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58 total reviews 
Comment from evesayshi
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In my opinion, the narrative was superb, while the rhyming rhythm was uneven throughout - this is easily corrected by this gifted writer, by reading the work aloud several times to achieve the smooth rhyming rhythm of a rhyming work. I found the Notes extremely interesting and thank this writer for their inclusion...

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 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello Eve,
    I appreciate your stopping by and your critique.
    All of the ending words of each line rhyme.
    All of the lines are tetrameter with the exception of the beginning and ending couplets, which was intentional.
    I believe your point is that not all lines are perfect iambic tetrameter.
    I wasn't aiming for perfection; I was aiming to share the story of discovering these letters in a poetic format.

    Thank you again,
    diane
reply by evesayshi on 08-Mar-2020
    I was not addressing the rhyme itself, Diane, including the end rhyming words, just the lack of rhyming rhythm in most of the read, which I never encountered in your poetry before - the "sing/song sound, or tempo of rhyming poetry was missing in much of the poem, which I missed. My review was entirely subjective and may not be shared by those who consider themselves relevant critics. I always include the phrase, "In my opinion," to assure you all that I am offering my opinion as a reader, a member of the public as it were, and not as a "relevant" critic. The efforts to comply with a specific writing form interests me not in the least - I write and review on a sensitive or emotional basis and will continue to do so...Eve
Comment from nancyjam
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Treasures indeed. How wonderful that you found those letters from your father to his brother - a part of your family's history as well as our country's history. Your tell the story so well in this beautiful poem.
I hope you check all the books for letters.
Thanks for sharing and for the author notes.
Nancy

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello Nancy,
    So pleased you enjoyed.
    Thank you ever so much.

    diane
Comment from Minglement
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is such a beautiful, poignant poem, encompassing all the meaning and significance of this huge chunk of family history. I loved the accompanying photo and your author notes. Treasured pieces of family history, preserved :) Thanks for sharing :)

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello Marcia!
    Thank you for your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
    So very pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Ulla
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Awe, Diane, I believe this is one of the most beautiful poems of yours that I've read. It's such an intersting story told within your wonderful poem. A joy to read, indeed. Thanks also for the extensive notes, which made it all become clearer. Yes, so much tragedy struck during WW11. All best. Ulla xx

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello Ulla,
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
    So pleased my words resonated with you.
    Thanks to Gloria, I was able to post the video...should you care to view it.

    Thank you so much!
    diane
Comment from country ranch writer
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Over the years for those who went through both wars memories have kept the survivors going in letters of hope and desire to be home with family and friends once again.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello CRW!
    So very pleased my words resonated with you.
    Thank you for your exceptional rating and review.

    Happy Sunday!
    diane
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

How poignant! Your rhyming articulate composition of past and present times is very stirring. I imagine you were stunned to find these letters in books that have been on your bookshelves for an extended period of time. The author's notes, alone, are a story KT. Very interesting reading.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello Raffaelina!
    I was, indeed, "stunned to find these letters!" I didn't even realize that "Blue Jackets" referred to the Navy! Geesh! My dad would have laughed at that!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review!
    Thank you ever so much!
    diane
Comment from thaities, Rebecca V.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a wonderful poem with a clear story told in a poetic way and easily understood. Finding the two letters and reading them must have felt like unintentionally finding hidden treasure. Bet your tea got cold before you remembered it again. This poem is a lovely tribute to your father and his brother.

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2020
    Hello thaities!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
    As for the tea, pretty certain I replaced it with wine!
    So pleased you enjoyed!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Diane, your father's letters to his brother are a precious part of history. That he died, essentially, as a result of "friendly fire" is a terrible tragedy, one that occurred more often than most people are aware. I was unaware of the POW cards. A small mercy to those waiting for news of their loved ones. A very moving poem told in abab quatrains. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
    Hello Nancy!
    So pleased my words resonated with you.
    Thank you!

    diane
Comment from Diana L Crawford
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a precious blessing to receive and for the historic meaning of such! Your poem is excellently written. I can't imagine what it is like to hold the horrors of war in your soul for life.

Thank you for sharing! xoxo

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
    Hello Diana!
    So pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
reply by Diana L Crawford on 10-Mar-2020
    My pleasure to read!
Comment from Drew Delaney
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow! This is very precious. Learning things like this helps us to understand what it was like and what all our family members went through. Thank you for sharing this so that we may never forget.
Drew xx

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2020
    Hello Drew!
    So pleased my words resonated with you!
    Thank you!
    diane