Comment from words

Excellent

Very well done.

What a haunting write.

Yes, doubt can be like that ... feeding on our very entrails.

Great metaphor.

Hugs, d

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Glad you got the metaphor - many didn't despite the title...

Steve

reply by the author on 05-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Glad you got the metaphor - many didn't despite the title...

Steve

Comment from N.K. Wagner

Exceptional

Your image of gulls picking at your insides, swirling in the skies, is an excellent metaphor for the distress caused by worry. Your word placement mimics the swooping and spiraling of seabirds scavenging a carcass. Outstanding, Steve. :) nancy

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks, Nancy.

As you know, free verse is a bit of a step for me, but I thought I'd give it a go and I'm quite pleased with the result.

Steve

Comment from emrpoems

Excellent

loved your presentation and awesome picture.
Excellent imagery created
Good use of metaphor

swooping
unerring
to
the silvery prize
thrashing its last
on
cold
grey
stones loved this..
Strong entry of the free verse contest.
Good luck

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Deniz22

Excellent

Yuck! (first reaction, sorry) I live near the water and see many gulls. They are as bold as brass and will perch on the hood of your car if you happen to be eating. You have captured their relentlessness well.

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks for reviewing.

Steve

Comment from Gungalo

Excellent

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr this sure is a cold write and it has the air of stepping beyond the normal layout too. Awesome done Steve. I love it.

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

reply by Gungalo on 06-Mar-2014

Smile.

Comment from Sylvia Page

Excellent

and
as dark descends
I hear them
squabbling
over
my entrails
oh yes they will squabble away as loudly even on your entrails. Good metaphors.
Sylvia

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks, Sylvia.

Steve

Comment from jadapenn

Excellent

And they squabble so loudly too. This is a great free verse entry, Steve. The visuals spark out at you as you read about these scavengers of the sea. Well penned. Awesome artwork. Best wishes for the contest. luv jada

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014

Jada, thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Terrie DeGolier

Excellent

Your picture captures your words perfectly. The gulls will swoop for food even in cities at fast food chains, hovering, becoming vultures as the descend to grab whatever is available. I enjoyed the poem, could almost feel the ocean breeze where I seen them years ago other than MacDonald's. Terrie

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014

Thanks, Terrie!

Steve

Comment from DALLAS01

Exceptional

I love the metaphor, doubt is dark, ugly, and destructive.
And in the end, as you insinuate in your last stanza, it can eat us alive.

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014

Thank you!

At least you realised this was a metaphor. Despite my title, which I thought made it obvious, I have had many 'poor fish' reviews!

Steve

reply by DALLAS01 on 02-Mar-2014

ha ha

Comment from chasennov

Excellent

'doubt-gulls.' Sounds gory, but it was effective. A good poem with perfect description, and structured to a neat working bar. Well done.

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2014

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reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014

Thank you for the kind words.

Steve

reply by chasennov on 02-Mar-2014

You are most welcome, Steve.