Life, Love, and Other Disasters
Viewing comments for Chapter 14 "Come, Woodsman"A collection of poems on these themes
95 total reviews
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Your sonnet touched my heart . You did a wonderful job telling the story of the tree's life. My favorite in this book is "Abandoned." Well done my friend. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2020
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Your sonnet touched my heart . You did a wonderful job telling the story of the tree's life. My favorite in this book is "Abandoned." Well done my friend. Nancy:)
Comment Written 07-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2020
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Thanks again, Nancy.
As I remember this was the first time I won a site contest on FanStory, so gave me a real boost that I could write a serious poem that works on different levels. Did you get the nod to euthanasia? Our government is conducting a referendum on that in September in conjunction with our General Election. I suspect it will be well-supported and possibly pass into law in some form next year...
Steve
Comment from Author Unknown
I'll save a six for something new! ? :) This is beautiful work, and congratulations on this well deserved win Steve. The last two lines are classic. Just perfect. A.
reply by the author on 06-Nov-2013
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I'll save a six for something new! ? :) This is beautiful work, and congratulations on this well deserved win Steve. The last two lines are classic. Just perfect. A.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 06-Nov-2013
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Thanks for dipping into my portfolio - this piece is maybe atypical for me, but it is one of my favourites.
Steve
Comment from Eternal Muse
I think this is the first time I read real poetry (lol).
I was so awestruck by your sonnet, I couldn't regain myself for days. I cried when I read it, and when I read it again; amazed at a human genius who could create these lines.
This is Poetry, this is why it will go on for centuries untouched by time. Poetry should affect a soul, and the depth of this depends on the craft of a master. I read many sonnets, I wrote many myself and even got a Seal for their collection, yes, the committee was kind to me (smile); so I know a little something about the form; but I feel like this is the time I read a real Sonnet. It moved something in me. I experienced much loss, losing four family members including my mother and father, in the same year. I often feel only half alive with this loss; but good and true poetry keeps me together. This was one of such works. It had such a healing power, I know that it will change me. I cried when I thought of a "sappling sapling rooted deep in fertile ground" that turned to "poor hollowed trunk". The woodsman's words "It's time, it's time..." were a stroke of genius.
I don't write like this, my sonnets are more modern, I write of love, "emerald abyss" and opal valleys; once in a while it may be the "Rage of Time", but my muse would probably get scared and run away from such depth. Your writing is so deep it goes to the core of the earth.
It struck me. There are so many good poems out there, but I feel like this is the first time I read My kind of poem.
Thank you... I will always cry when I read this thinking of the human genius that could, in fourteen lines, affect a soul this way.
My late mother would have ejoyed this; she loved her trees so much.
It was a cornerstone for me. Never have I been affected by poetry more.
Love, Y.
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2013
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I think this is the first time I read real poetry (lol).
I was so awestruck by your sonnet, I couldn't regain myself for days. I cried when I read it, and when I read it again; amazed at a human genius who could create these lines.
This is Poetry, this is why it will go on for centuries untouched by time. Poetry should affect a soul, and the depth of this depends on the craft of a master. I read many sonnets, I wrote many myself and even got a Seal for their collection, yes, the committee was kind to me (smile); so I know a little something about the form; but I feel like this is the time I read a real Sonnet. It moved something in me. I experienced much loss, losing four family members including my mother and father, in the same year. I often feel only half alive with this loss; but good and true poetry keeps me together. This was one of such works. It had such a healing power, I know that it will change me. I cried when I thought of a "sappling sapling rooted deep in fertile ground" that turned to "poor hollowed trunk". The woodsman's words "It's time, it's time..." were a stroke of genius.
I don't write like this, my sonnets are more modern, I write of love, "emerald abyss" and opal valleys; once in a while it may be the "Rage of Time", but my muse would probably get scared and run away from such depth. Your writing is so deep it goes to the core of the earth.
It struck me. There are so many good poems out there, but I feel like this is the first time I read My kind of poem.
Thank you... I will always cry when I read this thinking of the human genius that could, in fourteen lines, affect a soul this way.
My late mother would have ejoyed this; she loved her trees so much.
It was a cornerstone for me. Never have I been affected by poetry more.
Love, Y.
Comment Written 20-Oct-2013
reply by the author on 21-Oct-2013
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Yelena, this is without doubt the most wonderful review I have evr received for my poetry and I thank you for such warm and heartfelt words.
I am sure you know that anyone who aspires to be a poet hopes to touch the reader as you say you have been touched by this. I am humbled by your response to this 'thing' that I created - it is a response that can only be felt by someone who identifies closely with the images within the poem.
Perhaps you know that my more usual genre is light verse - I have an aptitude for bouncy rhythm and humorous, clever rhymes. I have tackled a number of sonnets but they are much more 'work' for me, despite their shorter length. This one I worked on for quite some time. I am at a time of my life when loss seems more common and a number of colleagues and relatives have passed away over the last few years. The concept of the grand old tree reaching its final days was clear in my mind, but putting it into words was far from easy - I am so glad that you felt I accomplished it so well and if, in my small way, I have helped in the healing process.
