Reviews from

A Scream Beyond the Darkness

Things aren't always what they seem to be...

72 total reviews 
Comment from rouskin
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In the darkness, things aren't always as they seem, but during the day ....In the USA, Barn Owls are listed as endangered species in seven Midwestern states, and in the European Community they are considered a Species of European Concern.
I enjoyed reading it very much
Blessings, Rouskin

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thanks, Rouskin, and I was unaware of their endangered status in Europe. Sad, really. They are a beautiful bird.

    I really appreciate your kind comments and generous rating.
Comment from forestport12
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I loved the word play in the one middle verse in particular about how you described the moons silhouette and pirouette of lights. How original and lovely is your words play. So many more unique phrases. I never stop being amazed.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thanks so much for such a complimentary review of this poem, Stan. I very honored that you enjoyed it.
Comment from Tomes Johnston
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is yet another dark and sinister poem from the author in this piece of writing. I haven't been reviewing for a while because I have been away in Thailand and Cambodia for a holiday with my fiance. It was great but it is good to be back as well.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Nice to have you back safe & sound, Tomes. I certainly appreciate you kind comments and generous review.
reply by Tomes Johnston on 07-Apr-2014
    It is good to ne back on here. The holiday was great but I missed this.
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2014
    Well we certainly missed your creative offerings as well, my friend.

    Welcome home.
reply by Tomes Johnston on 07-Apr-2014
    Thank you.
Comment from lindalcreel
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I have owls in my backyard, but thankfully they don't screech like that. There are at least two of them there almost every night and occasionally they make their way to our mail box. Fun creatures.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thank you, Linda, very much!

    Yes, that high-pitched screech is pretty exclusive to the barn owl. It does sound exactly like a terrified woman or little girl screaming. It's a bit unnerving.
reply by lindalcreel on 06-Apr-2014
    So glad I don;t have to listen to them. LOL
Comment from comanalbert
Excellent
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I do not think I've ever seen anBarn Owl. I know nothing about them. However, owls are some interesting birds and their screaming is a bit scary when you're alone in the woods and it's dark.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thanks, comanalbert, I apprecite the review.

    Not all owls scream, but the barn owl sounds eerily similar to a screaming child. It's very unsettling.
Comment from Writingfundimension
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Terrific, Dean. This poem is both eerily beautiful and compelling. Loved this:

'He bade me go with just a wink,
I sorrowfully complied.
Bathed by the moon, footfalls in sync
whilst he simply sat and cried...'

We have something in our area called Stone Circle Poetry. This would be a terrific poem to share around a campfire.

Bravo!

Warmest regards, Bev

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thanks a million, Bev. I'm so glad that you liked this one, and I appreciate your kind comments.
reply by Writingfundimension on 07-Apr-2014
    You're very welcome, Dean. I like this last few poems about the mystical aspect of birds. Really resonates with me.

    :0) Bev
reply by the author on 07-Apr-2014
    Thanks, Bev, I'm glad they did!
Comment from DR DIP
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Deano, this is beautifully written the image of the owl bathed in sadness at the end of the poem is just so apt.
I love the story/ theme of your verse
You are a beautiful poet that for some reason cannot accept this fact so openly. yes there is always the tinge of hooror story tendencies for its in your blood..dark crimson oozing blood ,trickling down the barn yar...huh? oh sorry
just got caught up in the moment.
Your authors notes are always thorough but are not always necessary in that detail because THAT is half the fun of reading one of your poems: the suspense and the unknown the uncertainty in the darkness.

as always, dip

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Oh, thank a million, dip! I was hoping to get your opinion on this one. I'm really pleased that you liked it. Thanks for the sixer, too!
Comment from Smoothiecool
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

you have great imagery through out your poem to allow the reader to see and feel the night owl and the screech

good rhyme through each verse

your chosen words keep the reader engaged till the end

flows well easy read

cheers Smoothiecool

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 07-Apr-2014
    Thanks, SC, I truly appreciate that!
reply by Smoothiecool on 07-Apr-2014
    most welcome...SC
Comment from alexgeorge
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautiful image of the Bird of Wisdom. Such lovely poetry, so unique, a talent unmatched. Always a pleasure to be gifted in such a manner by one of FS top poets.

I had no idea these majestic owls had such a scary call. No wonder they send shivers down people's spines at night.

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 07-Apr-2014
    Thank you very much, Alex. It's cry is unique to this particular owl. Very unsettling when you are out in a dark field and one of them lets loose.

    Thanks again for your wonderful words of encouragement, and shiny six stars!
reply by alexgeorge on 07-Apr-2014
    you're welcome.
Comment from pipersfancy
Excellent
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Ah, I love owls, Dean! This brings to mind the novel by Margaret Craven, 'I Heard the Owl Call My Name', about the young Anglican priest sent to work in a First Nations community in remote, coastal British Columbia - the spiritual beliefs of the people he is working with include the belief that the sound of the owl calling own's name is meant to prepare the person for their own approaching death. I happen to believe there is truth to that... As I began my 6 hour drive home from one of my school visits earlier this winter, I saw 3 separate Great Northern Owls sitting in trees very near the road. They all seemed to be staring very intently right into my eyes (actually gave me goosebumps!) As I passed the last owl, it started to snow... lightly, but steadily. Although I had checked the weather before leaving, I suddenly got a very odd and ominous feeling... so I turned around and headed the 45 minutes back to the school. I was met by a very concerned resource teacher who informed me that soon after I had left, a severe weather advisory had been posted, and had I continued my drive home, I would have been caught right smack dab in the middle of the blizzard (which closed the highway, dumped a foot of snow, and caused power outages that last 2 days!)

Anyway... LOVE your poem here! Well rhymed! I really like the alternating length of lines... your longer lines (8 syllables) are all in iambic meter, although the 7 syll. lines are not. (Not sure if that was intentional or not... but it's a neat effect, regardless.)

Bravo!

Christina

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2014


reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thank you, Christina (but -- you'll always be "Pipe" to me, lol!)I am really glad that you liked this one. You would have loved my last one, A Murder Most Fowl, because it is based on an old Chippewa Indian Legend. I know your experience and affinity for these noble peoples of Indian descent would be able to lend important insights into it, most likely.

    Thanks so much again for a spectacular review!
reply by pipersfancy on 06-Apr-2014
    You can certainly call me 'Pipe'! (I kind of like it as a nickname!) I'll be sure to take a look at 'A Murder Most Fowl'... I haven't been onsite for the past 2 weeks and I've missed a bunch of new works,

    PF
reply by the author on 06-Apr-2014
    Thank you!!!