Comment from juliaSjames

Excellent

This is a beautiful poem in perfect nonet form.

Spectacular flow.

Nostalgia gilds the canvas of memories. Perhaps it's for the best that we can't go back and be disappointed.

Like the way the final word, "ghosts" directs the reader's attention to the "Dancing shadows' of the first line.

I'm not a fan of archaisms. But in this write, I keep on reading the eighth line as "O ye".

Best of luck in the contest, Steve.

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Julia.

Just trying something different - not really a big fan of this form - perhaps it shows in the lack-lustre reviews (not yours!)

Steve

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

Lots of emotion hidden in your lines, longing to know more about the past.I love the line, "ragged memories edge" very good! They haunt you like ghosts from the past. Your sullable count is perfect. Love the art! Good luck in the contest. Nancy

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words, Nancy.

Steve

Comment from trimple

Excellent

Hello there Steve

A great entry to the nonet competition.
Your poem reads soulful, and you have managed to conjure up a sense of longing in few words. I think Mr Hartley would have been proud of this one.

'Dancing shadows they flee before me'-- Great stuff!

kindest regards
trimple:)

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Tracey.

Steve

Comment from closetpoetjester

Excellent

Well your ragged memory scrubbed up okay for this one Steve as you cried for the spirits of old to take you back to a time you loved. I'm not familiar with the novel you mentioned but I get a feeling your embracing a bit of nostalgia here. The dancing shadows of a golden country it seems will haunt your forever more...until you return, of course Haha. Very nicely penned Steve.
Cheers P

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Just got to find a time machine - reckon I could do a bit better second time around - not to mention buying up lots of Microsoft shares....

Steve

Comment from N.K. Wagner

Excellent

The golden country of memory, where everything is seen through a haze of fond remembrance. I suspect that's what you have in mind here. Beautifully worded. Wish the words could have been superimposed on the sky. What a lovely picture. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Nancy - that's not actually what I started out to write, but it is what emerged! Bloody poems take on a life of their own.

Steve

Comment from strandregs

Excellent

Hi Steve
Yes it does (as if you had a doubt) make sense after I read it five time.
Nice write.
ragged memory's edge -nice.Z.

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Nice, kiwistevh. A nonet with an eerie, ethereal feel to it. Right up my particular alley.

You've left this open to interpretation, and I am to interpretation as one who craves all things sour is to a lemon. I love the stimulation, but I really suck at it.

So let me just say that I liked the essence of this, and your presentation was fantastic.

Nice work.

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Dean.

You live up an eerie, ethereal alley??

Steve

reply by Dean Kuch on 29-Mar-2014

Yes, haven't you noticed? No, you rarely read my work, so you probably haven't, lol.

Comment from marycec

Excellent

This is a haunting nonet . You have captured that dream crossed twilight between sleep and wakefulness beautifully..I particularly liked 'teasing ragged memory's edge'.

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Mary, thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from the blue pixel

Excellent

You are so good with words Steve. As I read them I can experience what I think you mean. Our memories are notoriously "ragged" as you put it, inaccurate and shadowy though how often do we swear we are absolutely spot on? It's not too often that a centred Nonet makes a perfect inverted triangle but yours is as close as it gets and presents beautifully. Good luck in the contest. You certainly give these things a right royal try and you deserve all the wins, and more, that you can get. xx Carol

 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Carol.

I have had my share of wins lately, but doubt if this will be one of them - reviews have been lukewarm. Still, you never know what the judges will decide....

Steve

reply by the blue pixel on 29-Mar-2014

In my very limited and very past experience, reviews and votes are entirely different beasts and if memory serves me correctly, when my reviews weren't great, my votes were better and vice versa. My fingers are crossed for you. xx Carol

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

stunning artwork to illustrate your poem, which is in excellent syllable count for the nonet
excellent use of enjambment to keep thought flowing from line to line
good consonance in half forgotten
soulful expression of emotion
Brooke

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 Comment Written 26-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 29-Mar-2014

Thanks, Brooke.

Steve