you don't know how
a contest entry80 total reviews
Comment from Galactia
I love the picture that you have selected to represent your poem (look into my eyes)
You did really well with your poem..
Favourite stanza is....
you can't see my vulnerability
in contrast with what
you perceive as arrogance
you don't know how,
in spite of my sophistication,
I am a child.
Regards
Tia
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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I love the picture that you have selected to represent your poem (look into my eyes)
You did really well with your poem..
Favourite stanza is....
you can't see my vulnerability
in contrast with what
you perceive as arrogance
you don't know how,
in spite of my sophistication,
I am a child.
Regards
Tia
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thansk for a great review. That is my favorite stanza, too.
Comment from whizpurr ^-^
What an incredibly sweet poem! I loved it. The words you speak are so absolutely true. Oh, life would be so much easier if one could learn to never make assumptions about the whats or hows of another person. Thanks, Alvin, for sharing this deeply meaningful and well written free verse.
Hugs, Purr ^-^
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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What an incredibly sweet poem! I loved it. The words you speak are so absolutely true. Oh, life would be so much easier if one could learn to never make assumptions about the whats or hows of another person. Thanks, Alvin, for sharing this deeply meaningful and well written free verse.
Hugs, Purr ^-^
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an exceptional review. I was quite unsure about this poem and you have reassured me.
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You are most welcome.
Comment from mountainwriter49
Hey Alvin,
I am so pleased you're finding time to write and review again. I've missed you on both planes.
this poem is simply stunning in its message. The discerning reader will read it, reflect upon its words, and perhaps learn to be more careful in passing judgment on his fellow person tomorrow.
Well done, my friend!
Ray
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Hey Alvin,
I am so pleased you're finding time to write and review again. I've missed you on both planes.
this poem is simply stunning in its message. The discerning reader will read it, reflect upon its words, and perhaps learn to be more careful in passing judgment on his fellow person tomorrow.
Well done, my friend!
Ray
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review. I have missed writing and reviewing as well. I am quite honored by the exceptional review.
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this piece is splendid. So glad I read it this evening.
Comment from EXMAN. nffc
wondering if I can write
ask if I am good enough
Do we not all ask ourselves this?
speaking for the poor and the homeless
and think I am doing it for fame
But you're a rampant lefty and that's what you lefty's do isn't it? I'm not sure where the fame bit comes in.
The last stanza is interesting and perhaps reveals more vulnerability than the rest of the piece. A child does not understand the world beyong their own small boundaries. An adult has moved out beyond those boundaries and understands the human condition. They feel at ease with themselves and knows that those who value who they are, will look beyond the surface and see what is really there. Those that do not, will make their own assumptions and no amount of soul baring is likely to change it.
If I don't necessarily understand someone, but feel there is something there worthy of further investigation, I fan them. It is always very rewarding.
How's ol Brucy anyway?
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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wondering if I can write
ask if I am good enough
Do we not all ask ourselves this?
speaking for the poor and the homeless
and think I am doing it for fame
But you're a rampant lefty and that's what you lefty's do isn't it? I'm not sure where the fame bit comes in.
The last stanza is interesting and perhaps reveals more vulnerability than the rest of the piece. A child does not understand the world beyong their own small boundaries. An adult has moved out beyond those boundaries and understands the human condition. They feel at ease with themselves and knows that those who value who they are, will look beyond the surface and see what is really there. Those that do not, will make their own assumptions and no amount of soul baring is likely to change it.
If I don't necessarily understand someone, but feel there is something there worthy of further investigation, I fan them. It is always very rewarding.
How's ol Brucy anyway?
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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How did you know I was left-handed? Grin. Bruce is still threatening to sign up for my senryu class. Thanks for an excellent review.
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Remember? We had a conversation in which I guessed you'd be a lefty(yes-I got your little play on words) (academics tend to be leftist don't they?) and you said you was damn near a comunist.
Anyway, I reckon there'd be a few(poor) people in this world who'd get a might pissed off with some condescending activist trying to show the world how shit their(the poor person's that is) life was.
Some of the happiest people I ever saw were running about in the dirt on the side of the road and... well... maybe we shouldn't get into a politcal debate in this forum.
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Actually, in American, the words "starving artist" aren't a oxymoron. Thanks for your response.
