Sydney Poetry

A social site for poets in Sydney.

ON MEETING THE AUSTRALIAN POETIC GIANT-PETER SKRZYNECKI

ON MEETING THE AUSTRALIAN POETIC GIANT-PETER SKRZYNECKI

He spoke with a gentle humour-
Blissfully unaware of the aura
That filled spaces around his diminutive frame.

As he unravelled pieces of his candid chronicle,
I saw the scars beneath those glistening eyes
Fighting to control the flood
That accompanies the revisiting of painful moments of a past-
Now-prescribed poems for an unwitting generation.

I wonder if each fifteen -year- old could see
Past the urgency of taking notes for an examination!
And noted that beneath the halo of fame
Were unseen tears, and beneath the wrinkled brow
Lay the furrows through which rivulets of
The sweat of hard labour hard left invisible indents.

Our experience is a piece of who we are-
Humbled by his attempt to disengage
And free the young of his more morbid experiences.
I walked away, trying so hard to unyoke
The beast of my own burdens.

Profit from my life if you must-
But I wish-
Your life never mirrors my own chronicle.

0 members like this

Comment by THE BARD on November 12, 2011 at 19:55: Dear David,

A pity you have such views.

When I meet people who air their ignorance, I always feel it's wise to let them revel in their own stupidity. It makes them feel good! So be it!

God Bless.....

Comment by Dermott Ryder on November 13, 2011 at 17:07: David and the Bard

David: I find your post intemperate, uninformative and unrewarding. You offer no rational criticism of the ‘Bards’ work somewhat obsequious poem as presented. Nor do you address the poetry of Skrzynecki in any detail.

Surely it cannot be beyond your ability to mount an informed and measured criticism of the works in question.

The use of the words ‘rubbish’ and ‘wog’ tell us more about you than they do about the poet or his poetry.

Incidentally, I feel that the ‘Bard’s’ reply adds fuel to the flames but offers no illuminating rebuttal of this sorry diatribe.

Any reaction that includes ‘stupidity’ and ignorance may find a home in a slanging match but will not contribute to meaningful debate.

Perhaps both members will consider stepping back a bit to reconsider their form of words and present an informed courteous criticism and a considered creative response.

Regards

Dermott Ryder

Comment by THE BARD on November 13, 2011 at 17:23: Dear Dermott,

Your criticism of my reply is fair. I took umbrage to his choice of words.

I certainly did not mean, by the same token, to get into a slanging match with David. It is not how I usually respond. Point noted very humbly......

God Bless,

Comment by Dermott Ryder on November 13, 2011 at 20:02: David Wakeling

Thank you David, your juvenile response comes as no surprise. Your intemperate language, meanness of spirit and apparent inability to engage in civilized discussion clearly demonstrates that you have no place on a social site. I sincerely hope that post facto moderation will remove you from this one.

Dermott Ryder

Comment by Dermott Ryder on November 17, 2011 at 16:10: Dear Bard

Copy for your reference

After giving serious consideration to the unfortunate comments of the conflagration-prone DW I have conveyed my concerns to the Site Moderator.

Regards

DR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Adrian

I write to you in your role as Site Moderator to express my objections to the inappropriate responses posted by a member using the name David Wakeling to the work 'ON MEETING THE AUSTRALIAN POETIC GIANT-PETER SKRZYNECKI’ on the Bard’s Page.

His responses are offensive. His comment that a poet Peter Skrzynecki’s work is ‘rubbish’ must surely be unacceptable on any social site, especially this one. His racialist slur of ‘Wog’, when referring to the poet Peter Skrzynecki is appallingly insulting. It may also be an offence against the racial discrimination legislation.

If one member freely uses this belligerent hate-language on ‘Poetry Sydney’ will it bring opprobrium to all members? In essence, will it tarnish the site? These are risks, in my opinion, best not taken.

Also, it is totally beyond the bounds of reasonably, robust debate to be called a liar by David Wakeling for simply disagreeing with his outrageous actions and expressions and doubting his motives.

David Wakeling has crossed that clearly drawn line of decency established and supported by reasonable, civilized people. Please remove his offensive and negative comments, particularly from the Bard’s page and prudently from wherever else they appear.

I am sorry to have to write to you in these terms, however, please be assured of my respect, admiration and on-going support for this excellent enterprise.

Regards

Dermott Ryder

Comment by Richard Castellari on November 17, 2011 at 21:39: David,

You're out of line.

Constructive discourse is welcome on this site, however your comments are anything but constructive. I am not sure why you feel the need to offend, but it is not on.

I am with Dermott on this.

Comment by Ken Setter on November 19, 2011 at 19:47: Contributions should not call people liars. It's not polite

Comment by Jim Spain on November 20, 2011 at 10:54: "Ah me" again.

Even more reason to consolidate elsewhere.

Jim.

Comment by Ken Setter on November 20, 2011 at 11:38: David I cannot speak for William James Falls. But I see a certain irony in his greeting, maybe you should reread it.

Comment by Ken Setter on November 20, 2011 at 11:49: Jim

It would be a shame if good people are forced to seek sensible comments, cordiality, and fellowship elsewhere due to the childish pettiness displayed on this site of late.

Understandable, yes.

Maybe the storm clouds will blow away with a thunderous farting sound, and the world can return to peace once more.