She took it as an insult
when I called her poems
 
cold, but ice holds

light, first of the sun
and then the stars.

i like it.

Enjoyed this, Rick.  Tis a delight; rich in its intricate detail.

I'm mulling over the last line:

And holds yet
a generation along in time.

But it may well click into place for me when I come back to read this again later which I'm looking forward to doing.

For some reason I can't quite see myself, your description of her poetry makes me think of Marianne Moore. Great opening, love how you present the icicle as symbol of universe, Rick. Tom

Rick, my exh, who's a singer, once told me he liked Barbra Steisand, but that she was 'too' perfect.  That's how I understand what you're saying here.  Sometimes there are those (not me, that's for sure) who strive so hard for perfection we leave ourselves out.

Beautiful writing,
cheryl

Cut off the last 3 lines.  Whatchoo thinkum?

Rick, I like both, I think revised the longer version could be wonderful - or even shorter

She spit
when I called her cold
but what holds light
like ice

--Tom

Yeah, I'm with Tom here, I  like both, although, in the revised version, I miss:

She latticed each word so that
the glimmer of light in each

I think latticed works so well here, gives it that intricacy I mentioned

and each sickle holds light

is a brilliant line - the sharpness and reflection sickle  shows

but:

She took it as an insult
when I called her poems
 
cold, but ice holds
light, first of the sun
 
and then the stars.

is superb


Digressing, the title brought to mind Bob Dylan's 'Absolutely Sweet Marie'  I used to have a version of him singing that with Grateful Dead, very enjoyable twas too


 

oh my, the changes since i last viewed this one, rick.  wow.

Rick, this is sharp and very bright. I've developed a prejudice (unreasonable) against poems about poems, but this has wit that engages the reader in more than just the poem for poets kind of stuff. Nice work.

larry

I think the distilled version is perfect.

Really, really like this shortened version, Rick. Fine picking, John.

milner

shortened version, i like very much as well.

tiko

I didn't see the longer version but this is quite tight.

congrats, Rick!