Reviews from

Quaterns: Observations on Life

Viewing comments for Chapter 13 "As Each Flag Waves"
Assorted Reflections

137 total reviews 
Comment from Janelle
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I have bookmarked this poem so thought I'd reviewed it, but apparently not. How remiss of me.

I think this is very moving and thought provoking. Such a wonderful tribute to all those who gave up their lives to fight in wars, in order to uphold the freedom that they held so precious. And also those who died trying to achieve freedom from oppression.

It is such a sad thing that those cemetery flags have to wave at all, isn't it? This spoke to me and I had to tell you that. You are a wonderful poet and an exceptional human being Brooke. I am so glad I've "met" you. Regards, Jan

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2009


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2009
    Jan, I'm so glad I've met you too, and I'm moved that you would take the time to review this long past its "expiration" date. You are a kind and caring woman. Meeting people like you is by far the best part of being in the FS community. Brooke :-)
reply by Janelle on 30-Jun-2009
    Right back at ya! :)
Comment from Gaye Hemsley
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Hi Brooke Another beautiful poem. A very interesting form of poetry, which you do so well. My Dad also served in the second World War. He was one of the first to go to war because he was already in the regular navy. LOL Gaye

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2009


reply by the author on 01-Jun-2009
    Thank you, Gaye - my dad was in the Navy too and served in the Pacific - since he was a steamfitter, he worked on a ship that repaired combat ships - not a glamorous job but such a necessary one. :-) Brooke
Comment from IndianaIrish
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You've written many tributes to our heroes, but this is my favorite, Brooke. I love how you tweaked the line a little bit for each stanza. It made the poem much more meaningful and powerful.
Excellent.
Indy :>)

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 29-May-2009
    Indy, thanks so much. I really wrote this one from the heart, so I'm glad you appreciate that. Brooke
Comment from teafor2
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adewpearl--As a retired veteran of the military
and the Vietnam War, this Memorial Day tribute
resonates with me. Thanks for your timely and
respectful post, made even more challenging by
the constrained form and poetics of rhyme. The
artwork is noteworthy as well. teafor2

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Thank you - it is easy to write a respectful poem when I feel so much respect for each person who has a flag flying. Brooke
Comment from Donovan
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A nice tribute to those that have passed on. I, too, like the flags, the idea that people pause and reflect. I, like most, wished our reflection would lead to some sane action other than producing the need for more flags.

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Yeah, I am so with you on that one, Donovan. If another flag never had to be sewn, that would just be grand. I was just at the cemetery an hour ago since this is the 50th anniversary of my mother's death and she and my dad share a stone. The cemetery is filled with beautiful flags like the one flying for my father, but to think that so many of those men were killed or wounded or came home with memories they could never erase of horrible experiences . My dad never talked about it - simply never. And he was the world's biggest story teller. Wow, what a day for reflection on things past this is. I truly appreciate your visit, my friend. Brooke
Comment from Allmine
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I don't care if it a strict quatern or not, what you have here is eloquent, touching and emotional. It's sad for so many lives to be lost. I loved the flow and rhythm of this poem. It read easily and then I was caught up in the emotion of it. Great job

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Thank you so much - this one is quite meaningful to me. Brooke :-)
Comment from pilarblue
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Brooke...you are an exceptional writer and poet. Powerful message in perfect rhythm and excellent rhyme. Absolutely outstanding. Thank you for sharing! :) -Pilar

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Thank you, Pilar - I really appreciate this warm response. Brooke :-)
Comment from louparis
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A piece well-done in this time of remembrance. Smooth and rhythmic, well-balanced and meaningful to the reader. Keep it up.
Lou Paris

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Lou, thank you - I appreciate your thoughtful response to my poem. Brooke :-)
Comment from JeffreyStone
Excellent
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This is a beautiful poem, and as a retired military veteran, I am especially touched. Thank you for honoring those who sacrificed for all of us, especially the selfless heroes who saved the world in WWII. JeffreyStone

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Jeffrey, you're most welcome, and thank you for your warm response. Brooke
Comment from Joyce L.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Brooke, by looking at the number of views on this poem, it must have struck home to many of us. Each one of us in some way has been touched by the heros that go to war for us. This is a wonderfully thought out poem. Joyce

 Comment Written 28-May-2009


reply by the author on 28-May-2009
    Joyce, thanks so much for your most generous and thoughtful response to this poem. I truly appreciate your kind words - and yes, this does touch us all. Brooke :-)