Comment from dragonpoet

Exceptional

This story tells a truth we should all learn. Greed and pride are curse unto themselves. Beauty on the outside does not always mirror what is on the inside.

Keep writing

dragonpoet

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Thank you so very much for the lovely 6, Dragonpoet! I'm so pleased you enjoyed my take on the picture. :) Sandra xxx

reply by dragonpoet on 09-Jul-2017

You are so very welcome , Sandra.

Joan

Comment from Linda Hughes

Excellent

I really like this poem. Such imagination comes the tale of this picture. The words flow like the down pour of rain, that sets the mood for how ugly the town's people are, in such an aesthetic and picturesque place, one would think the beauty would be inside as it is outside. But it goes to show, how imaginary or mistaken something can be.

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Thank you, Linda, for reading my take on the Picture This challenge. I'm delighted you enjoyed it! :) Sandra xx

Comment from damommy

Excellent

Why didn't you wait until tomorrow? I'm all out of sixes, and this deserves the whole lot of them.

What a wonderful take on this picture challenge. I love stories told in a poem, and you are exceptionally good at it.

This is so beautiful, and such a unique take, that I can't stop babbling about it. 8-)

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

LOL, Yvonne, you are wonderful!!! Thank you so much, dear friend. I prefer to write little stories in my poems, they are easier. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I just love your reviews, the 6 doesn't matter. Thanks and a humungous hug! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Drew Delaney

Exceptional

Just loved this poem, old friend. I am too sorry for not reading here on Fanstory. Age creeps up and pain takes one to task.

Your poem is so inspirational and the rhythm is super. I have not been able to write at all since early spring. The projects waiting for me were insurmountable
and I have lost myself trying to perform.

I am so glad you are still here. This is where I can find my friends when I have a moment. Hugs!

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Hi Drew, I wondered where you'd gone. I quite understand how you feel, age is the one thing in life you can't defeat. Don't even try to push yourself to do the insurmountable, just do a little now and again. We slow down, unfortunately, there is so much I want to do still, but the body is unwilling. The brain isn't that helpful either!! Whenever you want to chat, please seek me out. I've had so much support from my friends on here. It's lovely. Thank you so much for the 6 stars, dear friend, if you do feel up to writing, I'll look out for you. Tak care. Much love, Sandra. xxx

Comment from humpwhistle

Excellent

Hey, Sandra! Welcome back. I'm glad you had a lovely time.
I'm sure you'll put it into words.

I love story poems--and this is no exception.
Divine retribution can be harsh.

The beginning of the second to last line seems a little unsure to me.
I'm no poet, but how about something like:

A pall no serves as penance . . .

Just a thought.

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

'Just a thought' that I've taken up, thank you, my lovely friend, and ... well, you already know you'll get the Sandra sloppy hug, now, don't you? LOL. I had a lovely time in Italy, I climbed to the top of Mt Vesuvius and was so proud of myself, a woman of my delicate years to be able to do that, really was something! I have to put it down to all my gym training in my lycra!! Not a pretty sight! Thank you for reading my poem, Lee, and for the helpful bit. Love you lots! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Exceptional

please[d] get in touch with Jax TYPO

Bravo! Good job Sandra. You have a great
imagination my dear friend. What a lovely
poem about life and how to live it.
Good Job. Nancy

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Oops! How did that sneak in? Thank you so much for the lovely 6 stars, my wonderful friend. I really appreciate that. (On a Saturday too!!) How are you? I've just returned home from Italy, and I'm worn out. I've so much to catch up with as well. Big hugs, dear friend. :) Sandra xxxx

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

It's always nice when I wake up to find one of your fine poems in my box, with your special way with words that makes me think and feel and follow along on your journey. Thanks for sharing another of your outstanding poems. :-)

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

You really are a sweetheart, Ric, thank you so much for your lovely words. You always put a smile on my face. :) Sandra xxx

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your story/poem. It's a sad poem, but does reflect a lot on our society. I can't wait to read about your lovely trip to Italy. I so enjoy seeing other countries through the eyes of others.

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Thank you so much, Barbara. It was a sad poem, but it seems so right in the way things are happening today. We live in a sad world. I am now going to catch up with the chapters I've missed in your story. I hope my dogs are still doing well!!! :) Sandra xxx

Comment from Pantygynt

Exceptional

This poem really interested me as its theme is one of the oldest in literature and folk lore. It also crosses numerous cultural boundaries. The details vary but the fundamentals are the same. A successful place turns away a beggar, gender unimportant and, suffers as a result.

The lake of Semmerwater in Yorkshire is believed to cover a drowned city inundated as a result of turning away a beggar.

Google "Semmerwater poem" to read Sir William Watson's poem of the legend.

Years ago when I was teaching I wrote and performed with my class of 11 year old son a musical version of that story. It is fascinating to see the theme cropping up again. Perhaps if it rains there long enough.

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

I have never heard of that place, but will now make a point of reading Sir William Watson's poem. I've heard of a place in Wales, but can't for the life of me remember the name, where they flooded a valley which covered a small village. Not because the people were bad, LOL, but just because they needed to divert the water. Do you know of it? Thank you so much for the 6 stars, Jim, and on a Saturday too! I'm delighted my poem caught your attention, I loved your review, it's given me something to investigate. Thanks, my friend. :) Sandra xxx

reply by Pantygynt on 08-Jul-2017

Yes, that valley was flooded in my lifetime I believe to make a reservoire for Birmingham I think it was but I can't remember the name of the village they evacuasted and flooded.

reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

I'm sure they made a film about it too. It's funny how a little thing can bring a memory out of the dark, deep depths of the mind that you thought was long forgotten. (Hmm, nice bit of alliteration there!) xx

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem and interpretation of the 'picture this' challenge. The real beauty comes from within and will reflect to others on the outside. If their is not beauty inside the outside beauty will be dimmed.

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Jul-2017

Thank you, Sandra. I was struck by the 'prettiness' of the town in the picture, and how the rain seemed out of place. LOL, I do get the craziest ideas from some of these pictures, I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Sandra xxx