38 Comments

You know what I’d pay for? To hear your son recite an entire poem—of yours or his own, wouldn’t matter.

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Jul 3·edited Jul 3Author

He is a remarkable little dude linguistically. I wouldn't put it past him!

My daughter, who will be 6 soon, has written several poems herself, and they are shockingly mature (not just the "Roses are red / Voilets are blue" type stuff you often see in elementary classrooms).

Thanks for reading, Kert.

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Great poem, Mike, a-buzz with the energy and pure abandon of life, shared by father and son and the nature—three brilliant universes unfolding together. Polachek is always a good choice.

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Thanks, Paul, for your supportive remarks! My son is showing a lot of interest in so many things, some of which (like trucks) fall within expected traditional masculine roles. Others, like dancing and taking care of babydolls, less so. He teaches me to embrace my passions too, no matter what others may think. That is part of why I wrote the last line.

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You are absolutely welcome, Mike

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Jul 3Liked by Mike Speriosu

Really enjoyed this one, Mike, and I love the “co-host” in the recording. How perfect. :) Again, great use of language—insightful and moving.

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Thank you, James. It means a lot to have your keen eye on my work.

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Jul 3Liked by Mike Speriosu

Love and thanks to both beautiful Speriosu boys for words of comfort. I see each of you individually in the two delicate tendrils of vine entwining in tandem around a common redwood giant growing tall and strong, rooted together in that same tall and strong giant, and rooted together as father and son

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Thanks! That's my boy, alright.

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“brilliant young universe.” So many bright stars are packed into your son, more than wonderful he shared your reminder with us too.

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Thank you, Marjorie!

Often part of my editing/rehearsing process is to record myself reading a poem to help me hear where it might need to change. My son was eating his lunch in the background of this one, and once he chimed in, I just had to keep the poem in that form and post it as-is!

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May more unexpected brilliance happen!!!

✨🎤😎🎤✨

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I love it!

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Thank you, from dad to dad, writer to writer.

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Jul 6Liked by Mike Speriosu

I love everything about this, Mike. Feels like I'm dancing in the garden right along with you, slurping up honeysuckle every so often. Gyrating spasms of reckless abandon are the bestest

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Thank you so much! Your work was definitely inspirational to both the activity and the poem about it. I so value you being here.

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Jul 7Liked by Mike Speriosu

oh, my heart feels so full!!

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Jul 4Liked by Mike Speriosu

This is lovely, Mike! Your message that all feelings are valid is both comforting and liberating. Thank you for sharing calling us to embrace our emotions and find poetry in the everyday moments.

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Thank you, Mo!!! Your wonderful words fill my sails.

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Jul 4Liked by Mike Speriosu

Brilliant. The tile alone is masterful!

I do have a multitude of social political issues with this platform, but I am eternally grateful I stumble upon word painters like this! A literary Rembrandt.

Is the creation of fine piece such as this is, like a tough golf shot that you’re stuck with in 2 1/2 feet of the pin, the thrill of catching fish on a line, the rush of your first vehicle, the heaviness of first intimacies?

I sincerely hope you lean back, allow yourself appreciation of creating a fine thing, getting a kind of buzz good enough you want to feel it again.

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Thank you so much, Hudson!! Your words make me feel so good.

This one came out without too much effort. The magic is in the editing process. Listening and listening and listening to the poem. It has a mind of its own. It knows its ideal form. You just have to listen to it and help it get there.

Some are more mathematical and calculated. You might like this one: https://substack.com/home/post/p-145505012

Every syllable and stressed syllable is carefully placed, as are all the rhymes. Those are fun to do.

Thank you so much, Hudson. Made my day.

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Jul 7Liked by Mike Speriosu

You’re very welcome, Mike.

I’m just an umpire. Calling ‘em as I see em. I am blown away by the sheer numbers of fine writers on this platform. I should’ve known. It’s like amazing guitar players and small bands. More than we’ll ever know because they have no exposure.

I’m grateful.

Occasionally I even have the middle class sensibility to listen to my mothers advice, when I see them as ugly, I don’t reply….😉🙈

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Jul 4Liked by Mike Speriosu

And, I always forget you can’t edit in this particular space!!! 🙈😡🤪

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Jul 4Liked by Mike Speriosu

I love the reminder that he’s always listening with a growing understanding. Our gift to them is the structure and love you recite.

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❤️❤️❤️

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Jul 4Liked by Mike Speriosu

My question is in all sincerity, Mike.

Please tell me you take at least miserable matter of joy from your work. I know I do, and that’s being seriously understated.

There’s gonna be some feelings that I can relate to because creating a wonderful article that I know is of quality and read ability is not something that can relate to 🤣😉🤷‍♂️

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Yes, I take great joy from writing. It feels like a lifeboat nowadays. It's one of my favorite things to do.

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Jul 7Liked by Mike Speriosu

I love it! I sincerely appreciate you answering and honestly, it took a minute to choose the correct

Verbiage. I’m flattered. I totally understand “lifeboat”

Connecting with people like you, Paul, and most of my mutual followers, being in nature is mine.

I sincerely hope you never lose the joy of expressing your talent. I feel honored that you share it. Again, I really appreciate the reply.

Peace

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Lovely. And I love the cameo!

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Thanks, Margaret!

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Wow, such energy and "a brilliant young universe" indeed. Loved that phrase.

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Thanks, David! Yes, I find it helps with compassion to remember that every single human being (as well as every other sentient creature) has an entire universe—THE entire universe—happening live in their senses and minds. My boy has surpassed my wildest dreams...what a tremendous privilege to welcome him into my universe and myself into his.

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Such a cool surprise at the end of the VO. Thank you for a wonderful energy

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Thanks for listening, Nick! Glad you enjoyed it.

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Brilliant young universe is beautiful

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Thank you, JP!

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Jul 3Liked by Mike Speriosu

This is pure joy, Mike. I’d have said so even sooner but you sent me down a music rabbit hole.

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Ooh, let me know if you discovered any gems! Thanks for reading and for your kind support.

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