM
An extremely well written and researched article on the scientific basis of science fiction writing. I didn't know there were so many "tropes" in science fiction or that there even was a science to the writing of science fiction until reading your article.
Perhaps because I have not been an avid science fiction reader or even kept up with all of the latest developments in physics related to the subject of science fiction like you have.
Fortunately, I have not delved into simulated worlds or the possibility that we are living in a simulated world in my more down-to-earth science-based science fiction. I have watched with some amusement the gaming development coming out of comic books and the promise of VR to bring amusement to a whole new level, but I consider most science fiction in that realm to be more fantasy than science.
I realize that quantum physics is squirrelly--stranger than can be imagined. I guess that opens the door to many writing possibilities. But I believe in time string theory or another theory will come to explain the foundation of why subatomics works the way it does. Until then, The Matrix and its ilk will be just wishful thinking to me. An extension of comic book superheroism and escapism.
I did gather that I may be rewriting stories that were written decades ago that I didn't read. No plagiarism intended.
Ron
Review of Clayton Eshleman: The Essential Poetry (1960-2015) (Article) - 8/26/2016 7:21:25 AM
Once again, with this beautifully written piece on Clayton Eshleman, you have proven your knowledge of poetry and poets to occasional poets and readers like me. I have never read and probably never will read, Clayton Eshleman, but by reading what you have written about him leads me to believe that he is a giant among those in his field.
I have particularly noted what you wrote about specialization. Higher education has become the realm of extreme specialization. From my perspective, writers in many fields are our only understood by others in their fields. There is a great need for those who would interpret the extreme language of the specialists into a more general language for the masses to understand. I have noted some authors that are very good at this. I believe you are one of those and I want you to have credit for doing us all a service.
Ron
Techniques for De-Branding the Authorial Self (Article) - 8/4/2016 7:30:18 AM
It's good to see your work again. Aside from being hysterical, there's a certain unsettling truth in your finely honed 10 points of satire. From what I read without having read all of those fine references and other sources, it seems like I've been debranding myself nicely over the last few years. It's so good to know that I am on the right track.
But I do have one question. What should I do about that nice lady from Atlanta with a distinctly British accent who told me that she could guarantee to get me branded for only $2400? I have pondered over that sticky wicket for some time. Do I want to be branded or debranded? That is the question.
Ron
Zoetics as a Psychology and Way of Being (Article) - 7/1/2016 6:12:15 AM
It's good to see an article from you again. As I read I became rather depressed at all the ways that we can develop dysfunctional relationships. I prefer to keep it simple and try to keep it fun. However as your article points out, it generally all depends upon the people around us whether we are functioning well are not. Sartre said it best, "Hell is other people."
Ron
New Science Perspectives on Ghosts and Other Paranormal Phenomena (Article) - 4/8/2015 6:59:02 AM
I have read your article and must commend you on the breadth of your study. Immediately I noticed that many of the cable channels… History, Discovery, PBS… etc. are producing TV series covering topics devoted to paranormal and new science.
While traditional scientific methods have debunked many mythical and magical revelations of the past, the new science of quantum mechanics with its strange, often unproven theoretical "weirdness", has given imaginative people all kinds of leverage to help them reintroduce old myth and create new ones. The Internet helps create cults or groups of "believers" who reinforce each other with anecdotes and additional creativity that seems nearly unstoppable, even if debunked by reputable review.
In the case of the several series on cable TV claiming this or that, the search always takes place with "talking heads" of some authority describing what the actors are doing, using the latest scientific techniques. There is a lot of use of very dramatic music and when they get close to a dramatic "find" they cut to a commercial. I've watched a number of these soap operas. The heroes always get close to making a discovery but never seem to, and in the season with the promise that they will "find the truth" in the next season.
At least the dramas are presented as all-out fantasy and don't claim to have any scientific basis like the wildly improbable time travel in 12 Monkeys.
Ron
Sara Douglass, Speculative Fiction & Medieval History (Article) - 4/7/2015 5:12:23 AM
Unfortunately, many people who read fiction and fantasy have a distorted view of history and think that real history is boring… A dead subject. Medieval history is one of those areas that is so misunderstood. I love history and find that real history is far more enlightening than romanticized history based on soap opera-ish plots imposed on grossly misunderstood historical backgrounds.
Kudos to Sara Douglass for writing fiction based on as much historical fact as possible.
