Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

This is very well written with a smooth flow of words making for a very easy read. There is very good imagery and descriptive scheme.

 Comment Written 16-May-2009

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reply by the author on 16-May-2009

Thanks for a great review.

reply by c_lucas on 16-May-2009

You're welcome. My apology for not reviewing more often, but I am having to pay more attention to my day job. I'm not posting right now.

Comment from bard owl

Excellent

This is certainly a completely original contest entry. There were Kings and Queens and then there were Kings and Queens. Anyone who has read of historical liasons knows the attaction between people has often been varied. I enjoyed the ending. Contemplating torture is not pleasant. Your sonnet describes Medieval times quite well. Excellent read. Best of luck in the contest. Blessings, Linda

 Comment Written 15-May-2009

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reply by the author on 15-May-2009

Thank you for your very kind review. I truly appreciate it. Thanks for the great review.

Comment from honeytree

Excellent

Interesting poem with a difference and I enjoyed reading these words. I liked the humour within some of the words as well.

I really liked the last two lines

"I am a priest, but orders are not mean;
The King thanks you by making you a Queen."

Great writing.


Honeytree.

 Comment Written 15-May-2009

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reply by the author on 15-May-2009

Thanks for a great review.

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

I like the cadence and rhymes of your sonnet, and I love the part where you describe the lose/lose situation the speaker she believes she is in - either she needs to survive near drowning to be declared innocent or she dies and is proved a witch. Then, if I'm reading this right - it turns out she is wrong and not about to be tortured - rather, the king has sent this guy as his emissary to propose marriage to her for saving his life when he was a child. That qualifies the story for the rules of this medieval love contest. Brooke

 Comment Written 14-May-2009

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reply by the author on 14-May-2009

Yes, you have the story exactly right. It was hard to get all that in fourteen lines, but if the medieval troubadours could do, I though I would give it a try. Thanks for a great review.

Comment from Josipher32

Excellent

Hey Alvin, this was a well written sonnet. Since my membership money is due, all I'll be doing is reviewing for some time until, and if, I decide to be a premier member again.

 Comment Written 14-May-2009

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reply by the author on 14-May-2009

I shall miss reading your work. Thank you for informing me and for this review.

Comment from nor84

Excellent

I loved it, Alvin. Your wording fits the time period, and so does the threat of the the witch hunter. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 14-May-2009

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reply by the author on 14-May-2009

Thank you for noting my historical accuracy.

Did you know I once was denied Reviewer of the Month (this was told to me by a recognized reviewer) because my insistence on accuracy was deemed dogmatism?

The committee blamed it on my Catholicism. I am not even Roman Catholic; I am Anglican/Episcopalian. In my opinion, if you don't know the difference between the Virgin Birth and the Immaculate Conception, you have no business giving an opinion on Catholicism.

All of this is a roundabout way of thanking you for being a kindred spirit when it comes to accuracy.

Thank you for a wonderful and meaningful review.

reply by nor84 on 14-May-2009

And I was denied recognized reviewer because I honestly said, when reviewing poems, that I didn't know much about the technical side of poetry. I know how you feel.

reply by the author on 14-May-2009

At the risk of sounding megalomaniac, who do these people think they are? They're afraid even to list their names or credentials. I have been awarded prizes by a professor of Comparative Literature in Dublin, Ireland (250 Euros for a haiku!), and by a professor of Creative Writing at the University of New Orleans.

We work hard and do our homework. These people need to come out of the woodwork and tell us WHAT their credentials are.

Thanks for understanding.

reply by nor84 on 14-May-2009

Oh well, the main thing is we're getting paid for our work. I had a biographical essay published in February for $100. Not bad for less than an hour's work.

We live and learn. I just found out Russian names are beastly, and I was doing them wrong. Well, thanks to Russians on the site, it's fixable.

Comment from Kentucky Sweet Pea

Excellent

great piece, alvin. it made me smile widely with the very last line. you've got a great contest entry with this one and i wish you the best of luck in it.

penny

 Comment Written 14-May-2009

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reply by the author on 14-May-2009

Thanks. I could have sworn the first announcement asked for a poem instead of a story, but I found my way around it. Thanks for a great review.

reply by Kentucky Sweet Pea on 15-May-2009

your talent must have caused me some momentary blindness. i didn't know that but i've done that sort of thing before. ;)

Comment from Bryana

Excellent

This is certainly a very
enjoyable English sonnet
and one of the best for
the contest.

I love the rhyme and rhythm.
It's always a pleasure reading
your work my friend.

 Comment Written 14-May-2009

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reply by the author on 14-May-2009

Thanks. I could have sworn the first announcement said a poem, but now it says a story. Luckily, I worked my way around it. Thanks for a great review.

Comment from Mrs. KT

Excellent

Hello Alvin!
I was captivated from the very start of this tale - especially stanza two and the end rhyming couplet. To be able to weave history into a sonnet form - complete with conversations and reflection - all while employing a perfect rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter - is a true testament of your artistry as a poet. Your offering begs to be read aloud; it scans well with nothing forced. An exquisite tale - one that I am sure is not often told. Best Wishes! diane

 Comment Written 13-May-2009

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reply by the author on 13-May-2009

Thank you for such a kind review. I appreciate it. You are a wonderful person.

Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Alvin,
you have a real mystery like medieval love tale
told in sonnet form and yes, very clever statement made in the 9th line (sounds like someone would of died if not for a special healing powers)
I'm just trying to figure how to whom you are referring to?
Gert

 Comment Written 13-May-2009

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reply by the author on 13-May-2009

It's all in my imagination, believe it or not. Thanks for a great review.