Comment from kiwisteveh

Excellent

Roy, I have to say that this is not up with your best poems. I'll stick with the five stars, but I felt it was flawed in a couple of areas. It reads well, as all your poems do, but...

I found stanza 1 to be unclear in meaning. I look at line 2 'that cannot think of self' and I can't tell what that refers to. Is it the law (immediately preceding) or is it the one thing? same problem with 'it' in the next line, and do you 'employ' a thought? I really can't get the meaning of that stanza straight in my head. Being left on the shelf usually refers to someone who cannot find a marriage partner...

The overall theme of love as exemplified by Jesus' sacrifice is clear, and fitting for the contest, but the last stanza also weakens the poem in my opinion. The second line of this stanza seems to try to shoehorn a longer thought into a few words. It seems you want to contrast the selfishness of personal rights with the totally unselfish love of God, but again the meaning is blurred.

Sorry if this seems blunt.

Steve

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Steve, for this indepth review, honest commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from michaelcahill

Excellent

Very well put, Roy, and perfect for the season. This sounds just like my translation of the Bible which I have on the wall above the fireplace. "God is Love. Do onto others as you'd have them do unto you." That pretty much is the gist of it, yes? You use language that's easy to understand and yet still poetic and easy on the ears. Well done. This should do well in the contest. mikey

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Mikey, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from Kassa-Leigh

Excellent

This was an absolutely beautiful poem! I would've given you six stars, but I have run out of them this week. A great entry to the Easter poetry contest! I wish you all the luck in winning it! God bless you in all you do, and have a wonderful Easter!
Cheryl-Lynette

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Cheryl-lynnette, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

I matters little what you're writing about, Roy. You are always able to express yourself in such a caring and giving manner.
Your Easter contest entry, There's just one thing... , is certainly no exception.

The only stanza I was a bit unclear on is your last. I believe what you intended to convey--the message you wanted to come across to your readers-- was (and please, tell me if I am way off base) that our personal goals are usually driven by greed, self-promotion and pride, when in reality, all great gifts come from God, and it is Him who should receive the glory.

Anyhow, it's a wonderfully written and well rhymed poem, perfect for this particular contest.
I wish you the very best of luck.
~Dean

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Dean, the last stanza is pretty well as you say, and thanks for the great comments and encouraging, review, my friend, blessings and happy Easter, Roy

Comment from Domino 2

Excellent

Hi, Roy.

I must admit not understanding the last stanza - either the connection between 'love's great needs' and Jesus' sacrifice (which I assume is the poem's theme, rather than love between 2 humans), or the 'don't write them up in lights' statement. Anyway, I've only been awake twenty minutes this morning, so maybe I'm being dim.

Anyway, I appreciated your clever knitting together of thoughts in words in this strong statement of your Faith.

Best wishes, Ray.

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Ray, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from MacMhuirich

Excellent

This is a wonderful entry for the Easter contest. The artwork and wording are a beautifully presented package. The words speak to the heart and give the mind food for thought. Thank you for sharing and best wishes for the contest.
Bless you
John

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much John, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from BruceMiller

Excellent

No one could argue against the emotion and sentiment that you have expressed here in your offering. Your poem shows a deeply held faith. Good luck in the contest. Cheers.

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Bruce, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

Comment from Lancer1979

Excellent

First, I must say, the artwork is simply stunning. And the words you wrote for this contest entry on the topic of Easter, were spot on. I was especially moved by the last stanza. Wishing you the best of luck. :D

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy

reply by Lancer1979 on 26-Mar-2016

You're welcome! :D

Comment from brenda bickers

Excellent

Hi Roy,
what ever style, format or subject you write about your poems always have meaning and room for the reader to think and ponder over.
You have a great style that is both caring and entertaining.
A great read.
Brenda

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Mar-2016

Thanks so much Brenda, for this very kind review and great commentary, and happy Easter, blessings, Roy