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Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Preach to the Preachers"A series of like minded poems
32 total reviews
Comment from Irish Rain
One of your best. Ever.
I love the rhymes, and the message is
just so NOW.
I can understand all points of view,
but in the end, we need to make our
individual choices.
I'll wear a mask, if it might help others,
even if I had no chance of catching this.
I'll take the vaccine when my doctor deems
it safe, and be as considerate as I can towards
others.
These are hard times, and you just don't know
what to believe.
I like your ending, looking inwardly. That's
the only choice we are really in control of.
I am trying to have my 'best life ever' right
now. Just in case.
Wonderful message,
blessings...
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2020
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One of your best. Ever.
I love the rhymes, and the message is
just so NOW.
I can understand all points of view,
but in the end, we need to make our
individual choices.
I'll wear a mask, if it might help others,
even if I had no chance of catching this.
I'll take the vaccine when my doctor deems
it safe, and be as considerate as I can towards
others.
These are hard times, and you just don't know
what to believe.
I like your ending, looking inwardly. That's
the only choice we are really in control of.
I am trying to have my 'best life ever' right
now. Just in case.
Wonderful message,
blessings...
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2020
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Good morning! Thanks for your wonderfully kind and understanding review, noting the highlights, such as the need to make our "individual choices." I appreciate so much your gift of a sixer, and your message, as usual, is spot on! Live our best potential right now! I am so happy this resonates with you. Have a beautiful day!
Jesse
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Happy Weekend to you!! I hope this is a great Christmas week for you...loved your poem!!
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Same back at you! It makes me happy to know how you love my poem. Thanks!
Jesse
Comment from Eternal Muse
There is a great message in this one. Yes, we can't bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich does. The reality is terrible, the pandemic is akin to a war with its explosive power and life loss. We can preach to any preachers but it doesn't make it any easier.
Good imagery and visuals and I like your artwork.
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2020
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There is a great message in this one. Yes, we can't bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich does. The reality is terrible, the pandemic is akin to a war with its explosive power and life loss. We can preach to any preachers but it doesn't make it any easier.
Good imagery and visuals and I like your artwork.
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 19-Dec-2020
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You are so right. Comparing the pandemic to war is very effective and powerful. Thank you for your kind words about the imagery and my choice of artwork. I am glad the message resonated with you.
Jesse
Comment from Ulla
Hi Jesse, I liked your poem a lot which sums up the sentiment of the last year. Many of us have been affected by the virus which have dictated our lives all over the world. In November my daughter and Son-in-law came down with it, being hard hit for three weeks. Maybe not surprising, since she's a nurse, he's a doctor. Their three young girls never contracted it. But now the three girls have got it from their school. Go figure!. Their Christmas is definitely cancelled.
So your lovely poem brings all this into perspective. High time that the jab is here. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Hi Jesse, I liked your poem a lot which sums up the sentiment of the last year. Many of us have been affected by the virus which have dictated our lives all over the world. In November my daughter and Son-in-law came down with it, being hard hit for three weeks. Maybe not surprising, since she's a nurse, he's a doctor. Their three young girls never contracted it. But now the three girls have got it from their school. Go figure!. Their Christmas is definitely cancelled.
So your lovely poem brings all this into perspective. High time that the jab is here. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Hello Ulla. I am so sorry for the tragedy that has befallen your family. It breaks my heart to hear the personal accounts of this ravaged Covid nightmare, and I feel honored that you shared this with me. I am glad and also saddened, that this poem resonates with you so. Let us hope that the New Year of 2021 brings much-needed optimism, and love for ourselves, and each other.
Take care,
Jesse
Comment from Janice Canerdy
This well-written poem has captured the mood of 2020 where some things are concerned. I think perhaps it was written before the vaccines became available? Also, I think the experts often DO know what's best for us. We have to trust someone, don't we?
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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This well-written poem has captured the mood of 2020 where some things are concerned. I think perhaps it was written before the vaccines became available? Also, I think the experts often DO know what's best for us. We have to trust someone, don't we?
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Yes, Janice, this poem was written nearly 6 months ago, before the vaccines became available. I also agree that we need to trust when it comes to vaccines and their necessity. Thank you for your kind comments, and have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Jesse
Comment from Anne Johnston
Flows freely, easy to read and so much truth in it. With all the news, conspiracy theories, and general misinformation out there, we need to make sure we do not get caught up in it. Like the last verse - good advice for us all.
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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Flows freely, easy to read and so much truth in it. With all the news, conspiracy theories, and general misinformation out there, we need to make sure we do not get caught up in it. Like the last verse - good advice for us all.
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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Thank you, Anne, for your no-nonsense review. Your insightful perspective and kind words are very appreciated. I am glad the last verse resonated with you. I wish you the best in 2021.
Jesse
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You are welcome, and a Happy New Year to you.
