Comment from Linda England Bonam

Excellent

Very nicely done! And such a profound statement in just seventeen syllables! My friend just lost her sweet little two year old granddaughter to this childhood cancer monster. We miss her gorgeous smile every day since.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

I'm very sorry for your friend's loss, Linda. I couldn't imagine losing my child, especially to such a wicked and horrible disease.

Thanks so much for your encouraging and very thoughtful review.

Comment from perpetualwallflower

Excellent

This is so beautiful. I'm glad that you are honoring these children, they're so strong and brave. It's really well written and the picture is just precious. You've done a marvelous job.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks so much, perpetualwallflower. The bravery these children in hospital cancer wards all across the country would rival that of the most daring soldiers in battle.

I truly appreciate your kind and supportive comments. :}

Comment from jaeladarling

Excellent

It's amazing how humble we can become when viewing the plight of others. I especially hate to see children suffer. It always amazes me, though, how resilient they can be, and how they can often offer joy where most adults would offer bitterness. Your poem is a great reminder to be thankful for what we have and who we are. :) Thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks so much for your positively glowing review, jaelarding. Everything you've stated in it is so true!

Much appreciated. :}

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

You have met the contest requirements nicely with this well penned piece. Great topic and I will share this with the kids I work with daily as it will make them smile. I wish you all the best in the voting and thank you so much for sharing this with me.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thank you, Monica, and by the way things are looking, I am going to need all of the luck I can get. The most important thing is that the message is out there, and the poem may cause people to take stock and be more thankful for what they have.

Much obliged.

Comment from kiwijenny

Excellent

Oh my goodness this is so touching.....puts everything in perspective..my friend went through this ..her daughter had a rare cancer at two!
She is now cancer free but what an ordeal
God bless you

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks goodness she pulled through, Jenny. What a blessing that must have been for the family. Contrary to popular opinion, God does still perform miracles.

Thanks for your wonderfully encouraging review. It isn't doing as well as I'd hoped in the contest, but it isa still pretty early.

thanks again. :}

reply by kiwijenny on 23-Oct-2014

I just voted ..you are first with 10

reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks for your support. It is greatly appreciated. :}

Comment from Ninap2

Exceptional

Wonderful! So much said in so few words. "render" self-pity" "insignificant" what great language. Your picture is the cherry to your poem. Great job. -Nina

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks so much, Nina, and I truly appreciate your encouraging review. I needed a bit of encouragement in this contest, the poem is not doing that well. But, the message is out there, and that's the most important thing.

Thanks again! :}

Comment from Ben Colder

Excellent

When I cannot give but 5 stars wishing I had more to offer. She is beautiful, her smile captures the magic in your wording. Blessings to you. Hope you win.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks so much, Ben, and I truly appreciate the sentiment, my friend. These little children are so brave and courageous. It truly puts things in perspective.

Much obliged, my friend.

Be well~

reply by Ben Colder on 23-Oct-2014

Lost a grandson at 20 months of age with this problem. Loved him and miss him.

reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Ben.

reply by Ben Colder on 23-Oct-2014

Thank you. He died lying near me. Before he left the Lord moved upon me to open my Bible . I knew the Father was taking him and was encouraged to share with the others the scriptures He had given.

reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

So sad, Ben.

I learned and memorized the 23rd Psalm very early on in Sunday school. When my mother-in-law died of pancreatic cancer in 2012, she had me keep repeating it over and over again during her final hours. She was buried with a ring I had given her bearing a portion of the verse on its face. Now, I wear the same ring as I'd purchased another just like it to always remind me that even in death, God is so comforting.

reply by Ben Colder on 23-Oct-2014

Yes, He is. Blessings to you.

reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Blessings to you as well, Ben.

Comment from Benny Beeharry

Excellent

We want to see only their smiles.
We do not want to remind them of the terrible and grim state they are in. It is better.
This writing is an excellent witness to this. Let the smile shine, let them be brave , it is their innocent strength.
Beautiful writing.
Benny Beeharry

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

Thanks very much, Benny. You're so right about that, my friend. Thanks for such a positive and encouraging review. :}

Comment from gypsycaravan

Excellent

That is certainly a truth and powerful statement. No matter what one goes through, there will always be someone who is worse off. Children do seem to be braver, though, than many adults. Nice tribute.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

You're so right, gypsycaravan. They are very brave indeed, and keep such a positive outlook for the most part.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and encouraging review.

Comment from amahra

Excellent

She is so cute even without hair. I don't think an innocent child can do anything not to look cute. I loved this simple poem. And thought it great that you would use a senryu for such a message.

 Comment Written 23-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Oct-2014

She's gorgeous, isn't she, amahra? And what a beautiful smile, one that could light up a room. And all while dealing with Leukemia. It's so hard to imagine how...

Thanks so much for such an outstanding and thoughtful review, my friend.

Be well~