Reviews from

Cellphone Troubles

Poem appropriate for middle school.

22 total reviews 
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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Well, this is perfect for that age group, Beth. What a great rhyming poem you've written for this contest, and I imagine - with the subject - it will do well in the contest. Good luck!

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thank you Pam. I appreciate the review and comments.
    Beth
Comment from Jim Wile
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Great poem, Beth. Such wise words for kids who have become obsessed with their phones. So much wasted time takes place on them texting back and forth with friends, watching inane videos, playing mindless games, but doing very little real communicating. And the misuse of social media can be so destructive to young people.

It's no wonder the tech executives don't allow their own kids to spend much time on them. They knew the great potential for abuse.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thank you Jim. I imagine a lot of us might try a little more dicipline when dealing with cell phones.
    Beth
Comment from Rachelle Allen
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This is fun. I like the unusual, deliberately inconsistent meter. It keeps it snappy and interesting. And the "message" it evokes - at the kid's expense - is a plus, as well. Cute picture, too, as the cherry on top. Good luck in the Poem for a Child contest!! xoxox

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you Rachelle, It is a rhythm pattern I like and have used several times, it does have a format. The syllable count is 8-8-11-8-8-11. the rhyme is a-a-b-c-c-b. Three verses and the meter is supposed to be.
    da da DUM da da da DUM da
    da da DUM da da da DUM da
    da da DUM da da da DUM da da da DUM
    da da DUM da da da DUM da
    da da DUM da da da DUM da
    da da DUM da da da DUM da da da DUM
reply by Rachelle Allen on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you for this!! I appreciate the info. xoxo
Comment from royowen
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As looking through a child's eyes, this is a great poem about a propensity to be addicted to a cellphone, although we call them mobiles, my son-in-law in Brisbane keeps a watch on the grandsons as to what is watchable or not, a little worried about the other two, well done, great kiddy's poem Beth, good luck, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
    Thank you Roy. I think parents let kids have these things too early and don't watch how quickly they get hooked on them.
    Beth
reply by royowen on 15-Jul-2024
    Good job
Comment from Wendy G
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I think your poem will be very relevant to many kids and teens, as they face what might be called an addiction. It flows naturally and smoothly, and I do like the illustration. The message is given with humour and self-reflection.
Well done. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you Wendy. I'd planned on writing some cute for younger children but I saw time was running out I'd already written this one.
Comment from karenina
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I'm with Helen on her "The Raven" reference! I couldn't stop giving it that "beat" as I read this...

A great but gentle message to children.

Cell phones may be part of our world now...but not all the time!

Cute image, too!

Karenina

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you Karenina. The format for this was originated by Phyllis Steward who was an excellent poet on the site until she died in 2017. She admitted it sounded a bit like Poe.
Comment from lyenochka
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Great job with this, Beth! I heard echoes of Edgar Allan Poe's "Raven" while reading this poem. And your message is very sound and helpful to these kids who are addicted to their cellphones! I worry about our grandkids!

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    Thank you, this format was made up by Phyllis Stewart who was an excellent poet on this site for years, but she died in 2017. She admitted the rhythm sounded a bit like Poe.
reply by lyenochka on 11-Jul-2024
    I miss Phyllis. I always share her post on limericks whenever anyone is starting to learn that form.
Comment from Lindsey Russell
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This poem has a clear message and that's what I love most about it. The rhymes are very inventive and cute. Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2024
    Thank you Lindsey. I appreciate your comments on my poem.
    Beth
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
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This is a charming, lyrical verse, ideal for children to understand some of the disadvantages and dangers of mobile phones. There is a good passage of thought here as the child gradually recognises for himself that the phone should be used sparingly and other ways of communication may well be better. Well done, Beth, and good luck! Debbie
Still, I guess I mu(st) confess...

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thank you Debbie
    I appreciate the review. I'm glad you liked it. Your comments are encouraging.
    Beth
Comment from Shanbreen
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I believe this poem is for higher grade students, partly because of the topic and partly because of the words-- combating, for example. Also the language is quite sophisticated: Teacher's trust is slowly mending. All the best for the contest, Beth. The visual is good.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 10-Jul-2024
    This is true but I remember poems I had to memorise in second grade was full of words I no idea what they meant until I asked. I got a boost with my vocabulary by being curious.
reply by Shanbreen on 11-Jul-2024
    Would you say you were an outlier? =) My experiences were a bit different. It was more about the gist of the story. But you are right. You know your audience better than I do. The poem was well written.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2024
    lol, Yes, probably. I try to think outside the box. As for as kids having cellphones, to my dismay, my grandchilren played with them at five, and had their own by seven.