Never got my comments done. This was on my podium with equal silver medal. Or given the challenge topic, maybe equal bronze is better.
I'd have said something about the living experience it takes to distil this poem with such assurance. No country for callow youth. But I can't say that now because you'll think I'm just trimming my watchamajigger to suit the breeze, or some such mexed mitaphor. I admired your picture, gave it a 9, and a thank you.
This one speaks to me. Very nice effect which creates a story/mood. I might have cropped of the top 10-20% and moved the center swirl a little more off center.