but then...

[fflo]

Isn't it no longer a valediction without the element of direct address?

    Valediction, Overdue

  Finally, it's just a town.
  ... ?

Comments

[disclaimerwill.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it, I don't really know what a valediction is. It's a pretty word, but the only time I think I've heard it used is in L.A. Confidential, after (spoiler!) James Cromwell shoots Kevin Spacey and says, "Have ye a valediction, boyo?"

I think there's more flexibility in word meanings in poetry. You could, after all, be speaking metaphorically, so the precise definition doesn't so much matter. There's an out for you. :)

[vjsmom.livejournal.com]

Yes. At least, I would say that it can be. The "whom" or "what" to which you're bidding farewell doesn't seem so important here as is the act of bidding farewell. I'm just blathering, though, so I'll shut up now.

Look What I Found! Or, perhaps you were already familiar...

[schroederjt.livejournal.com]

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/nearly-a-valediction/

I was rummaging around in an older anthology this morning and stumbled across this one from Marilyn Hacker.

Re: Look What I Found! Or, perhaps you were already familiar...

[fflo.livejournal.com]

Thanks a bunch for that one, J--- I haven't said anything yet cuz I'm thinking of posting about it when I get a chance. Which I still aim to do!

Re: Look What I Found! Or, perhaps you were already familiar...

[schroederjt.livejournal.com]

It really struck me because the word valediction is not one that you hear or read very much these days, and yet here was a second poem (yours being the first) that used it to a seemingly similar purpose.

Re: Look What I Found! Or, perhaps you were already familiar...

[fflo.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that was quite something, wasn't it. Love when the universe does that.

I'll write more about the poem, and Marilyn, soon.