Thy Grace
A Crown of Sonnets78 total reviews
Comment from Valkarie
ALVINTETHINGTON...This is a very good piece on a powerful subject, creative as expected...and very well executed.
Valkarie...
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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ALVINTETHINGTON...This is a very good piece on a powerful subject, creative as expected...and very well executed.
Valkarie...
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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Thanks for a good review; I appreciate it.
Comment from Gert sherwood
Hello Alvin,
I usually don't like reading so many archaic words within a poem.
But, you have done something special to draw me into your thoughts of how you were influenced through-out
your life with love and faith, and how you learned so much about various religious and Christ Himself.
To me along with you rhyming quatrains, couplets and your use of - iambic pentameter,
this is one of your best poems I have read so far.
Gert
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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Hello Alvin,
I usually don't like reading so many archaic words within a poem.
But, you have done something special to draw me into your thoughts of how you were influenced through-out
your life with love and faith, and how you learned so much about various religious and Christ Himself.
To me along with you rhyming quatrains, couplets and your use of - iambic pentameter,
this is one of your best poems I have read so far.
Gert
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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Well,you know I love antiquated English! Thanks for an exceptional rating and review. I rather like this poem, as well.
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Alvin you are so welcome
I just sent you a PM
Gert
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Thanks. I'll check within the hour.
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See you later.
Gert
Comment from The Guardian
Such lofty and ethereal ideals that I subscribe to but others, less convinced and less loving in a pure sense might cast stones at and reject. This is so exquisite Al. I have to read it a few times since I'm not familiar with many of the citations. Are any from Thomas Merton?
I love how you portray the individual relationships with G-d from different religious perspectives. Beautiful. I will send you a PM once I've read this a few more times and processed some of the subtleties.
Best,
Merle
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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Such lofty and ethereal ideals that I subscribe to but others, less convinced and less loving in a pure sense might cast stones at and reject. This is so exquisite Al. I have to read it a few times since I'm not familiar with many of the citations. Are any from Thomas Merton?
I love how you portray the individual relationships with G-d from different religious perspectives. Beautiful. I will send you a PM once I've read this a few more times and processed some of the subtleties.
Best,
Merle
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2010
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NO, actually I don't think I have ever read Thomas Merton, which surprises me. Thanks for an exceptional review. I look forward to your PM.
Comment from Joan E.
Your "crown of sonnets" series is a labor of love, and I relished your rhymes, rhythm and inclusios. Your theme about humanity's relationship to God, expressed to Him, and your picture choice are powerful. I admired your weaving in your early life's story, study of religions and declaration of faith. I also particularly liked your "serpent" and "mountain peaks" metaphors and "fire" hyperbole. Best wishes in the contest with this fine entry.
(By the way, I hope you noticed my acknowledgment of your mentoring in my recent haiku duet.)
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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Your "crown of sonnets" series is a labor of love, and I relished your rhymes, rhythm and inclusios. Your theme about humanity's relationship to God, expressed to Him, and your picture choice are powerful. I admired your weaving in your early life's story, study of religions and declaration of faith. I also particularly liked your "serpent" and "mountain peaks" metaphors and "fire" hyperbole. Best wishes in the contest with this fine entry.
(By the way, I hope you noticed my acknowledgment of your mentoring in my recent haiku duet.)
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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Thanks for a great review; yes, I just reviewed your double haiku poem.
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Thank you for taking the extra time to read my double. I thought this "crown" was one of your best works. -Joan
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You're welcome. About the Crown, many people (including myself agree.) I think it and my Tanka of Tanka are my best works.
Comment from mountainwriter49
31 Jan 10
Al,
The Star Fairy has now replenished my ability to award you the much deserved 6th Star for this Crown of Sonnets. I wish I could have given it to you when I first reviewed this poem; however, you know how stubborn that Star Fairy can be!
Again, you've written a most exceptional piece of poetry and I wish you well in the contest.
-ray
Alvin,
This Crown of Sonnets is stunningly beautiful. I love the form of English in which you've chosen to write. The flow and cadence of the poem is perfect and the message sublime, outstanding, exceptional. This one should be a hands' down top contender in the contest.
I tried to give you a six, but the Star Fairy won't let me. When the cycle comes 'round again, I'll return and upscore to the well deserved six.
I would give anything to be able to write as you do.
Exceptional write. -Ray
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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31 Jan 10
Al,
The Star Fairy has now replenished my ability to award you the much deserved 6th Star for this Crown of Sonnets. I wish I could have given it to you when I first reviewed this poem; however, you know how stubborn that Star Fairy can be!
Again, you've written a most exceptional piece of poetry and I wish you well in the contest.
-ray
Alvin,
This Crown of Sonnets is stunningly beautiful. I love the form of English in which you've chosen to write. The flow and cadence of the poem is perfect and the message sublime, outstanding, exceptional. This one should be a hands' down top contender in the contest.
I tried to give you a six, but the Star Fairy won't let me. When the cycle comes 'round again, I'll return and upscore to the well deserved six.
I would give anything to be able to write as you do.
Exceptional write. -Ray
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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That's odd; you should have received availability to two six-star ratings at midnight EST between Saturday and Sunday. You might want to try again, or contact Tom. You write beautifully yourself, Ray. Thanks for a good review.
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I have sixes in the toolbox, it won't let me issue one to you. I'll ask Tom about it. It is perplexing. "Thy Grace" is a genuine 6 for sure and I want to give it what it rightly deserves.
