Comment from lightink

Excellent

Wow! I wasn't supposed to read this before writing mine! It's too good and make me want to withdraw from the contest! But I won't however high you set the bar, my friend! :)

It's profound and beautifully penned -
I especially cherished the celestial and earthy tones merging in the last stanza!
Excellent writing!

 Comment Written 16-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thank you for the warm review. Don't be put off from entering - the judging committee work in mysterious ways - I can never tell whether a piece will resonate with them or not.

Steve

reply by lightink on 19-Sep-2015

I actually was often much more surprised about the public votes! :)
Thank you for the encouragement, Steve

Comment from RahulChadha

Excellent

Wow, it's a beautifully written poetry. Nicely expressed and put into words, a decent vocabulary which is hard to understand. Best of luck for the contest and best wishes

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Just2Write

Excellent

Hi Steve:

The minute poem can be a challenge because of its 8/4/4/4 meter. It's not an easy form, and you did a great job of maximizing the strengths of this form. All things that live, must die. Great use of the sea and those who venture on her as a metaphor for life.
Rose.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks, Rose.

I don't have any trouble twisting words to fit the rhyme and meter, but the trick is to have something that at least sounds vaguely meaningful!

Steve

Comment from Adri7enne

Exceptional

Great metaphor, Steve. The setting sun at end of day as death at the end of a life. Good rhymes and a nice steady rhythm. I like the original way you've set it on the page. "the world ablaze at end of days." Nice! Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks, Adrienne - I quite enjoy squeezing one of these out and trying to make it say something meaningful!

Steve

Comment from Louise Michelle

Excellent

Hi Steve, The minute poem is the perfect vessel for exploring the theme of life and death. While we're here, time can seem so long, but in the scheme of things we humans really don't live a very long time. Hopefully when we do pass over, the mystery of life and death will be revealed. Good work. Hugs, Lou

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Lou, thanks so much for the warm review.

Steve

Comment from Jackarrie

Excellent

Hi Steve I love your minute poem it is very flowing and easy to read. I wouldn't mind going out with a blaze when the earth looks like the image you have chosen.
I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Mary

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks, Mary - I've just written another piece with a similar theme - 'A grand explosion's better than a rot.'

Steve

Comment from Eric1

Excellent

Hi Steve, this is a wonderful entry for this particular competition, great use of alliteration, excellent rhyming , rhythm and flow, I wish you good luck in the contest my friend.

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks, Eric - glad you enjoyed.

Steve

reply by Eric1 on 21-Sep-2015

You are very welcome my friend.

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Hello :)

Beautiful poem about life and death. We are all born and one day we shall all die. It is the cycle of life for all sentient beings. Good job with the rhyme and I like what you did with the right margin. Well done!
~gypsy

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks for the warm words.

Steve

Comment from AlteredEgo

Excellent

The age old question....what happens next. I like how you portrayed this. Its was very flowing and easy to read. Thank you so much for sharing.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thank you!

Steve

Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Exceptional

I certainly feel a deep impact when reading your poem, Steve. The first verse told me 'Woah,' as the message is clear how fleeting life is and how near death may always be. Syllable count and the rhyme scheme give it even more impact and your artwork is stunning, Giddy

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015

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reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015

Thanks, Giddy.

I seem to be turning to these themes more and more often as I grow older - funny that!

Steve