rondels and rondeaus
Viewing comments for Chapter 15 "Against All Odds"rondels and rondeaus
98 total reviews
Comment from Belinda
Through your notes I know this poem is meant for the participants of the Special Olympics, but as always in your poems, the idea can be adapted to a larger 'audience'.
The goals we set, the dreams we chase
by limitations aren't erased,
for in the effort we excel
against all odds.
When I was younger I sometimes limit myself by acknowledging my limitations (in order not to feel disappointed if I don't succeed), but now, having nothing to lose, I put my emphasis more to the effort, not the goal. This is a poem to ponder!
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
  |
Through your notes I know this poem is meant for the participants of the Special Olympics, but as always in your poems, the idea can be adapted to a larger 'audience'.
The goals we set, the dreams we chase
by limitations aren't erased,
for in the effort we excel
against all odds.
When I was younger I sometimes limit myself by acknowledging my limitations (in order not to feel disappointed if I don't succeed), but now, having nothing to lose, I put my emphasis more to the effort, not the goal. This is a poem to ponder!
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Belinda, thank you. Yes, I always try to make a poem on two levels like that. I'm so glad you find this a poem to ponder :-) Brooke
Comment from Penya
What a great poem and kind dedication. I love the form and the message that you have to try your hardest despite whatever challenges you are faced with. You might enjoy my most recent (and in my opinion one of my best) poems that I called Don't Cry, and also my heartfelt rant called Who the Hell Am I. I think you will find more of my writing voice than I have ever put on fanstory in Who the Hell Am I. You might also find that I have improved as a poet if you read Don't Cry. I love reading your poems. Keep them coming =)
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
What a great poem and kind dedication. I love the form and the message that you have to try your hardest despite whatever challenges you are faced with. You might enjoy my most recent (and in my opinion one of my best) poems that I called Don't Cry, and also my heartfelt rant called Who the Hell Am I. I think you will find more of my writing voice than I have ever put on fanstory in Who the Hell Am I. You might also find that I have improved as a poet if you read Don't Cry. I love reading your poems. Keep them coming =)
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Penya, thank you. I will certainly take a look at your most recent work with pleasure. Brooke :-)
Comment from dportwood
Brooke,
'Against All Odds' is not only a tribute to a Special individual, but also a most pleasant rondeau that gives the reader emotions of pride and in someone who did so much for so many. The more rondeaus I see the better I like them. Very nicely done.
Duane
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
Brooke,
'Against All Odds' is not only a tribute to a Special individual, but also a most pleasant rondeau that gives the reader emotions of pride and in someone who did so much for so many. The more rondeaus I see the better I like them. Very nicely done.
Duane
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Duane, thank you. Since you're the one who got me inspired to write a rondeau, I'm glad they are growing on you! Brooke :-)
Comment from NightWriter
"Against All Odds" is a most fitting and beautifully written rondeau and dedication to the one who founded the Special Olympics -- Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
"Against All Odds" is a most fitting and beautifully written rondeau and dedication to the one who founded the Special Olympics -- Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Thank you - she more than deserves a tribute :-) Brooke
-
Absolutely! :)
Comment from MissCellanea
This is a dual blessing, Brooke! Running the race before us, pressing toward the goal, spiritually and physically.
We may not all come in first, but we all run the race. Before it was announced that she started the Special Olympics, I had no idea. What a legacy to leave behind!
Sometimes I felt so unpatriotic, as I.m never glued to the set to watch the Olympics; but for the Special Olympics, I have to cheer. The outpouring of love and accomplishment for everyone there is so overwhelming.
This was an interesting form of poetry. You never cease to amaze me in your knowledge of them. I didn't notice any need of revision. A beautiful offering. Sue
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
This is a dual blessing, Brooke! Running the race before us, pressing toward the goal, spiritually and physically.
We may not all come in first, but we all run the race. Before it was announced that she started the Special Olympics, I had no idea. What a legacy to leave behind!
Sometimes I felt so unpatriotic, as I.m never glued to the set to watch the Olympics; but for the Special Olympics, I have to cheer. The outpouring of love and accomplishment for everyone there is so overwhelming.
