Comment from WalkerMan

Excellent

This is both a smoothly flowing ballad of the sea in which sailors escape a storm unscathed, and an expression of faith that God gives us signs of His presence to reassure us that He is there for us when we need Him most. Well done.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

Thank you so very much for your lovely review on this poem. I'm so pleased you like it!! :) Sandra xx

reply by WalkerMan on 30-Nov-2016

You are welcome, Sandra. Yes, I do like it. If you would like to see another poem with similar theme, look up "Ballad of the Tempest" (1880) by James T. Fields. Yours stands up well in comparison. -- Mike

reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

I will go and find it and have a read. Thank you! xx

reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

Goodness me, it's lovely. Thank you so much for the compliment you have given mine! He had his daughter remind him that God was there, while I had seagulls. :) That was so nice of you. I am going to read some more of his now. :) xxx

reply by WalkerMan on 30-Nov-2016

You are welcome. With four illustrations, Fields's poem is included in my 8" x 10" literary art book (paperback, First Edition 2015, Second Edition pending). Your poem is equally heartwarming. -- Mike

Comment from Drew Delaney

Excellent

Loved this poem, Sandra.

I am so far behind everyone here. Hope Icancatch up next year.

I love the rhyming and the cadence was lovely as well.

Good on you.

Drew xx

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 24-Nov-2016

Thank you, Drew, that was so nice of you to come and review this one. I've got a lot to catch up on, every time I get close to it, so another 50 appear! Thanks my friend. :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Maureen's Pen

Excellent

Dear Sandra, I thought this was really well penned. It was perfect for the picture which you were to grasp with your imagery. You did it justice and I found the flowing lines read wonderfully aloud.
Excellent work my dear.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Hugs
m

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 24-Nov-2016

Hi Maureen, thank you so much for this lovely review. I wish you a lovely Thanksgiving too!! Hugs back, my friend. :) Sandra x

Comment from Aussie

Excellent

Great AABB rhyming and the illustration was so right for your poem. "keel under duress" why not stress? Now you know why I call you Mrs Seagull - messenger. Pity you didn't enter this in the Faith Poetry contest my friend! Best wishes, K XX PS: it is said never kill an Albatross, very bad luck.

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 24-Nov-2016

Thank you so much, Kay, I don't enter contests much now, I've been so busy with this book, its something I've dreamed of doing all my life but didn't think I could. I'm really pleased you liked this poem, these Picture This challenges have kept me going with my poetry, which is good, as that has been a big part of me and I don't want to give it up. Not long for Christmas, and I haven't made my cake yet!!!! Going to do it over this weekend. Thank you again, my friend. :) Sandra xxx

reply by Aussie on 25-Nov-2016

Dear Sandra, I have watched you go from strength to strength with your writing; mainly stories, not so much poetry. Stick to your path and who knows? Would be like J.K.Rowling, pensioner one day, millionaire the next. I will still pop in and write now and then, too busy this time of year. Love you heaps and look out for the goodies in the mailbox. No peeking! XXX Kay.

Comment from Roxanna Andrews

Excellent

Very well done as are all your poems. Yes seagulls can save the day, My pastor told a true story of a group of men on a life boat during WWII. They were starving and the only Christan among them prayed for food. There was a man who scoffed at him and God, didn't believe in Him. Minutes later a seagull landed on his head. He grabbed it and they ate and it saved their lives. They were too far out for a seagull to be there, but he was. Soon after they were rescued. The man believed in God and served him the rest of his days. He now lives here in FL and goes to the beach every day to see the seagulls. Very good poem. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Rox

 Comment Written 23-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Nov-2016

What a lovely story, Rox, it goes to prove He does listen. I felt sorry for the poor seagull though! LOL. There are more of these little miracles happening every day, than people realise. They just need to open their eyes to see them. Thank you for your lovely review, and sharing your Pastor's story, my friend. I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful. :) Sandra xx

Comment from Mary Wakeford

Excellent

You've turned in a wonderful piece for this challenge. The rhyming meter, word choices and storyline are excellent! Wonderful!

One spag in your notes:

I'm sure God sends then(m) too. :)

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Nov-2016

Thank you so much, Mary. I enjoy these Picture This challenges, they're good for the brain too! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

I always enjoy these Potlatch Challenges and everyone's different takes on the challenge of the week. Yes, if you're every lost at sea, you'll know land isn't far away when you see seagulls. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2016

Hi Ric, thank you so much for reading my take on the picture, I'm pleased you enjoyed it! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

Good job, Sandra! Your poem tells us the storms of life can quickly be overcome if we just call out for help from our Heavenly Father. He has promised to never desert us in our hour of need. You are right Sea Gulls would be a good sign that land was near. Again, good job. xox Nancy

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2016

Thank you, Nancy. There are always sea-gulls by the sea, and they go to the boats and ships when they are near enough to scavenge for food. It seemed the best bird to bring into it. Thanks for reading my friend. :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem and interpretation of the 'picture this' challenge. I like your great ending where they are close to land and can still be saved.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2016

Thank you, Sandra, I'm pleased you enjoyed my take on the picture. It was a really good challenge with this one. :) Sandra xx

Comment from Joy Graham

Excellent

Hi Sandra,

You surprised me with your ending of faith. I wasn't thinking of that at all. Good twist, my friend :) I was questioning your use of seagulls, but like your explanation for them. All in all you have a fine faith poem here.

 Comment Written 22-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 22-Nov-2016

Thank you, Joy, it was a lovely picture this time, making it a bit easier. I'm glad you liked my take on it. Thanks my friend. :) Sandra xx