Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This choka, Dying to Live, has the proper formatting and reminds us that we are not in this alone, nor can we win at life without the input from the Giver of life.

 Comment Written 27-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 27-Feb-2023

So true. Thank you for your insightful review!
Wendy

Comment from Mrs. KT

Excellent

Good morning, Wendy!
Your well-crafted Choka resonates deeply with me.
We live surrounded by century-old hardwoods. We don't have to worry very much about drought in Michigan, but we have incredible rain and snow events that wreak havoc on the trees...
I appreciate the progression of your poem.
Well done!

Best Wishes!
diane

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

Thank you Diane. I am glad you enjoyed it.

reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

I must have saved it before I had finished. I liked mine - until I read yours, a worthy winner. Lol.
Wendy

reply by Mrs. KT on 26-Feb-2023

Oh, Wendy,
I find the competitions can be both exhilarating as well as completely disheartening.
No one ever really knows the ways of the electorate or how the politics of friendship are going to play out in member contests.
In the end, I just write to express my feelings... or where my pen takes me...
Here's to a beautiful new week!
diane

reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

You are absolutely right re the contestsand the voting! I have come to the same conclusion re why I write. In the end one writes for one's own pleasure, and hopes that others too will enjoy or relate to the piece. I still like my entry but I see a higher level in yours. Ah well what do I expect from my first Choka? Had never even heard of it before! Lol. Enjoy your week.
Wendy

Comment from Debi Pick Marquette

Excellent

Hi Wendy, I know I don't review much, as I depend on audio and auto-writng to even do my writing and thank reviewers. It takes a lot more time, and after I have two eye surgeries this Spring, I pray all of that will change and I will have the ability to do so. Wish I had a six, but please accept my virtual one from the heart!
With that said, I was listening to the contest entries of this prompt and was driven to review yours. It is quite beautiful and I truly wish you the best, but I can tell you that I just gave you your 4th vote that moved you into second place. Good luck and I hope you take it to the top! It truly is the best!

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

Wow, Debi! Thank you so very much for your beautiful review. I am very honoured that you went to so much trouble to review, and I sincerely thank you for your vote. I also wish you the very best possible outcome fof your eye surgeries. So many surgeries for you! Thanks too for your good wishes. Blessings, and His peace for you.
Wendy

Comment from Rosemary Everson1

Excellent

When reading your poem, I was wondering if this was the tree of life; if it is, it needs Godly water every day. Its branches are begging for thirst; the roots also need water to survive.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

Thank you Rosemary, for a very thoughtful review. I think it is a metaphor for mankind as well, a bit like Psalm 1.
Wendy

Comment from royowen

Excellent

The scriptures have several references to them clapping their hands, or raising their boughs in praise to God. They are incredible survivors, they withstand drought, floods etc. they are great servants. Beautifully written Choka. Blessings Roy

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2023

Thank you for reviewing, Roy. It is also a metaphor for mankind, with God supplying what we need when we raise our arms and cry to Him.
Wendy

reply by royowen on 26-Feb-2023

Of course

Comment from Sarah Tummey

Excellent

I haven't done a Choka before. Didn't know what one was, so I read the contest rules and you've managed it perfectly. I like poems with a specific syllable count, and this one was lovely.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2023

Thank you very much Sarah. Me too, I had never heard of it before, so had a go, and counted my syllables about ten times to make sure. Lol.
Wendy

Comment from T B Botts

Excellent

Hello Wendy,
You've presented quite a contrast in this poem. Much like this tree, we sometimes go through dry times, perhaps because of the choices we've made. However, God doesn't want anyone to perish, but wants all of us to come to Him and drink in the resurrection power that He so freely gives. Thanks for sharing this. Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2023

Thank you very much Tom. You have understood perfectly. Lovely review.
Wendy

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I read this yesterday but was tired and knew I wasn't giving this beautiful poem the attention it deserved. I am glad I reread with a fresh brain today. God gives this tree the rain for a new chance at life and He gave His son for our new life. He is also there daily to help us. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2023

Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate that you came back to it, and that you saw exactly what I hoped people would see. I appreciate you.
Wendy

Comment from patcelaw

Excellent

This is a very good poem about a tree that is struggling to survive when there is a drought. We as human beings are often like that as well as we struggle through life. I enjoyed your poem very much and you have presented it very well. Patricia.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2023

Thank you very much Patricia. I am glad you caught that I was also referring to us humans. Lovely review.
Wendy

Comment from Jesse James Doty

Excellent

Yes, a dying tree thirsts for rain, and the picture you chose brings the message home. The words you use are well put and I love trees and their gift to us with oxygenating our livelihood.
Well done, my friend!
Good luck with the Choka contest!
Jesse

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2023

Thanks so much Jesse. My first Choka. I appreciate your good wishes as well as your review.
Wendy