El Matador y el Toro
A short essay on courage and death41 total reviews
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Jay,
You have to feel sorry for the poor bull. I don't agree with a bull fight, but many people love it. On one hand, it's violent, ending in death of a strong beast. On the other hand, it's a ballet, where the matador twists and turns ever so slightly, cape flapping through the air, horns so close they pull out threads. Timing... focus... courage... determination. I like that final word after the period... "Soon" ... when will the matador set that final sword? The one that kills the heart.
A terrific entry for the 2-4-2 contest. Good Luck!
Nice presentation.
Cheers,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2020
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Hi Jay,
You have to feel sorry for the poor bull. I don't agree with a bull fight, but many people love it. On one hand, it's violent, ending in death of a strong beast. On the other hand, it's a ballet, where the matador twists and turns ever so slightly, cape flapping through the air, horns so close they pull out threads. Timing... focus... courage... determination. I like that final word after the period... "Soon" ... when will the matador set that final sword? The one that kills the heart.
A terrific entry for the 2-4-2 contest. Good Luck!
Nice presentation.
Cheers,
Kimbob
Comment Written 14-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2020
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Ah, Kimbob, thank you for your words of kindness. You connected all the dots and added a touch of evocation with your addition of: "horns so close they pull out threads." Ah, had I the syllables to spare! One other thing I wish I had to spare is a "reviewer award". I was unaware that reviewers are allowed only 6 a month ... and alas! I squandered all mine. So sorry! Just know how appreciative I am of the time you spent on this review.
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My pleasure, Jay. I enjoy reviewing as much as I enjoy posting one of my own. I think a lot of writers in FS miss that opportunity to become better writers themselves... from just reviewing others' work.
Comment from Aussie
This is not a sport I would go see. To entertain humans by maiming and then killing the beast isn't my idea of sport. Yes, the matador is skilful in placing the kill sword, but why call it entertainment. Then the bull is roasted afterwards.
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2020
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This is not a sport I would go see. To entertain humans by maiming and then killing the beast isn't my idea of sport. Yes, the matador is skilful in placing the kill sword, but why call it entertainment. Then the bull is roasted afterwards.
Comment Written 14-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 14-Nov-2020
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Good to hear from you, Aussie. It's been over two years. Thank you for reading and commenting on this post. It has caused a lot of commentary, not all good about bullfighting. That's the first I heard about roasting the bull, but it makes sense. Again, thanks.
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Hello Jay, You can't please everyone. Especially vegetarians! Happy Christmas if I don't see you again XX
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You'd better see me again--unless you know something I don't know!
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I know you're secret Santa. I will see you on the roof with the reindeers! Hee, Hee. If I don't, I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and a much better New Year (surely things have to improve?) Bless you, Kay xx
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Hohoho! And a Happy Christmas to you, too, Kay!
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Hope your Santa boots are waterproof and you carry lots of carrots! Hee, Hee.
Comment from RGstar
Strong. Good imagery created for so few words. Nicely poetic Jay. The image is well suited.
A good contender.
Well done. Good luck with this.
Best wishes.
RG
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Strong. Good imagery created for so few words. Nicely poetic Jay. The image is well suited.
A good contender.
Well done. Good luck with this.
Best wishes.
RG
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Always a joy to hear from you, RG. Thank you. I spent a lot of time on it. I'm happy it's well received.
Comment from Juan Castro
Short but good piece! Paints a great picture of the scene at the arena with suspense. It's either man or beast, that's the name of the game. Great poem!!!
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Short but good piece! Paints a great picture of the scene at the arena with suspense. It's either man or beast, that's the name of the game. Great poem!!!
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Thank you, Juan. I watched a bullfight in Tijuana back some 60 years ago. I still vividly remember the sword, the cape, and the look of fear in the matador's eyes.
Comment from karenina
I always approach these 2-4-2 poems wincing... So many leave me hungry (much like Chinese food come to think of it!)-- Not so here! You took that sword, used it as a cleaver, and carved away everything but the barebone essence and violence of the Matador and the bull! I'm betting this is the winner, in the end!--Karenina
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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I always approach these 2-4-2 poems wincing... So many leave me hungry (much like Chinese food come to think of it!)-- Not so here! You took that sword, used it as a cleaver, and carved away everything but the barebone essence and violence of the Matador and the bull! I'm betting this is the winner, in the end!--Karenina
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Time will tell, but I thank you for your confidence, karenina. I must say I worked very hard on this one. I'm happy it struck a chord with you.
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Ah, time... It will only tell which way the fickle breezes of fate are blowing! The talent here, however, is obvious!--Karenina
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Awwwwww!
Comment from Ben Colder
In Spain they still exist. Such a sport for the fans but not the Bull. I see nothing wrong with this short poem. Makes sense to me. Best to you Jay. Hope you win.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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In Spain they still exist. Such a sport for the fans but not the Bull. I see nothing wrong with this short poem. Makes sense to me. Best to you Jay. Hope you win.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Thank you, Ben. You know, it is odd that this 8-word poem has elicited such passion, pro and con. Thank you for your kind words.
Comment from Cynthia Adams1
I like your poem...a whole dance of life and death presented in eight words...bravo. The images of the sword poised, waiting and the cape fluttering taut are vivid and well-chosen.
Nice job.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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I like your poem...a whole dance of life and death presented in eight words...bravo. The images of the sword poised, waiting and the cape fluttering taut are vivid and well-chosen.
Nice job.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Cynthia! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your validation is important to me.
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Consider yourself validated :)
You are more than welcome.
Comment from Harley Dayman Rayne Quinn
Six Stars.
The picture is great and the Bull looks like he's sending the matador six feet under. The words in script looks like the bill of rights and said to be that this battle is a written law
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Six Stars.
The picture is great and the Bull looks like he's sending the matador six feet under. The words in script looks like the bill of rights and said to be that this battle is a written law
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Whoa! Thank you, Harley (where do I stop? Dayman? Rayne? Quinn?) for the wonderfully kind words and the 6 stars to leave me speechless. Bill of Rights! Wow!
Comment from TPAC
This sport definitely has its challenges, projecting events fast as any huge beast encountering with man would result, cutting into flesh a real blood bath. I will run from a bull or dog if needed. I'm not going to fight these beasts to a death. All feelings stated in my given viewpoint about this particular write.
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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This sport definitely has its challenges, projecting events fast as any huge beast encountering with man would result, cutting into flesh a real blood bath. I will run from a bull or dog if needed. I'm not going to fight these beasts to a death. All feelings stated in my given viewpoint about this particular write.
Comment Written 13-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2020
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Thank you, thank you for your heartfelt comments, TPAC. I have engraved them on my heart.
Comment from lyenochka
Great use of every syllable! You could be talking just about a matador and a bull at a very key moment before the finish. But you could also be talking about a debate between two people. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2020
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Great use of every syllable! You could be talking just about a matador and a bull at a very key moment before the finish. But you could also be talking about a debate between two people. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 12-Nov-2020
reply by the author on 12-Nov-2020
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Thank you, Ivenochka. You're not the first to take away something beyond the basic meaning. That makes me feel good!
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Good to see you back, Jay. It's been a while since I've seen you posting.
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Thanks for the welcome home. I grew a lot over my two years away, but I also missed my friends. It's good to be back.
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I remember you gave us great writing advice! I hope you got some publishing done. I find I can't work on my books and be here as well. Have a great evening!