Reviews from

A Tufted Bed

First chapter in the book, Shifting Shadows...

111 total reviews 
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You are right, the darkness, the monsters, blood and gore are all metaphors for the cages buried in our minds. It's easier to deal with the slaughter of a victim on a screen or piece of paper, than to deal with savagery of our inner thoughts. Projecting them allows us to control the beasts. I wouldn't trust the ugliness of what I hide, not from shame, but respect for the reactions of strangers.

Somehow Dean, I think you understood every word and probably explains why I'd never write it, but respect your talent.

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 28-Oct-2015
    I believe I do understand, Ingrid, all too well.

    For me, however, writing dark poetry is liberating--a cleansing of the soul, if you will. I'd rather write about it, the critics be damned, and take my chances rather than let it fester and well up inside of me. Now THAT would be dangerous.
    Thanks so much for the six stars, and for sharing your thoughts with me about the poem. I deeply appreciate it.

    Always with respect

    ~Dean
Comment from Jacob Collins
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Once again, Dean, you write around the music really well which fits your writing style perfectly. A dark piece of writing which had a haunting atmosphere to it, I thought that you captured the scene well. Thanks for sharing...Jacob

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2015
    Thank you for reading, Jacob. I'm very grateful for your time.,

    Always with respect
    ~Dean
Comment from victor 66
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An excellent, well constructed poem. The idea of people expressing their thoughts before they die is an interesting concept. But I suspect the vast majority of people, even near death, often don't believe they're really going to die; hence do not put down their thoughts. Just an opinion.

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 26-Oct-2015
    Well, they'd better start, Victor. because unless they've invented a cure for death that I'm unaware of, we're all going to die one day.
    Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.

    Respectfully

    ~Dean
reply by victor 66 on 26-Oct-2015
    I think those people who really believe in the process of dying, do so quite well. They leave their loved ones with their wishes as well as with a sense of humor. And, you are most welcome, Dean.
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2015
    Well, we die as gracefully as possible--each person dealing with death in their own way. I'm ready to go whenever the good Lord calls me home. I could care less if it's five minutes from now, or five years. I'm ready. Still, if what you say is true, then poets like Frost, Poe, and Dickinson wrote for no reasons whatsoever. But, respectfully , you're wrong, Victor. They wrote to leave behind a legacy of words for us to share and enjoy, for generations to come.

    Isn't that why you write yourself?

    ~Dean
reply by victor 66 on 26-Oct-2015
    I've been wrong before. And, I broke one of my own rules; "do not speak for others". I stand corrected. I think I write for myself. It's just nice when someone is willing to read it. Take care, Dean.
reply by the author on 26-Oct-2015
    I agree, Victor. I also appreciate the gracious response.
    Not all of us agree with everything someone else says, and that's fine. That's just one of the things which make our world such an interesting place to live.

    You take care as well.

    Always with respect

    ~Dean
Comment from arnie47
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Beautifully written and phrased and I might add eerily written also. The picture was perfect to add to the fright the words conveyed. Very well done, enjoyed it and in time for the season.

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2015
    Thanks very much for taking the time to read and comment on my work, Arnie. I deeply appreciate your feedback.

    Always with respect
    ~Dean
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dark and deep, who would have ever thought
I would use Frost to describe Kuch
six feet deep, or deep in sleep
Perhaps, deep in thought
in and out of cages
still the musing rages
when one's in the tufted bed
surely flank and rear are safe
as one stares ahead, ahead
now and evermore
a six for six feet under
and for stars that shine asunder
now and evermore






































































































































































 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 28-Oct-2015
    I certainly wouldn't have ever thought anyone would compare anything I've written to the brilliant works of Robert Frost, rspoet, but I can't say that I don't appreciate it. I do! Quite often I channel what I like to call, My Poe Muse when writing this type of poetry. Having studied Poe and his intricacies in college as they pertain to his poetry particularly, I became enamored with the man's work. I would even g as far to say he is my favorite, classic poet. The Raven--WOW!--such a masterpiece, even now.

    Thank you for your thoughtful comments and six stars. As always it is deeply appreciated.

