[Rick Mullin]

I wasn't going to come in on this one. I still don't think I will, despite coming in for a minute and erasing it. I think Roger has it covered.

[Barbara Baig]

Hi Susan,
I enjoyed reading this poem: it's got a kind of swing to it. I'm guessing that comes from your skill in interweaving line and sentence. I like the directness of the opening line and the way you repeat it. I also enjoyed the points you made about short men. The only thing that made me stumble a bit in reading was the word "scrutinize." Somehow it seemed a little elevated from the rest of the language in the poem.

I'll remember this one. Thanks.
Barbara

[Susan McLean]

Hi, Barbara,
I thought "scrutinize" was funny when applied to a hawk. It implies an in-depth consideration, as if the hawk is trying to decide whether it is worth it or not to go after a mere wren. The one time I saw a hawk actually kill and eat a bird, its victim was a pigeon.

Susan