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Can you see what I see?

26 total reviews 
Comment from Paul McFarland
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Do you know what I see, John. I see six stars. I also see a poet who grew up in an environment that promoted a life style that made him the man that he is today - a good man.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    I don't believe I've ever received a higher compliment than the one you just gave me. To be considered a "good man" says it all; as does that little, green neon plus sign behind the above stars. Thank you, sir. John
Comment from K.L. Rockquemore
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is well written and well presented.
Your writing is emotional and honest. The sentiment is heartfelt and the message is a strong one. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2022
    Thank you for taking time to read my poem and giving it such a complimentary review. I appreciate it. John
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a beautifully put-together piece of poetry. It is a story of Mayberry proportions. A warm laid-back place to grow and imagine. What a wonderful write of nostalgic grace. I believe going back to those memories is better than having lived them. Well done! I wish you much success with the contest.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    You said something in your review that really struck me. You said that going back to our memories is actually better than living them. You are so right. I never realized how precious they were when they being made...but now I do. What an insightful review. I thank you for that. John
reply by John Ciarmello on 29-Apr-2022
    It was my pleasure traveling back with you, John. Take care, my friend.
reply by John Ciarmello on 29-Apr-2022
    It was my pleasure traveling back with you, John. Take care, my friend.
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your poem is beautiful. As you say we can look at the picture and see the remains of the old house, but when you look at it your memories come alive. I really like the way you ended it "I see love." Very well done.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    Thanks, Anne. You always pick out the parts of my poems that have the most meaning, and this review is no exception. I genuinely appreciate you. John
reply by Anne Johnston on 29-Apr-2022
    You are welcome, John. I always like to find something in the poem that I can relate to. This was a good one
Comment from R.B.Bunn
Excellent
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I loved this poem. You really did a great job and giving us a glimpse into your childhood. Perspective is really everything. Now I'm going to wonder what stories could be tied to abandoned houses I see.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    Because of your review, now I will do the very same thing every time I see an abandoned house. And I have you to thank for that. I appreciate your review. John
Comment from LateBloomer
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello John, I enjoyed reading your poem, and I could feel the love and joy you have for your childhood home. Your poem is heartwarming and illustrates what really is important in life.

I especially liked:
I see me once again as a boy without a care in the world
And:
I see beauty that might be invisible to others,

I'm glad your childhood home still stands. Any chance that you'll be renovating it? This is a poem that makes the reader say ahh.
Keep the blue waters flowing. LateBloomer

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    You picked up on my favorite parts of the poem. To answer your question, I would want to restore it to its original condition and that wouldn't be very practical. And too, it's located in Macon, Ga., and I've lived in Atlanta for the last 35 years. Nevertheless, it will always be my home. Thank you so much for your review. John
Comment from l.raven
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi John, I am so sorry for the loss of
you mother my sweet friend...she now Rests In Peace
at her new home...

I'm someone John...that when I drive by old
abandoned buildings...I always try to put the pieces
back together...I always ask myself what's holidays
in the house were like???...and how many kids lived
there???picture people coming and going...

I like the way you answered so many of my questions
about your home...it sounds like it was all it should have been...surrounded by love...oh the amazing memories you
have to cherish...

I love your poem...and the story it tells...very well
sweet guy...love Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    That old house reminds me of a statement by the donkey EEore of Winnie the Pooh fame. He said, "My tale is not much to look at, but I'm kind of attached to it." Because of its memories, I've always been attached to that old house. Over the years, that attachment has grown into love, which is appropriately how the poem closes. Thank you for your review. John
reply by l.raven on 28-Apr-2022
    your so welcome John...love xxoo
Comment from Sarah Tummey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a lovely way to tell the story of your childhood. I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. The parts I liked best were the ones that mentioned people - the pig your uncle wouldn't eat; your grandmother cooking on the wood stove ... You really brought them to life.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    Thank you. I wrote a little book about my Mother and how she left us a legacy of love and devotion that will last the rest of our lives. Most of our childhood memories in that old house revolve around her. Thank you for your kind review. John
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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What an amazing photo even now, and you words allow readers to see it in its heyday. I enjoyed reading your contest entry, John. Your words are straight from your heart. Those memories will never die. I'm happy for you. You are right about the love that existed in your home. It matters not what readers don't see--only what you see. I like the way you organized your thoughts of the ol' home. Your words create great imagery.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes, Jan

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    Funny you should mention "in its heyday." It never was a beautiful house...it was built in the 1940s by four women whose construction abilities were a bit suspect. Growing up as teenagers, we were ashamed of it because it wasn't nice like our friends' homes. We never had any sleepovers. But looking back, I wouldn't trade anything for the love it gave us. And if it could talk, I'm sure it would say, "I gave you a good life, and look at me...I'm still standing." And I would respond, "Thanks for the memories." I love that ole house. Thank you, Jan. John
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was thinking with the last post, what is within us will come pouring out of us, if that inner child, memories will come of childhood things, if angry, anger, if cynicism, cynical thoughts, if love, love. So many things, beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2022
    I'm glad I wound up with the right one pouring out of me. Of all people, I wouldn't want to disappoint you. Thanks, my friend. John
reply by royowen on 28-Apr-2022
    You couldn?t disappoint me dear friend.