Comment from Lena Borghi

Exceptional

This is a masterfully crafted poem, full of powerful poetic devices and packed with emotion.

The imagery is superb with the very effective use of carefully chosen, powerful verbs and adjectives.

The last stanza has a powerful impact, as all along, I was thinking of an abandoned cottage and then came the ending.

This is truly beautiful and very well penned. I enjoyed it with a pensive, contemplative mood, almost melancholy and it really spoke to me. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. It is certainly a deserving contender.

Best wishes,
Lena

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2014

Lena, thanks for the thoughtful review and the six shiny stars - I appreciate it.

As with many of my poems, this one took off in quite an unexpected direction once the words started to flow - I think it headed towards Poe territory...

Steve

Comment from visionary1234

Exceptional

ok Steve ... tell me that you've read "Lady of the Heather" by Will Lawson! Your poem could well be the intro to this classic (instead, he had the temerity to use Kendall's beautiful verse - I think it was called "Kerguellen" (not sure of the spelling) ... I love your work, always will!
Blessings,
Sharyn

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2014

No, never heard of it and I'm not sure I know the name Will Lawson either. I did google both - the review says, 'read the excerpt from Kendall's poem and then close the book!'

I did find the poem in its entirety - it is wonderful, but I doubt if the tourism board will be fighting for the rights - mind you, a place called Desolation Islands is probably not going to get too many tourists anyway... never heard of Kerguelen (one L) before either so I've learned plenty from your review!

Glad you enjoyed this little piece of melancholy and many thanks for the sixer.

Steve

reply by visionary1234 on 19-Apr-2014

I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it - it was made into a weepie radio serial in the 50's I think, but it was truly a wonderful old style romantic book and I still remember howling over it when I was about 12 or so!

Comment from Jackarrie

Excellent

Wilderness of stinging brambles
chokes where roses once perfumed.
Order, beauty, turned to shambles
where my sweetheart's garden bloomed.

This is my favorite verse, it is so true when we see abandoned garden, we always think of the life, and the lives of people who have passed on.

Well done. Mary

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2014

Mary, thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from royowen

Excellent

A brilliantly penned poetic rendition of what is a fine example of what language can do, when they say " wordsmith" this is what they mean! You must be proud of this one! Good rhyme and rhythm, descriptive narrative, excellent! Blessings Roy.

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 18-Apr-2014

Thanks, Roy. Yes I was pleased with how this came out.

Steve

Comment from Janelle

Excellent

Your picture is the perfect choice for this poem of lost love and betrayal which leaves the abandoned feeling like the ruins of a once comfortable home. Good luck in the contest, Regards, Jan

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Thanks for the kind words, Jan.

Steve

Comment from rjuselius

Excellent

such a sad sentiment, loving and losing that love! we have probably all been there after a horrible relationship.
thank you for sharing!
good luck in the contest!

rebekka x

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Thanks, Rebekka!

Steve

Comment from tfawcus

Exceptional

Absolutely splendid! What more can I add? Such rich use of language! There is a wonderful onomatopoeic sound created by 'seething ocean's ceaseless sighing' and the 'growl and grumble' of the surf. The extended metaphor for lost love and the 'haunting lies that taunt and burn' is magnificently executed.

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Tony, thanks so much for the generous review and all the stars - I appreciate it.

Steve

Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi K...

~ I really like the graphic with the poem - very well done... It ties it altogether with it's unkempt surroundings, just like the broken heart...

Good luck in the contest...

Keep Smilin'.... Jax

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Thanks, Jax.

Steve

Comment from Irish Rain

Excellent

Wow...I truly wish I had six stars for you! Hauntingly beautiful! Excellent ABAB entry...could also be a love poem entry. This is the most beautiful entry I've read...Happy Easter!

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Jo, thanks for the kind words and the virtual six stars.

And happy Easter back to you!

Steve

reply by Irish Rain on 19-Apr-2014

You are always welcome!

Comment from acerisestory

Exceptional

I absolutely loved your poem -- so beautifully written! The description of the ocean's "ceaseless sighing" is wonderful. Your rhyming scheme is very nice. And, the story is well told within 5 stanzas (very sad).

Thank you! acerisestory

 Comment Written 17-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Apr-2014

Thanks for the kind words and the six shiny stars.

Steve