Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

Very interesting title with its play on all the words. You are always so clever that way! I absolutely loved the phrase "whiplashing stripes of belligerence." You are such a unique wordsmith! And finally, I like the way the different colors of font depict different people with whom there is interaction. That makes the example more visceral of why we react so differently to different people in our lives. Extremely well-done, as per usual, LisaMay. I liked this one a lot. xo

 Comment Written 07-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 07-Jul-2019

Thanks for this lovely review. Mentioning what you like is very helpful.
I seem to be in a zone at the moment with anger featuring in my poems. It's because I saw my ex last week; we had a civilized lunch and I have mentally forgiven him so I can actually be in his presence again... we broke up over 3 years ago, but I will always remember how he made me feel when he lost control and was so verbally and emotionally abusive.

reply by Rachelle Allen on 07-Jul-2019

There are many tiers to forgiveness, I think. Maybe you've forgiven him enough to be civil in public, but there's animosity, perhaps, still bubbling beneath the surface. And who could blame you? You are more woman than I will ever be. Once someone has betrayed me like that, I could never in a million years sit down with them and have even so much as a conversation, let alone a meal. When I've gotten to see that level of their ugliness, I never want a close seat to it again. Who suggested the get-together?

reply by the author on 07-Jul-2019

The 'tiers of forgiveness' you mention could just as easily be 'tears of forgiveness'.
He asked to see me. He wanted to lend me a photograph album by the woman whose funeral I went to recently (where i surprised myself by speaking to a crowded hall about her.) The album has photos in it of our motorcycling together across the Nullarbor Plain in Australia years ago.

reply by Rachelle Allen on 07-Jul-2019

I see. So there was a lot of interweaving of times and emotions.

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

This is an excellent contest entry! The theme expresses the impact of words beautifully with strong rhyme and graceful meter throughout. I like the way you called out both good and bad. Good luck in the voting and thank you very much for sharing it.

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 Comment Written 07-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 07-Jul-2019

Thanks for these helpful comments and for your good wishes.