Comment from Muffins

Exceptional

The monster of war only attracts other monsters to join the herd. I was never taught about this horrific scene in school. As you said in your author's notes, I can't imagine how those men felt, clinging to life, sharing the water with sharks!

This poem is riveting and scary. Each stanza absorbs and fills the reader with heartbreaking emotions. It also forces the reader to think about the insanity of war.

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 28-Jul-2014

Thank you very much, Muffins, I am very happy that you enjoyed this poem. I happen to be completely terrified by sharks and would have a massive coronary the first time I saw a dorsal fin poke through the water. It's hard to believe how many have never heard of the plight of the ill fated USS Indianapolis. You can still catch those brave mens' harrowing story during Shark Week on Animal Planet.

Comment from reconciled

Excellent

my uncle Pat was a survivor....he would never talk about it...I've read books of survivor account at night they would come and feed on them...those who couldn't get into the life rafts....can you imagine being one in the raft, life saved as you watched another being eaten alive. Great write love michael

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2014

Thank you, Michael, I really appreciate your review. No, I could not imagine. I am terrified of sharks, and the first dorsal fin I saw poking out of the water would be the end of me.

Thanks so much again!

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

That was horror at it's most gruesome. The thought that it was a real event sens chills down my spine. Great imagery and the rhythm was wonderful. nicely done.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2014

Thanks for the complimentary review and kind comments, GW. I really appreciate it, and I'm happy you enjoyed the poem.

Comment from Drew Delaney

Excellent

This is a true horror story. Yes, men and women in war, end up usually used and abused in a sense. Dying for one's country is not a picture of beauty. Thank you for sharing this Dean. An awesome story that we should all read.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2014

Thanks for the kind comments and thoughtful review, Drew. I really appreciate it!

Comment from Eric1

Excellent

Hi Dean, I knew about this story from one of the most unlikely sources, It was in the film 'Jaws' Robert Shaw was below deck and he was telling to others about the 'Indianapolis' saying that when the rescue ship got there , it looked like there were hundreds of survivors, but the shatrks had eaten them below the water and it was just their lifebelts keeping them upright, A harrowing story that had to be told my friend.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks, Eric, and that scene with Quint, the wily old sea captain of the fishing trawler ORCA, was in the back of my mind the entire time that I was writing this.

I really appreciate the excellent review!

reply by Eric1 on 26-Jul-2014

You are so welcome Dean.

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This was awesome, Dean, as always. The first time I saw it, and knew it was in the horror poem contest, I had mixed feelings. I knew you would probably win since you've captured this horrendous chapter of Navy history so well. You eclipsed the competition and rightly so. Your stylish production values never disappoint. They made a movie of this with Stacey Keach as the hapless captain of the Indianapolis. I'm sure everyone remembers the reference to it in Jaws. Terrific poem! I'd give you a six if I had it.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks, Bill, very much. I remember Robert Shaw's scene as Captain Quint of the fishing trawler, Orca very well, as he recited his account of the harrowing event. It was in the back of my mind the entire time I was writing this.

Thanks again for the outstanding review!

Comment from DragonSkulls

Excellent

Wow, talk about a bummer. Fantastic write, Dean. Glad to see you won with it. Yeah, what a way to go, surviving the explosion just to get eaten. What a rip.

Well get your horror thoughts up to par again, friend. I'm thinking of sponsoring a horror poem contest myself. I'm thinking because so few people enter these horror ones that I might up the entry fee to 10 smackers. Not real sure about that yet. Might lose some folks that way. Who knows? We'll see. Again, congrats on the win. Have a good one.

Ron

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks, Ron, and thanks also for the heads-up on your potential contest. If I have ten bucks in funny money left, I'd certainly enter, LOL, when the time comes. I'll be keeping a little back, just in case!

reply by DragonSkulls on 25-Jul-2014

Very cool. It's up there then. I hope I get some takers.

reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

I think you will, if the rules aren't off the grid like some of these contests around here. Good grief, you sure gotta' read the fine print sometimes. I think many of those who promote contests just try to see how many contestants they can trip up!

reply by DragonSkulls on 25-Jul-2014

I do a couple rules, well 4, but they're simple.

reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Good enough for me. :}

reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

I've reserved a spot, Ron. :}

Comment from A Matter Of Words

Excellent

I don't think the levels of horror can be counted when it comes to war. Death comes to far too many, either instantly or slowly. It is the slow death which is most cruel. Your poem is an excellent reminder of this.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thank you very much for the review, Stephanie. I really appreciate you weighing in with your insights and opinion.

reply by A Matter Of Words on 25-Jul-2014

You're as welcome s ever, Dean. I am always amazed by the depth of your writing ability. I enjoy it all...with the exception of the creepy clown.:) take care...Stephanie

reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks, Stephanie, and I really enjoy your writing as well! :}

Comment from seaglass

Excellent

Wow, I can't believe how much information has come to me in the last several years regarding WW11. This was truly too horrible for words. This story poem is well written with skillful use of rhyme and meter. It effectively relates this historical event.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thank you, seaglass. I am very happy that you enjoyed reading it. I feel ture horror stories are far more terrifying than zombies and mad, rabid murders, things of that nature. We can only imagine what those guys went through. On second thought, it would probably be better for us if we didn't!

reply by seaglass on 25-Jul-2014

I try not to ponder such things too much. They get stuck in my head.

Living in the place when the steamer Brother Jonathan sunk, killing all but 11 people, really got into my head big time. I had to write my novel to set it free.

Now I just learned that the Japanese sunk a submarine off my coast as well, Here I go again.

reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Heh-heh,,, Oops! My bad, LOL! :D

Comment from rrabinow

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your poem. Definatley is a horror poem. It flowed well from start to finish. I like the description that you used. Great picture choice as well. Best of luck.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks very much for your encouraging review, rrabinow. I appreciate it, and the good luck wishes as well.

reply by rrabinow on 25-Jul-2014

You are welcome.