Comment from Boogienights
Your poem is full of wisdom and reminds me of what my mom used to say...you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar. We need to treat each other with respect and get our point across civilly. Thank you for this well written poem that teaches us.
reply by the author on 25-Dec-2020
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Your poem is full of wisdom and reminds me of what my mom used to say...you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar. We need to treat each other with respect and get our point across civilly. Thank you for this well written poem that teaches us.
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 25-Dec-2020
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Your mother was right, and gave you a wise foundation, to build your relationship skills. Respect and tact and civility, are better received by others, on every issue we face, no matter the differences we may have, the approach needs to remain the same. I appreciate your kind comments very much.
Merry Christmas to you!
Jesse
Comment from karenina
This pandemic has affected us all in different ways. Some of us work in the healthcare field and are dealing with loss of life at a proportion unknown to us before. Others have lost friends and family and an unbelievable 300,000 souls have been lost here in the USA. Some can't wait to get vaccinated, some refuse, some won't wear masks and some believe it's all a hoax. More people slip-slide into poverty and hunger while congress battles a stimulus bill that would be in any way helpful. All we can do is remember to protect our mental health as well as our physical--and to reach out to others to check on them. The truth is no one has the answers...we're winging it and praying this is not some political PR move. Add to that the other pandemic of isolation during the holidays and it is little wonder suicides are up as much as incomes are down. Your poem makes us all take stock in where we are emotionally and who we trust.--Karenina
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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This pandemic has affected us all in different ways. Some of us work in the healthcare field and are dealing with loss of life at a proportion unknown to us before. Others have lost friends and family and an unbelievable 300,000 souls have been lost here in the USA. Some can't wait to get vaccinated, some refuse, some won't wear masks and some believe it's all a hoax. More people slip-slide into poverty and hunger while congress battles a stimulus bill that would be in any way helpful. All we can do is remember to protect our mental health as well as our physical--and to reach out to others to check on them. The truth is no one has the answers...we're winging it and praying this is not some political PR move. Add to that the other pandemic of isolation during the holidays and it is little wonder suicides are up as much as incomes are down. Your poem makes us all take stock in where we are emotionally and who we trust.--Karenina
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Hello Karenina.
It is always good to see your name and read your detailed reviews. This time you lay out the situation in ways we can all relate to. I am very glad I am not in the nursing home or in the hospital right now. I don't know if I'll even have my upcoming back surgery postponed because there are not enough staff and beds, etc. This pandemic puts my whole life plan in jeopardy, and it is hard to cope with the uncertainty. 'Team Jesse' comes and goes, as its needs go on longer than originally planned as the situation keeps changing. I bought some walking sticks on sale at a sporting goods store to help inspire me as to how I want to live, (versus the wheelchair I am confined to now). But, my back surgery might be seen as elective surgery because of the overflow of the health care system. I am talking on the phone weekly to a counselor, and a therapist, as well as a doctor of Psychiatry, to help me cope through my own ordeals, as well as this pandemic. Please, keep me in your thoughts as I am not getting much sleep because of the stress I am under. Writing poetry and journaling, as well as posting from time to time, helps me more than anything else. I appreciate your review and opinions very much.
Take care, and have a safe and healthy holiday season.
Jesse
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You are in my thoughts...
Keep reaching out!
You have a plan and if it is delayed due to covid, it can pick up as soon as things move forward a bit.
You have an uncanny way of showing thoughtfulness and wisdom in your poetry...it helps ME as well as yourself...
I appreciate your dedication to your life goals and to writing.
I respect you more than you know...
Karenina
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I uttered the word, "Wow," after reading your reply. Thank you so much for your kind words. I believe we have a mutual respect 'party' going on, in regards to our feelings for each other. I appreciate your encouraging comments and will hold them close to my heart when I go into a temporary "dark" space. I always climb out of them, and I do so, by thinking of those of you in my life who have me in their thoughts. Thanks, my friend.
Jesse
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Every word is true... Merry Christmas Jesse!--Karenina
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Hi Karenina.
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Jesse
Comment from Debbie Pope
I like your poem a lot. I was following it and agreeing with every word until I got to thinking about the second stanza. The poem still makes perfect sense, but I am pondering your feelings about the virus. I am truly interested in people's logic regarding this virus. My take is that you don't support mask mandates, etc., but you do support living a life that is kind to others. Living a life that is unselfish. So, that leaves me pondering my first conclusion about your stance. Are you saying people should be wearing masks and the government should not have to tell us to do so. That's my final take, and I like it.
Leaving the reader pondering is a good thing in poetry. Nice job.
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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I like your poem a lot. I was following it and agreeing with every word until I got to thinking about the second stanza. The poem still makes perfect sense, but I am pondering your feelings about the virus. I am truly interested in people's logic regarding this virus. My take is that you don't support mask mandates, etc., but you do support living a life that is kind to others. Living a life that is unselfish. So, that leaves me pondering my first conclusion about your stance. Are you saying people should be wearing masks and the government should not have to tell us to do so. That's my final take, and I like it.
