Comment from Rain Chapman

Excellent

:blushing:

Hi Brooke,

Now I feel bad for my comments on the excerpt of his work in the forum.

This poem is so sad and touching. I had no idea he had done this. You have taken the story of his end and laid it out simply and beautifully.

Thank you.

Lorraine

 Comment Written 26-Sep-2009

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reply by the author on 26-Sep-2009

Lorraine, LOLOLOL. For some, Hemingway is an acquired taste. Thank you so much. Brooke

Comment from joan marie

Excellent

I wrote a tribute to a friend that knew him in Key West. She painted his house there. I have been lucky enough to get a print signed by her. She had wonderful stories to tell about her friendship with him. joan marie

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Thank you, Joan Marie - I bet she had stories to tell!! Brooke

reply by joan marie on 24-Jul-2009

She was part of my writing group. And a wonderful painter. She was a child in London during the bombing and was quite the debutante her in New York City. She died at her keyboard writing her memoirs. I miss her. jm

reply by joan marie on 24-Jul-2009

She was fascinating. Studies painting in Switzerland. Was a child living in London during the bombings. Was quite the debutante in New York City. She was part of my writer's group. Died sitting at her keyboard finishing her memoirs. jm

Comment from rmdelta

Excellent

brooke,

beautifully written poem, my friend. Very strong descriptives you chose here. I always enjoy the notes, sometimes even more than the poem because of the great details you always add there. Nice work

Reggie

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Thanks so much, Reggie :-) You're always a kind and generous reviewer :-) Brooke

Comment from Gaye Hemsley

Excellent

Hi Brooke Your poem is a fine tribute to a wonderful writer. Thank you for the very informative notes. Love the artwork chosen. Cheers Gaye

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2009

Gaye, thank you so much :-) I always appreciate your visits and comments! Brooke

Comment from Arlecchino

Excellent

i like the old man and the sea too. he is a wonderful writer. most great people are troubled too. I like the poem because its different from the expected "he was a great writer poem" an interesting take on the great man. well done

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 30-Jul-2009

Thank you, Arlecchino, for another thoughtful and gracious review :-) Brooke

Comment from AlvinTEthington

Excellent

A good paean to Hemingway; he definitely illustrated the life of the tortured writer, to which far too many times I relate far too well. Excellent execution of the nonet form. It flows well, which is hard to do with this particular form because of the strict syllabic count. I like the turn between the penultimate and last lines. Superb work.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2009

Thank you, Alvin for a thorough and positive review :-) Brooke

Comment from Deejharrington

Excellent

I had forgotten he had taken his own life. What a waste of a talented life. I guess there really is a fine line between genius and mental illness. You have expressed the sudden pain and shock of such a great man who choose to left us too soon.
deb

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2009

Deb, thank you. You are right - many artists tread that line. Brooke :-)

reply by Deejharrington on 23-Jul-2009

You're welcome
deb

Comment from DAPologe

Excellent

Wow, that was a very good idea for a piece. I like that you chose to focus primarily on the gun and not the person, because it almost makes him seem more like an idea than an actual guy.I also like how the final word is end. That's an interesting touch that leaves the reader with what I think is the right feeling for a piece like this. I love Hemingway, and the piece is definitely a good way to remember him.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2009

Thank you for your insightful observations :-) Brooke

Comment from Nanette Mary

Excellent

Hullo Adewpearl ....

This is not only well-written but, coupled with your Notes at the end, is most interesting and informative.
There is nothing to suggest changing and I thank you for your research which enabled you to share this with us.
With love from ... Nanette Mary.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2009

Thanks so much, Nanette Mary. I always appreciate your thoughtful reviews. Brooke :-)

Comment from Nicnac

Excellent

Wow.
This is a powerful poem, Brooke.

His life and his words to an end <-- That really pierced me.

Mental illness is sad and unpredictable. This talented man ended his life - but not the joy and wonderment his writings bring to so many - that will live forever.

Nic

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2009

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2009

Thanks, Nic - you are right about that - once a book is published, the words live forever. Brooke :-)