Reviews from

Bottled Prayers

Based on a true story...

102 total reviews 
Comment from Ric Myworld
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I could probably justify giving all your posts a six, but that wouldn't leave any for someone else. However, these type poems that come from the heart, while touching the hearts of readers, offer more than beautifully crafted sentences from a talented wordsmith. Thanks for the fine read. :-)

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks, Ric, and I owe it to my pastor, Dr. Richie Pride, to keep me grounded and my feet planted on solid ground. He challenged me to write a spiritual poem today, instead of one about horror, and death. I always love a challenge, and drew on a past experience from when I was a very young boy to come up with the idea. Then, I wrote it.

    I hope I did my pastor proud. His Facebook account is linked directly to my FanStory account, so he sees and reads everything I write. So, you can just about imagine the looks I get from him most Sunday mornings, LOL!

    Thanks again for your kind and encouraging words, my friend, as well as the six star rating.

    All are greatly appreciated. :}
reply by Ric Myworld on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks for the laugh. I got so tickled that I bit my tongue, thinking about the looks on your pastor's face after his reading your work from a past week. LOL!
Comment from jim lawler
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love it; It's very touching, I felt those tender emotions come alive as I read; I was moved by this cute little verse. You really know how to put your thoughts on paper. The best of luck with your writings. Jim Lawler

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks so much, Jim, and I echo those same sentiments of success back to you.

    I truly appreciate your thoughtful review and six star rating, my friend. :)
Comment from padumachitta
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Dean. A true story, holy cow. What a great preacher man to send it back. I liked this, it was heartwarming, without being all gooey. And, we all have those sort of questions...
padumachitta

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Of all the people in this world who could have found it, a preacher did. How ironic is that, I ask you? It could have simply sank, or washed on down the Great Miami River to God-knows-where, but it didn't.

    That old note is so tattered and worn, i look at it often when I'm feeling a bit down, or doubting. It never fails to restore my faith.

    Thanks so much for the thoughtful review, padu. Much obliged. :)
Comment from Jackarrie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An amazing story you got there before sting with your message in a bottle. For a little boy it would have a lasting effect. I am pleased that you have got comfort from the rev Collier, he sounds like he was a real kind man.

Well written
Mary

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    He was, Mary, a very kind man. We became life-long friends a few years later, after I grew up a bit and found out what really happened.

    Thanks so much for your wonderful review. :)
Comment from Genya
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a beautiful story told through your poem. A letter in a bottle. A letter seeking the answers to your questions. Amazing how it was found by someone who could really understand the questions, answer them, then send it back. What made this more remarkable was the fact that it was four again by the same person. I loved this so much. Thank you for the authors notes as well as it is always interesting to know the facts behind a story. There was only one little thing, not sure, but thought it worth mentioning. Stanza three...Why did Jimmy's mommy have join you in the sky. Felt there was a word missing. Such a pleasure to read this. Great picture too. Genya

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks so much for you thoughtful review, Genya. You were right, I had forgotten the word "to" in that line, and it has since been corrected.

    I sincerely appreciate it. :)
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for sharing your touching poem, Dean. It's creative, clever -- but all your poems are creative and clever -- and the beauty is you don't know who it will touch, or the timing of the touching.

God Bless.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks so much, Jay, and as always, I sincerely appreciate your very kind review, my friend.
Comment from tbacha58
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"My son, don't ever worry about questions you might have,
for in my Word my voice is heard, a gentle soothing salve.
Send your burdens to me in prayer, I'll answer right away,
and when in doubt, don't spell it out, get on your knees and pray."

WOW WOW Dean, It is a Masterpiece, I cried and felt my heart was filled with love and happiness, as in this world, it is so difficult to find true faithful human beings, who would do what that man did for you.
Your writing is unbelievable, you are unique, and don't thank me please. I enjoy so much reading your inner soul through your poetry. Bless you and your family. Love Terry xoxo

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    What amazed me about the whole situation, Terry, after reflecting on it and speaking with Reverend Collier many times over the many years after he'd found my note, is that out of all the people in the world who could have found it or simply ignored it altogether, it was a man of God -- a preacher, no less-- who did.

    Now, if that does not prove the existence of God, then I don't know what would.

    I am very grateful for your wonderful review. You have yourself a wonderful week, ya' hear?

    Dean:)
Comment from Wendyanne
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a lovely uplifting piece of spiritual poetry!! Perfect to read on a Sunday!!! I enjoyed the story you have told so well poetically Dean.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Thanks, Wendyanne, I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I hope my pastor does when he reads it. He's the one who ask me to write a spiritual poem. I hope I've done him proud.

    Thanks so much again. :)
Comment from Neonewman
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Undeniably perfect in my books! I read it over a couple of times to get that feeling of awesomeness that this piece delivered. My friend, you are amazing in what you do. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece and your author notes (if possible) made it so much better. God Bless!
Neonewman

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    Aw, you're too kind, Neonewman, but never doubt for a single moment that your kindness gores unappreciated.

    Thanks so much for the wonderful comments. :)
Comment from stroncoso1
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautiful and heartfelt poem. If this is a true story, what an unforgettable experience for you especially as a 12 year old. The reverend who took the time to answer the questions with sensitivity to a young boy asking God questions, is so moving. I loved every verse and you weaved a compelling story. My only suggestion and it is a very minor one is that,"Why did Jimmy's mommy have join you in the sky?" seems to be missing the word 'to' as in "Why did Jimmy's mommy have to join you in the sky?" Is that what you meant to write? If not, then you don't need the word 'have.' I loved your poem very much. What a very special piece of writing, I won't forget.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014


reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    It is indeed, stroncosco1, and thanks so much for catching that, as well as for your heartfelt comments and wonderful rating.

    I sincerely appreciate them all, and it is in fact based on a true story. I really did send a note up the creek after my friend's mother died. I needed some answers, and the Reverend Collier was kind enough to act in God's behalf and supply them to me.

    He was quite a man...
reply by stroncoso1 on 05-Oct-2014
    God bless you and thank you for sharing such a special and very well written and moving poem. Loved it!
reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014
    God bless you & yours as well, my friend.