Comment from Joel Deniz Nazario

Exceptional

I really enjoyed this metaphor for pure love that often gets lost amongst other superfluous things in life. If I ever see bookends like this, I think I will buy them and do as you suggest. I good point, well made.

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2018

Many thanks for dropping by to review, Joel. Much appreciated. Thank you, too, for the six stars and your kind comments. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

As I read this and re-read I was thinking of a couple, long together, too used to each other to realize that love was still there, like these gorgeous ducks of yours, they only needed to turn, and look.
Nicely done, and a great presentation.
cheers
valda

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 21-Jan-2018

Many thanks for dropping by to review, Valda. Much appreciated. Thank you, too, for your kind comments. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

Tony, a very well written and creative sonnet right to the punchline at the end. Best wishes in the contest, my friend. Lovely entry~Debbie

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Many thanks, Debbie, for your kind words. It's good to hear from you. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written Shakespearean Sonnet. Although knowledge of is good and powerful for success in the world we should not allow it to control our souls and miss out on the wonder of love and togetherness.

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Many thanks, Sandra, for your kind words. It's good to hear from you. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Sis Cat

Exceptional

Ha! Fawcus, it is good to see a post from you. I am glad to announce that after reading sample poems in your poetry book "Gallimaufry" I purchased it. I will leave a review for that when I finish. I am looking forward to it.

Now on to your present poem.

I am amazed. To me, this is not only a poem about duck bookends, but about an academic couple whose love has oxidized over time. Thematically, poem reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel's song "Dangling Conversation" which features an academic couple who are closer to their books than to each other:

They stood like bookend ducks, alone, aloof.
Between them, dusty tomes of scholarship

I love how the narrator suggests not only a solution to these bookends, but to couples like these:

But what if they were buffed to make them glow,
and inward turned so, beak to beak, they kissed?

I studied yesterday a SmartPass audio guide on English poems, including sonnets, and you are spot on in rhyme, meter, structure, volta, and concluding couplet:

Though books may teach us much, our heart's the crux;
there is a deal to learn from loving ducks!

Reading playful, inventive poetry such as yours thrills me.

Thank you for sharing. I wish you much success in the contest. Now I have to start reading your book I purchased yesterday!

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Many thanks, Andre, for your kind words and for the six stars. It's good to hear from you. I hope you find Gallimaufry entertaining. As always, on re-reading the poems, I found several that, in hindsight, I probably would not have published. It's a bit of a mixed bag. I'm afraid! Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Interesting English sonnet about two tarnished duck bookends, Tony.
A "thinking man's" sonnet (women too).
I enjoyed the personification of these inanimate objects and how they held a world of knowledge at their backs. All of that knowledge, so close, yet they could do nothing with it.
But, as sonnets of this nature generally exhibit, love turns it all around for them.
Excellent rhyme and meter.
Well done, sir.
~Dean

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Many thanks, Dean, for your kind words. It's good to hear from you. Your interpretation of the poem is exactly as I had intended. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from l.raven

Excellent

Hi Tony, so good to see you my friend...this is a beautiful set of bookends...and you are soooo good Tony at writing Sonnets...and this one is soooo very well written...I love your poem....and the description of these works of art...love Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Thanks, Linda. Glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Tony

reply by l.raven on 17-Jan-2018

you are so welcome Tony...and best wishes to you as well..xxoo love

Comment from Dawn Munro

Excellent

Hahaha - this makes no sense, but I loved your poem and I have to fill these lines somehow... so...

I think perhaps you've cooked your little goose,
fed pigeon pie to all and sundry here.
See menus don't include ducks on the loose,
some duck l'orange will do, with bottled beer...

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Thanks, Dawn. for your review and little ditty. Best wishes, Tony

reply by Dawn Munro on 17-Jan-2018

I never know what to say in certain reviews, Tony - other than saying whether I like it or not. The writer is so good, he or she needs nothing more from me. :))

Comment from Sharon Haiste

Excellent

I think this is a good entry for the Sonnet Poetry Contest.
Well written, well said. A good description.
Well done and good luck to you with the competition.
Sharon

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Thanks, Sharon. Glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Tony

Comment from duchessofdrumborg

Excellent

"Bookend Scholarships", is an extremely well-written and entertaining piece. This talented poet's work was a pleasure to both read and review. I look forward to seeing your next post.

 Comment Written 16-Jan-2018

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reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018

Thanks, Duchess. Glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Tony