Tuesday, August 27, 2019

What on Earth Could It Be?


Years ago when I started writing poems, I was
anxious to submit my work to certain prestigious
publications—The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly
Poetry and such. And patiently, I awaited their

replies in hopes of being accepted. Instead,
I was notified by letter of one rejection after
another. Dear, Mr. Hanch, We are sorry to
inform you that at this time we are not able

to publish your work...Blah! Blah! Blah! So
that’s the way it was to be. See if you ever
again receive a submission from me. I was
sorely disappointed to put it mildly. I often

wondered, was my poetry not deemed good
enough by some academic editor? Were my
pieces considered not proper or fitting for their
publication? Could it be poor grammar or trite

and sophomoric imagery, I wondered? Perhaps
my last name didn’t ring out exotic or poetic
enough for them? Or could it be that I had simply
neglected to dot my “i” s and cross all my “t” s?

My second wife was once told by an acquaintance
that Hanch was not a very pretty name. With that,
my first wife may have certainly agreed.

Chris Hanch 8-26-19

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