Comment from Green Lake Girl

Excellent

Sick, twisted and horrifying. In other words, well done. A lot of good entries in this contest. This one floats to the top, however. I love the phrase, " . . . tiny wooden hand." Something extra-creepy about those words.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks, Green Lake Girl. To me, horror isn't about blood and guts, but the disturbing, psychological stirrings down deep inside of us that produce the true shivers. That's "horror" to me. Thanks very much for your kind review.

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

The dummy manipulated the human. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very interestesting read. Good job.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks, Charlie, and you nailed it. We can only speculate if the dummy had been in charge of the ventriloquist all along.

reply by c_lucas on 22-Apr-2014

You're welcome.

Comment from Michaelk

Excellent

Excellent job! Chilling, but with a nice twist. I loved the dummy's hand in the ventriloquist's back. I also found it interesting that the dummy had been crying. Usually they are portrayed as bitter servants, just waiting to lash out at their master. Great story. I hope you do well in the contest.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks a bunch for your very kind comments and excellent review, Michaelk. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it, and that you found it to be chilling. That means that, at least in this instance, I accomplished what I'd set out to do. Be sure to cast your vote, if not for this entry, then for one of the other chilling tales of terror in this contest.

Thanks again, my friend!

Comment from Briar172

Exceptional

Quite well done. Shivers and thoughts prevail, now to sleep? That slim slice of Mortal Veil, twix the Fun and the Deep. Really liked it, as you can see, read it twice... now dream tonight. Nice!

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks very much, Briar172, I'm really glad that you liked it. Oh, I'm sure sleep will overtake you eventually. It has a way of creeping on on us without us even realizing it, no matter the circumstances. I certainly appreciate your very generous rating and entertaining review.

Pleasant screams!

reply by Briar172 on 22-Apr-2014

Again...Great Good Stuff @ !!

Comment from rouskin

Excellent

There exists a species of transcendental ventriloquism by means of which men can be made to believe that something said on earth comes from Heaven.
Georg C Lichtenberg
Nice contest entry Best of luck Happy Easter

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks for your kind review,, and that awesome quote by George C Lichtenberg, rouskin. I really appreciate that!

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I liked the notes, I must admit I didn't know any of that, it's funny where origins spring from! A wonderfully written poem, with a tinge of horror to spice it up! This is an articulate, imaginative write! Well laid out in good descriptive language, the aabb rhyme scheme was good, meter even, good one! Blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thank you Roy, I'm very glad to see that you enjoyed reading it, my friend. Be sure to cast your vote as well, if not for this entry, then for one of the other chilling tales of spine tingling terror in it. So few seem to vote in these contests for some reason, it seems, and I feel that's a shame.

Thanks again, my friend!

Comment from JonnyRhymes

Excellent

You have done a great job here, your poem has an air of eerie mystique pretty much throughout and a truly creepy ending! The historical footnotes provide the reader with fascinating insight into the practice of ventriloquism.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks very much, Johnny Rhymes, I sincerely appreciate your kind review. Be sure to cast your vote as well, if not for this entry, then for one of the other many fine poems in this contest.

Thanks again!

reply by JonnyRhymes on 22-Apr-2014

You're welcome. How do you vote?

reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

I don't vote. Call it superstition, if you will. As a practice, I avoid voting in contests of which I am participating in. You could cast the deciding vote on the poem or story that will beat you in the end.

reply by JonnyRhymes on 22-Apr-2014

I understand... I didn't express myself well; I was just wondering if you happened to know how it is possible to vote in general. I'm fairly new to the site and have never voted - I'm considering doing so though (but also not in contests I have entered!)

reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Sure. If you look up on the left side of the page, you'll see a menu across the top. HOME, READ, WRITE (where you post your own writings), and so on. Click on the tab labeled "CONTESTS" Once there, you'll see voting booths, and from there, you can read and review any entries in all of the contests listed there. It's always a good thing to support your fellow authors. I know that I always appreciate any and all support that I get, each and every one. I'm certain that you do, as well.

I hope that helps you out.

reply by JonnyRhymes on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks a lot; I'll be sure to check that out! Yes, I appreciate the support of other writers and do my best to support them too.

All the best,
Jon

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Ingenious considering the prompt requirements,and easy to
forgive the borrowing from John Kier Cross's The Glass Eye-not the only story on the same theme but an early one. I don't see any changes I'd suggest.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thanks very much, LIJ Red, and I must admit, I am not familiar with that particular story. I was thinking more of the movie, "MAGIC", starring the fabulous Anthony Hopkins when I wrote this. That is where the inspiration came from, anyhow.

Thanks again.

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

I'm not into the horror/thriller genre, but your title and tintype artwork attracted my attention. I had no idea that ventriloquism started as a religious practice--thanks for sharing your research about its history. Your storytelling about a historic event in rhymed quatrains in quite compelling. Best wishes in the contest- Joan

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thank you very much, Joan. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review this for me. Much obliged.

Comment from Righteous Riter

Excellent

Good use of the aabb rhyme scheme. Good end rhyming. Good alliteration with moving/muscle...still/so...all/audience...came/congratulations...dead/doc. Good rhythm and flow. Good complimentary photo followed by a clear message.

 Comment Written 22-Apr-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Apr-2014

Thank you, my brother. Always a pleasure to hear from you.