Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Hi Brooke, I know what a calliope is I have seen one in the
Smithsonian Museum in Washington what a beautiful machine.

but it still has it's beauty when you said-
(it still) retains its luster.
Great entry
Gert

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Thanks, Gert - I'm glad you've had the opportunity to see one - and yes, they're beautiful, just not nearly as filled with life and cheer when silent :-) Brooke

reply by Gert sherwood on 05-Jul-2009

You are welcome Brooke
See you later.
Gert

Comment from Artasylum

Excellent

I went to a caliope in Germany and even though they are great to look at...the sound is magical and festive...i can't imagine a caliope silenced...thanks. love di

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Thanks, Di - I appreciate your thoughtful observations. Brooke :-)

Comment from Just2Write

Exceptional

This is indeed very reflective. I read it over several times to absorb its meaning. A mute calliope must have purpose, yet I could not fathom what that might be. This cinquian is also a parable, no doubt. Being the optimist that I am, I finally figured out what good a mute calliope might be. Inspiration for a marvelous poem! Most excellent work, Brooke. Rose.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Rose, thank you for your generous and most thoughtful review - I appreciate your insights and kind words :-) Brooke

Comment from Loyd C. Taylor, Sr

Excellent

A very delightful Sunday afternoon to you poet friend!
Brooke, what a great piece of art work you found and your poem was great as always. I enjoyed, Loyd

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Thanks so much, Loyd - yes, the art did work out well :-) Brooke

reply by Loyd C. Taylor, Sr on 06-Jul-2009

You are welcome

Comment from WRITER1

Excellent

What a wonderful piece. I have never heard a calliope but will certainly go to youtube and check it out. This is an interesting poem.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

I hope you enjoyed the calliope music at youtube - thanks so much. Brooke :-)

Comment from dtimes3

Excellent

Nicely done.

Here's a response.

Your mute
calliope,
endeavors to gather,
the dust and rust of endless time,
unvoiced.

Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

I like your poetic response! Thank you :-) Brooke

Comment from perunest

Excellent

Calliopes bring to mind all those summerdays, as a child, I spent at the Jersey shore, riding the carousel and watching the "big kids" go for the gold rings. I can hear the music. Your poem is a great piece of symbolism, as it
speaks not only of the silent calliope, but of all things kept pristine without using them for the wonderful purposes they were invented to perform. I'd rather see a Barbie doll that's been played with to the bitter end, bald and missing an arm, than one kept in its box just to look at. I love your poem! Carolyn

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Ah, but the one in the box would fetch you a pretty penny if it were from 1959! LOL Thanks so much, Carolyn :-) Brooke

reply by perunest on 06-Jul-2009

My grandkids are still playing with those 40+-year-old Barbies their great-aunts once owned. Yes, you're right - if I had one in perfect condition in the box from the 50s, I probably could buy lots more of 'em for the kids! (LOL!) Carolyn

Comment from joan marie

Excellent

This I have seen and they are fascinating instruments. I played the organ as a child and thought anything with a keyboard wonderful. But if they can't make music they are just a pretty and empty thing. Great read. joan marie

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Joan Marie, thank you for your perceptive reading and happy Sunday morning :-) Brooke

Comment from Kingsland

Excellent

yes I agree, to what avail...
this was an ultra short piece of poetic art that was well written and a joy to have read and written a review for... John

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

Thank you, John. I love the cinquain form - the brevity of it forces one to choose words carefully. Brooke

Comment from Margaret Snowdon

Excellent

I'm grateful for your notes...
I can't pass a word without
looking it up, and this saved
me the trouble -- a great piece,
Brooke - and the artwork is
quite remarkable.

Good luck with the contest, my friend.

Margaret.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2009

You should google calliope and listen to some calliope music if you don't have them there - it is gloriously cheerful. Thank you, Margaret :-) Brooke