Reviews from

To Mend This Broken Land

A Shakespearean sonnet for these times ...

54 total reviews 
Comment from Ben1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a nice bitter sweet poem that makes one feel for the soldier gone and for the loved one left at home. The emotion you put in it makes one feel sad but proud we have such men protecting us. And that they are away fighting to make a difference in this world like you said.

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2020
    Hello Ben!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Diane! This is very well written and speaks of mending, and regaining trust. Both are sorely needed. The sonnet is exceptional in every way and I wouldn't change a thing. The picture of the American flag with broken glass made me pause, but I am glad I went further and read this. You are taking the high road, and I for one am greatly honored to know you and to call you my friend. Enjoy your holiday season, and I wish you a wonderful day.
Take care,
Jesse

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 28-Nov-2020
    Hello Jesse!
    Everyone is sleeping as I write = exhausted from all of the Thanksgiving festivities, I suppose!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
    The problems of our nation seemed to disappear this holiday as I held our grandson numerous times. To gaze upon him as he lay sleeping in my arms was healing, indeed.

    Thank you again!
    I hope you are healing and thriving!

    Take Care!
    diane
reply by Jesse James Doty on 29-Nov-2020
    Good morning, Diane!
    Yes, holding a loved one close, is very healing. We all need to be held and loved. Thank you for caring about me. I care about you, too. I am both, healing, and thriving, in a love-filled environment. I took a sorely needed break from my problems this holiday season, and today, I feel great!
    Take care,
    Jesse
Comment from Eternal Muse
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an excellent and very timely sonnet for the contest. I think it is impeccable as far as the the form and content. A very patriotic note throughout which should impress the contest committee (smile). Written by a real patriot of this country. I do hope that times will change, the coronavirus will get down to history and we'll enjoy the clear skies again.

Excellent presentation and artwork.

Good luck in the contest, love, Yelena

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 24-Nov-2020
    Oh, Yelena!
    So pleased you enjoyed!
    Such trying times ...
    Thank you for your excellent rating and complimentary review!

    Best wishes for a beautiful Thanksgiving for you and yours!
    diane







Comment from roof35
Excellent
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This is a lovely poem full of wise words I wish everyone would take to heart and practice. I especially love your closing line, "With trust regained, we'll mend this broken land.

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2020
    Hello Roof35,
    So pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A poem expressing a much needed sentiment these days. It is in perfect iambic pentameter and adheres to the prescribed rhyme scheme. I think firm/confirmed will pass the pedantic eye of the committee, but one is never sure.
I'm looking for a turning point in the third stanza. It continues the theme of the first two well, but I don't see the peripeteia that is such an important part of the Shakespearean sonnet.
Your closing couplet is excellent.

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 24-Nov-2020
    Hello Tony!
    Glad you dropped by.
    The "peripeteia" is there. Subtle. But it's there.
    And if not convinced, let's just say that I have attempted to "escape the straitjacket" of traditional sonnets ... :)

    Thank you again,
    diane
Comment from CrystieCookie999
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a lovely sonnet that seeks to promote a theme of unity and 'commonality.' In fact, my favorite lines were: If only I could walk with you a piece,
And truly come to know what shapes your world,
Our commonality would then increase ~
I like how the line 'unfurled' reflects the flag in the photo choice. Good luck in that contest!

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2020
    Hello Crystie!
    So pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted


To Mend This Broken Land
by Mrs. KT

Hello, Diane,

Beautiful Shakespearean sonnet for our present situation. Our country is so divided but I'm sure time will heal our country. Getting rid of Trump is the first step and we have two vaccines for covid.

I like the sonnet form and presentation. Well done.

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2020
    Hello Gypsy!
    So pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Harley Dayman Rayne Quinn
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The picture makes the words hit harder and it reminds us of hope that could come. It was poetry in motion and I am grateful to have read it.

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 24-Nov-2020
    Hello Harley!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
    Such a startling and divisive time in our lives...
    So pleased that my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from rspoet
Excellent
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Hello Diane,
You've written a fine sonnet for the contest with a message much needed.
I suspect it is possible among friends or family.
But reading some of the comments, it is clear that for some, the divide will last.
Your sonnet has excellent, exact rhymes and a wonderful reflective couplet,
if only we could bring people together.
Well said.
Best wishes to all and
good luck in the contest.
Robert







 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 24-Nov-2020
    Hello Robert,
    I agree that the political and societal rancor is overwhelming. But healing must begin somewhere. It's amazing the healing that can happen when people choose to actually listen to what another person is saying and attempt to understand another's perspective.

    Thank you for stopping by and your excellent rating and thoughtful review.

    Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving!
    diane
Comment from Janet Foor
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A beautiful Shakespearean sonnet Diane. I love the concept and the message and I too pray that God will heal our land. The last couplet is particularly powerful.

Very nicely done.
Blessings
Janet

 Comment Written 24-Nov-2020


reply by the author on 24-Nov-2020
    Hello Janet!
    So very pleased my words resonated with you!
    Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

    diane