Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

I found your sonnet in direct praise of the New Zealand Christmas tree. Ravaged by the winds of the sea and saltiness in the air, the Pohutukawas withstands it all to be seen and proud.

Your words exemplify this natures beauty.

Thanks for posting.
John

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks, John. Glad you enjoyed.

Steve

Comment from estory

Excellent

This sonnet speaks of the tenacity of nature and life. It's also interesting that you picked as a central image this tree with its grotesque limbs, so it also speaks to the fact that sometimes the struggle of life produces the most beauty. estory

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from JSD

Exceptional

Wow. Excellent handling of this difficult form. Brilliant ideas, natural unforced rhyme and some telling phrases. Great use of alliteration and assonance too. Well done and good luck. John

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

John, many thanks for the kind review and the extra shiny star. Much appreciated.

Steve

Comment from jake cosmos aller

Excellent

Powerful moving poem about a tree that is the symbol of resilience and the spirit of New Zealand - I did not know much about this tree, and its deep meaning

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks, Jake.
Our geographical isolation means we have a few unusual, if not unique, flora and fauna...

Steve

Comment from LisaMay

Exceptional

Thanks for reposting this gem. Yes, it is definitely a ''Damn, that's good!'' poem, and as a New Zealand resident I am familiar with this wonderful floral blaze. 'Pohutukawa' is my favourite NZ word. Surprisingly, we can even grow them down here in Dunedin, though of course they put on much more of a display up north.
Your poem is beautifully descriptive of their habitat and appearance. I love the last 2 lines - so typical of what nature offers us.

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks, Lisa.
Hopr uou have good heating way down there in the deep South. We have had a couple of almost frosts in the last week! And a string of dry daysrest of the poem sweetly.

Steve (broken last night) which were a record for this year.

Somehow I haven't written much with a NZ theme, so this one stands out. I like the last lines as well - ties in and sums up the

Comment from Boogienights

Excellent

I'd love to see these stoic trees, they sound beautiful. In fact, I'd be happy to see your country as well. This is beautifully written, very descriptive and I appreciate "seeing" them through your words.

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks, Boogie.

Yeah, come visit us sometime! We're renowned for being friendly and welcoming and it's hard to beat the scenery.

Steve

Comment from Zoe Webb

Exceptional

I liked this! Especially the last stanza. Interesting to learn about the foliage of New Zeland. I almost wish the follow-up notes had been first, since it sort of change my reading the second time. I liked the contrast between their haggard, tortured struggle and their outer beauty.

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Hi, Zoe. Many thanks for this kind review and the extra shiny star.

Steve

Comment from Jesse James Doty

Excellent

Well, only after reading your author's notes did I understand this sonnet you so proudly display from somewhere nearly nine years ago. I am a bit put off by the choice of words only after reading your definition did I understand the meaning of this poem.
This is a good try at bringing back a poem from a long, long time ago.
Jesse

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks, Jesse.
Good to delve through the portfolio from time to time.

Steve

reply by Jesse James Doty on 16-Jun-2023

I suppose you are right.
Jesse

Comment from harmony13

Excellent

The author's words show an unknown part of nature that is just beautiful! The words are well chosen and expressed well. The poem is interesting and creative. Thank you for the author's notes - it's great to be educated! The poem flows and connects well. The artwork is awesome!

 Comment Written 10-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

-Nice image and presentation, Steve.
-Your notes are appreciated.
-A well written sonnet with a good topic.
-Vivid imagery describes the tree in verse one
that continues in the next verse with
"tangled roots" and "grotesque arms."
-A very good volta that changes the season,
and the trees offer shade. The closing line
of this verse is excellent.
-A very good closing couplet.
-I can see why you liked this one. Well done!

 Comment Written 10-Jun-2023

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2023

Pam, thanks for the always thorough review.

Steve

reply by Pam (respa) on 15-Jun-2023

You are very welcome, Steve.