Reviews from

Coping with a Fake Life (haibun)

A snort at hypocrisy

18 total reviews 
Comment from Jumbo J
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

My dear... take no prisoners... straight-talking friend... snort away.

Exactly what attracted me to your light in the first instance... your no bullshit approach.

Over the years as life presents you with... well, aging and all the experience that comes and leads one into knowing all the facets of what life shines in our direction. Some attract with a soft glow... some with an alluring guiding light... some may blind you with a harshness that takes layers off our perception of what we thought life was going to have in store for us, or even what it all actually means. the more we seem to know, the less we understand why. The shorter our span becomes, the quicker it races... and I believe the smarter among us, whittle away the things and distractions that are not in our best interests in our forward progression, or projection.

Me... I love your 'real'... I too have no time or desire for fluffing or filling in time with the unwanted nothing that floods the direction of what really is or what is going to benefit me in the long run... whether that be people, politics, religion, media... or any other distraction that will shrivel the direction of my growth. Hell, life is becoming shorter, even as I write this review and the myriad of ailments that hamper my once love interest fade into a wishing for their return... but we both know of that reality, don't we?

You hit every mark required in this powerfully composed Haibun... I read it multiple times and allowed your truth to soak in, as your writing always does... no matter the style. I love everything about the power within your words... always have, always will... and for me to relay my favorite parts would just be an entire rewrite of your Haibun... you've always impress with this style of poetry... and once again you have shown your prowess as a story teller and a wordsmith.

Sending you my love!

With our thoughts we create,
the reality of our existence.
James vx's.

 Comment Written 06-May-2017


reply by the author on 07-May-2017
    My dear friend, you write reviews that should be published as independent works of art. The different intensity of light...a lyrical glance at the optics of how a person feels when in thee company of/reading words penned by tethered souls....Thank you for the 6 stars. They glitter a little brighter than most others.

    Sping is finally here, and I'm trying to shake off my cabin fever from being stuck inside all winter. How does this rebewal reward me? Yes, it's turning green, flowers are blooming, but damn wouldn't you know it, my F***ing roof leaks in three places. Poetic justice. Hugs, ingrid
Comment from lalajovanoski
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really enjoyed reading this piece! "my purrs turn to roars"...great writing! This was cleverly written and has a distinct flow. Thanks for sharing this!

 Comment Written 06-May-2017


reply by the author on 07-May-2017
    Thank you for your very kind words.
Comment from Sis Cat
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A strong, reflective haibun that, if biographical, is also a powerful personal statement: I'm not asking for you to agree with me, but I'm offended by your demands. I will not adjust, retract or defend, but if I'm wrong, I will apologize.

I love the directness of your language and tone. This is an honest prose poem/haibun that is not prettified.

Poem reminded me of the Greek myth of Narcissus and also of the Simon and Garfunkel song with your conclusion:

I stare at the crone in the mirror. Reaching for authenticity, my hand hits glass, a reflection of the life I've lived. Ceilings, walls, a structured map to nowhere.

fake smiles, ugly frowns
magazine propaganda
I reach for lipstick

Thank you for sharing your fresh poem which resonates.

 Comment Written 06-May-2017


reply by the author on 07-May-2017
    Haibuns are like therapy to me. Thanks so very much for your kind words. Are you performing these days?
reply by Sis Cat on 07-May-2017
    Yes, Ingrid. After a nearly three month absence from the stage, I resumed performing stories and I'm getting paid for it in two weeks. I will proably post only once a week as I have shifted to rehearsing, writing, and performing stories.
reply by the author on 07-May-2017
    Great news! Congratulations!
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Excellent work, my friend. I haven't seen any of your writing for quite some time. I was wondering where you had gone to. Good to hear from you again. I liked this writing and I agree with you.

