Reviews from

Just The Way It Is

The rituals of a senior couple

31 total reviews 
Comment from JLR
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Sandra, this purely engaging and delightful free verse is packed full of perfectly placed poetic devices and a framing of just what might have been anyone's mom and pop of perhaps my bride and me shuffling in off the screened porched tonight. A pure Joy to read, thank you!

 Comment Written 06-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
    JLR, thank you for always being so supportive. I am glad my poem was enjoyed by you.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

"Comfort cloaks the absence of conversation" - I really like that as it summarises the effects of ageing if one has a comfortable and deep love built up over the years. Well written poem. Best wishes for your entry.
Wendy

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
    Thank you, Wendy, for reading my poem and encouraging me.
Comment from Carol Clark2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed your poem of a couple growing old together. It's lovely that they sit on the porch and understand each other so well they don't need to have much conversation. Blessings. Carol

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
    Thank you, Carol for reading my poem and for your blessings.
reply by Carol Clark2 on 06-Jul-2022
    You're welcome. Best wishes in the contest. Carol
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2022
    Thank you for your well wishes.
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a lovely poignant account. I actually had a friend, who originally was my director in my work, who had this same type of relationship. It was reassuring to see this possibility of a healthy relation, especially since we worked as advocates for abused women. This was a good topic. Thank you.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
    Thank you for reading and rating my poem. I am pleased it was connected to a pleasant memory.
reply by Liz O'Neill on 05-Jul-2022
    Yes, a lovely memory. Both passed just last year. Bonnie from a botched surgery and Tom, who had dementia passed a few months later. Tell me he didn't know Bonnie was gone.
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
    He knew. Typically couple who have been married for a long-time pass in close proximity.
Comment from RodG
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You PUT US THERE on that front porch with that senior couple. It's easy to visualize them rocking in tandem and occasionally sprinkling the air with conversation. My favorite line: Tight-lipped ease see-saws rhythmically between them." Rod

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
    Thank you for reading and rating my poem. Most have said that was their favorite line. I am pleased.
Comment from AbbyeK7
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sweet! This is how I want to grow old with my hubby. I could picture us sitting on the porch doing these activities. I enjoyed the descriptions. I'm not quite sure about the Jello thought. I will have to re-read it. Otherwise, an excellent job.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
    Thank you for reading and rating my poem. Jell-O Years of their relationship-was the shaky, not firm years that most marriages go through. I hope you get your wish with your hubby.
Comment from rosine (roneth)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I know you have already received great reviews, but, after reading this, I must add mine. I feel the waiting and resignation. They always know what will be on the plate and what "end" means. This is a well-constructed picture. I learn many life lessons from the shadows. Thank you!

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2022
    Thank you so much for your encouraging comments and the exceptional rating. Both are appreciated.
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sandra,
This is an excellent poem on aging.
What seems to be boring and mundane to younger people is comfort to this old couple probably as much in love as ever.
Well-written, Sandra.
Good luck with this one!
Blessings,
Cindy

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2022
    Thank you for reading and rating my poem. I agree. They have worked hard all of their lives and have earned this respite on the front porch rocking in their chairs. Thanks
Comment from pome lover
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

lovely, lovely, lovely.
I love "ease see-saws between them".
The whole thing is wonderfully and lovingly described with understanding, not only between them, but by the writer.
Congratulations on being recognized.
Katharine

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
    Thank you so much for your supportive words and rating my poem.
reply by pome lover on 03-Jul-2022
    you're most welcome.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed this entry into the Aging contest because you were able to describe a complete picture of couple who have become 'one.' I especially liked the lines, "Comfort cloaks the absence of conversation. eliminating the need to voice the when, what, how and why." Married for many years, I can testify that this is where a long relationship leads. The flow is smooth, and in imagery is vivid. Best wishes in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jul-2022
    Thank you so much for your supportive words and rating my poem.