Comment from Kriss Day

Exceptional

Dean, when I read your poem I understood why you won the contest. I used to be a psychiatric nurse and worked with people with anorexia/bulimia, and what you wrote is exactly what they said - not always to us, but certainly to each other. When I saw the pic at the end it was like the scariest shot in a horror film, and more scary still for being a continuation of the poem. Well done!

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2014

Thank you very much, Kriss, and welcome to FanStory, my friend. I am really glad that you enjoyed this, and I sincerely appreciate your exemplary rating and exceptional comments.

Have fun here, and thanks again! :)

~Dean Kuch

Comment from Neonewman

Excellent

Horrible disease, it takes control of ones mind and twists it so delicately so not to be obvious. Great piece you have delivered and as usual your artwork is simply poetically terrifying my friend.
God bless!
Steve

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014

Thanks very much, Steve. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate your comments. ~Dean

Comment from Green Lake Girl

Excellent

Congratulations on your contest win, Dean. I'm coming to the party too late to vote, but wanted to pop off a review anyway. I knew an anorexic girl and always was amazed at what her mirror told her. A horrible affliction--so destructive. She was able to get anorexia under control, but I think she battles it everyday. You did a great job showing the inner thoughts, Dean.

 Comment Written 22-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014

Thanks, Green Lake Girl, and I know a couple of young girls who struggle with these deadly diseases. Thank God they're getting the help that they desperately needed, but it is still a daily struggle for them, as you suggested.

I really appreciate your review. ~Dean

Comment from granny goes viral

Excellent

Yes, body dysmorphia is a serious condition. We are seeing the sad results of this illness in more ways than just anorexia. A boon to the plastic surgery and body modification hacks.

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Dec-2014

Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts with me on this, Patricia. I sincerely appreciate it. :)

reply by granny goes viral on 21-Dec-2014

Hi, granny here. Who's Patricia? You cheating on me?

reply by the author on 21-Dec-2014

Nah. I wouldn't do that to you, LOL... :D

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

Super job and congratulations on your contest win, Dean. Body dysmorphia is such a puzzling disorder. It just goes to show us the eyes don't see what is really there, but more what the brain is conditioned for them to see. Anorexia and bulimia are both deadly and you have covered that most aptly in this poem.

Well, well done.

Gloria

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Dec-2014

Thanks so much for the excellent review, Gloria. Much appreciated. :}

~Dean

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

perfect pairing of illustration and poem
congratulations on your contest win
solid rhyming couplets
good alliteration in baleful bliss
cunning caricature and others
strong visuals, powerful expression of emotion
excellent commentary on this terrible disease of deception
Brooke

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 22-Dec-2014

Thanks for the wonderful and in depth review, Brooke. I really appreciate it. ;) ~Dean

Comment from Caroline Yego

Excellent

Dean Kuch, Boy! ain't a star? I like your writing, the images used, the fight in the mind of a Bulimic person. Lol! isn't the obsession of losing weight another terror for both genders? Lol! you are spot on, a great story everyday. Kudos Dean!

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Dec-2014

Thanks, Caroline, and while both diseases do affect both sexes, the majority of them are young girls between the ages of 12-28, according to the latest statistics. The highest death toll comes in at the ages of 16-20.
Horrible!

Thanks so much for your review.

Comment from amada

Excellent

Congratulations in winning this Mirror Mirror contest. Bulimia, anorexia, such devastating disease in our land of plenty...material things.

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Dec-2014

I agree one-hundred percent, amada. Thanks! :)

Comment from JPilcher

Excellent

So, the entire time I'm reading this, I'm thinking about how haunting the image was (the one at the start - wasn't aware at the time I was about to see one at the very end!). It even made my stomach turn actually. I'm familiar with the girl in the mirror, not in the exact form, but familiar none the less. So when I can relate AND I'm impacted - I know it's great work - period.

For some reason I hung onto this sentence too btw: "No sympathy from this chubby imitation" <-- Not for some reason actually - because it was perfectly put as it was placed - that's why!!! PS- The 2nd image, now THAT'S HAUNTING. UGH!!! :O

WELL DONE!!!!! :) Jill P.

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Dec-2014

Thank you, Jill, and I realize it is a bit graphic but it is intended to be because these diseases are so horrific in what they do to not just the one afflicted, but to their entire family who often suffers right alongside of them.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me on this, and as always, I appreciate your review.

Comment from scd41

Excellent

Your poem could serve as a grim reminder for those who suffer physically and mentally being deluded about their body weight and shape. Perhaps, they believe mirrors more than their friends. A good entry for the contest and best of luck.

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2014

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reply by the author on 19-Dec-2014

Thanks very much for your review, scd41. I do appreciate it.