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I think you have given me one six already this month, so it won't allow you to give the same person another six in the same month. However, if you wait until February, I am not sure it will allow you to award a six then, since I will have posted the work in another month than in which you raised the rating. But do find out what Tom has to say. Since you have already reviewed it, it might let you upgrade in February for a poem you previously reviewed in January.
Comment from katha8
The poem conveys the life of Jesus, born as man, through the power of the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary. It also tells of his death on the cross to save us, and how he lives now in each of us through the grace of the Holy Spirit symbolized by the dove. Thank you for sharing...
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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The poem conveys the life of Jesus, born as man, through the power of the Holy Spirit to the Virgin Mary. It also tells of his death on the cross to save us, and how he lives now in each of us through the grace of the Holy Spirit symbolized by the dove. Thank you for sharing...
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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You're welcome. I am glad you enjoyed the poem.
Comment from Janine Ellis-Fynn
Hi Alvin, this is an incredibly well written, thouroughly researched and beautiful series of sonnets. You have certainly set a very high benchmark as I think a Crown of Sonnets is not an easy task and takes great skill as a poet to perfect the technique. Your writing reflects a deep knowledge of God and the Bible. It is clear that you have a intimate personal relationship with God and it shines through your work. Well done for a superb work of art. From one poet and avid believer to another...blessings
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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Hi Alvin, this is an incredibly well written, thouroughly researched and beautiful series of sonnets. You have certainly set a very high benchmark as I think a Crown of Sonnets is not an easy task and takes great skill as a poet to perfect the technique. Your writing reflects a deep knowledge of God and the Bible. It is clear that you have a intimate personal relationship with God and it shines through your work. Well done for a superb work of art. From one poet and avid believer to another...blessings
Comment Written 24-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2010
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Your review means quite a lot to me. For my faith, my intellect, and my art to all shine through is quite a compliment. Thanks for a good review.
Comment from rama devi
Kudos to you Alvin.
This is an outstanding entry for the contest---inspirational and finely composed.
No spags to note, so will quote my favorite parts-
Thou didst create the heavens and the earth;
No matter where I went, there Thou wert found--
Assuring me of my own soul's self-worth;
Thou wert above the sky and underground.
and
But death could not exert a hold on Him;
There was no tomb that could contain the Christ.
Arising from the grave He conquered sin;
His sacrifice for everyone sufficed.
and
Confucians and the Daoists honor God
In nature and society refined.
God's love for everyone is not thought odd--
For by it grace and truth are so defined.
No nits, though I am not sure of the scansion in this line-
To be a chosen people was suspect.
Otherwise, this is flawless in form and superb in content.
The lofty language suits the tone and tenor of the piece.
Bravo for a heroic and devotionally flavored achievement.
Best of luck.
Warmly, rd
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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Kudos to you Alvin.
This is an outstanding entry for the contest---inspirational and finely composed.
No spags to note, so will quote my favorite parts-
Thou didst create the heavens and the earth;
No matter where I went, there Thou wert found--
Assuring me of my own soul's self-worth;
Thou wert above the sky and underground.
and
But death could not exert a hold on Him;
There was no tomb that could contain the Christ.
Arising from the grave He conquered sin;
His sacrifice for everyone sufficed.
and
Confucians and the Daoists honor God
In nature and society refined.
God's love for everyone is not thought odd--
For by it grace and truth are so defined.
No nits, though I am not sure of the scansion in this line-
To be a chosen people was suspect.
Otherwise, this is flawless in form and superb in content.
The lofty language suits the tone and tenor of the piece.
Bravo for a heroic and devotionally flavored achievement.
Best of luck.
Warmly, rd
Comment Written 23-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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Thank you for such a great review. Here is how I see the scansion of the line in question:
to BE a CHOSen PEOple WAS susPECT (I am using the alternative pronunciation of suspect with the accent on the second syllable.)
Thanks again for a great review.
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(oh, that use of the alternative pronunciation is mentioned in the author's notes.)
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Thanks A. I did not know that word had two options. Thanks for your note~
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You're welcome.
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Yes, the pronunciation I used is the last (third) option in the Merriam-Webster dictionaries. It is seldom used outside the American South. That's why I included a note about it.
Comment from Colin Douglas
The time and effort put into such a long poem, especially a rhyming one, always impresses me. Your rhyme and meter is pleasant sounding and your chosen words are powerfully effective.
"By His complete love I was quite surprised" This is the only line that seemed weak to me. I can't really explain why, but it just seems like a bit of a fly-by line, as if you were growing tired when you wrote it.
Otherwise, very well done. I'm tempted to try my hand at this contest, but I'm not sure if I could get it done in time.
Good luck in the contest.
Colin
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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The time and effort put into such a long poem, especially a rhyming one, always impresses me. Your rhyme and meter is pleasant sounding and your chosen words are powerfully effective.
"By His complete love I was quite surprised" This is the only line that seemed weak to me. I can't really explain why, but it just seems like a bit of a fly-by line, as if you were growing tired when you wrote it.
Otherwise, very well done. I'm tempted to try my hand at this contest, but I'm not sure if I could get it done in time.
Good luck in the contest.
Colin
Comment Written 23-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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Thank you for your review.
Comment from MyYiaYia
Now this poem was more my cup of tea. I enjoyed all aspects of it. Nicely done. The wording was superb and I liked the story told. I also thought the picture went well with the verse.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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Now this poem was more my cup of tea. I enjoyed all aspects of it. Nicely done. The wording was superb and I liked the story told. I also thought the picture went well with the verse.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2010
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I am glad you enjoyed this work.