Reviews from

Animated Stills

Viewing comments for Chapter 44 "The Foxes and the Bishop"
Inspiration of Life from Photographs

11 total reviews 
Comment from RGstar
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Loved to see a storyline within poetry, and make this a sorts story-poem which the narrative take us on a journey of both fantasy and reality. Bravo.

I won't be writing much over the period as I fractured ankle in a fall, (painful) and for a change not spending Christmas doing charity as previous years where I cook or deliver food for the homeless, being picked up this year for a rare time with dear friends, so friends and fans alike, please forgive a little absence. Have a beautiful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

My best wishes,
RG

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2017
    Thank you RG, have a wonderful holiday too. Heal well too. I appreciate your review, and love the stars as well.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Tom, That was amazing! I loved the poem/story, and the photo is enchanting! You certainly came up trumps with that one, it truly does look like a fox. The story, I really enjoyed that. I loved how the fox fooled the Bishop, that was brilliant, he was the one that had him killed, he deserved to be deceived. All animals grieve when they lose a loved one, they are no different to us in that sense. Well done, my friend, I also enjoyed your Author's notes. Superb! Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you Sandra. You made my day with that review.
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
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Truly the image of the fox is first class, not only are his head and brush apparent but a fore and hind leg too. In my experience "seeing" these images in trees, rocks or whatever is a matter of a viewpoint and state of mind coming together and aven a slight difference in angle of view can ruin the effect, which might account for your failure to notice the image in real life.

The poem reminded me of fables visited in the past and the story was really intriguing. The refrain kept the opinions of the kiljoy bishop in the forefront of the reader's mind.

I was not familiar with the biblical story of the vinyard and hve not noticed in real life a fox to have an apetite for anythinh other than meat dishes. Aesop has a famous fable about the fox and the grapes he decides are too sour to bother with only when he realises they are out of reach so perhaps vegetarian foxes are not unknown in nature.

Your creativity was really working overtime on this one.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you Pantygynt. It could be that a fox is omnivorous, as that Bible verse certainly points that way, in addition to Aesop. Thanks for the read and fine review.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A interesting poem/story inspired by the tree roots in the image of a fox. The small things in life that cause irritation is the things that ruin all the good there may have been. Great image and it seems there may be more foxes intertwined in those roots.

 Comment Written 17-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 17-Dec-2017
    Thank you Sandra. There very well may be.
Comment from Joan E.
Excellent
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How delightful that the fox in the roots was revealed to you only after you loaded the image! Thank you for doing the additional research and sharing the wonderful details with us like the source of "shenanigan," and weaving them into your poem. Your sestets, rhymes and refrains are a tour de force and proof of the cunningness of foxes! Cheers- Joan

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you , Joan. I was really amazed to find that Bible quote. Glad you liked my story.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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This is a delightful write about foxes and their running clever character, I love these legendary writes steeped in tradition and you told the tale well, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much Dolly'sPoems. They are fun to write as well. I am pleased that you enjoyed it.
Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
Excellent
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You deliver a sad tale as I truly felt badly for the poor little fox. It all turns out well in the end with a proper burial and all of this lovely poetry inspired by the roots of an ancient tree - how magical when you ponder it. Nicely done and thank you very much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you ver much Mystic Angel for your wonderful review.
Comment from Cheryl I
Excellent
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I couldn't quit smiling as I read this - it's great! Sly as a fox. I really liked the stand-alone lines about the Bishop. You did an awesome job - thanks! All the best -
Cheryl

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you Cherly. That warms my heart.
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
Excellent
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The tree looks just like fox, amazing. I once used to play by a tree I called 'The Barguest tree' as it looked like a scary black dog In Northern English folklore, the Barghest or Barguest is a mythical monstrous black dog with large teeth and claws, though in other cases the name can refer to a ghost or household elf, especially in Northumberland and Durham, such as the Cauld Lad of Hylton. I am from this area. As I was only six I don't know where I got this imaginative name from but I was always interested in the supernatural. I believe that tree was magic. More recently, I ass a tree every day that looks exactly like two lovers embracing, her hair flowing, every part of it perfect, as if they were caught and frozen in time. It's amazing. Your poem was superb and the notes fascinating. I knew baby foxes as Tods or Todds and also Reynard(the Fox, Renaud in French) is the main character in a literary cycle of allegorical Dutch, English, French and German fables. Those stories are largely concerned with Reynard, an anthropomorphic red fox and trickster figure. Lovely work well done and thanks for sharing! Kind regards Meia x

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 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you Meia. I'll have to investigate that Barghest story in case I run across a tree that fits that one. I loved your input. In fact, I really should change his name to Renard instead of Renauld. I will do that.
reply by Meia (MESAYERS) on 16-Dec-2017
    I meant to say I PASS BY a tree every day...thankyou so much for the vote, you are so kind! Love your writing, Meia :) Ps: It is Reynard- (Dutch: Reinaert; )French: Renard;) German: Reineke) or Reinicke); Latin: Renartus) is the main character in a literary cycle of allegorical Dutch, English, French and German fables.
Comment from loismddavis
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

oh my, what a fun and technically excellent poem. I loved the story and the fact that the Bishop was indeed outfoxed--I enjoyed your after thoughts also. I have a cousin named Fiona and my Junkyard dog is also a Fiona. W e have Irish ancestors. A Bishop's seat I believe is a Minster--A cathedral may not be designated a Minster unless it is the Bishop's seat.

 Comment Written 16-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 16-Dec-2017
    Thank you loisdavis. So true, and indeed our Catherdral is the Archbishop's seat in St. Paul, Minnesota. Glad you enjoyed the story. I appreciate your input.