Quaterns: Observations on Life
Viewing comments for Chapter 13 "As Each Flag Waves"Assorted Reflections
137 total reviews
Comment from Psychonaut X
This is a fantastic tribute for Memorial Day. I loved how you wove different senses into the fabric of the poem: sight, sound, touch. The way you followed the soldier's choice through time was also very well done - first, answering the call; next, traveling to the arena of war; finally, returning home in a flag-draped coffin. It definitely had a WWII era feel to it, no doubt inspired by your father's service. I especially liked the ending which was evocative of a hope to the end of war because the human cost is too high. May I forward the text on to the vets in my life? I think this is good enough to be shared with others and says what many feel quite eloquently. Credit will be attributed to you, of course. Happy Memorial Day.
Chris
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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This is a fantastic tribute for Memorial Day. I loved how you wove different senses into the fabric of the poem: sight, sound, touch. The way you followed the soldier's choice through time was also very well done - first, answering the call; next, traveling to the arena of war; finally, returning home in a flag-draped coffin. It definitely had a WWII era feel to it, no doubt inspired by your father's service. I especially liked the ending which was evocative of a hope to the end of war because the human cost is too high. May I forward the text on to the vets in my life? I think this is good enough to be shared with others and says what many feel quite eloquently. Credit will be attributed to you, of course. Happy Memorial Day.
Chris
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Chris, of course you can forward this to friends - just attribute it to Brooke Baldwin :-) Thanks so much for your most generous review and thoughtful comments. I just got home from a family gathering, so yes, I had a nice Memorial Day - I hope you did too. Brooke
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Thanks, Brooke. Much appreciated. Glad you had a pleasant Memorial Day.
Chris
Comment from redrider6612
This was really wonderful. The slightly changed repeating line was so well wrought, loading the poem with intense emotions and strong imagery. Full of deep thought, great flow and rythmn--perfect! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hugs,
Diane
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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This was really wonderful. The slightly changed repeating line was so well wrought, loading the poem with intense emotions and strong imagery. Full of deep thought, great flow and rythmn--perfect! Thank you so much for sharing.
Hugs,
Diane
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Diane, thank you! I'm so glad you like the changing quatern line - the first time I've attempted that kind of modification. Brooke
Comment from Annmuma
No matter what the war or cause,
the price is paid in human loss.
I pray for all mankind because
as each flag waves, I count the cost
Could not be better said! Great job. ann
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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No matter what the war or cause,
the price is paid in human loss.
I pray for all mankind because
as each flag waves, I count the cost
Could not be better said! Great job. ann
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Ann, thanks so much. Brooke
Comment from Jazh
This is a poignant, moving poem, Brooke. I like the strong association between 'flag' and 'cost'. You don't judge it, just observe it - very effective. "No matter what the war or cause,/the price is paid in human loss" - so terribly true.
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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This is a poignant, moving poem, Brooke. I like the strong association between 'flag' and 'cost'. You don't judge it, just observe it - very effective. "No matter what the war or cause,/the price is paid in human loss" - so terribly true.
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Adele, thank you. Yes, my judgments of the politicians who start wars have nothing to do with the young men and women sent to fight those wars. Brooke
Comment from Peter@Poole
Beautifully composed, Brooke, and flowing from a heart that realises every fallen man, on both sides, is a devastating loss to a mother, as well as a nation. Your modifications worked well. Peter
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Beautifully composed, Brooke, and flowing from a heart that realises every fallen man, on both sides, is a devastating loss to a mother, as well as a nation. Your modifications worked well. Peter
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Peter, thank you for understanding the message and approving of the modifications :-) Brooke
Comment from Just2Write
A great poem by any other name, is still a great poem. Who cares if it is a quatern or not? Not me. I found this tribute to Veterans very moving and kind. What a nice way to remember those who fought so valiantly for their country. Rose.
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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A great poem by any other name, is still a great poem. Who cares if it is a quatern or not? Not me. I found this tribute to Veterans very moving and kind. What a nice way to remember those who fought so valiantly for their country. Rose.
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Rose, thanks so much - those author's notes are always directed to a few members of the "poetry police," not to the vast majority of reviewers :-) Brooke
Comment from cheyennewy
Hi Brooke...this is a great poem and one I can relate to. I decorated my husband's grave yesterday and even though he has been gone for some time tears always visit my eyes. My parents are buried clear across the state from me so I can't go there every year....which saddens me. I find I do like the modified quatern...it still has the rhythm and lovely rhyme....well done....blessings....chey
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Hi Brooke...this is a great poem and one I can relate to. I decorated my husband's grave yesterday and even though he has been gone for some time tears always visit my eyes. My parents are buried clear across the state from me so I can't go there every year....which saddens me. I find I do like the modified quatern...it still has the rhythm and lovely rhyme....well done....blessings....chey
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Chey, thanks so much - I appreciate your visits and thoughtfulness! Brooke :-)
Comment from MumEsGirl
Excellent work on this one. A sad reminder of all those who died in war for their country. Many have counted the cost, and many more are still living with the price they paid.
It is good that they are remembered by those who appreciate their sacrifices
hugs
kate
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Excellent work on this one. A sad reminder of all those who died in war for their country. Many have counted the cost, and many more are still living with the price they paid.
It is good that they are remembered by those who appreciate their sacrifices
hugs
kate
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Kate, thank you. We should always remember. Brooke
Comment from eyesonly
An excellent heartfelt tribute! My family also has the tradition of going to the veterns cemetary to clean of the graves of our loved ones. My grandparents and greatgrandparents. It is a very moving experience that I wish more had. A beautiful write, it is little wonder why you are the number one ranked poet!
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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An excellent heartfelt tribute! My family also has the tradition of going to the veterns cemetary to clean of the graves of our loved ones. My grandparents and greatgrandparents. It is a very moving experience that I wish more had. A beautiful write, it is little wonder why you are the number one ranked poet!
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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thank you for such a wonderful review! Brooke
Comment from EllieKaye
Hi Brooke-
What a beautiful poem! I understand the images you write of--so moving. I don't see cemetaries here, but in Washington there were so many--and always decorated with tiny flags on Memorial Day.
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Hi Brooke-
What a beautiful poem! I understand the images you write of--so moving. I don't see cemetaries here, but in Washington there were so many--and always decorated with tiny flags on Memorial Day.
Comment Written 25-May-2009
reply by the author on 25-May-2009
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Ellie, thank you - this cemetery is actually one of my favorite places in the world Brooke :-)
