you don't know how
a contest entry80 total reviews
Comment from Day Z Chayn
Alvin,
Not sure what to make of this work without seeming to lack a certain objectivity in judgement as of late. No one can fill your shoes, or 'walk a mile in your moccasins' as it were, save you. In my own case, my own 'moccasins' remain 'empty,' as I've never really walked anywhere in life. The only traveling I'm able to do these days is in my own head. There's not much difference between a Brooks Brothers suit, which you own and wear, and my own titanium wheelchair, is there? (I use a wheelchair as result of a lifelong disability. Often this is the only object which people associate with me.)
If only folks ought realize constantly that we all bleed the same color, then the world might perhaps be a much more harmonious place.
Perhaps it isn't so odd to tell you that I'm reminded of Harvey Milk as I read this piece. I have not seen Sean Penn's portrayal or interpretation of that man's inner character, but I am reminded of him and his accomplishments as I read 'you don't know how.'
Now, if only each and all of humanity ought follow Dr. Martin Luther King's maxim where he said,
"I have a dream that one day, men ought not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.'
When you write, you've shown us more of your true character than simply talking about it or merely referring to it. It perhaps come through in your own teaching experience as well, or so it seems.
Blessings,
Shane
PS. Lately, reviewing does not come easily for me at this particular point in time. Often, my own writing suffers the same, though it seems yours hasn't.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Alvin,
Not sure what to make of this work without seeming to lack a certain objectivity in judgement as of late. No one can fill your shoes, or 'walk a mile in your moccasins' as it were, save you. In my own case, my own 'moccasins' remain 'empty,' as I've never really walked anywhere in life. The only traveling I'm able to do these days is in my own head. There's not much difference between a Brooks Brothers suit, which you own and wear, and my own titanium wheelchair, is there? (I use a wheelchair as result of a lifelong disability. Often this is the only object which people associate with me.)
If only folks ought realize constantly that we all bleed the same color, then the world might perhaps be a much more harmonious place.
Perhaps it isn't so odd to tell you that I'm reminded of Harvey Milk as I read this piece. I have not seen Sean Penn's portrayal or interpretation of that man's inner character, but I am reminded of him and his accomplishments as I read 'you don't know how.'
Now, if only each and all of humanity ought follow Dr. Martin Luther King's maxim where he said,
"I have a dream that one day, men ought not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.'
When you write, you've shown us more of your true character than simply talking about it or merely referring to it. It perhaps come through in your own teaching experience as well, or so it seems.
Blessings,
Shane
PS. Lately, reviewing does not come easily for me at this particular point in time. Often, my own writing suffers the same, though it seems yours hasn't.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an exceptional review. I am highly honored. Your reviewing skills seem quite compassionate to me. The comparison with Milk highly honors me. It is not a well-known fact that at least one of his lovers committed suicide. His personal life did have its tragedies. Thank you again.
Comment from Writingfundimension
Alvin, this is a superb poem that shows, not only, the depth of your talent but the side of you many of us have never gotten to see before. I love the formatting. This is a superb contest entry that I suspect will take home the prize. Best wishes, Bev
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Alvin, this is a superb poem that shows, not only, the depth of your talent but the side of you many of us have never gotten to see before. I love the formatting. This is a superb contest entry that I suspect will take home the prize. Best wishes, Bev
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review. Looking forward to having you in a class again.
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You're welcome. I'm looking forward to it also, Alvin. Cheers, Bev
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is very well written, alvin, you did a great job writing this free verse poem about the perceptions we have of people aren't always true, i enjoyed reading it and wish you the best of luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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this is very well written, alvin, you did a great job writing this free verse poem about the perceptions we have of people aren't always true, i enjoyed reading it and wish you the best of luck in the contest.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review. I have a new Bible and Poetry class up for April, if you saw that. Just mentioning it because you took a class in Religion and Poetry and seemed to enjoy it.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
How true this is. We all have self doubt, or if we don't we should anyways.We should never assume the reasons and motives of others. Nicely done free verse poem. Good luck in the contest!!! Debbie
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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How true this is. We all have self doubt, or if we don't we should anyways.We should never assume the reasons and motives of others. Nicely done free verse poem. Good luck in the contest!!! Debbie
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thansk for an excellent review.
