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Free Verse Collection

Viewing comments for Chapter 7 "Ruminations"
A collection of free verse poems

59 total reviews 
Comment from evesayshi
Excellent
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In my opinion, I viewed this write as a reminder of our resolve regarding the depth of our acceptance of what will be, versus the effort to change circumstances with more concentrated thought. Wonderful poetry such as this allows the reader to personally interpret the message, which I find inspiring...

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thank you, Eve. The poem was deliberately written in a way to allow open interpretation.
reply by evesayshi on 03-Mar-2018
    You are very welcome, Tony, and I presumed as much - thank you for your thought provoking write...Eve
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
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Wow, that's a lot to think on. Of course on our farm, cows don't go to slaughter. It's one of those benefits to reproductive potential, but the steers go for sure.
Of course, that wasn't your point, and your point is well taken, or at least what I got out of it was. I took from it not to worry, which is what I ruminate on most. It won't add to or subtract from my days.
At any rate, it's a good poem and I appreciate the share. Take care,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Yes, the poem was more about worry than about cows!
reply by davisr (Rhonda) on 03-Mar-2018
    Well, sometimes I worry about cows, too. Haha. Glad I got it right.
Comment from RodG
Excellent
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I really like how you put us in the hooves of this cow and make us ponder what she's "ruminating" about. But seriously, you make each reader question his own values and priorities. I also like the imagery used to describe her in stanza 1 and her "bovine essence of eternity." Well done, my friend. Rod

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thanks, Rod. Perhaps we sometimes ruminate too much. Worry can be pretty self-destructive.
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This asks a very good question. I don't think any of us have the "right" answer. I suppose you ask that of us as well. Will deeper thinking make us more secure or happier? You tell, so eloquently, a story of a bovine that lives content not knowing that we will send her eventually to the slaughterhouse. Would it make a difference if she knew? Good question. Perhaps ruminations won't make us feel more secure, but does that mean it is not worthwhile, still to ruminate? We may never know, but if we grow my ruminating than, what's the harm? I love the searching questions you ask us. This is well told and thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing.
Take care, Jesse

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thanks, Jesse, for connecting so deeply with my poem, and for the sixth star. I sometimes think that we worry too much and to llottle purpose.
reply by Jesse James Doty on 03-Mar-2018
    Yes, many of us worry too much. I used to worry a lot about my failures in the past and my plans for the future. Now I spend more time in the present. It feels better that way. You encourage us to think about not thinking too much. Funny how that sounds, yet you make a great point.
    Jesse
Comment from Wetbelly01
Excellent
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Wow!... This is a great piece!
I betcha she makes some GREAT stakes!.... LOL!....
I like your sentimental approach to this inevitable ending...
My compliments on this fine piece!

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Bring on the BBQ! LOL
reply by Wetbelly01 on 03-Mar-2018
    Yep!... BarrRarrrr!!
Comment from Gloria ....
Excellent
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I really like this free verse, Tony. I think even choosing free verse as the form speaks to the paradox of "free" thinking or free anything really.

The poem's brevity says everything that is needed to be said, about thoughts or those dreaded ruminations past, present or future.

An exceptional poem in every way.

Gloria

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thanks, Gloria. I'm experimenting with free verse a bit more than I used to.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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As they say in the classics, "ignorance is bliss" note the innocence of a child, no sense of impending doom there either. But nobody has the ability to take one of the least lauded beasts, and turn it into a work of artful beauty, much contemplation and art woven into your words, even the literal meaning sounds like a metaphorical wonder. Well done Tony, excellent job, beautifully written, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Very many thanks, Roy. I really appreciate the depth of this review and the way in which you have connected with my poem. All the best, Tony
reply by royowen on 03-Mar-2018
    My pleasure
Comment from donette1914
Excellent
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very nice poem but sad if she is to go to the slaughterhouse, but outstanding of how you write. a well penned poem i love the art work and this is a wonderful poem well done it was a pleasure

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 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thanks, Donette. I appreciate your review and comments. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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When I was young my aunt have a calf named Hamburger. Now, Hamburger was an adorable calf, and I got to feed him with a bottle. I am sure you know how he got his name. I didn't eat beef for years. I enjoyed reading your poem.

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 Comment Written 03-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2018
    Thanks, Barbara. I appreciate your review and anecdote. We once had an ornery goat that we called Vindy - short for Vindaloo -
    and for much the same reason! LOL Best wishes, Tony