Thanks again - I shall save this one for my scrapbook.
Steve
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Steve, I have been deeply affected by the deaths in my family. The made me numb and apathetic to the world. I bottled up a lot of emotions and feelings for years, hiding pain. Your poem stirred something deep inside and the effect was shocking.
A remarkable poem, and congratulations on your win.
Comment from phillip19
Death of a once great tree-not just an act of nature-although the years had stolen it's youth and vigour, and the end brought about by the axe set to fall and take what life was left.
The tree though expectant crying out, knowing that it's time had come.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2013
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Death of a once great tree-not just an act of nature-although the years had stolen it's youth and vigour, and the end brought about by the axe set to fall and take what life was left.
The tree though expectant crying out, knowing that it's time had come.
Comment Written 11-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2013
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Phillip thanks for taking the time to search this one out and for the kind words.
Steve
Comment from xotic flotsam
a Woodsman's piece like no other
a clever poem, unlike any I've read
it tickles, it delights, leaving me only to cede
his talents so endless he's cranked out another
we follow as he tells the tale of a tree
with beautiful delicacy, of poetic tales he is rife
inside and out, becoming part of a tree's life
he makes the tree important, with that I agree
A justly acclaimed piece.
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2013
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a Woodsman's piece like no other
a clever poem, unlike any I've read
it tickles, it delights, leaving me only to cede
his talents so endless he's cranked out another
we follow as he tells the tale of a tree
with beautiful delicacy, of poetic tales he is rife
inside and out, becoming part of a tree's life
he makes the tree important, with that I agree
A justly acclaimed piece.
Comment Written 08-Sep-2013
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2013
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Thank you for the poetic praise.
One of my rare forays into serious verse and I won a prize - yay!
Steve
Comment from Pierre Francis
A marvellously metaphorical piece that eloquently portrays a life well spent, but having finally to suffer the depredations of old age. The final verse articulately presents the battle the aged must face, while the final couplet speaks of the wisdom of surrender. A great tribute, indeed.
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2013
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A marvellously metaphorical piece that eloquently portrays a life well spent, but having finally to suffer the depredations of old age. The final verse articulately presents the battle the aged must face, while the final couplet speaks of the wisdom of surrender. A great tribute, indeed.
Comment Written 21-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2013
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Thank you for the wonderful review and the six stars - much appreciated.
I recently read this piece as part of a funeral eulogy.
Steve
Comment from angelmagnet
I just stopped by to congratulate you for the sonnet poetry contest win. Your tree is alive in spite of its inner loss of sap and whatever. I loved reading this out loud
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2013
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I just stopped by to congratulate you for the sonnet poetry contest win. Your tree is alive in spite of its inner loss of sap and whatever. I loved reading this out loud
Comment Written 20-Apr-2013
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2013
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Thank you.
I read this recently as part of a funeral eulogy...
Steve
Comment from Carolyn H
A fine sonnet showing mastery of the form and a sustained and thoughtful elaboration of the symbolism of the aging tree. Poignant and uplifting. Well that's the decider, I'm a fan:)
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2013
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A fine sonnet showing mastery of the form and a sustained and thoughtful elaboration of the symbolism of the aging tree. Poignant and uplifting. Well that's the decider, I'm a fan:)
Comment Written 16-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 17-Mar-2013
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Thank you so much.
I'm quite proud of thi8s one since it'a little out of my comfort zone.
Steve
Comment from Dodey
Stunning Sonnet in tribute to your father..Wonderful choice of words, and clear imagery..One of the best I have read
Steve...Congratulations on the awards it has received..so very deserving..
Poor hollowed trunk where once you stood sublime;
"Come, Woodsman, swing your axe. It's time. It's time"
Emotional and heartfelt..
Bravo my friend..Kind Regards..Dee
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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Stunning Sonnet in tribute to your father..Wonderful choice of words, and clear imagery..One of the best I have read
Steve...Congratulations on the awards it has received..so very deserving..
Poor hollowed trunk where once you stood sublime;
"Come, Woodsman, swing your axe. It's time. It's time"
Emotional and heartfelt..
Bravo my friend..Kind Regards..Dee
Comment Written 13-Nov-2012
reply by the author on 13-Nov-2012
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Thanks, Dee.
My light poems come flowing out like water - sonnets more like treacle! I am currently slaving on one for the upcoming contest.
You must have been peeking into my portfolio - take care in there; it may drive you crazy!
Steve
Comment from marilyna
Absolutely great bro!....great rhyme and choice of words.
If I could write a sonnet like that I'd be more than happy.
excellent.
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2012
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Absolutely great bro!....great rhyme and choice of words.
If I could write a sonnet like that I'd be more than happy.
excellent.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2012
reply by the author on 05-Aug-2012
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Thank you for the great review and the six stars.
Not usually my strong point - have to work too hard.
Steve