Reviews from

Another American Mother

An epitaph for the future

10 total reviews 
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This epitaph, Another American Mother, looks ahead to the backward trend that will appear as the inability to get relief from unwanted pregnancies goes back to where we were in the seventies, where Republicans live.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2022

Comment from GARY MACLEAN
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Such a sad life's story told in just a few short words. I take it Husband's means more than one, at different times. Her abortion not only took an innocent baby's life but hers as well. So sad.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2022

Comment from Scott Rhodie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a powerful epitaph, and at the end of the day I suppose any epitaph written well in advance is. I'd be too scared to write mine because it would change on a daily basis. Well written and all the best in the contest.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
    I'm with you - reluctant to think about it.
    Thanks for reviewing.
reply by Scott Rhodie on 12-Jul-2022
    No problem.
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Excellent entry for the Parting Words writing prompt contest. I like your choice of words. Good flow.

I like the Epitaph form. Is very sad and true. Women should have the right to chose. They will continue to get abortions with unhealthy ways. Thank you for expressing this so well.

Your mood is positive and very zen.

Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
    Thanks for your appreciation of this touchy subject.
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

O! M! G! Wicked-funny, politically snarky, and oh, the images it dredges up! FANTASTIC entry. I find it a standout. Thanks for the big, hearty laugh with this one!

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
    Thanks for your appreciation of this touchy subject.
    The poet as social activist is not always subtle.
reply by Rachelle Allen on 12-Jul-2022
    No reason TO be. Besides, when you're simultaneously clever, it's hard not to be charmed by it and, resultantly, more amenable. I like your style.
reply by the author on 12-Jul-2022
    :))
Comment from Carlos' girl
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I would capitalize God in the first line.
I don't understand the authors notes but i may just be dense
.
A rather grim and humorless poem but a timely one.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    Thanks for your review. Normally I would capitalise God, but the sentiments in this poem show he (not He) is part of the reason why the anti-abortion ruling happened and is therefore not respected by the woman.
    The author notes refer to the fact that this prompt is for one's own epitaph. How do I know what will be written on my epitaph? - I am not dead yet, although I'm pretty sure I won't die due to seeking a back-yard abortion, or suddenly having 10 kids.
reply by Carlos' girl on 11-Jul-2022
    Hmmm
    You wont die from seeking a backyard abortion? Wow. I sure wouldn't want to find out. It is barbaric to force a woman to even contemplate that choice. But what does God have to do with it? Lost me on your reasoning. God permits all kinds of evil every day. It is called free will. Thank God we have it.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    Belief in God has influenced many to have opinions to inflict on others, such as thinking abortion is wrong and punishing those who seek to have one or to do one. God seems to be very much involved in this recent supreme court decision.
reply by Carlos' girl on 11-Jul-2022
    Ok
Comment from Fleedleflump
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great use of the prompt to create a biting comment on that ridiculous, self-important, abhorrent verdict. This piece is seething, and understandably so.

Mike

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    Hooray! A sensible person. Making someone a criminal does not make the problem go away. State-sanctioned forced child-bearing is reprehensible. I am pleased to see that religious overtones do not cloud your opinion... or mine.
reply by Fleedleflump on 11-Jul-2022
    I firmly believe it's nobody's business - not the law's, not any god's, and certainly not random internet folk's - how somebody they don't know deals with their pregnancy.

    Mike
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    Absolutely. Unnecessary meddling in a private situation.
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That's just an awful consequence and the worst case scenario. I don't understand why the states with the strict no-abortion laws go even further to persecute those who go out of state, even enlisting acquaintances to report on them. This isn't reflective of love for the baby. It's the unrelenting legalism of the Pharisees.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    State-sanctioned enforced birth is not how women want to live... making criminals out of women for what should be personal decisions. Encouraging prosecution by persecution is reprehensible. You make a valid reference to Pharisees.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh my goodness this write is so powerful and so horrifying and unfortunately so truthful as now that abortion is illegal in some states, women will suffer this fate over and over again and you have made their plight real here, shocking and honest, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    I wrote this with you in mind Dolly - hoping you would see it. We both have the same thoughts regarding this recent judgement of state-sanctioned forced birth.
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 11-Jul-2022
    You spoke the raw truth of the situation here and your words are so powerful, this is a brave write x x x
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    I was thinking of adding:
    (Husband's whereabouts unknown.)
    Do you think that is unnecessary as it is implied by there being no mention of him? I want to show that women are often left 'holding the baby'.
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 11-Jul-2022
    I think that would be a great touch. You make a good point here as often women are abandoned as soon as they are pregnant x x x
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 11-Jul-2022
    I think that would be a great touch. You make a good point here as often women are abandoned as soon as they are pregnant x x x
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Whew! This is a heavy poem on a heavy topic. In a few lines you addressed several issues. The 10 children line told why she may not want any more children. The font is large and easily read. The message is clear. The visual fits precisely. Good luck in the contest. I see you added another line. Good for you. You have my vote!

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    Thanks for being brave enough to review this and understanding her dilemma. The children get mentioned but there's no mention of a husband... deserted mother of 10 kids, tough job.
    I expect this will mostly be ignored as being too touchy a subject.
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Jul-2022
    You are welcome. Sadly, I must agree with you. There are a lot of very religious folks on this site, and they will skip this haiku and miss the poignant message.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2022
    The poem just got a rave review, so I am hopeful there are other like-minded reviewers. This is a case of religion getting in the way of common sense. Making something illegal doesn't mean the problem is solved.
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Jul-2022
    I am glad you got a rave review. Exactly!