Reviews from

The Final Word

In ballad measure

22 total reviews 
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A nicely expressed and presented poem, Tony. What is the last word? Hmmm! Maybe we will never know--much less be able to use it in a sentence. Good rhyme and flow. Well thought out. I'm sorry you missed the deadline for the contest but posted it here for us to enjoy. Marilyn

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 13-Aug-2016
    Thanks for your review of The Final Word, Marilyn. Always good to hear from you! Tony
Comment from MacMhuirich
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well written and a great read, I love learning new words and you've given me two, I've never looked for the last word before, I used to think it was zzzzzz - to sleep :) Love the picture of the old typewriter. Thank you for sharing.
Bless you
John

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    Thanks, John! I thought of including zzzz, it being my favourite pastime these days - but so hard to find a rhyme for!
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-I like the artwork and presentation.
-Good poem with rhyme, meter, and observations on 'the final word.'
-Sorry you missed the contest.
-I guess a good way to have the final word is to go to the letter 'Z'.
-I like how you try out some words, but then decide on 'Zyrian.'
-I think the conclusion says it all; however, it is not absurd in the least.
-I happen to believe in those values, too, and consider them excellent 'final words.'
-Well done. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    Very many thanks for your lovely review, Pam. Much appreciated! Tony
reply by Pam (respa) on 27-Jul-2016
    You are welcome, as always.
Comment from rspoet
Excellent
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A fine final word and a finer poem
It would have made an interesting entry for the contest
Deadline has such a "final" sound to it
But poetry is without end
especially when well written
with excellent rhyme and meter
Excellent old mechanical typewriter image
It would be interesting to know which poem wins
Very nicely done

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    Yes, deadline does has the ring of finality about it! Anyway, many thanks for your kind words! Tony
Comment from Treischel
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very cleverly written poem in 8-6 iambic meter, as you contrast the dictionary with a telephone book to discover which is the last word. A very intriguing contest topic, which I'm sure you would have done well in, had you entered. Loved the contrast, as well as the History lesson.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2016
    Thanks, Tom. As always, I appreciate your review. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from l.raven
Excellent
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HI Tony, you are truly an artic with words my friend...I read this twice...and than pondered over it...and you are right about the last word...I love to have it...but you beat me here...very clever you...and very well thought of...love your poem...and the picture is awesome...luff Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2016
    Thanks, Linda. As always, I appreciate your review. Your words are so encouraging and supportive. Best wishes, Tony
reply by l.raven on 26-Jul-2016
    you are so welcome Tony...always my friend...xxoo Linda
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
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Ah, Tony. It's such a shame you missed the deadline for this contest, your poem is exceptionally well written.
A fertilized ovum does have a certain sense of finality to it however, I think, lol.
In fact, the entire context of this poem speaks primarily of loving each other, and it's so cleverly woven into the poetic narrative it is nearly imperceptible.
In other words, it SCREAMS, "Make love, not war!"
Fantastic writing.


"...And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.

Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen;
Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
... This work by Lord Byron is one of my favorite poems, Tony, along with Poe's "The Raven" and "Annabelle Lee".
I understand the poem is based on a brief biblical story about the defeat of the Assyrians by God's Angel of Death.
The poem's distinctive rhythm gives the reader a sense of galloping horses. It's a perfect example of anapestic tetrameter. Interestingly, it's a rhythm that is often used for light or comic verse.
But not in this instance.

Again, so sorry to learn you missed the contest, big guy. I would'a been in your corner all the way.
 photo e1b46054-d388-4feb-bad0-eccc04e786e8_zpseg0soygx.png

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    I very much appreciate your kind review, Dean. I'm not too devastated about missing the contest. Probably i just saved myself the entry fee! Thanks very much for taking the time to read and respond in such depth. Best wishes, Tony
reply by Dean Kuch on 27-Jul-2016
    You are more than welcome, Tony.
    ~Dean
Comment from catch22
Excellent
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Hi T, this is a lovely ballad and an unusual subject for a poem, but you found a clever way to take the metaphor of the conquering warrior being elevated to a peaceful warrior--one who is elevated in POV and actions. I loved the progression from the final word being a zygote at the beginning stages of life to the Zyrian that comes to conquer land and into the peaceful person that espouses love. Very clever write.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2016
    Thanks, catch22. As always, I appreciate your review. Your words are so encouraging and supportive. Best wishes, Tony
reply by catch22 on 28-Jul-2016
    You're very welcome.
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
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I was about six when a paperback war novel fell into my hands. I was greatly mystified by certain parts of it... what was a whore, anyway?
The title was The Trumpet Unblown. Naturally I asked the web about Zyrian, and it said, the Komi language. Oh, well. The last word from me is Xcellent.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    Warmongers are, I suppose, in a sense, whore-mongers. I enjoyed your review. Now you know as much about Zyrians as I do!
Comment from Cynthia1
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love your poetry! This one is so clever- a true play on words- and yet there is a great message here. Certainly, in today's world, we need that "man of peace" to be our "final word."
Cynthia1

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 27-Jul-2016
    Very many thanks for your lovely review and six stars, Cynthia. Much appreciated! Tony