Comment from RYME4U

Excellent

Excellent . I like the realistic depiction of the long hard journey our ancestors made to settle this country. Very informative and the naming of geographical places is an extra added touch. Great job!

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you for your very kind praise of my poem. I tried to make it as realistic as I could with the place names and the vernacular and am pleased you like this.

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem and interpretation of the classic painting of
Albert Bierstadt's painting "Emigrants Crossing the Plains" (1867). We all have dreams we like to pursue but we always need God's guidance to fulfill our dreams.

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

I truly appreciate your sharing my poem. You have summarized its theme beautifully.

Comment from Franklin Price

Excellent

A excellent poem about the pioneers crossing our great country. I really appreciated that you wrote it in colloquial language. After all, many of the pioneers could neither read nor write. I even pictured the author dictating to someone who could write. Thanks for sharing. I had to give you my vote in the contest. By the way, I was also entered in this contest. This is the first time I haven't given my vote to me.

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you so much, Franklin, for this great review. I am truly honored that you, a competitor, voted for it.

Comment from rjuselius

Excellent

this is an interesting piece of poetry dear anonymous! i ma not quite sure what to think about pioneers, the word pioneer referring´to someone in who did it first. and i think that indians were the pioneers if there was a fight about the concept.
anyhoo, thank you for sharing!
blessings!
Rebekka x

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you, Rebekka, for sharing my poem and your perceptive comments. By the time Bierstadt painted this picture (1867), the Trail was well-known and you could follow it in your sleep. I think he used an apt title for these folks by calling them "emigrants," not "pioneers."

Comment from bertranclan

Excellent

I've never been to Oregon, but now this poem makes me want to go! Enjoyed reading about the history behind your poem, and I have a greater appreciation for using the language (vernacular?) the pioneers used. Well done.

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you for your very kind comments. I am especially pleased you liked my use of vernacular. I love reading and writing (usually prose) about the Old West.

Comment from William Ross

Excellent

This is a bit interesting how you have a non rhymed verse than a rhymed one like a mix of free verse and rhyme. Nicely done. good luck and have a great day

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

I am delighted you shared my poem and liked my use of ABCB rhyming.

Comment from Kurisu

Excellent

I liked Pioneer Dreams. Well written and Rhymes nicely. It makes you realise that modern day America owes so much to the early pioneers. Best wishes. Kurisu.

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 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you, Kurisu, for your very kind praise and thoughtful comments.

Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

A very good entry in the contest. Western themed writing usually doesn't do well on FanStory. let's hope this on sets a precedent. I wrote a western story and didn't get many reviews

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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

I appreciate YOUR taking the time and having the interest to read my western-themed poem.