 Comment Written 04-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    No, I haven't posted hardly anything this year and have not reviewed since November, I have macular degeneration and I've spent months being angry at the change in vision. It has had a profound effect on the way I see things these days, primarily cutting off words and numbers. I'll get over it and adjust, but it hadn't been inspirational to sit down each day and face my demons. Thanks for the read. ingrid
reply by prettybluebirds on 04-May-2017
    I'm having some vision trouble too. I have a cataract in my left eye and can barely see out of it. Thak God, it is fixable. Just waiting for the surgery now. April
reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    I had two removed/ It's a completely painless procedure with AMAZING immediate results. Make sure you use the dridrops afterwards to avoid infection, but the difference will blow you away.
Comment from giraffmang
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Ingrid,

A perfect match of mood, attitude to form here I think. Uncompromising is a word I like. I can be like this myself. I love this form for the emotional heft it can carry and convey, which you do here in style.

Knowing ones' self is a great attribute, but having the strength of character to accept it is another thing entirely. lol

Superb piece
G

 Comment Written 04-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    Thank you so very much, Gareth, especially for the stars. It is a lot healthier to say what one means rather than leave any doubt. I don't opine or force my POV where issues do not concern me, but in ethical matters, I've used up a lifetime of hypocrisy--no more. Thanks so much for the high compliment.
Comment from apky
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The first part could have been me (written for, that is).
It did speak to me loud and clear.

>>I'm abrupt, brutally direct. I offend with my oft overlooked sensitivity. I'm not asking for you to agree with me, but I'm offended by your demands. I will not adjust, retract or defend, but if I'm wrong, I will apologize. I can learn, discern, digest and dismantle my own arguments. It's a gift. I'm opinionated.<<

So be it!
Best,
Apky

 Comment Written 04-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    Once a long time ago, I was married to a beige man--no passion, no opinion, and fear of confrontation. The divorce saved his life. LOL. Thanks.
Comment from Realist101
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You've described my own frustrations so well, except I don't always say what I'm really thinking. Which is not good most of the time. Other times, it's called 'diplomacy'...I LOVE the haiku, but more, the last line of the prose. So many of us can relate to this. And we are brainwashed by society to fit in. I'm too old to worry about how I look, but still, yes, put the damned lipstick on. :/

 Comment Written 04-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    And that's why I live alone. LOL Thanks.
reply by Realist101 on 04-May-2017
    Smart girl. I'm alone now most of the time and it suits me...until, like earlier today, I ran the ATV into the fence and jammed my wrist trying to steer the damned thing. Someday ... :)
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I love the haibun, though I've never attempted one. I intrigued with what you've done with this one.

Reaching for authenticity, my hand hits glass, a reflection of the life I've lived. Ceilings, walls, a structured map to nowhere. [I wonder if "hits" might be too strong a verb when you're not following it with a description of glass shattering--which, of course would go counter to your "structured map to nowhere." The word "hits" is like a smoking gun. You expect something dramatic (not reflective) to follow it. Just thinking out loud here.

Wow, what a final line: "I reach for lipstick". Turns everything upside-down! Great job, Ingrid!



 Comment Written 04-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    The best time to write a haibun is when you're annoyed, We don't qax eloquent when our emotions are stirred up and it translates well to the staccato style, throwing in a lyrical line here and there when we take a breath. I'll give your comments some serious thought. Thanks.
Comment from Linda Engel
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Too cool. I hear ya, So what shade do you wear? (smiling). I, too can be direct and the older i get the more I just don't give a dame. Here in the South we have a tendency to be too polite so when some one says or does something we don't like or approve of, we just smile and say "Bless their heart". We know what that means.
Your haiku is on point. Good one.

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    Wow! Thanks for the 6. When I'm in the mood, I can knock these off pretty fast. It's my therapy. LOL. Thanks.
Comment from XGoneX
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello,

You describe well in a sharp language with excellent word choice how you value authenticity and despise fake people and what doesn't seem real in life. You are an honest, blunt person; that comes across in this piece.
You end with a good poem that expresses this well.

 Comment Written 03-May-2017


reply by the author on 04-May-2017
    Thank you so much.