This was an interesting form of poetry. You never cease to amaze me in your knowledge of them. I didn't notice any need of revision. A beautiful offering. Sue
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Sue, thank you - she is part of her family's enduring legacy of public service - she could have just chosen to live a life of leisure. I so admired her. Brooke :-)
Comment from Jazh
This is an inspiring poem, Brooke, and with my interest in the Special Olympics, I enjoyed it particularly. Winning and losing are such relative terms ... wouldn't it be nice if they could be replaced with 'effort' or 'trying'. I particularly like "run with gusto, grit and grace/against all odds". It applies to all. Cheers. :)
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
This is an inspiring poem, Brooke, and with my interest in the Special Olympics, I enjoyed it particularly. Winning and losing are such relative terms ... wouldn't it be nice if they could be replaced with 'effort' or 'trying'. I particularly like "run with gusto, grit and grace/against all odds". It applies to all. Cheers. :)
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Thank you, Adele - yes, winning is far too important a concept in our society - I'm so pleased you in particular like this poem :-) Brooke
Comment from perunest
I swear, even before I read your author's notes,
I envisioned this poem being dedicated - perhaps
engraved on a plaque - to those who endeavor to excel athletically, or on other fields of competition,
where the human body, mind, heart, and spirit are put
to glorious test. A marvelous poem!
Carolyn
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
I swear, even before I read your author's notes,
I envisioned this poem being dedicated - perhaps
engraved on a plaque - to those who endeavor to excel athletically, or on other fields of competition,
where the human body, mind, heart, and spirit are put
to glorious test. A marvelous poem!
Carolyn
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Thank you, Carolyn - you write lovely reviews for a woman who is such a cruel tease in her postings LOL Brooke :-)
Comment from Loyd C. Taylor, Sr
Brooke this was a wonderful contribution to the FAith contest and a sure winner. It is also a wonderful tribute to a fine lady, good for you. LOyd
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
Brooke this was a wonderful contribution to the FAith contest and a sure winner. It is also a wonderful tribute to a fine lady, good for you. LOyd
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
I've only ever one one site contest in a year, so I sure hope you know more than I do about such things. LOL Thanks so much, Loyd. Brooke :-)
-
It was awesome and I wish you the best in the contest. Loyd
Comment from Roisin
Gosh, Brooke. What an amazing poem. I feel it deserves six stars for two reasons. Firstly, the structure of this form is amazing and I love it. I can't get my head around the rules myself as they seem so complicated but I just love the end product. You write them as if they're your usual poetry type. Secondly, what beautiful words and such wonderful sentiment you've written here. I especially love the opening lines:
Against all odds we run our race
each at his own, God-given pace,
be that pace swift as a gazelle
or tortoise in its heavy shell,
I find it a very moving poem. Whether you're speaking of the participants in the Special Olympics or using them as a metaphor for life in general, I find the whole poem very moving. I love the line too: 'against all odds'. It really sums it up. I just love this one. A sure winner for the contest I'd say.
Hugs
Roisin x
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
 |
Gosh, Brooke. What an amazing poem. I feel it deserves six stars for two reasons. Firstly, the structure of this form is amazing and I love it. I can't get my head around the rules myself as they seem so complicated but I just love the end product. You write them as if they're your usual poetry type. Secondly, what beautiful words and such wonderful sentiment you've written here. I especially love the opening lines:
Against all odds we run our race
each at his own, God-given pace,
be that pace swift as a gazelle
or tortoise in its heavy shell,
I find it a very moving poem. Whether you're speaking of the participants in the Special Olympics or using them as a metaphor for life in general, I find the whole poem very moving. I love the line too: 'against all odds'. It really sums it up. I just love this one. A sure winner for the contest I'd say.
Hugs
Roisin x
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Roisin, the trick to these forms is just to map it out on the page and then to find a sound that has lots of rhyming words to choose from - it is hardly uncomplicated, but it is definitely doable when you get organized :-) Thank you ever so much for your most generous rating and wonderful comments. And yes, this is definitely a metaphor for life in addition to its special application to the special olympics :) I really appreciate your insights and kindness. Brooke
Comment from TinyTeena
Well said. This poem can apply to each and every person, not just to special Olympians. Everyone has his/her own difficulties to be overcome in order to achieve something in life. Special Olympians are very inspirational to others. If they can aim for excellence, and not be held back by seemingly overpowering limitations - then we too should aim high. The rondeau format gives emphasis to your theme "against all odds". Well done
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
|
Well said. This poem can apply to each and every person, not just to special Olympians. Everyone has his/her own difficulties to be overcome in order to achieve something in life. Special Olympians are very inspirational to others. If they can aim for excellence, and not be held back by seemingly overpowering limitations - then we too should aim high. The rondeau format gives emphasis to your theme "against all odds". Well done
Comment Written 14-Aug-2009
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2009
-
Thank you so much - I truly appreciate your most generous review. Yes, it does apply to everyone even though inspired by the Special Olympics because today this wonderful woman was laid to rest. Your comments are most insightful and your thoughtful rating is most appreciated. Brooke :-)
