Reviews from

Babies in Buckets

So many layers...

40 total reviews 
Comment from Cogitator
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You made me look up the meaning of empathy vs. sympathy. Sympathy is acknowledging someone's feelings while empathy is experiencing the same feelings. Being an empath is painful if those feelings are not released. I hope this stellar post has allowed you to let go of feelings that were not generated by you. It is tough to observe pain when your heart is wide open. Best of the best to you...John

 Comment Written 28-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jan-2022
    Thanks, John for being so thorough in your comments and efforts regarding this post. I've been told I lean toward "empath" for years (not unusual for many in the health field) and have found, thankfully, outlets for assimilating the emotions/pain/grief of others. One of those is writing! I'm honored by this six-star review and thank you again for taking the time to read and comment!
    Respectfully, Karenina
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, this is heavy, Karenina. It sounds like you had a hard time making life and death decisions while you were a nurse for all those years. Your writing style is pensive as you reach for conclusions but need to keep on working making it hard to stay focused. This is excellent writing and I hope this is cathartic for you. I wish you all the best in your recovery, my friend.
Have a very therapeutic upcoming weekend!
Take good care of yourself and remember you are healing and you need this mental health break.
Your friend,
Jesse

 Comment Written 27-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jan-2022
    Thanks Jesse. Remembering a patient from years back. Jenna has stayed with me. I am taking a hiatus...but on occasion the muse is tenacious! (smile)-- How are YOU?
    Thanks, Karenina
reply by Jesse James Doty on 28-Jan-2022
    I just got back from an unsuccessful trip and I will let you know more in a few days as I recover from the trip in a PM of course. I am glad the muse still strikes you!
    Enjoy it when it does!
    Jesse
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2022
    Okay, Jesse. It is always a pleasure to hear from you!
reply by Jesse James Doty on 28-Jan-2022
    I am interviewing an IHSS caregiver later today. Wish me luck! I hope he is the one! I will let you know how it goes after it is over.
    Jesse
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2022
    Much luck! You deserve the best!
reply by Jesse James Doty on 29-Jan-2022
    Thanks, Karenina!
    I hope to post again when I have earned enough member dollars from reviewing, that is.
    As far as my caregiving is concerned, I am still looking since neither one of the ones I interviewed worked out.
    Oh well, as you say I deserve the best!
    Jesse
Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I'm so sorry I have no sixes left. This is a heart breaking piece, a nightmare for the young girl who listens to the cold voices of doctors and nurses who refers to "extractions". The narrator, a sympathetic soul, mirrors the anger the reader feels.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2022
    Thanks so much for reading. I know it's an emotional piece. Jenna was my patient and I felt the need to share her pain.

    Karenina
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such a terrific job with your free verse. It's gritty and real and so present, I felt like I was in the room too.

Not an easy subject and you've handled this most poetically and without bias.

A superb write all around, and so good to see you again. :))

Gloria

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2022
    Thank you! Honored by the six. I struggle with free verse, here recalling the experience helped the poem write itself.

    Karenina
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Such a sad poem on many levels, Karenina. You did a great job with the POV from the 13 year old and the nurse. Your words are well thought out with great detail and emotional tug at the heart strings. I like what you wrote about the men involved. Your poem is well presented in color scheme, image, and words.
Thanks for sharing and caring.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2022
    Thank you so much! Jenna was my patient some years back. She's stayed with me. So glad the poem seems to have resonated.

    Karenina
Comment from dragonpoet
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Karen,
This is a sad story of this thirteen year old who has grown up too quickly. You are right that her boyfriend and her father betrayed her. How old was her boyfiriend. She shouldn't have had that serious a relationship at that age. Where is her mother.
It also shows how overworked medical staff are.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Joan
PS Congrats on winning the contest.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2022
    Mom was out of the picture, don't know why. Boyfriend was also a minor--fifteen. Kids...making kids.
    Jenna has always stayed with me, in my heart... It was all so emotional...
    Thanks! Karenina
reply by dragonpoet on 27-Jan-2022
    That would stay with me too.
    You're welcome, Karen.
    Joan
Comment from Begin Again
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

As if I wasn't emotional enough, my dear friend, you had to take me on a journey that was horrific in so many ways. Heartbreaking for the young girl and the lasting scars she will carry and also for you too. So very sad!

Hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2022
    Blast this misbehaving muse of mine! When I was on here every day she fled! Soon as I declare a break...here she comes with THIS! I'm sorry, I know it's so very sad. It's all true though. I felt compelled to post it! Thanks for the six. Maybe a smile next time? (Talk to Miss Bossy Pants Muse!)
    Karenina
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A very powerful poem. I wished you had entered it into the tell a story contest. I think it would have done very well. The way you handle the dialogue is just outstanding. The last verse is exceptional!

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2022
    Thanks so much Terry. The six-star validation is very kind. Your comments are worth even more.

    Karenina
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This poem, although very well written, was very hard to read. There are other options out there than abortion. At thirteen she was pressured into a decision that will scare her for the rest of her life. Thank you.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2022
    It is a true account of my patient, Jenna, who I cared for some years ago. I understand it is a moving and difficult topic. I thank you for reading and hope you took some insight away from her experience.
    Thanks, Karenina
Comment from Ricky1024
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There was an issue about abortions and the rights to it many years ago I think it was called, "Rowe and Wade?"
I always believe that no matter what the circumstances there's a birth inside of you and it needs to be brought forth.
You do not have the right to destroy it God gave it to you!
...
No matter what the circumstances whether it's rape or childish and foolish love.
It's his right and choice and he makes it from above!
...
I like the way you utilize your adjective words in a medical way but also in a very an extremely sad way.
...
I have four daughters and I raised them well and tell them that most men are pigs and to be careful!
Doctor Ricky 1024

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2022


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2022
    Thanks for the six. I tried very hard to tell the true story of my experience with Jenna. Equally hard to write from a human perspective and not from a political or moral judgmental one. It is indeed very sad. I appreciate your time!
    Karenina
reply by Ricky1024 on 26-Jan-2022