Sally J,

This is a fine poem IMO and doesn't need much modification. I'd break the 
first sentence or rearrange the line lengths if I were you. There are too 
many surprises (even second time round) in those first four lines. Even 
replacing "of " (W1/L3) with "and" could work wonders. If you did that the 
"and" in the preceding line (L2)could be replaced with a comma. Over to you 
on that one.

The worming of the dog is a bit incongruous among the other seasonal 
responses, but may have personal significance.

I like the way the poem progresses through practical to psychological 
renewal.


Colin




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sally James" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 03, 2006 11:48 AM
Subject: New Sub February


> February
>
> This is the month of stews and soups
> and things that go bump in the dark
> of evenings around the TV watching
> useless shows that do nothing for the intellect.
> This is the month for booking holidays
> of dreaming of sea and sand and sunsets
> and feeling the tingle of Spring
> creep across the meadows.
> This is the month of looking forward
> seeing each day getting longer,
> tiny shoots probing the soil
> and mending the rattling gate.
> This is the month for worming the dog
> washing old loves from your life
> looking up, instead of down, cleaning
> cobwebs from the ceiling of your mind.
> This is the month for seeing the real you
> shining in the newly polished mirror,
> saying hello and casting the shadow of
> winter from your shoulders.
>
> Sally James
>