Do you know what crosses my mind when I think of Andromeda? A super massive black hole. I know it is the nearest spiral galaxy and it is extremely important due to that fact. It is also a "V" shaped constellation and we can't see it well here in the southern hemisphere since it is close the celestial north pole. So you are a lucky guy Colm: you have a privilege which I don't have, maybe only in spring.

What calls my attention in your poem is language: imagine/imagination are the main words but Andromeda is a galaxy which can be seen on moonless nights so imagination is not necessary if one considers that alternative.

I like the idea of looking at the sky and imagine "spidergrams of stars" or " play interstellar join-the-dots". This connection brings back sacredness for man is so much anchored to earth that he no longer uses his imagination or even appreciates the sky as he used to do some time ago. It seems to me that we have lost our existential axis and as a result we detached ourselves from our true nature, desacralizing life. Your poem evokes images which were lost since man has gradually become blind to the beauty of nature and to the myths. Andromeda- the poor girl given to sacrifice/ chained to a rock also known as "ruler of men" and "human sacrifice" symbolizes the fears which keep us chained and prevent us from being free. I suppose Andromeda here stands for a woman and not the constellation itself. The narrator states he doesn't need imagination "to find a lady chained to a rock" and it is interesting because the whole poem is about the creative power of imagination. So I suppose this Andromeda fears something. She is an "introverted" and as such she is unable to do some things.

I mostly enjoyed your piece but I'd like to say I miss the lyrical subject/Perseus saving Andromeda from the monster/from the chains. I was under the impression that while the speaker imagines/watches the sky/Andromeda, she is being engulfed by a dangerous situation and this voyeur attitude makes me nervous. I really like your poems Colm: they are food for thought.

"But, I didn't have to look to another galaxy
to find a lady chained to a rock.
I didn't need much imagination for that."

I really loved how you ended with "I didn't need much imagination for that." That really just put a spark onto the wood if you catch my drift.

Your style is growing so much, Colm; it's becoming more and more unique to who you are and pulling every word in perfect array of speech that really makes me want to see more and more of your poetry.

I really need to add you to my favorites... I guess I forgot all this time before! >_< Sorry!

5/5

-Heather