Ron
Transmedia Story-Telling (in a Holographic Multiverse) (Article) - 10/22/2014 10:51:32 AM
Some interesting concepts presented. While the quill pen and ink pot were a bit before my time, I started out with pencil and lined paper, and hardcover books as the source of knowledge. There were very interesting dramas and real life episodes on radio, but that was about it. By high school, I was using ballpoint pens (soon to be followed by felt pens) for all of my writing… often typed on a manual 1916 Royal typewriter my mother picked up used. And often illustrated after discovering the power of a flip chart or slide presentation.
I always embraced new technology and have tried to mix media in both classroom teaching in my creative endeavors. Sometimes, it was only new technology that allowed me to continue. For me, there would be no writing without Transmedia writing…. It's the way we are quickly embarking into a brave new world of communication.
Ron
Zoetics: New Perspectives on Fundamental Creativity (Article) - 8/5/2014 10:48:17 AM
I have read your entire philosophical statement and find that it is quite creative and enlightening. Like Odin [Kent] Roark has written to me, "everyone's creative."
There is much fear of the future in many lives who feel trapped by their circumstances and unable to find creative ways of moving forward. This century will need great creativity to work on the many problems created by the hyper economic paradigm we are in. Your suggested de-structuring step in the right direction. Thank you. And to your coauthor, Dr. Sue King-Smith, I grant you both congratulations on a job well started.
Ron
Hermesian Epidemics: Depression, Anxiety, Derealisation, Narcissism , (Article) - 1/2/2012 6:17:37 AM
Well written and interesting Ian (particularly as it follows a recent read of Jung's WOTAN...). The article illuminates understanding of present day 'archetypes' or 'gods' - how beings become their 'puppets'... enslaved to desire, losing happiness and freedom. What is the solution to this phenomena of "Ergriffenheit" - a state of being possessed?
Best of Ian Irvine Solo (Album) - Song lyrics (Poetry) - 9/4/2023 6:52:16 AM
It's wonderful that you are so prolific and you're young so that you will be able to produce many great works. All the best to you, Ian.
Best of Ian Irvine Solo (Album) - Song lyrics (Poetry) - 1/6/2023 3:06:33 AM
Thanks for the kind comments, Ron. Especially gratifying given this project is in part a memorial project designed to celebrate and complete previously unfinished work by not only myself but former co-writers and bandsmen from the G.C. Original band lineup - two of whom, sadly, have passed away recently. So thank you so much for taking the time to listen and comment.
Best of Ian Irvine Solo (Album) - Song lyrics (Poetry) - 1/5/2023 12:04:18 PM
Thank you for this wonderful collection of the works of Ian Irvine. I only had time today to listen to the first song. He had a strong voice over the great music that reminded me immediately of Pink Floyd or the Doors. I will try to get back and listen to the rest.
Ron
Himself to My Selves (Eight Legs, Nine Worlds) (Poetry) - 11/10/2019 12:37:18 PM
So good to see you posting again. I don't understand why others haven't commented. In this wide-ranging poem of myth and reality, I sense that you have disclosed some of your concerns for humanity and in the end, asked the question that I would also raise, not being a Christian. How would they explain themselves to Jesus?
Ron
The Muse Leaves the City of Oligarchs (Poetry) - 7/27/2019 1:17:20 PM
It's good to read you again. This artistic flair proves that the muse has not left you.
Ron
Goya's Child (Children of Munch) (Poetry) - 6/4/2019 5:46:48 PM
Extraordinary, atmospheric journey in time. I love the iconographic references, the poetic imagery that connects me to some of my favorite artists. Powerful.
Goya's Child (Children of Munch) (Poetry) - 10/7/2018 8:36:57 AM
Reading it brings to mind in almost simultanneity Dylan's Chimes of Freedom - great moody writing Ian, as always
Goya's Child (Children of Munch) (Poetry) - 9/25/2018 8:30:07 AM
It is so good to see you posting again. And this poem dedicated to Goya's Child is outstanding in its form and function, letting us in on what it was like for this band that burned out too soon, like so many artistic people whose lives are cut short.
Ron
Afterlife 1: After the Fall (Poetry) - 3/10/2017 8:38:52 AM
I haven't read your work in a long time, so this is a pleasure. Your poem is a true to life story of what can happen when one celebrates too much while at a serious conference.
Ron
Hypatia and the Ruined Serapeum (Poetry) - 8/30/2015 9:12:41 AM
If we could only have the knowledge that has been desecrated by the rabble mob over the past few eons, we might more easily discover the truth. Thanks to ruins we are discovering some of it today.
Ron
Hypatia and the Ruined Serapeum (Poetry) - 8/30/2015 3:54:58 AM
I like the line,
"... they do not succeed -
for the heavens are precise
and stomach no faulty permutations ..."
