Comment from BJean

Excellent

Nice poem full of truth- for a time anyways!!! I'm glad that war is not a part or plan for God's final kingdom.
All we can do now is live our hearts with peace!!!! Jean

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

Thank you, Jean. I appreciate your gracious response. Brooke :-)

Comment from Lokman

Excellent

Hi Brooke,
And hands clasped was a communist symbol, I think that's why this date became Veteran's Day in the US. It's striking how symbols are transformed. I like your interpretation better.
Shea

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

Thank you, Shea - what an interesting historical fact I did not know. Brooke

Comment from Laidy

Excellent

i thought this was such a wonderful write and senryu. i felt this was sentimental. i enjoyed reading and reviewing. i liked that this was such a heart toucher.

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

Thank you, Laidy, for your gracious review :-) Brooke

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

Thank you for your second tribute and notes. Your senryu is a powerful aphorism. It's amazing to me that a succinct 5-7-5 can be so constructive and even include alliteration. You and the artist should get together and publish a poster.

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

thank you, JOan, for your thoughtful response to this prayerful poem :-) Brooke

Comment from joan marie

Excellent

It's easy to see why this won. What a great Senyu. I love the message. I think the artwork was a perfect choice. Congratulations, joan marie

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

Thank you, Joan Marie - I appreciate your thoughtful review :-) Brooke

Comment from LauraKatherine

Excellent

Congratulations on winning the contest, Brooke! This is definitely a powerful poem.

I love the image of two hands grasping one another, unable to pull a trigger or even clench a fist. (Hence no war or signs of bitterness.)It reminded me of an African proverb that I can't exactly remember, but it was something about not being able to shake hands with a clenched fist.

One thing I enjoyed about the poem was how the 3rd line thwarted what I expected after reading the 2nd line. "Lack" tends to have a negative connotation to it; yet here you have highlighted the positive aspects of lacking and how lacking something negative can be a strong, positive thing. (Combined strength in the clasped hands; guns unable to be fired.)

Excellent job! LK

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 12-Nov-2009

While I'm sure some other readers must have "gotten" the whole "lack" thing, you are the only one to make explicit that you saw this ironic device. Thank you, LK - you're always my test to see if what I've written came across. Just so you "get" it, I'm satisfied. :-) Thanks so much, my friend :-) Brooke

Comment from BarnCat

Excellent

A perfect poem for Armistice Day. Will there ever come a day when war is obsolete? Wasn't WWI supposed to be the was to end all wars? Somehow man keeps finding new ways to destroy himself -- unfortuneately, he takes the rest of us doen with him. The clasping hands reminds me of the war stories about soldiers laying down arms and celebrating Christmas, and then goind back into the trenches to fight again. My, I'm wordy today! Great senryu. D

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 13-Nov-2009

Thank you, Deb - Yes, that war so long ago that no vets are still living, was supposed to be the one to end them all - how tragically untrue that turned out to be. Brooke

Comment from Kentucky Sweet Pea

Excellent

Hi again, Brooke,

This is great. I can see why it won the contest and congratulations to you! What can I say that I haven't already said about your fabulous writing abilities?

Pen

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 12-Nov-2009

Thank you, Penny :-) You are, as always, most kind! Brooke

Comment from zydecosal

Excellent

Wow. You said so much with so few words. The picture was great and your words really give a person something to think about. Great job.
Sally

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 12-Nov-2009

Thank you, Sally - it is good to see you :-) Brooke

Comment from annienolan

Excellent

Startling beautiful. So much said in so few words. One can feel that he doesnt want to kill. Very well written. Imagination running wild.

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2009

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reply by the author on 12-Nov-2009

Thanks so much, Annie :-) You are most thoughtful. Brooke