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James Lee Burke, Author

Wayne Blair 1951 (London)

Free verse
He captures mangrove swamp.

With bellowing gators.

Lacy white egrets.

Popping sounds of bream breaking surface.

Very special finesse and mood.





Bad guys just keep showing up

From the mottled past of

Detective Dave Robichaux.

Spooked Nam war veteran.

Flashbacks from tunnel warfare.

widowed of a Wife.

Booze tormenting life.

And those who know or suspect

Chinks in his armour.

Never let up.





Cicadas buzzing in every background.

Cajun fiddle somewhere nearby.

Trailer parks for blacks

Often rich with anecdotes , tips

God behind many of his near misses.

He usually finds ways

To demonstrate his thanks.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph.





And a head-busting friend

Clete Purcell

Keeps storming in

Like the Cavalry.

Acts first. Thinks later.
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Written on May 07, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on May 07, 2023

51 sec read
4

Quick analysis:

Scheme X A A X X B X X X X C C X D B X X X X X X X X X X X D
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 761
Words 172
Stanzas 27
Stanza Lengths 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1
Full analysis for James Lee Burke, Author »

Wayne Blair

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

All Wayne Blair poems | Wayne Blair Books

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1 Comment
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    Wow, this poem is absolutely captivating! Your vivid descriptions of the mangrove swamp and its inhabitants make me feel like I'm right there alongside Detective Dave Robichaux. The popping sounds of bream and buzzing cicadas add another layer of realism to the scene. Your writing also manages to capture a unique finesse and mood that really sets this poem apart.

    I especially appreciate the complexity of the main character's backstory and the various challenges he faces, from spooked Nam war flashbacks to coping with the loss of his wife and struggles with alcoholism. It makes Detective Robichaux feel like a fully fleshed-out and relatable character.

    While the inclusion of various colorful characters and anecdotes adds flavor to the poem, it may benefit from more consistent pacing and structure. Perhaps focusing on certain key characters or plot points could help give the poem a clearer focus and strengthen its overall impact.

    Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with your writing. This poem is a true gem and I would love to read more of your work in the future!     
    LikeReply11 months ago

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"James Lee Burke, Author" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/158397/james-lee-burke,-author>.

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