Innana in the Goldmine (Poetry) - 8/9/2015 7:49:33 AM
It's good to see you posting your unique work again. While I know few of these ancient myths, I am enlightened by your writing about them.
Ron
Innana in the Goldmine (Poetry) - 8/9/2015 4:31:50 AM
I'm happy to see you mining the source of our myths and origins of recording and writing our oral traditions. There is a wealth of material and insight there. Nicely done.
Hermapolis: Thoth and Ma'at Assist the Time Travellers (Poetry) - 6/5/2015 6:27:52 AM
As I recall writing about a time in ancient Egypt in the 2nd chapter of my 2nd novel, all the elements were there: deceit, corruption, jealousy, pestilence, and vice, to name but a few. And was about to admire your scholarship about the time and place until I read it and discovered that your poem contains timeless messages that do not require delving into the Old or New Kingdom. Nonetheless, your words are enlightening.
Ron
Hermapolis: Thoth and Ma'at Assist the Time Travellers (Poetry) - 6/5/2015 4:06:42 AM
In an era when Isis is so ignorantly condemned, your poem is a lifeline, Ian. We wannabe Thoths welcome your time machine and look for more ... thanks for the trip. It didn't cost me any miles or waiting time or TSA gropes ...
Hiroshima Dance (Poetry) - 10/17/2014 7:41:59 PM
Fantastic write! I have been to Hiroshima and strolled along Peace Park. On the bomb, most people blame Emperor Hirohito for lying that he was a God. But Hiroshima gets even better late when it is dark. The folks like to sing in karaoke Bars and dance like it's an art. But what impressed me the most was who they were imitating. They were imitating their old adversary, America! So now I know there is a real God in heaven and the peace and hope HE brings. Thank you Ian!
Spirits in Triples (Poetry) - 9/27/2014 7:33:28 AM
I'm wary of spiritualism of all kinds because they tend to corrupt logical thinking with their half-truths and other deceptions.
Ron
Tending the Grove - from the Taliesin-Ceridwen Sequence (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 7:33:59 PM
Gaining knowledge and wisdom, he still needs to attain love. Without love all strivings are meaningless. I'm very impressed with this series Ian. Bob
The Chase Across time (part 2) (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 7:29:18 PM
The rest is for him to learn. She has taught him to comprehend things at their core. Still unlearned in many ways he is set to the course of full understanding. He has the tools now if he uses them wisely. Great series here Ian. Enjoying. Bob
The Chase Across Time (Part 1) (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 7:24:50 PM
Clever as the trees and mistress of all mindfucks, she uses natural magic and shrewd judgement as a weapon against all tyrants. A woman to be feared. Great treatment of the mythology Ian. Well presented and dramatic. Bob
The World Rushed in (The Awen) (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 7:15:48 PM
Her cryptic reply may imply that the girl is her daughter. Or is that something not quite truth? He is at the doorway to mysteries now. Things will never be the same now. Better and better. Bob
Three Drops From the Cauldron (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 7:10:07 PM
Skin absorption of an already heavily hallucinagenic compound. Visions are the fuel for the visionary. Most traditions of magic have their hallucinatory compounds. Magic is found in many cultures and magic goes along with visions. This gets better and better Ian. Bob
Before the Influx of Visions (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 6:46:13 PM
I would imagine the songs in ogham. Or maybe they were more like poems? I can remember the reading of challenges called Gla'm disenn
Ceridwen Initiates (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 6:37:42 PM
Leaving him to his imaginings the witch gathers her tools and ingredients and probably his dreams and secret thoughts together. Who would trust her when she is so secretive and silent? But he is ultimately there for the knowledge. You spin a great retelling Ian. I remain impressed. Bob
Gwion Bach (Poetry) - 9/20/2014 6:31:36 PM
Magical cauldrons being one of the chief magical tools in ancient welsh mythology, the training of a wizard would be appropriate. I am somewhat familiar with Taliesin in the mythology, but not with this particular tale. I look forward to a great retelling here Ian. Bob
Three Drops From the Cauldron (Poetry) - 9/13/2014 9:56:31 AM
An incident that portends much greater calamity than spilt potion.
