Reviews from

We're Still Here, John

Upon experiencing the heart of John Steinbeck country...

46 total reviews 
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The only reason so many immigrants, both legal and illegal, work the fields is because it is back breaking, unrewarding work for little pay or recognition, Mrs. KT.
But, hey, it's an honest living and someone's gotta do it, right?
Nicely penned!


 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2018
    Thanks for stopping by, Dean Kuch!
    Yup. Like growin' radishes. Somebody's gotta do it!

    Hope all is well and thank you again!
    diane
Comment from Tootie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow! I didn't know who John was in this free verse poem until I read your comments. So brilliant! I love John Steinbeck's books and writing. This is a perfect tribute to him. I've never heard of the term art-speech before. Thank you for sharing this! So well done! I really enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2018
    Hello Catherine,
    So very pleased you stopped by and enjoyed my offering. This one is dear to my heart.
    Thank you for your thoughtful and complimentary review.

    diane
Comment from cailinraine8
Excellent
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Having seen "The Grapes Of Wrath" at the Stratford Theatre, this poetry brings the grueling story and tumultuous journey to mind again in vivid detail... it is sad that the human condition seems to contain a clause which indicates that there will always be "classes" ... You have done a good job on this!

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2018
    Hello Cailin!
    Thank you for your thoughtful and complimentary review.
    This one is very dear to me...

    diane
Comment from Poetofheart2013
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very beautiful poem full of life and really good feeling and emotions.
really bright and colorful imaging.
I can tell you lot feeling in it.
I really enjoy reading it keep up the good work

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2018
    Hello!
    This poem is very special to me.
    Thank you for stopping by and your thoughtful review.

    diane
Comment from johnwilson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you for this truly simple yet profound piece. The repeated words, the passion entwined with the truth made goosebumps for this reader. I love it when a poem can make me feel something that resonates thru my body to me brain, and stays there--makes me re-read it. Great work, and a winner to me!

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2018
    Hello johnwilson,
    So honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
    This one is very special to me...

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Beck Fenton
Excellent
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Your poetry speaks of an American crisis that I have thought about often. You describe both the racist name-calling and expectations and the stubborn will to endure everything necessary to survive. The rhythm begs to be read out loud.
I knew you meant John Steinbeck, but I often thought of John Kennedy as I read along. Thanks for a good read.

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2018
    Hello Beck.fenton!
    So pleased you enjoyed my poetic offering. It is interesting to me that you would think of John F. Kennedy; he too, surely believed in the rights of the disenfranchised.
    This piece is very dear to me, and I thank you for taking the time to read and appreciate it...
    Thank you ever so much,

    diane
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
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This is an excellent free verse poem that uses, among other devices, repetion to hammer home the grinding boredom of working poverty. much is written of the unemployed and the homeless, rather less of those who continu to work away for long ours of back breaking labour day after relentless day in order to provide the more affluent with foodstuffs.

I too am a fan of Steinbeck and I really appreciate this tribute, that somehow captures the essential quality of his novels. The date has moved on and probably things are not as bad as they were in the great depression of the 1930s but for some it seems there is not much improvement.

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2018
    Hello!
    Your thoughtful review and excellent rating are very much appreciated.
    This one is dear to my heart.

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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This poem, We're Still Here, John, is a terrific capture of the sentiment of the Dust Bowl days and that determination to survive. Again, we are here. The Man wants to roll over people but, We go on. Just great.

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2018
    Hello Bill,
    So pleased you enjoyed my offering. It is dear to me...
    Thank you!

    diane
Comment from jlsavell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

MS.KT,

Your dedication or letter to this most amazing talent and heart leaves me speechless. Your references are educational and spark the brain to memories of being absorbed in his work. beautiful work


jlsavell

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2018
    Hello jlsavell,,
    So very pleased that you enjoy my verse.
    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Gloria ....
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a terrific free verse poem, Diane. I've always enjoyed John Steinbeck's work and Salinas California isn't too bad either.

Yes, all we can do is write about life where we are right now or have been or dream of going to.

I really like this style and thanks for the author notes too and best wishes to you in the contest.

Gloria

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2018


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2018
    Hello Gloria,
    This one is very dear to my heart.
    Thank you for your thoughtful and complimentary review.

    diane