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Viewing comments for Chapter 38 "The Holly King "
Free verse poems

29 total reviews 
Comment from Mary Alderete
Good
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This read like an ancient epic poem translated from a dead language. It makes me think of folk stories about old gods, stories that were told around a fire at winter.
I like it.

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 Comment Written 18-Dec-2018

Comment from mfowler
Exceptional
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I read your beautiful language and appreciate the density of wordcraft as the quality of metre/rhyme allows this language of flow and shine to sit so easily within this tale. You have adapted the Pantygynt wit and bounce to fit this so well. Such a sad thing that music is central to the changing theme. Perhaps that's just as well, as trees can not be perfect all year round. This way we can appreciate the moment while captivating the change. Thank you for such a delightful role in the poem.

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
    Thanks so much for this wonderful review, Mark. There's a magic, for me, in thinking and writing about these mythical characters. It brings them to life in a way that simply reading about them could not do.
    Wishing you a very happy holiday!
    Carol
Comment from F. Wehr3
Exceptional
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Really great work. I enjoy these types of poems, mythology and folklore. Where the explanation s of why the seasons change takes on a great and powerful battle between the kings. Beautiful work!

Take care,
Russell

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
    Thanks, Russell, really appreciate your comments and support here. I do love the mythology and lore myself :))
    Carol
Comment from frierajac
Excellent
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I love this# and the way it is illustrated is so appropriate. I wouldn't change anything about any of it. I appreciate the author's notes, although I know it too well myself.
I guess it is more like common knowledge these days about the Green Man.

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 13-Dec-2016
    I hope it is common knowledge, although I'm never sure. Not all people are particularly well-read. I sure appreciate you reading my poetry and commenting here :))
    Carol
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Carol,
You missed your calling, you should have the court caller,
poet and chronicler of the seasons, and the rise and fall of kings.
The Pantygynt is the perfect form for the lyrical verse
of legend and tradition.
It seems odd that the kings would rule from the apex of summer
to the height of winter; one would expect one to rule summer and each half season
the other winter and its two half seasons
but who's to argue with the Celts lore
Excellent rhyme and meter with marvelous imagery
This is worth six Gynts and a well done!
RS

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016
    Hi Robert,
    Some traditions say that they rule from Equinox to Equinox, which actually makes more sense...I thought about doing it that way, but with the solstice coming up it would make the battle imminent. There's something compelling about the shift in power taking place just as the prior king reaches the pinnacle of his power.
    Thank you so much for reading, and for your kind comments.
    Wishing you and yours a Happy Solstice and Yuletide!
    Carol
Comment from BeasPeas
Exceptional
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You have a good handle on this form. Your Pantygynt poem is well thought out and composed. The placement of each word is described to carry the reader's interest. Very nicely done, Carol. I'm curious how long it takes you to complete a poem such as this. You make it seem effortless, but I'm sure it isn't. Marilyn

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016
    Thank you, Marilyn, you're a sweetheart. I'm trying to think how long it took me to do this one...I was at home, sick, and kind of scrawled it out in maybe 45 minutes or so. But I go back and revise little things here and there after the fact. I've had this one stewing inside me for awhile though, and that helps :))

    I so appreciate your support!
    Happy Yule!
    Carol
Comment from Just2Write
Exceptional
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I really enjoyed this posting, Carol. It was well-written, and it told a very interesting story of the Holly King, and his twin and rival, the Oak King. Your 8/6/8/6 ballad meter in your quatrains would work well into a rousing song of winter festivities. Someone should put a tune to it.
Most excellent, m'dear.
Rose.

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016
    Guess what? Gynt recorded it as a song and sent it to me. It was awesome :)))
    Thanks so much, and Happy Yule!
    Carol
reply by Just2Write on 13-Dec-2016
    Most excellent.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Excellent
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Superb grouping of pantygynts. The story is one of life, death, and change, which is the way of the world of all animalss, including us. At least the king goes down fighting. Sure beats dying slowly from diseased lungs. :)

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
    For sure, Holly King goes down fighting! And he'll be back in six months, never fear. The death occurs, but also the resurrection ;)

    ...and yes, the method of dying is preferable to the diseased lungs. But I hope your health is good at this point? Good as could be, my friend? You have my prayers.
    Carol
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
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Good stuff, the lore of the oak and holly kings. I have lots of holly bushes on my hill,
but here the real cold is almost always after the solstice. I didn't brush up on the form, here. no need to. Excellent poem.

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
    You have holly bushes? My place in Northern California had them too. Down here in So Cal we don't, but we do have Live Oak that stays green year round, and the leaves are similar - lots of sharp points on them. Thank you for reading, glad you enjoyed it :))
    Carol
Comment from RGstar
Excellent
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I sense the change of rhythm here. Two rhythms that underline your work, and , funny enough, it works very well...nearly an art form, for such is your control of rhythm, one of the most important of aspects for any poem, metered or not.
A great presentation. You always have good rhythm, one of the reasons I like reading your work.
Well done.
My best wishes.
RGstar

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2016
    Thanks so much, I like the way this form is constructed, it lends itself to storytelling. So glad you enjoyed this one, it was a pleasure to write and think about the old legends :))
    Carol