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Ahh, but you must suffer for your art. You don't look that hungry in your pic. You once mentioned some time ago that you were quite ill--cancer I believe. Is this threat now passed?
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No, it wasn't cancer. Yes, I was quite ill. It is in remission for now. Thank you for your concern. The picture was taken before the illness. I went down to 150 pounds and am now back at a healthy weight.
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150 pounds? Hmmm... what's that in real weight terms? Holy crap, that's about 68kg, you'd have looked bloody skeletal.
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I did. I looked emaciated about a year and a half ago.
Comment from samandlancelot
Alvin,
I would give you six stars for this one if I had any left. This is beautiful! I love your vulnerability and your desire to do better than you believe you are doing. This is perfect, as you reveal your heart to us.
Patricia
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Alvin,
I would give you six stars for this one if I had any left. This is beautiful! I love your vulnerability and your desire to do better than you believe you are doing. This is perfect, as you reveal your heart to us.
Patricia
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an excellent review. The virtual six is worth a lot, and I did receive actual sixes, so all is well.
Comment from Belinda
HI, Alvin, this is so good. Yes, no one knows us as we are. You've convinced me of this truth. Sorry, but I don't quite like the us/them. Can't you just choose them in this case? Just my opinion.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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HI, Alvin, this is so good. Yes, no one knows us as we are. You've convinced me of this truth. Sorry, but I don't quite like the us/them. Can't you just choose them in this case? Just my opinion.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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I debated back and forth about this for a long, long them. I don't like the dichotomy us vs them sets up, but I will think about it. Thanks for a great review.
Comment from Gungalo
This has got to be true and amazingly honest. You are your brother's keeper and you keep him very well. Your free verse is impeccable as is you twinge for the other side. Very very good Alvin.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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This has got to be true and amazingly honest. You are your brother's keeper and you keep him very well. Your free verse is impeccable as is you twinge for the other side. Very very good Alvin.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an exceptional review. I am qite grateful. You understand me so well.
Comment from IndianaIrish
Alvin, my friend, your wonderful poem is fantastic and so full of emotion. How wrong we so often are about people. Why do we ever think one glance at someone can tell us what's inside a person's heart? There's so much that makes a life of a person...and who are we to judge from words they use, clothes they wear,causes they champion, or from any one tiny part of their personality how can we assume anything at all? Written with emotion and excellence, your poem deserves a six star rating.
Karyn :>)
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Alvin, my friend, your wonderful poem is fantastic and so full of emotion. How wrong we so often are about people. Why do we ever think one glance at someone can tell us what's inside a person's heart? There's so much that makes a life of a person...and who are we to judge from words they use, clothes they wear,causes they champion, or from any one tiny part of their personality how can we assume anything at all? Written with emotion and excellence, your poem deserves a six star rating.
Karyn :>)
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Yes, I always remember one Biblical verse I learned as a child--"Man looketh on the outward appearance, but God looketh on the heart (I Samuel 16:7.) I am highly honored by this exceptional review, especially as you know me so well.
Comment from ulster3
Hello, Alvin.
I am so pleased to have had the pleasure of reading this work. It speaks to insecurities we all feel at times. It is hard to feel a need to be understood and not find understanding. Exceptional poem.
Warmly, Rebecca
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2012
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Hello, Alvin.
I am so pleased to have had the pleasure of reading this work. It speaks to insecurities we all feel at times. It is hard to feel a need to be understood and not find understanding. Exceptional poem.
Warmly, Rebecca
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review. I am so happy to hear from you. Is there anything of yours you would like me to review?
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How kind of you to ask, Alvin. Maybe From the Cradle to the Grave, posted today. No it isn't a tribute to Whitney. Your opinion is always honest and always welcome. Hugs, Rebecca
Comment from Joan E.
I thought it was a photograph of your eye until I saw the artist's credit (the image is unusual for her--I've used several of her pieces on Israel). I liked your introspection and honesty in this litany. We all wear masks for survival, and I admire your allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Happy weekend and best wishes in the free verse contest with this compelling entry. -Joan
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2012
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I thought it was a photograph of your eye until I saw the artist's credit (the image is unusual for her--I've used several of her pieces on Israel). I liked your introspection and honesty in this litany. We all wear masks for survival, and I admire your allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Happy weekend and best wishes in the free verse contest with this compelling entry. -Joan
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review--I didn't know this artist's work, but I thought it was appropriate.
