Reviews from

A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities

Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "The Love Letter"
A collection of poems showcasing unusual words

11 total reviews 
Comment from --Turtle.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level


This poem flowed really well. I don't know if it fits sonnet or ballad, but I can say that it is effective in portraying the visual and emotional cues for the relationship between nature and man, and water. I like the use of love-libel. It gives me multiple feelings... like an accusation is hidden beneath that seems fitting. The kind that says, you only miss me when I'm not here.

In my imagination, it parallels the thirst for affection between two at odds. On one hand, the earth is neglected, thirsty for affection ... on the other hand there are hints of abuse.

By the end of the poem, Mother Earth sends her love, and it is a relief, in some ways, a miracle she speaks to anyone at all.

Really nice poem.

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 17-Jan-2018
    Thanks for a lovely review, Turtle. I had one or two people suggesting this was a poem about climate change. I can see, particularly since that's a pet topic of mine, why people would think that. In actual fact, I wasn't really thinking about global warming at all when I wrote it. It's actually just about drought, which has been going on in this country forever. That's not to say there isn't going to be more of that due to our mismanagement of the planet.

    Your comments are very appropriate, and very much appreciated, as is the wonderful rating.

    Craig
Comment from Mustang Patty
Excellent
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Hi, Craig;
I do know there are a ton of different types of sonnets. There are Italian forms and French, but I'm not familiar enough with their rhyming patterns to know if your piece falls within one of the parameters. With all that said, I do know that I enjoyed your piece and the use of your new word of the day. I felt a sense of hints to global-warming in the first stanza; what will happen when we do not have a way of keeping our animals fed and watered?

~patty~

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jan-2018
    Hi Patty,
    Surprisingly, I didn't have global warming in mind with this one - just the typical drought cycle that has happened forever in this country. That said, it will certainly get worse, unless something changes, which seems highly unlikely. So your closing question is most pertinent. Many thanks for a great review - Craig
Comment from BeasPeas
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This is very nicely written, beautifully described--no matter if sonnet or ballad. Regarding "Hughie," I'm glad you defined it. I was thinking "helicopter." Say what? Marilyn

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    Why not? Thomas the Tank Engine - Hughie the Helicopter. Thanks Marilyn :) Craig
Comment from Gloria ....
Excellent
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This is a great sonnet Craig and on one of mine, as well as yours and millions and millions of others, subject, Climate Change.

A fantastic write and the new word almost sounds like an oxymoron which is another device I'm very fond of. I still remember how fast you wrote your very first sonnet for potlatch. You're really good at them so write more please. :))

Gloria

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    Oxymoron - is that an idiot with a blowtorch?

    Thanks for the lovely review, Gloria. If my life depended on it, I couldn't remember what that first one was about lol

    Most grateful, Craig
reply by Gloria .... on 11-Jan-2018
    I just remember how fast you wrote it and that kiwisteve was really impressed you did so well on your first sonnet. Don't tell him I said so though. ;-)
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    My lips are sealed
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Excellent
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Wonderful! Made me thirsty just reading it. But after getting a cold bottle of citrus tea, I'm back to tell you this is really well written.

Ballad sonnet or sonnet ballad, either will do. Call it that and do more! :)

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    Citrus tea? It's in the 90s here, and I've been out sweating away in the sun most of the day - yep, that's exactly what I'm drinking! ;-)

    Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, Phyllis. Craig
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
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Well said, well done, a love letter from Mother Earth is a pleasant read, octave and sestet as well resolution well relate; thank you for sharing this sonnet with us. Keep writing. DR ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    Thanks for the kind words. Craig
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
Excellent
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This is still a great ABCB rhyming piece on the trials of barren ground and the much needed rain that comes. I love the description of the fat rain drops.

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 11-Jan-2018
    Thanks, Barb, for the lovely review. Cheers, Craig
Comment from rama devi
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is eloquent, and I like the modifications, though it feels odd to be so close to a sonnet but not rhymed on all lines. However, the rich tapestry of poetic phonetics makes up for it, musically. The flow is superb, as is the alliteration, especially here:

The dehydrated crops give up the ghost,
defeated by the climbing mercury.


Outstanding stanza with originality, phonetics and content:

As weaker stock succumb to summer's heat,
yet others languish by the bone-dry creek.
The heat-haze shimmers o'er denuded ground,
and farmers sum it up: "prognosis bleak."

Love the playful voicing here and clever personification:

as Hughie sends her down from pregnant sky.


Pitch perfect closing couplet and use of the word love-libel:

Fresh shoots erupt as sodden ground gives birth,
a precious love-libel from Mother Earth.


Excellent volta stanza as well.

Topnotch crafting Fine presentation. Bravo. Extra star is for the combination of originality, creative phonetics and potent theme and imagery.

Warmly, rd


 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 10-Jan-2018
    Thank you so much, RD, for the wonderful and generous review. I really appreciate the time you've taken to analyse and comment on my sonnet-of-sorts. Unfortunately, I'm not permitted to give you another review vote this month, so heartfelt thanks will have to do. With much gratitude, Craig
reply by rama devi on 11-Jan-2018
    AW, thanks, Craig! Much appreciated. Big smiles, rd
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written sonnet and love letter from earth bringing very welcome rain after terrible drought and heat. We often have that same circumstances here. When the rain finally comes we feel like literally dancing in the rain.

 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 10-Jan-2018
    Thank you Sandra for a lovely review. Unless we make some wiser choices, I guess we can only expect it to get worse. Much appreciated - Craig
Comment from Joy Graham
Excellent
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Another fine word defined in a poem :) You're good at these. The words have been unusual, and I like learning new words.

I'd be inclined to google sonnets and find if there are different rhyme scheme choices. I'm thinking wikipedia might have a thorough rundown on sonnets.

Joy xx



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 Comment Written 10-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 10-Jan-2018
    I might do that. Thanks for the kind review, Joy - Craig