Comment from chcbeck

Excellent

Great poem and I enjoyed learning about the style used and made me wish to try it myself. A relatable subject t taken from the news, and our love for animals too. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Thank you, chcbeck, for your review and for wishing me contest luck. Yes, when I heard about the mountain lion capture in San Francisco, I searched online and discovered mountain lions were spotted in my neighborhood across the Bay two weeks earlier.

Do write a Petrarchan sonnet! I wish you success in that!

Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)

Excellent

If cougars bite, defend yourself and fight.
On leash, my dog adventures past the lawn
to find what scents will cross her path tonight.' Always guaranteed a great poem with you Cat. I loved this and think it is superb. Well done you are so talented. kind regards Meia xx

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Thank you, Meia, for your review and for your compliments of my poem. Thanks also for pointing out the lines you love.

Comment from visionary1234

Excellent

Ouch! Well at least in Hawaii the most dangerous thing you encounter is a CENTIPEDE and won't eat your pets! Petrarchan sonnets are hard to write (and get 'right'!) I had a little stop at 'forbode' then a period. Usually something 'forbodes' SOMETHING, I think? So it sort of left me hanging? Also the use of the word 'strode' is a bit odd - 'had stridden' SEEMS more correct but I'm honestly not sure of my ground here???

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Thank you, visionary1234, for your review and for you detailed thoughts on word usage. I checked the pluperfect conjugation of stride and "we had strode" is an alternate of "we had stridden." I will wait to see what others say about that.

You are right about the hanging "forebode." I struggled with this, eliminated the period, and came up with this tweak of the following line to make the two lines flow smoother and more logically:

but scents that Mina only smells forebode
awakened vibes to twitch her nose and goad

Thanks for your review and suggestions. I await others feedback or lack thereof on these two points.

Comment from frierajac

Excellent

I really like this poem. I didn't see the Petrarchan sonnet form until the end.
The subject could not be construed as traditional, which makes it interesting
as being strange.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Thank you, frierajac, for your review. I am glad you found my Petrarchan sonnet to be an interesting, strange read.

Comment from kiwigirl2821

Excellent

Your piece is in perfect format. I love the story telling way you have of even writing formal poetry. The words create the picture for us and it is such a pleasure to read! Good luck in your contest. xoxo Kiwi

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Yes, Kiwi, even while writing formed poetry, I tell stories with pictures and, in this case, with smells.

Thank you for your pleasurable review and for wishing me good luck in the contest.

Comment from marybell1

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your rhyming poem "Nose Knows" You followed all the rules for this genre correctly and an appropriate picture ( though not all that glamous)
All the best.
Marybell1.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Thank you, Marybell1, for your review and for wishing me all the best for my entry.

reply by marybell1 on 21-Nov-2017

You are most welcome.
Marybell1.

Comment from Tadite

Excellent

The images sprinkled throughout this poem are amazing. The scents and sights make this what it is, and the rhyme scheme is well thought out, not to mention just freaking perfect. I wish you the best of luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Yes, Tadite, while writing my poem, I matched my senses to my dog's. I smelled wood smoke at night while Mina smelled danger. I paid attention to her and we got out of there! Thank you for your review and for wishing me the best in the contest.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Oh, no! Pumas! I find that dogs have an amazing sense of smell but wish they could talk and tell us whether it's a cougar or a house cat. Please stay safe!

Great rhymes throughout even internal ones like "road" and strode."

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Yes, Lyenochka, I wish my dog could talk, too. In a way, she is. I just have to listen and use my keen perception.

Thank you for your review. We'll stay safe!

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written Petrarchan sonnet. It is the best idea to go with a dog's instincts and nose than to fight for your life against any wild animal. Out little friends see, smell and hear more than we can imagine.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Yes, Sandra, it is best to trust my dog. She smells and senses things I cannot. Thank you for your review..

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

Oh, heavens no, Andre!
This is precisely the reason I never allow Gidget out at night without me being present. We have several large packs of coyotes roaming the woods in our area and pets who live outdoors come up missing on a regular basis.
Your Petrarchan sonnet is very well composed and true to form.
I wish you the very best of luck in the contest my friend.

~Dean

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2017

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2017

Yes, Dean, I never let Mina out at night or day without me being present. In addition to the mountain lions, we have coyotes, eagles, hawks, and owls. There have been no known coyote attacks of dogs on leash with their owners present. All the attacks have happened from owners letting their dogs off leash and unattended.

Thank you for your review and for wishing me luck in the contest.

reply by Dean Kuch on 20-Nov-2017

That's good to hear, Andre.
You're very welcome.
~Dean