Hello, PATRICIA A. MANIACI,

Here is a review for your "Spider Time" .

Comments and Observations:

My first reaction to your poem was "cute!" and "quirky!" Then, I realized that it was also a thoughtful, empathetic vignette. It turned a small fleeting experience into one of meditation on time, kindness, and survival.

Here, you took a tiny everyday moment of finding a spider in the bathtub, and you turned it into something meaningful. Scale-shifting done very well, I must say.

I also like the playful tone. It gives the poem warmth and humanity, especially showing in the way you treated the spider with such care. Your lines, "“Through the darkness. Hold your breath! Bath water!” show your concern for the spider's peril and set your bathroom into being a dramatic stage.

"Took a year and a half. // Spider time" is brilliant as meditation on human time vs. spider time.

I didn't see anything I can suggest to make this little poem better, except for the different ways you addressed or talked about the spider. I think there exists a bit of inconsistency among the words, "Spider in the bathtub,” “the little spider daughter,” then “found him” "put him back." Something to think about.

Still, I truly enjoyed your tender, snapshot-like poem.

Suggestions on the text as to grammar, usage, and punctuation

I saw no problems in this area.

Best wishes with your work.



My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .