The following was written by a gentleman in my Friday critique group, The North County Writers’ Bloc. Gordon is our resident poet. I wanted to share this because, although it is about writing or understanding a poem, I think it applies to any fiction writing. It’s about finding the Truth in it, whatever you write.

Poetry Reading
by Gordon Archibald

Understanding a great poem is like
undressing a Victorian lady.
First time over unbuttons the bodice,
The theme, and
each reading exposes
a deeper layer
corset unlaced, petticoats
dropped,
’til it’s off with the knickers,
the author’s deepest thoughts,
like the lady,
revealed
In all their naked truth.

Flaming June…Fredric Lord Leighton