Comment from second thought

Excellent

Just enjoying this wonderful experience. fanstory. You are my new discovery. They say beholding you become change. Somebody up there knows you and I have been to feel the gentle verse ever so deep. Thank you very much.

 Comment Written 01-Sep-2009

---

reply by the author on 01-Sep-2009

Thank you, Second Thought - I'm so pleased you have discovered my posts :-) Brooke

Comment from dtimes3

Excellent

I kind of believe that we end up where we belong - we just have to be wise enough to see what we can accomplish from that position. I believe this is what he did with his life.

Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 31-Aug-2009

Thank you for this most insightful review :-) Brooke

Comment from Peter@Poole

Excellent

Brooke. This is a well composed rondeau, containing a wealth of poetic devices as well as bearing universal sentiments and recognition for a great statesman. Peter

 Comment Written 30-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 03-Sep-2009

Thank you, Peter - I am so sorry it took so long to respond to this gracious review - several dozen old reviews got buried under newer ones and I'm just now getting to the bottom of the stack - only 38 to go! Brooke

Comment from Foster

Exceptional

This was absolutely beautiful, the sentiment goes way beyond mine. Actually I think you got some wonderful reviews. Even those who did not like him gave you great review your writing. That is something that really angers me. When I know my writing is good but I am judge on content. I received a couple of four stats because they just did not like The Kennedys. Anyway we all get bad reviews from time to time it goes with the territory.
Richard

 Comment Written 30-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 30-Aug-2009

Thank you, Richard - it was not a matter of "bad reviews" that bothered me - it was a matter of hateful comments about a man who just died. I cannot imagine the circumstances under which I would approach another poet who was eulogizing someone, anyone, and use that opportunity to spit in the eye of the person the poet was paying tribute to. I might pass reviewing that poem if I considered the person hateful, but intrude on someone's grief to lecture him or her on the sins of the person missed? NO. Anyway, I thank you so much for both your sensitivity and your generosity. Brooke :-)

reply by Foster on 30-Aug-2009

I understand how you feel. I was only pointing out that I think people should review the writing not the content or not review at all.
Richard

reply by Foster on 30-Aug-2009

I understand how you feel. I was only pointing out that I think people should review the writing not the content or not review at all.
Richard

Comment from Mariea

Excellent

What a beautiful tribute.

Flow - good fluid movement
Structure - well constructed and developed

Enjoy your day

Regards Mia

 Comment Written 29-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 29-Aug-2009

Mia, thanks so much for your thoughtful review :-) Brooke

Comment from Nicnac

Excellent

What beautiful accolades to someone you admired and will miss.
This has a gentle energy and gave me a warm feeling. The burning candle photo is perfect for this rondeau.

Lovely poetry, my golden friend.
Nic

 Comment Written 29-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 29-Aug-2009

Thank you, Nic - the three hour memorial service last night, so filled with warm, funny anecdotes of him, was so wonderful last night. Brooke :-)

Comment from Blue Danube

Excellent

adewpearl:
This is a beautiful, sensitive rondeau.
Teddy fought hard and fair for all and deserves all the kind words in the world as well as to rest in peace.

I hope he gives Mary Jo the time of day when they finally meet in heaven. Nobody really knows what happened on that tragic day. The rumors are terrible and this is maybe not the time to bring it up. In the face of your extraordinary remembrance of him. It troubles me though. Sorry to share this right now I just had to express my grief for both souls at this point in time.
Blue

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 28-Aug-2009

Blue, thank you. Over the years Teddy always acknowledged that he had behaved reprehensibly that night with Mary Jo - he never discounted her. I believe he was traumatized and disoriented after the accident, and yes, probably impaired from drinking, and did not do all he should to see if she could be saved. I also believe he spent the next 40 years of his life amassing a record on behalf of children, the elderly, the poor, the working class, the disabled, the ill that will be hard for anyone else to ever match. I, of course, grieve her death, too. Thank you. Brooke

reply by Blue Danube on 28-Aug-2009

Thanks for replying to expression of grief.

Blue

Comment from Nanette Mary

Excellent

Hullo Adewpearl ....

I read what you have written and enjoyed it but was surprised when I got to your Notes at the end, to find that this has been written as a tribute to your Senator Edward Kennedy.
There is nothing to suggest changing and I thank you for sharing this with us. As always, we do well to pray for all who have died.
With love from ..... Nanette Mary.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 28-Aug-2009

Thank you, Nanette Mary - he was a golden friend to me and to millions of Americans he fought on behalf of - I miss him as much as if my own sibling had died. Brooke

Comment from Helen Tan

Excellent

Not being an American, I feel I cannot comment on what Ted Kennedy did for your country. However if I read this as a dedication to a friend, I find this well written. There is sadness yet a certain amount of inner peace about the person's passing.

My Golden Friend
I like the title which to me implies someone who shines, who is precious as in gold.

In God our Father's sweet caress
find grace and peace among the blessed.
He is blessed as he has served God's purpose, to serve the people and now he will be embraced in God's "caress" as a reward. These lines will be soothing to loved ones.

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 28-Aug-2009

And a good friend is how I think of this man I never had the privilege of meeting in person. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Helen. Brooke :-)

Comment from Janelle

Excellent

This is a beautiful eulogy to Ted Kennedy, you sould be proud. I don't know too much about American politics and understand even less abut how it all works, but I do know about this man and his efforts to right the wrongs and improve the lot of so many disadvantaged Americans.

I am glad for him that he managed to live a long and productive life, unlike his two brothers who were taken way too soon. I think the three of them would have been an awesome trio if John and Bobby lived to be older men.

I feel your pain Brooke, it's seeped into every word of this poem. It seems that this is the year for so many people you admire to leave us. Just imagine them all up there waiting to greet Ted. What a happy reunion that will be. Regards, Jan

 Comment Written 27-Aug-2009

---

reply by the author on 27-Aug-2009

Thank you, Jan, for this sensitive and thoughtful review - I could not appreciate your kindness more :-) Brooke

reply by Janelle on 27-Aug-2009

You're welcome my friend. Just keep imagining all the Kennedy's awaiting his arrival and the joy there will be. There's a few of 'em up there, for sure!