Comment from Phyllis Stewart

Exceptional

Beautiful, Carol. I'm a nature lover and can just imagine sitting by the river, taking it all in.

Love your reference to the river mirroring the quiet, sylvan verge and the copper shadows. And THIS is SO true:

But gather moments now, a strange bouquet
of all that's passed before, and call it life

Brilliant! :)

 Comment Written 27-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 29-Sep-2016

I know you love nature, and since your health is getting better, I hope you can get out in it again!! hugs, Carol

Comment from crybry67

Excellent

Beautiful poem, a joy to read. Your descriptions evoke peaceful scenes of tranquil beauty. I like the line 'the future may approach, though softly shod'.

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2016

Thanks so much, I appreciate the review and comments :)) Carol

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I think some past English poetry is very flowery, I used to get told off by English teachers for writing in padded flowery language. Beautiful written ballad with beautifully decriptive imagery woven in this magnificejr presentation, I've written ballads, with my own melodies woven through the lyrics, I wonder if the melodies were attached to the period ballads? Early hymns were written in generally 8686 or 8888 metered poems, then separate melodies attached. Well done, Carol, excellent ballad, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2016

I think ballads did have a melody, I have no skill in that department unfortunately. Blessings, Carol

reply by royowen on 30-Sep-2016

I've written a few Carol, with music, before my poetry days. Yes most memorable hymns were written in 8686 or 8888 meter, Amazing grace is 8686 3/4 time, poetry and music marry very well, bless you Carol, Roy

Comment from seaglass

Excellent

The author's notes are very helpful. So much about nature reflects life and visa versa. We are in fact so entwined with every aspect. I never stand on a riverbank without wondering about all those who have stood there before me.

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2016

I thought the notes would be helpful, and save people looking things up. I bet you know this spot by the river, near Leggett, if you've driven to San Francisco on the 101. I have so many memories from that spot - and met people experiencing their own memories of it - magical! Carol

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Exceptional

This is an excellent poem, my friend. I love the lyrical quality and the beautiful imagery in it. A most enjoyable read, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2016

Thank you kindly, Debbie - review and rating much appreciated!! Carol

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Thanks for sharing another of your fine poems. The combination of your poem with the picture makes me want to be there from daylight to dark. Fish lips gently kiss the moving current as a dimple radiates ripples in patterned waves. Yep, it's happy-nappy time. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2016

Yes, I'm sure the fishing is fantastic too, although I don't fish myself. I used to enjoy it with my family as a kid, but never caught anything! Carol

reply by Ric Myworld on 30-Sep-2016

Yes, it's not much fun to go fishing when you aren't catching anything. I can still remember the old men saying, "Leave the damn pole along if you want to catch something. You have to stop reeling it in every couple minutes. If the line isn't in the water, the fish can't find the bait. :-)

Comment from Janet Foor

Excellent

Thank you so much for your author's notes that helped me understand this beautiful lyrical ballad.
Impeccable rhyme and smooth flow to enhance the story.
Well done.

Blessings
Janet

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2016

Thank you so much for the review and comments; glad the notes were helpful! Carol

Comment from Douglas Paul

Excellent

This is really enchanting, my friend. Many good insights into the passing of our lives as reflected by the river. I see rivers that way too - they are magical

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2016

There's something about bodies of water, don't you think? Thanks so much for your kind comments, Carol.

Comment from misscookie

Excellent

I have no more stars to give.
This artwork captured my attention from the start.
Then when I read this divine poem,yours touched me deeply. This place is paradise
Thank you for sharing.
Cookie

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2016

Thank you so much, it really is paradise - so beautiful and peaceful. A moment of rest from driving, and from the worries of the world :) Carol

reply by misscookie on 27-Sep-2016

I'm a city gal but love the country life.
Take care.
Cookie

Comment from gene roush

Excellent

Well done
This has such a nice rhythm,
The word choices have a lyrical feel when spoken.
A beautiful metaphor of life's flow.
Thanks for sharing
Gene
Apparently I've been too free with stars lately, otherwise you'd get six

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2016

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2016

Lol, don't worry about the stars, I appreciate the sentiment. Thank you so much for reading, and appreciating the message :) Carol