Comment from James Chaima Phiri

Excellent

The picture makes me remember the day I was on Lake Tanganyika in a boat. The storm I witnessed will stay in my memory for the rest of my life. Three hours later the Lake was as calm and as flat as a table or glass. That is what you have accurately described in your poem. The beauty of a Sea, Lake, or Ocean can be questioned by someone who has never visited such sites. This is a beautiful poem.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thanks, James

I think this is the best kind of compliment, when a reviewer tells how the piece drew a personal response.

Steve

Comment from Warren Rodgers

Exceptional

Hi Steve,
I think this is one terrific ode, and what a great subject to write about! Fantastic meter and rhymes are no surprise in your work, and neither is the attention you pay to word choices and detail. Great enjambment, internal rhymes and alliteration. I saw your note about the break in meter and it did throw me off at first, I thought maybe tireless host?Just a suggestion in a very worthy six star contest entry. Good luck in the contest,.
all the best,
Rodger

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Rodger, thanks for the great review.

Thought I would throw everything and the kitchen sink at this contest....

Steve

Comment from Gianinas

Excellent

O mother of the earth, your fertile womb
Gave birth in ancient time to seeds of life.
We flourished on your shores and grew to bloom
In glory. Mankind's triumph, joy and strife
I enjoyed the poem, even though I had to look a couple of words up (English not my mother's tongue:)). The rhythm and rhyme of the quote was my favorite. Very elegant.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from skye

Excellent

Great power within your rhymes, wonderful imagery found within your creative words.
I love this ode. The sea is ever-changing, wild, peaceful, and unpredictable.
Excellent poem.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thank you, Skye

You belong with the Sea

Steve

Comment from hsarathy

Exceptional

I love the lines, " And we who feel your tides tug at our heart
Shall ever sailors be. The ocean's moan
Our lullaby, the cry of gulls, a part
Of who we are, shall sound us off to sleep." Excellent work!

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thank you!

yes, I like to have a strong ending and this seemed to suit nicely.

Steve

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

strong rhymes
good steady cadence
excellent use of enjambment
effective use of personification
lovely consonance in phrases like imbued with boundless beauty
gorgeous descriptive detail
great verb choices like bedazzle, hearten, heal, replenish, hurl...
a wonderful tone of appreciation and praise, perfect for the ode :-) Brooke

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thank you, Brooke.

Steve

Comment from chasennov

Excellent

'Ode To The Sea.' This is a super good poem you have crafted here. If I could write poetry like this I would demand a feather in my cap. Well done.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Well we have chickens, so there is no shortage of feathers to choose from.... :o)

Thanks for reviewing.

Steve

reply by chasennov on 04-Feb-2014

You are most welcome, Steve.

Comment from kiwijenny

Excellent

I had to study Keats in school and I always wondered how much did that Grecian earn?:o)
I love this ode...trust a kiwi to do it about the sea....I love it too! I love the emotions of the sea you portray...calm ...angry...
I looked at the sea like that too and it's immeasurable power...it's how I thought of God...well done
God bless

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

I think the standard answer is that he earned about 5 drachma per day!~

Thanks for the warm review.

Steve

Comment from Matoshka

Excellent

What an outstanding ode to the sea you have penned, my friend. You have covered every mood she has, and your language at least to me, is of the old world time. I truly enjoyed your ode and wish you the best in the contest. Blessings

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

reply by Matoshka on 05-Feb-2014

So very welcome, Steve, I really enjoyed it. Blessings

Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Excellent

I found this very powerful, Steve. I also found it moving and felt the greatness of the ocean, its power and its might. Poem as a whole had a distinct Keates feeling...a kind of contemplation. Giddy

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2014

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reply by the author on 04-Feb-2014

Thanks, Giddy

I do feel that an ode deserves some serious verse and elevated language.

Let's see if the judges agree....

Steve