Reviews from

Echoes of Artistry

Viewing comments for Chapter 12 "Hear My Voice"
NaPoWriMo 2017

23 total reviews 
Comment from Lindagail Hall
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Where do I begin. I wrote a poem some time ago' while reading your write you could have written it about me! I was in your words as a child not wanted. So I feel the plight of the inner child. This write touched my very soul, and it's made me realise I am woman, I'm a warrior I arose through abuse and I'm strong.

maya is one of my favourite author ever, she made the world better for all women around the world, amazingly strong she arose right in thier faces and that's what you have done in this fantastic write. Bravo.stanza two is me to a tee, I'll have to find the one I wrote. Stanza four washing the street with your tears I sure know how that feels.

Your own photo adds that personal touch you sure have a huge kitchen lol.i don't give too many six stars out but this is well deserved. God Bless You for sharing a part of you to me,

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Lindagail,

    The photo was taken at a poetry reading last Saturday night that was held at Barnes & Noble. That's the coffee shop in the background. (I have what we affectionately call a "one butt" kitchen at my house lol)

    Thank you for the wonderful comments. The generous gift of this exceptional review means so much. When you find the poem, feel free to PM it to me or at least the title, if it is in your portfolio. I'd be happy to read it. I appreciate you conveying how my poem has touched you.

    Kim
reply by Lindagail Hall on 13-Apr-2017
    Every thing I wrote was true, don't believe in buying reads etc lol it really did remind me of the one I wrote , I haven't found it yet but as soon as I do I'll let you know. Thanks for showing your appreciate my review
Comment from CD Richards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Terrific stuff, Kim, and great to finally see a pic of you giving your reading. I can't know exactly what it's like not to know your birth parents, but I do know it's raised a lot of questions in your mind, some of which you've shared with us here. You may or may not get those answers, but either way, you've made the most of what life has given you, with the help of those who loved you. And now, you've been heard - well done.

Great form, language and imagery here. I especially love the reference to the flower breaking up through the asphalt. Great job, Craig

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Craig!

    I am thrilled that you gave this poem a six star rating and a most exceptional review. Honestly, I wasn't that sure of it as I was writing. I think that must be because the syllable counts in the lines don't have much continuity. As prolific as Maya Angelou was, I kept thinking... why did she write this way? Then I realized that it was for impact. Otherwise, her lines would have been neat and tidy in tetrameter or something equally precise. She lived for the edgy moments. She wanted to shake things up. I believe that was truly her style.

    She is so dynamic, I'm thrilled to include her this year. I ran out of days and had so many poets left over that I didn't get to last year. This year I'm where the wind blows on whatever day. She has an April birthday, too, so it is nice to pay her tribute.

    Thank you for noting all that you did in your comments. You know more about me than anyone here, or just anyone lol so the fact that you enjoyed it so much means the world to me. I appreciate you :)

    Kim
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written poem. With determination we can rise above anyone else's expectations. We know what we are capable of and no one has the right to break us down with their words or actions.

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Sandra,

    Thanks for taking the time to read and review. Maya was such a dynamic personality, it was important for me to include her this year. Here is another thought for Potlatch (I'm brainstorming for next month) I know we did Walt Whitman's free verse style one of the weeks. What would you think if we did something like a Poet of the week? I haven't suggested it to anyone else. Either I could choose someone and give the background; or we could each choose someone to emulate.

    I've got some 'shake it up' ideas lol I just thought I'd see what you think of that. I appreciate the wonderful comments.

    Kim
reply by Sandra du Plessis on 12-Apr-2017
    I think it is an excellent idea, I suggest you pick the poet and their most popular style of poetry, and we follow your choice of poet and format that poet is well known for.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Thanks, Sandra! :) I think I'll do that for one of the weeks.
Comment from sunnilicious
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That is a beautiful poem. It's your mother's loss not yours. You've grown into a kind-hearted lady with many accomplishments. The pass will always be, but don't let her actions affect you. Vow to be someone different that her. Be thankful for all those in your life. You are very loved. God bless you. Hearts & hugs, Sunnilicious (aka Alicia)

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Sunni,

    I've been so swamped and backlogged on review since April began. I need to get back over to your portfolio. I hope things are going well with NaPo! Thank you for taking the time to stop in and check this one out. I'm happy that you enjoyed this selection. It is one of the most personal ones I have written. I'm confident in where I'm at in life. There will always be lingering questions, but I am thankful for all I have and the people who support me. Thank you for all of the encouraging and heartfelt comments.

    Kim
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Right on! You're heard! I really love the depth and sincerity of your poem. It does follow the structure of Maya Angelou's poem but yours is deeply personal and the questions addressed to your birth mother clear.

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi lyenochka,

    I am deeply honored by your exceptional rating and kind words. Thank you so much for the wonderful review.

    Kim
Comment from Rlegel99
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Poem about being more than your roots. This artwork well with this piece. Your word choice has a certain call to action or raising of a banner. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Rlegel,

    Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate all of your comments.

    Kim
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Maya Angelou has been a tremendous voice for all of humanity, Kim, and not just for women of color or otherwise.
She was, and still is, an inspiration to many seeding hope.
Having said that, I felt you did a rather splendid job of using your own words in emulating the style of one of Maya's most famous of all poems--'Still I Rise'.
Bravo, and well done.
~Dean

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Dean,

    I didn't mean to sound as if she couldn't be an inspiration to men, too. :) She was a prolific advocate for humanity, you are correct. In my NaPoWriMo book, I'm especially noting some of the pioneering women, as you know it has been an easy task for women to get themselves heard. That is really what I meant by that statement in the author's notes. Thank you for this complimentary review. Coming from a poet of your caliber it speaks volumes. I appreciate your comments and the time you've taken to read me tonight.

    Kim
reply by Dean Kuch on 12-Apr-2017
    You are more than welcome, Kim.
    The pleasure was all mine.
    Hugs!
    ~Dean :)
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Another of those dynamic ladies I mentioned is a French poetess that I just discovered, she lived over 400 yrs ago. Her name is Louise Labe' and she wrote sonnets, but not quite in the format we are accustomed to reading. Her bio is quite something. I think she's my chapter 10. La Belle Cordie're
Comment from kahpot
Excellent
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Wonderful and yes the past is the past and love in poverty has many times ruled over coin well set out and a great picture thank you for shring****kahpot

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Kahpot,

    Thank you for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate the kind comments.

    Kim
Comment from Badger_29
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The image is strikingly appropriate, ad sets the mood for this moving ballad of overcoming obstacles and finding a deeper meaning for life, in spite of, or because of these hurdles overcome. A beautiful flowing sing-song rhythm, an up-beat tempo, and solid theme throughout. Sparse rhyme is good, slightly lop-sided, which is most apropo for this style.
Bravo, very well written~

Blessings,

Brother Badger

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi Brother Badger,

    Thank you for taking the time to read and review tonight. I appreciate your detailed review and kind comments.

    Kim
reply by Badger_29 on 12-Apr-2017
    Thanks for warm, prompt reply, Kim.
    Blessings,
    Darren~
Comment from chcbeck
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A great tribute to someone you admire yet telling your own personal experiences. Both your poem and notes are interesting. A great read thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2017
    Hi chcbeck,

    Thank you for taking the time to read and review. Your comments are appreciated.

    Kim