Ron
Rhiannon and Cian (Poetry) - 9/1/2014 1:16:39 PM
I think she had no worldliness about her. No experience to teach her how to handle the amorous male. At least that's how the mythology would have her protrayed I believe. I recently delved into my books on celtic lore and got the same impression that you got I'm sure. I have Stones book also. All he wanted was to be with her I think. Strange that there's no other reference to this. While writing this review I thought to look up Macha, but there's no reference to her having such an encounter. Often the stories are mixed up though. But none of this detracts from this poem. I do enjoy your whole epic story. Bob
The Ghost Narrates (Poetry) - 9/1/2014 12:52:48 PM
I much enjoyed this Ian. Masking the recollections of your youth in the heroics of myth adds an interesting depth to the whole thing. Most of us don't think heoically like that, but we are all different in our approaches. As usual your work is first rate. Bob
The Ghost Narrates (Poetry) - 8/31/2014 8:18:23 AM
I find the parallels in your analogy of the journey of the Cricketeers to the Odyssey quite interesting. I often think of major sports these days as a substitute for battle, although the Olympics began in those days as a way of young men letting off steam from all that testosterone and allowing battles to take place on the playing field rather than the battleground. To think that little New Zealand had a heroic cricket team in those days, reminds me of that film I saw, Chariots of Fire, about the rivalry between two British runners in the 1924 Olympics. Your poem is a fine tribute to the lasting heroics of that generation of Cricketeers in New Zealand.
Ron
Before the Influx of Visions (Poetry) - 8/30/2014 11:01:45 AM
An interesting period poem of perhaps, some historical significance. While I didn't understand it all, some of the phrases were quite revealing.
Ron
Gwion Bach (Poetry) - 8/26/2014 9:37:53 AM
An eerie tale and one that I lack understanding enough to interpret. Left me wondering about a boy left for a year and a day to fend for himself in the wilderness. But it may be more symbolic than real.
Ron
Rhiannon Invents 'Badger in a Bag' (Poetry) - 8/5/2014 3:07:25 PM
Another very interesting poem in your extremely well written story. Although I don't remember Rhiannon changing to Vivianne in the Arthurian cycle, it's believable in that many Celtic mythological archetypes have similar attributes. I have really enjoyed reading your work Ian. Bob
Rhiannon Invents 'Badger in a Bag' (Poetry) - 8/5/2014 11:27:15 AM
Not having been well read in the original, I find it difficult to follow in your, apparently, epic poem describing the mythical story. I have heard of the sorcerer, Merlin, but have read little of the original work of the likes of Chaucer.
Ron
The Birds of Rhiannon (Poetry) - 8/3/2014 3:21:29 PM
I much enjoyed this rendition of the birds and your impressions of their significance. Although the end seems mysterious, it is all a part of the mythology, subject to the sensibilities of a modern interpretation. Well done sir. Bob
The White Mare (Poetry) - 8/3/2014 3:15:11 PM
Another great poem for this series Ian. The world gone silent as the mare approaches. You have a great sense of the dramatic. I have one possibly odd question.
The reference to sheet music seems a bit incongruent.
I'm not sure why those lines are in there. Bob
Rhiannon-Epona (Poetry) - 8/3/2014 3:06:04 PM
I really enjoyed and was deeply interested in your "Rhiannon-Epona poem Ian. I enjoy mythology and especially Celtic mythology. I have even written a poem about Rhiannon years ago. Yours exhibits the kind of epic language I have sought in my work also. Great reading. Bob
After he Stumbled into Annwn (Poetry) - 8/3/2014 2:54:00 PM
A most impressive poem Ian. Done well and holding my interest throughout. The only complaint I have is in the first few lines. I'm afraid that queen-sized bed were totally nonexistent in the age you are trying to portray. Even the wealthy in that age would sleep on beds where the linens were stuffed with soft hay and fragrant herbs. That was if you were rich. Most roofs at best were thatched and there were always many small insects and animals living in them. That's why those beds with covers on top of them evolved. The tops were meant to shelter the occupants from the droppings and other trash generated by the things living in the roof.
A great poem and I hope this information helps you improve it. Bob
Rhiannon and Cian (Poetry) - 8/2/2014 10:59:11 AM
After reading this poem, I believe I would have to read the original work to get the story correct in my mind.
Ron
The White Mare (Poetry) - 8/1/2014 9:37:30 AM
While I'm not familiar with the myth of the riderless white mare, I am quite familiar with the Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Paralysis is the albatross around my neck.
Ron
The Birds of Rhiannon (Poetry) - 7/30/2014 8:10:36 AM
I found it to be quite mythical, like its origin. With some miraculous outcome that I didn't quite understand.
Ron
Infusoria (a poem) (Poetry) - 8/15/2013 11:46:43 AM
The great attempt at a monumental description of the monumental voyage of the Beagle.
I tried this method of having readers click on the link to my site for a while and found that I lost readers as a result. I now post both to my site and here so that I get maximum readership.