Comment from mumsyone
Alvin,
I enjoyed reading this heartfelt free verse poem. It is so easy to look at someone and get the wrong impression just from what they are wearing or doing or saying. I made up my mind long ago not to go by my first impressions, but to take time to reason things out. So far, it has worked.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Alvin,
I enjoyed reading this heartfelt free verse poem. It is so easy to look at someone and get the wrong impression just from what they are wearing or doing or saying. I made up my mind long ago not to go by my first impressions, but to take time to reason things out. So far, it has worked.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an excellent review; I am most grateful. I believe your senryu poems are on my agenda for tonight or tomorrow.
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Okay. Thanks.
Comment from Kingsland
We all have a child inside of us and if not. Then I would feel sorry for that someone. This is an excellent piece of poetic art that has very high emotional attitude within its thought structure... John
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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We all have a child inside of us and if not. Then I would feel sorry for that someone. This is an excellent piece of poetic art that has very high emotional attitude within its thought structure... John
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for an excellent review.
Comment from blanche.lili
Hi Alvin, what an interesting poem. I really enjoyed reading it.
It is true that sometimes we see people acting in a certain way, dressed in a certain way and we just assumed that they are arrogant. Rich people, talented people also have their doubts.
Congratulations.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Hi Alvin, what an interesting poem. I really enjoyed reading it.
It is true that sometimes we see people acting in a certain way, dressed in a certain way and we just assumed that they are arrogant. Rich people, talented people also have their doubts.
Congratulations.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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I am quite grateful for this exceptional review. Thank you so much.
Comment from sgalletti
Oh, my dear one...I do believe I DO know this all about you! I absolutely love raw, honest, autobiographical pieces, especially in my most favorite form (yes, even more than senryu!)...free verse. I find free verse such a challenge...bringing in all kinds of poetic elements in a subtle, unforced manner. You executed this beautifully. Most of all, you created the empathy and connection a writer wants from his readers, at least for me. Sue
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Oh, my dear one...I do believe I DO know this all about you! I absolutely love raw, honest, autobiographical pieces, especially in my most favorite form (yes, even more than senryu!)...free verse. I find free verse such a challenge...bringing in all kinds of poetic elements in a subtle, unforced manner. You executed this beautifully. Most of all, you created the empathy and connection a writer wants from his readers, at least for me. Sue
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Yes, often when people start working with me, they are suprised at how different my private persona is different from my public one. Thanks for an exceptional review. It means a lot to me because I don't like to write free verse, but this poem just screamed to be written. I did take your suggestion in a PM, by the way.
Comment from reconciled
Well, I was pleasantly surprised to read this superbly written poem this morning.written from the heart in an honest well crafted manner.your poem slapped me in the face, and has made me more aware of the weight words carry.Wonderful write and read.God bless you-Sir-Michael.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Well, I was pleasantly surprised to read this superbly written poem this morning.written from the heart in an honest well crafted manner.your poem slapped me in the face, and has made me more aware of the weight words carry.Wonderful write and read.God bless you-Sir-Michael.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thank you for this exceptional review. I am quite grateful. You are a very gracious Christian man.
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God bless you Sir-
Comment from cheyennewy
Hi Al,
You have penned a fine poem for the free verse contest. I like your expressive words, the liquid flow and the theme is fabulous. "you don't know how I know inside I am one of them, too....this is a powerful line...."I am a child" is a superb end for this well written poem. Good luck in the contest....chey
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Hi Al,
You have penned a fine poem for the free verse contest. I like your expressive words, the liquid flow and the theme is fabulous. "you don't know how I know inside I am one of them, too....this is a powerful line...."I am a child" is a superb end for this well written poem. Good luck in the contest....chey
Comment Written 19-Feb-2012
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2012
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Thanks for a great review. I changed that last line to "I am still a child." Do you like that better, or should I go back to the original? I really need to know.
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I think "I am still a child" better. Or perhaps...yet, I am still a child....just a thought!