    With respect and gratitude

    ~Dean
reply by rspoet on 28-Oct-2015
    I've admired Poe, lo these many years, but for me, he is one among many. The Raven is a masterwork, unequaled. I also love other poems: Dreams, Ulalume, and Sonnet - Silence, to name a few. You channel your Poe Muse quite well, my friend!
Comment from OnyxSapphire78
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

There is definitely an inner Edgar in you. This dark, yet enchanting. I was engaged from the beginning to the end. It is sad and maddening to think that we could leave without a trace of our essence. Writing does leave a legacy behind. So very thoughtful and enjoyable. Great addition for your book. Good luck and Dark writing!

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2015
    Thank you for your generous six star rating and spot-on review, Onyx. I think it's this way for many of us. Whenever something I've written is mentioned in conjunction with Poe's brilliant work, it truly makes my day just a little bit brighter. I'm deeply grateful for your thoughtful comments and positive feedback.

    Always with respect
    ~Dean :}
Comment from jaydub99
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Outstanding and why you are one of my favorite authors on this site. Well written, enchanting and powerful. The music is haunting. You have used multi media to create a wonderful tone for this piece. Nice job.

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 28-Oct-2015
    Thank you, Jay. That is very kind of you to say, I'm honored.
    I'm happy you enjoyed the overall presentation, as well as the poetry itself. We have so many wonderful tools at our disposal today I feel it's a shame not to utilize them if we can.
    Thanks again. I sincerely appreciate your time and review.

    With respect

    ~Dean
Comment from country ranch writer
Excellent
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Well really! Now you think I can sleep tonight with this picture hanging in my thoughts. Wow pal that's just great! Since you don't sleep guess who's gonna be your house. Get the guest room ready! Oh! I NEED A NIGHT LIGHT AND FOR YOU TO CHECK UNDER MY BED FOR MONSTERS YOU HAVE HIDDEN IN YOUR CRYPT

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 28-Oct-2015
    Hahahaha, there are all sorts of monsters in my crumbling crypt, Country. They come in all shapes and sizes too. I'll be sure to send one of the larger ones over to your house to bring you a night lite. That should allow you to sleep better. Just ignore his ghastly expression, pale color, dripping fangs, and sharp claws when you open the door. He's completely harmless...at least I think so, heh-heh...

    Thanks so much again for your review.
    Pleasant Screams!

    ~Dean... ;}
reply by country ranch writer on 02-Nov-2015
    so it was you bringing my night light in his disguise hum we could have had some fun scaring everyone our this way hehe oh well maybe next time we can dig up the bodies in the pasture
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2015
    That sounds like fun! ;}
    ~Dean
reply by country ranch writer on 03-Nov-2015
    HE HE CREEK CREEK
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for the pleasure of reading another of your fine poems that makes us readers feel and think with great appreciation of your talented offerings. :-)

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 26-Oct-2015
    Thank you, Ric. I try never to post anything --be it poetry or prose--if I feel I don't have something significant to convey, or can at least be entertaining. Without good people like yourself who care enough to read what I've written, what would be the point? So, I always do my very best to give you the best bang for your buck. After all, I feel t's the very least I can do.
    Thanks again for reading and commenting. I deeply appreciate your readership as well as your valuable time.

    Always with respect
    ~Dean
Comment from Manic Mike
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, I'm still trying to figure out how to give a good critique but I'm not used to doing this...

The art is perfect, but I'm not sure how I feel about the music yet...The music is good but I think something a little more sinister would be better, or something a little darker anyway.

I'm not a big fan of rhyming but you convinced me that all the words are placed for a good reason, so here I think it works, and I love your use use of old English...or whatever it is....Bravo!!

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2015


reply by the author on 28-Oct-2015
    Yes, the archaic, Olde English is a favorite of mine to use in certain styles of writing, Mike, especially when I want the piece to have a Poe-like quality. I'm huge fan and study of Edgar Allan Poe. The Raven is the penultimate terror poem, at least in my humble opinion. I listen and / or read it everyday.
    Thanks for the very generous six star rating, for your time and your thoughtful suggestions as well.

    I deeply appreciate your time and your feedback.

    Always with respect
    ~Dean
reply by Manic Mike on 28-Oct-2015
    Yeah I could see that... The Raven is definitely an epic tale, I used to love Poe when I was younger, and for along time he was the only poet that I thought was awesome....I'm gonna have to go back go through some of his work.