Comment from johnwilson

Exceptional

OK, you have to stop taking all my six stars, sir! This piece shows your obvious love of horses and your gift for glorious, uninhibited words..."a soft grey incense silvered by the dawn". This is reminiscent of the great poets yet has its feet firmly within our world now!

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 21-Jun-2016

You are very kind, John. This was drawn from a memory of an old horse who was retired and spent his last days on our farm. I saw him do this on several occasions. It is an image that has stayed vividly in my mind.

Comment from Slythytove2

Exceptional

This is pure music to my somnambulated ears. I'm up to here with "Odes" extolling Spring, or Fall to you. I'll think of more to say as I read more. What a joy to find. thanks.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 19-Jun-2016

Thank you so much, Slythytove, for these kind words and your six-star award. Much appreciated. Tony

reply by Slythytove2 on 19-Jun-2016

I'd like to go to your portfolio later, I'm on a hunt for gold.

Comment from Alan K Pease

Exceptional

Is your horse fit for a hero (Bellerophon) to ride with the dawn on wings of fame (Pegasus) to slay the monster Chimera. In biology as well as mythology this last word takes on many forms from DNA sequences to marine fish.

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Jun-2016

Thank you for your interesting review and six stars. Much appreciated, as always. Yes, I had Pegasus in mind. Perhaps the old horse, like us, had his dreams!

Comment from Angel Lights

Exceptional

Beautiful poem. I saw the horse, I felt his coat, saw the breath of the big animal and watched it trot slowly. So, your images were powerful, spot on. They are such large and gentle creatures. The 5th stanza changed the tone and was a wonderful way to contrast the old horse and the powerful youth.
I also enjoyed 'sickle moon' 'wisp of breath a soft gray incense' and the descriptions of the ancient horse in the last two stanzas.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2016

Such a lovely review, Angel Lights, and very much appreciated, as are the six stars! Most kind. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is a beautifully composed poem. Everyone loves the stateliness and spirit of the horse. Phyllis's artwork is stunning. I especially like these lines:
"His chestnut coat
by night bedewed,
his head and neck held low
as if in prayer,
and there, stock-still, he stands,
Marilyn

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks, Marilyn. This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago.

reply by BeasPeas on 15-Jun-2016

Oh, God bless you for that kindness to the horse, Tony.

Comment from Treischel

Exceptional

An outstanding free verse composition full of imagery and verve. Wonderful use of imagery, assonance, consonance, and alliteration to make the verses dance. I really enjoyed this ride.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks, Tom. This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago. Glad you liked it - and thanks very much for the six stars. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Paul Sienicki

Exceptional

Im just wondering Tony, what inspired you to write such an exquisite piece of literature that shakes the very ground on which I stand. Wonderful work.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks, Paul. This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago. Glad you liked it - and thanks very much for the six stars. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from janalma

Excellent

Beautiful writing. I say this because I can see the old horse in my mind. And also smell the freshness of the morning with these words --

Still, this ancient horse stands still
as does the world and time,
his head now raised
to breathe a wisp of breath,
a soft grey incense
silvered by the dawn.

A poem that paints a picture. Very nice.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks, Janalma. This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago. Glad you liked it. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from An Awakened Heart

Exceptional

Beautifully written. I am by no means an accomplished writer to critique you in any way, but I will say your that your words were moving.

What I felt, was a being that once lived in youth's glory, now grown old, reminiscing through the night, waiting for the dawn to bring the sun's warmth and a new day.

That moment in time where youth holds our soul. Where we are young again...

The whispered breeze might be death calling to take him to remembered pastures, but he lives the night to see a new dawn.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks! This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago. Glad you liked it -and thanks very much for the six stars. Best wishes, Tony

Comment from Spitfire

Exceptional

This is so amazing, Tony. What a picture this paints:

weak arthritic limbs,

a sickle moon.

measured tread,
the pool reflecting him,

His chestnut coat
by night bedewed,

first sharp rays
brazing him once more,
a burnished bronze,

Like the shadows, I too shrink back with reverential awe.

A strong opening and powerful positive ending.

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2016

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2016

Thanks, Shari. This was inspired by a lovely old horse that spent the last days of his retirement on our farm some years ago. Glad you liked it -and thanks very much for the six stars. Best wishes, Tony