Reviews from

When a poet dies

Free verse

21 total reviews 
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Not to mention the fact that if that poet is one whose work I admire, a piece of my heart accompanies his body into the grave. I fear for the day when there will be nothing left of me.

 Comment Written 07-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 07-Jan-2023
    Thanks, Nomi.

    Yes, we've lost a few this year. Sad, but inevitable, given the size and age demographic of the group.

    Steve
Comment from Chrissy710
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Steve I think this is your for the win lovely thoughtful words and yes what happens to the poets words upon death
My Dad wrote the most beautiful poetry and I typed up his collection which I now have
When he passed 11 yrs ago
One day I hope to. Have some of his published
This one for me
Cheers Chris
Ps Happy New Year

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2023
    Many thanks, Chris. I've only ever managed to scrape into this contest twice in more than 11 years here, so I'm not overly optimistic, although I do like the poem a lot. It is one of my wife's favourites as well.
    Publishing can be daunting to start with but very satisfying to see the end result, so good luck with that.

    Hope all is well with you and yours and have a great 2023!

    Steve
reply by Chrissy710 on 05-Jan-2023
    Hi Steve Well good on you for making it into this contest it seems no matter what one writes or how many great reviews you get They never make the grade according to the committee lol
    Anyway all good here in Aus
    At last a bit of summer weather
    I have a book of my poetry waiting to be published in July by a Publisher who read and liked my work which was a real thrill and said he would like to publish it so working on. The final drafts soon
    I don?t care if I don?t make any money just to have someone who thought my work worthy is a bonus
    I will probably give away more than sell lol
    Anyway still writing some
    Good luck you win
    in 7 years here I have only managed 2 seconds from the committee chosen poems
    Anyway favourites always seem to win anyway
    yes 2023 is a new start for us all so hope its a good one
    Cheers Chris
Comment from Pantygynt
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is simply bursting with poetic devices, its rhythms almost musical and yet its content is its unity. All those purveyors of so called free verse, prose cut into lines should read this and discover the real thing.

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Hi, Jim. Sweet words indeed for my little offering. I appreciate the high praise and of course the extra star. Thank you.

    Steve
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It makes me think of all the lines and verses penned when the author descend beneath the ground will their poetry ever be read again? Unlikely, for so many fanstory friends, who sole method of getting noticed is dropping their latest thoughts herein, unless indeed they have another audience in heaven.

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Tom. Let's hope that is the case.

    I am occasionally stunned when someone recalls something I wrote years ago and mentions that it had affected them - sometimes a piece that I had virtually forgotten myself. It is nice to think that some higher power may be taking notice!

    Steve
reply by Tom Horonzy on 18-Dec-2022
    Amen
Comment from Moonbeams Musings 55
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a poem that you would have to read more than once and you would discover something new with each reading. Melancholy, a bit sad and a great loss. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Thanks for the kind words.

    Steve
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It is 11:35 and I had one six star left and I found this exquisite and heartfelt poem.
Stunning words using personification you give a touch the hearts of those who knew Mike whose pen was recently silenced.
Best wishes
Mary

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Mary, many thanks for the very kind words and for bestowing your last Sixer.

    Steve
Comment from Jumbo J
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Steve,
I guess when you've been on site for the years we both have... one get to experience this loss with a heavy heart. Too many beautiful souls have taken their words with them and left us with a gap in our appreciation of, and for them.

This poem is exquisite. Your construction and presentation hit the mark perfectly.
I found myself sighing at the end of each verse... and then the sighs' within your third verse solidified the intention of your words and evoked feelings. Such a timeless formed poem... one that would sit in any time frame and for every poet who has left this physical plane.

All the very best in this free verse contest Steve... great job and very considered!

With our thoughts we create...
indelible words.

Kind regards,
James.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Hi, James. Long time no see.

    Many thanks for this lovely review and the sixth star - much appreciated. And yes it is very sad when someone who feels like a friend, a fellow writer, dies.

    Steve
Comment from Faith Williams
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Steve, your poem brought tears to my eyes thinking of Mike who we just lost. I love the personification of 'words go into mourning' and the imagery to go with it of 'flock of lonely birds crying against an empty sky.' While I love the first stanza, I think I like the third stanza more (though honestly it was close). Again, the ocean falling still, 'sighing its grief' is a wonderful personification. Your poem is wonderful all around. Thanks so much for sharing!

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Hi, Faith. there is no greater praise for someone's work than to know it has resonated and carried strong meaning with a reader - so thank you for the tears and the shiny array of stars. Much appreciated.

    Steve
Comment from Shirley McLain
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very nice, well-written poem. You did a great job. When a poet dies, unless he has written everything down or published, many words will be lost. I think the same goes to an author. Enjoy your Saturday. Shirley

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Thanks, Shirley. I think I have forgotten most of my own poems. When I occasionally venture into the dark recesses of my FS portfolio I am surprised by a gem or two and think 'That's not bad!' You are right; for most, these words we sweat over will be lost forever.

    Steve
Comment from Mary Shifman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, this is beautiful. The images evoked are exquisite and poignant. I particularly liked the line, "a flock of lonely birds crying against empty sky." It is definitely a "six star" post. I'm so glad I had one to give you.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
    Mary, many thanks for the very kind words and the sixth star. Much appreciated.

    Steve
reply by Mary Shifman on 18-Dec-2022
    You are welcome to both.
reply by Mary Shifman on 19-Dec-2022
    You are very welcome.