Leaving the reader pondering is a good thing in poetry. Nice job.
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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Thank you, Debbie, for your inquisitive review. The poem was written without regard to COVID restrictions. I am not claiming anything overtly political and I am sorry if you interpreted my poem in that way. I honor, and appreciate, you speaking your mind. I admire your strong convictions as well as appreciate your kind words. I wish the best for you in 2021.
Jesse
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I'm the one to apologize. Sometimes our own thoughts color our interpretations.
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Hello Debbie.
Thank you for your gracious apology. Rather than 'sometimes,' I would agree that 'often' one's thoughts 'color' one's 'interpretations.' Of this, we are, (most of us), guilty. I appreciate your honesty.
Jesse
Comment from rama devi
Hi Jesse - it sounds like someone has really pushed your buttons, but that makes for good poetry. This has intensity and a good flow with fine random rhymes and slant rhymes and lots of alliteration, assonance and consonance as well.
I particularly applaud the medley of similar sounds with choirs, advisors, wiser and virus. Bravo!
A couple of optional suggestions:
*
Pretense to know answers
for what's best for another,(no comma here needed)
breeds hostile-like cancers
with wounds that can swell.
*
I try to look inwardly(,)
see how I may gingerly(,)
treat myself kindly(--)
and others as well.
The stanza with "Pretense to know answers" is quite intense, so I'm glad you followed it up with a kinder tone in the closing note!
My two cents: People are usually just trying thier best. If they miss the mark, it may serve all best to forgive them instead of letting any emotions become cancers...but if people are toxic and controlling, it's also good to keep a distance from them, if possible!
Sending lots of positive energy your way. Nice to see you posting again,d dear friend.
Warmly,
rd
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Hi Jesse - it sounds like someone has really pushed your buttons, but that makes for good poetry. This has intensity and a good flow with fine random rhymes and slant rhymes and lots of alliteration, assonance and consonance as well.
I particularly applaud the medley of similar sounds with choirs, advisors, wiser and virus. Bravo!
A couple of optional suggestions:
*
Pretense to know answers
for what's best for another,(no comma here needed)
breeds hostile-like cancers
with wounds that can swell.
*
I try to look inwardly(,)
see how I may gingerly(,)
treat myself kindly(--)
and others as well.
The stanza with "Pretense to know answers" is quite intense, so I'm glad you followed it up with a kinder tone in the closing note!
My two cents: People are usually just trying thier best. If they miss the mark, it may serve all best to forgive them instead of letting any emotions become cancers...but if people are toxic and controlling, it's also good to keep a distance from them, if possible!
Sending lots of positive energy your way. Nice to see you posting again,d dear friend.
Warmly,
rd
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 21-Dec-2020
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Hi Rama.
I'm glad you stopped by. I know you didn't approve of this poem, and its subsequent posting but, people are responding quite well to it, so I think I made the right choice. Thank you, as always, for addressing the poetics and giving some helpful suggestions. You are, by far, one of the best reviewers we have on FS.
Have a safe and healthy holiday, including receiving all your dreams in 2021!
Take care, my friend,
Jesse
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My dear Jesse,
I absolutely approve of the poem. I'm not sure why you think otherwise, but I assume it's because I added my two cents with a different perspective. The poem is expressive and well voiced...and of course you made the right choice to write it. I encourage you to continue writing whatever is in your heart!
Thanks for your kind words, and I wish you the very same safe and healthy holiday and all your dreams coming true too.
Big smiles and warm hugs,
rd
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Happy holidays, Rama.
Maybe my interpretation of your words led me to think you didn't approve. Ah well, have a great day and I wish you all the best.
Jesse
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Happy Holidays to you too, dear Jesse. I'm glad we cleared that up. I am not the kind of character to disapprove of ANY poem. I am the opposite of judgemental...so please never think I hold a negative attitude of your poems...ever! IT SIMPLY COULD NOT HAPPEN!
Have a wonderful day, rich in grace, light and peace!
Big hugs,
rd
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I understand completely and accept what you are telling me. I will try to stay rich in grace, light, and peace as much as I can.
Take care,
Jesse
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Yay! :-)))
Comment from Tonsy Bennett
Mr. Doty I am very impressed by your writing and the words that you chose for your poetry. With this troubling and extremely hard year we've all had to experience and many much heartache and loss . I can say I share similar views and I think overall this an outstanding poem ! Great work,
Sincerely,
Tonsy Bennett
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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Mr. Doty I am very impressed by your writing and the words that you chose for your poetry. With this troubling and extremely hard year we've all had to experience and many much heartache and loss . I can say I share similar views and I think overall this an outstanding poem ! Great work,
Sincerely,
Tonsy Bennett
Comment Written 18-Dec-2020
reply by the author on 26-Dec-2020
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Thank you, Tonsy, for your retrospective review of the last year, and I appreciate that we share similar views. Thanks for your kind comments. Sorry for the delay in my reply. I wish you the best possible in 2021!
Jesse