It also saw no Review from me during the last eight weeks of the year . .

RETROSPECT
      I was doing some thinking, wondering where the Echo was headed, and considering the range and development of the poets who are writing here. Reviews by one person are all very well, but I'm not convinced altogether that they don't shut everyone else up. 
 
 

      It may seem that in some ways we've had a quiet month. That has, perhaps, been mood, rather than fact, for there has been steady, comfortable traffic. Scribble has been a pleasure to read this month, a good place to be. Ewan has posted much, Emily has returned, Eddie and Porcelina have been posting steadily, and Dave has been supporting us all wonderfully. I see in this morning's package that he has also been writing and writing well. The 'Dot' poem was among the best things that he has written. His Dreaming poem produced some interesting discussion, both here and elsewhere. I'm very pleased with the 'life of its own' development, into another echo. 

BOB posted two Millennial poems, as direct response to a challenge by Christine Schiff in the International Workshop. I was very impressed by his ability to write so well while 'under instruction' so to speak. That in itself is a talent. Perhaps he was further helped  by the subject matter being 'close to his heart' so to speak. 
 

DAVE's poem 'Dreaming' was tantalizing. It was so 'nearly' right, and certainly provoked conversation and continued thought. 

      Murumph/murumph..Murumph/murumph.. 
        the sound coursed through his veins
        vibrating in echoes around in his brain
        sticks on hollowed green logs of trees
        sounding to be far from home
        as he treaded his path alone

     Life is a page
     on which i am a dot
     The writer is He
     Who created me.

There's the child
She beholds a smile
Spreading across her face.

There's the child
Who beholds a smile
Taking on its pace!

There's the child
She beholds a smile
In its usual place.

      to this lovely moment of freshness 

      A place I saw in a dream
        Flowing water, cascading stream
        Fresh water, waterfalls
        All in gleam

EWAN 'Sachets' was, without a doubt, the outstanding poem to be posted this month. 
Ewan has posted some extremely good poetry this month, and is to be congratulated on the development he is showing. 'Sachets' is now posted on www.nzscribble.net/collection/ewesachets.html

  their eyes lock
  For an instant of time
  Understanding flows
  Electricity is with it and a knee is touched

  No words are spoken
  There is complete and utter understanding
  Of the action to take

'A good crop'  was an outstanding mood poem, 

  He walked on unsteady legs through the dusk
  Fingering the leaves occasionally
  And kicking at the soil