Reviews from

Precious Gems: An Anthology

Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Family Ties"
A Rhyming Collection of Treasured Works

51 total reviews 
Comment from Janelle
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Damn! I have just used my last six on your previous poem! This is the poem I would loved to have written about my own fall from the family tree. It's perfect and articulates exactly what I felt when I finally jumped off and landed firmly on my feet. It can be a lonely place to be because you're supposed to stick with your family no matter what, but I don't like mine. At all. And my brother feels the same. I guess at least we have each other. Great poem that I identified with quite strongly. I hope this wasn't autobriographical, but if it is, come and join our new family. I'm startig a new one for escapees from their original family. I think it could be quite a large one! Regards, Jan

 Comment Written 17-Jan-2009


reply by the author on 18-Jan-2009
    Well, gawd girl, what a compliment you've paid me! Going through my old stuff, and then giving me a glowing review! Im very glad you enjoyed this and it IS autobiographical sadly. I haven't spoken a decent word to my family for over four years and have got to the point where I don't know if I (like you) even LIKE them enough to want to repair things. So, yeah, I'll join yer little (soon to be BIG) family!! Where do I sign up?? xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Twomoon
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alpacalady, this was soooooo wonderful your words were beautiful and perfect. Creative flow and thought! You balanced this out nicely and your last stanza was using words like you were playing with them, twisting them on the tree! I loved it. Perfect words. Wish I had a 6 for you. Great writing! much love twomoon

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2008
    Thanks so much Twomoon. The "virtual" six is enough my friend! Pity the votes didn't reflect tho'... But reviews like yours make it a winner anyway! xoxoxoxoxoxo
reply by Twomoon on 23-Oct-2008
    I loved yours so much, it was a hard choice between you and one other one, otherwise, no competition...hugs twomoon
Comment from Readywriter52
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It sound like you weren't happy with your family ie "compiled of years of sorrow and trial." Sometimes it best to leave a bad family and create one of your own. You just have to remember to leave your baggage behind.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 23-Oct-2008
    Right on both counts. I still had to rid myself of baggage I didn't know I carried. Still dumping as we speak...

    Thanks so much Readywriter for your thoughtful review xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Minglement
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This is nicely done. Loved that you brought it back to the beginning at the end, tying up neatly. The flow is good. It was a lovely journey.

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
    Thank you so much Minglement, and I love your screen name! Might change mine to something in keeping with my permanent state: "Confusement"! xoxoxoxoxo
reply by Minglement on 22-Oct-2008
    You're welcome. And thank you. I always struggle with 'screen names'. Ugh! This one fits most everything. Aren't we all a Minglement? It was the name of my first anthology, a chapbook, and I keep going back to the concept. Take care - 'Marcia', Minglement
Comment from Aurora C. Borealis
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Oh what a truly beautiful poem to show some self-finding (is that a word? LOL) The flow was fantastic and it followed the prompt.
Also, I have to agree - sometimes it's necessary to break free to be able to spread your own wings although it's not necessarily an easy decision.
Well done,
~Aurora

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
    Thanks so much Aurora for the great review and your kind words, and no it hasn't been an easy decision xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Comment from jeslaf
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This was grrreat! Loved it, especially the ending lines:

Finally myself and I became friends--good for you!

In fear I fell from their fam'ly tree
In safety I landed; in truth, walked free--great contrast, happy ending, right on!

Bravo.

 Comment Written 21-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 21-Oct-2008
    Thanks so much jeslaf. Happy you enjoyed this one! xoxoxox
Comment from whizpurr ^-^
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Lovely, meaning-full poem, Alpacalady. I enjoyed it. Reading the entries for this contest has been interesting. Each poem is so different. Yours, to me, seemed "heartfelt". Thanks for sharing.
Whizpurr ^-^

 Comment Written 20-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
    Thanks so much Whizpurr,for your kind words xoxoxooxo
Comment from Lois Delaney
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Oh, so true. A great entry in this contest. Here's wishing that the one whose truly deserving wins. Blessings alpacalady.

 Comment Written 20-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
    That'd be great, eh? Thanks so much for your comments and review; I very much appreciate them. Good luck yourself xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from bard owl
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This is an excellent contest entry. Your view of your family is one so many people share - that in order to be your own person, you must get away from those who have inhibited the person you are and can be! As usual, your poem has flawless rhythm and rhyme. And it tells a story that is ultimately joyful. Best of luck in the contest. You are such a good writer! Blessings, Linda

 Comment Written 20-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 20-Oct-2008
    Thanks Linda, for such high praise. As you've said to me countless times, I feel very complimented by such comments from someone whose work I admire greatly. Bless you! xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Hitcher
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Unfortunately we cannot pick our family ourselves but thank God we can pick our friends. Some families are perfect for each other but some can be devastating. At the end of the day, you have to do what is best for you and you alone know what that is. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing a very thought provoking poem.

 Comment Written 02-Oct-2008


reply by the author on 02-Oct-2008
    So right there Hitcher. Often I've envied those who came from happy, positive and encouraging families. But we all have our crosses to bear and it's up to each one of us to find a way to carry them, or throw them off if we can.

    Thanks so much for an excellent and very thoughtful review my friend xoxoxoxoxo