Ron
Vera Imaginatio (Poem by Ian Irvine [Hobson]) (Poetry) - 1/19/2013 1:33:33 PM
I lost many readers a few years ago when I required them to click on a link to my website in order to read my poems. Perhaps you should post the text of the poem here and then ask the reader to click on the link if they want to hear you read it.
I clicked on the link and was pleasantly surprised to see how you turned a sighting of a rare and wonderful creature into a transcendental flight of fantasy reminiscence akin to dragons. Delightful and original. Kudos.
Ron
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 5/4/2012 7:20:05 AM
Now that is truly sad, with such beauty and expression in poetry and that it be struck from our new youth? Are all the great minds to be buried as you said? I do not know one soul who does not or has not been inspired by their beauty in words. Has telly taken over? Do they not want young minds to expand? Do they not want to teach self-expression? What will become of imagination?
Love and Light,
Lily
Facing the Demon of Noontide (Poetry) - 3/29/2011 2:49:34 PM
Awesome writing sweet man...stay safe and well..Hugsssss
Facing the Demon of Noontide (Poetry) - 3/28/2011 6:29:31 PM
Remarkable poetry you have collected here, Ian. -gene.
Facing the Demon of Noontide (Poetry) - 3/28/2011 5:41:38 PM
Brilliantly stark and beautifully crafted poetry!
Christine
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/17/2010 10:07:47 PM
Ha! Loved it, Ian! Wish I was there. Where poets are buried.
Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/14/2010 2:38:06 PM
Good question, Ian. But fortunately, for some of us, the
poets live on in their dusty words. This I like. -gene.
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/14/2010 9:26:17 AM
poets have been buried in the corrals of outlaw poetry ...
provocative ...
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/12/2010 4:07:57 PM
Ian,
This stirs me, makes me sit up, provokes in the best possible way.
John
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/12/2010 2:40:05 PM
There are so many answers about the essence of poetry in your question/poem. The multifaceted nature of poetry is artfully revealed.
A poem that I'm keeping!
Axilea
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/12/2010 10:59:15 AM
I have a few skeletons in my closet; but no poets sorry to say. Wonderful piece and provocative questions. Fabulous writing.
Where Have You Buried the Poets? (Poetry) - 11/12/2010 5:10:18 AM
Breath-taking, love this! The truth emerges in your fine poem.
Christine
Various Poems by Ian Irvine (Hobson) (Poetry) - 10/30/2010 2:47:18 PM
Thank you for sharing this fine poetic offering, Ian. Much enjoyed. Love and peace to you,
Regis
Various Poems by Ian Irvine (Hobson) (Poetry) - 10/28/2010 7:56:21 AM
Reading your poetry is a fantastic experience for me Ian. I'll be back to read them later, more slowly. Solar Fruit captivated me at once.
Best Wishes,
Christine
Various Poems by Ian Irvine (Hobson) (Poetry) - 10/28/2010 7:41:08 AM
Masterfully done. All of them. Especially liked the Vietnam piece. Truth to power through the power of poetry. Very nice!!
Europe After the Rain - Ian Irvine (Poetry) - 10/26/2010 1:36:59 AM
A new member.. a new reader.. a new follower of course.. substance depicting life n beyond !
brilliant
Cheers
Europe After the Rain - Ian Irvine (Poetry) - 9/10/2010 8:39:11 PM
Quintessential poetry. I see the thousand-year cycle mix of mythology and archaeology, the more things change, the more things stay the same, Ian...a pleasure to be in your den tonight...Be well. Blessed Be.
Love,
Sage
The Pale Moon Left us Here - a poem by Ian Irvine (Hobson) (Poetry) - 9/7/2010 7:43:24 AM
Descriptions that stir emotions, reminding the reader of paintings, art, history and inner landscapes. I'm impressed with the coherence and the way language, sounds and impressions accompany the reader to the inevitable end(ing).
Axilea
Four Poems on Desacralisation and Disenchantment (Poetry) - 8/31/2010 7:59:48 AM
These are truly amazing. I often lament about the progress mankind is taking, the transhumanist assault on the soul as the science and technology we have come to adore and depend upon are actually the building blocks of our own spiritual prison. It is difficult to watch the world drown under the heavy hand of the power-elite superclass and high-tech repression grid where full-spectrum dominance of corporations and military translates into every aspect of your life, first introduced as convenience or necessity, slowly becoming weaponized. You want to scream; but realize that we're under water too. Beautiful work.
Europe After the Rain - Ian Irvine (Poetry) - 8/30/2010 8:31:02 AM
An old world, not quite dead, but almost... Where has the soul gone?
Intriguing traces of Life and History.
Axilea
