Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

Your poem is eerie. It has a good message interwoven with a bit of gruesomeness and a lot of truth. I see it as a commentary on the sad state of society. Too many people, young and old, are dealing with thoughts like your poem stated. The way you interspersed the pictures is amazing. I have only seen this done by you. I know others, including me, would like to know how to do this kind of formatting. However, I understand that this is your secret. Good job and thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Thanks for your kind comments and complimentary review, jannypan. PM me in my inbox, and I will explain to you how to do this type of formatting.

~Dean

Comment from Patrick G Cox

Excellent

Hi Dean Kuch,

An entertaining take on the anthropomorphic persona of Death, Charon, Hermes et al. A serious message within the poem, nicely done.

Patrick

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Thank you for your response and review, Patrick.~Dean

Comment from TAB_that's me

Exceptional

Very well written Dean and It has a great message and meaning for all. I think if parents took time to talk more to their kids there might be less bullying and less suicides. Parents need to open-minded though to whatever the kids have to say.
Teresa

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 03-Dec-2014

I couldn't agree more, Teresa. Thanks for the fantastic rating and supportive comments. I sincerely appreciate it! ~Dean

Comment from Writingfundimension

Excellent

The tremendous support for this poem speaks volumes for its timely concept and excellent construction. What an amazing image you start out with, through your words, of the reaper and his throne made of bone! Another gem, Dean. :) Bev

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Thank you very much, Bev. I'm very glad you enjoyed it. :{

~Dean

Comment from rosehill (Wendy)

Exceptional

Good morning Dean. This is beautifully done in all aspects, music, photos and verse. A tragedy to think that life becomes such a burden that someone would choose to cross the Styx rather than conquer the adversity: a teen's self-esteem, adult consequences of uncontrolled behavior, PTSD, You are correct in cautioning parents to be parents, not buddies or merely food and shelter providers. There is actually only one word in the whole piece, hopped, which threw me out of the time and space. Too many cartoons in my life maybe, but it just seemed out of place in the context of the moment. Might I suggest "opted for" or I could just keep quiet and enjoy it again. Bravo.- Wendy

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Thank you for such a complimentary review and indepth feedback, Wendy. I truly appreciate that more than your very generous rating of six stars, although I'm very grateful for that too.

You're right, it's horrible to think that someone could detest life so badly they decide to punch out permanently. I nearly did it myself once, I'm not ashamed to admit, after my first marriage ending with my wife cheating on me with one of my best friends, and the nasty divorce that followed. But if I had, I just look at all I would have missed out on -- the birth of my only daughter, meeting the perfect woman... last nights sunset. You get the picture.

Ask, and ye shall receive... I seem to recall hearing that a time or two. Anyhow, you've made the suggestion, and I took your suggestion and ran with it, changing that line. I hope you don't mind. Now, you too are a part of my work.

Thanks so much again, Wendy., I greatly appreciate it! :}

~Dean

Comment from mfowler

Excellent

Not much joy in this till the penultimate verse where you warn of life's preciousness. This is a great concept piece assaulting the senses with visions of vitims who have become so despairing that they may take their own lives. And then the mythically inspired journey with the ferryman to Hades becomes ineveitable. The hope is there to some degree, and your notes give fair warning. A daunting piece with great horror features as well as liberal doses of social reality. Well done, Dean

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

thanks for your thoughts and indepth review, mark. i appreciate it.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

Very interesting. So they all gave in to their self-made woes and rode that that last ride to the halls of death. Great writing and presentation.

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Thanks, Lance. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this.

The implication here is that "perhaps" it could be those I mentioned, as the Grim Reaper contemplates from his Kingdom which one he's going to chose. Or, it could be someone all together different. In other words, it could be anyone -- me, Miley Cyrus, or the President of the United States -- anyone. It all depends upon the state of mind someone is in. That's why those of us with children need to be especially vigilant when it comes to addressing their problems. Teens are notoriously tight-lipped about being bullied at school, and such.

Thanks again for the review. Much obliged.

Comment from ProjectBluebook

Exceptional

Heartbeat... thump... thump... _____________________ I have flat-lined, my heart has stopped. I require CPR. This masterpiece marvels terrestrial man's abilities. I'm bewitched by the words. Words would be an insult. There are no words to describe your latest masterpiece. The music is chilling, hair raising. A picture tells a thousand words. actions speak louder than words. There are too many good scenes to describe. Just when I thought I have seen it all, and the best. This is my new favorite without question. Your imagination is like the sands of the hour glass. Time seems to slow to a snails crawl as I listen to this creepy music. I'm confounded. You are the spook king. spook-a-doo

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Hah, thanks a million, Spook-A-doo, and it is enough for me that you think so, my friend. I'm happy that you liked it, this one took some time to get it all together.

Thanks for the sixer and your glowing comments. They all are greatly appreciated! :}

~Dean

reply by ProjectBluebook on 02-Dec-2014

I know what you go through. Right now I got to research the area that Frank has bailed out at, so I can describe the terrain he landed in. Then research what a B-17 bombadier would carry in his LPA and his weapons. People don't realize how much research and time goes into making something that is accurate. Especially, just the poets. I won't do nothin' half done. It's not as simple that it appears. Got oodles of research to do before I create my next chapter. Later Spooky.

reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Later, Spook-A-Doo...:}

reply by ProjectBluebook on 02-Dec-2014

OK, SPOOKY. BOO...

Comment from Spitfire

Exceptional

Three chilling stories in one! A frightening description of the ferryman. Thanks for the author's notes.
as he ponders who'll be his next choice.-- I'm wondering why the soldier though -is he depressed because he has to kill?

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

Yep, you got it, Shari. That, and dealing with PTSD can be a bitch! It causes many ex-soldiers so much anguish they end up taking their own lives.

I truly appreciate your wonderful rating and review. :}

~Dean

Comment from pipersfancy

Exceptional

This is a really good one, Dean. Sent shivers down my spine and reminded me of the some of the lyrics from the Chris De Burgh song, The Ferryman:

"Whatever you do
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side"

In the rolling mist then he gets on board
Now there'll be no turning back
Beware that hooded old man at the rudder

And then the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared
And people calling out his name
And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned
On the water

Read more: Chris De Burgh - Don't Pay The Ferryman Lyrics | MetroLyrics

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Dec-2014

I love Chris De Burgh's song, Christina, but I hadn't made the connection. I wonder if I could find an instrumental for my background music? I'll have to look into that!

Thanks for the wonderful comments and exceptional rating. And, whatever you do...Don't pay the Ferryman!...~Dean :}