Comment from livelylinda

Excellent

DALLAS01: I very recently had the same thought as you, "Where is Martin Luther King, Jr. when you need him??" Peaceful demonstrations are needed in this town, at least as far as I can see. The presence of law abiding protestors works; it is proven in the past. But, when looting, stealing, damaging property occurs, it is just another day in the wild forests. I want to know the truth, the real truth. And, if police brutality is at fault of a young man's death, justice must take place. Those who are choosing to act like criminals are slowing down the legal process. You have said it all in this well-written verse. livelylinda

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2014

Yes, I tried to write this from a point of observation rather than opinion. I'm one of those who needs all of the information to form one.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

There is so much carnage and violence in the world, some of it in the name of justice, but all of it in the name of violence, why can't people see that the blindness, hard of hearing, judgement! I like your well written, poem, descriptively stark, I loved the way you declared it's all in the name violence, succinctly put, blessings, Roy.

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2014

Thanks for reviewing.

Comment from rjuselius

Excellent

indeed, riots brings nothing good in life. it scars people for life and awaits an endless strife. however the outrage of people is sometimes valuable for future generations.
thank you for sharing!

rebekka x

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2014

Thanks for reviewing. There are lessons in everything.

Comment from sweetwoodjax

Excellent

this is an excellent write, dallas, you did an excellent job writing this free style poem about the destruction of rioters and terrorists mimic each other. I enjoyed reading it. good luck in the contest

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Aug-2014

Thanks for reviewing. Glad you liked it.

Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi Dallas,

This is so spot on, and stated effectively. Whether it be the ashes of a natural catastrophe, or man-made evilness of war, unrest - where will it all end?

Good luck in the contest.

Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'.... Jax (*-*)

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thanks, Jax. Tried to avoid opinion and just write from point of observation.

Comment from Selina Stambi

Excellent

Rioters
hiding behind the banner of justice-
imitating terrorists
who use religion as their shield
to achieve their own agenda. ... I couldn't have put it better myself, Dallas.

I think you've shared the hearts of us all with this powerful piece.

God bless and have mercy on America.

Hope you're having a wonderful week. :)

Love,

Sonali

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thanks, Sonali. I tried to approach this strictly from a point of observation, instead of taking sides. Wouldn't want to offend anyone. I'm always tempted to look at situations after the dust settles.

reply by Selina Stambi on 20-Aug-2014

It's always safer not to articulate one's allegiance on explosive matters such as this.

I agree with you, my dear. :)

Comment from Acquired Taste

Excellent

This is a great free verse and absolutely on target - and that is a shame. You've done a really good job of visualizing what happens. I unfortunately was caught in one and it is petrifying. Best wishes for the contest. AT=/

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thank you for the great review. I tried not to take a stand on one side or the other, just merely observe.

Comment from Writingfundimension

Excellent

This timely and powerful free verse poem is a great entry in this contest, Dallas. Your carefully chosen words and descriptions are all very effective, but I found this particularly sad:

'Sympathy and empathy
going up in smoke
of civil disobedience,
the victim robbed again...'

Good luck in the contest!

:) Bev

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thanks, Bev. I wrote it simply as an observer.

reply by Writingfundimension on 21-Aug-2014

You're welcome, Dallas. :)

Comment from Dorothy Farrell

Excellent

Hi Dallas - This is a fine free verse describing in good poetic form a relevant subject at the moment - and always for that matter. Peaceful demonstrations disrupted by militants hiding behind 'the banner of justice'. People watching on TV tend to 'tar them all with the same brush' when, in fact, it is just the few that cause havoc. Hear, Hear, to your phrase preceding your title. Good luck in the contest. Kind regards Dorothy

 Comment Written 20-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thanks, Dorothy. Tried to steer away from an opinion and write it strictly from an observation.

Comment from acerisestory

Excellent

This is a well written, free verse poem, Dallas01. You've taken a difficult subject and written about it in an impactful manner. I particularly like this stanza:

Rioters
hiding behind the banner of justice-
imitating terrorists
who use religion as their shield
to achieve their own agenda.

Too bad this has to happen over and over again. It achieves nothing. Your poem moves with a good rhythm, and your use of alliteration enhances the flow. Thank you for sharing, and good luck in the contest. Alana

 Comment Written 19-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Aug-2014

Thank you for the kind review. Written from a point of observation rather than siding with one or the other.

reply by acerisestory on 20-Aug-2014

You are welcome, Dallas. Alana