Reviews from

Climbing Up the Ocean

short free verse on a hopeful journey

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

I can see why this poem became the poem of the month. It is very descriptive of the depthness and motion of the Ocean. This body of water created by the Heavenly Father still is mysterious and yet to be explored, your entrance through the door give us some insight to the night beneath the seas. All the best

 Comment Written 08-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2016
    Thank you! Well done my friend! I'm so sorry, it wasn't supposed to be posted. I didn't put a picture or a certificate on it yet. I'm sorry.
Comment from nelliesellie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

We used to think of the bottom of the ocean as lifeless. Now we know it holds all kinds of potential life. Little bits and pieces float in the darkness. Those that knew life, misses it terribly. The bits and pieces gradually float to where there is life. The bits and pieces become life again. Great work. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2014


reply by the author on 09-Feb-2014
    You're right! Its pretty incredible. Thank you for reading! :)
Comment from reconciled
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

this is superb writing...I didn't know...sorry. yea, I've seen it too...in fact I'm looking at it. Exceptional write brother....love Michael

 Comment Written 02-Feb-2014


reply by the author on 02-Feb-2014
    Wow I'm incredibly grateful. Truly thank you, sincerely. This is the closing piece in the book I just completed. Its the chronicle of a journey through the very darkest man can go, towards eventual hope.

    You've seen it? Please share if you're comfortable?
reply by reconciled on 02-Feb-2014
    I...I have been sharing Greg...for well over yesar now.....lol....ahhh I think this the first I've read of you...as I said ...i didn't know...you were this good....I'll have to check em' out....curious now....see ya man...
Comment from S A Bullen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a lovely piece, Greg. I've read it a couple of times and I don't know why, but it reminds me of reeds in dark waters with something or someone trapped in the darkness; hidden in the murkiness. The still of the night where the depths of darkness is silent; only a heartbeat. As light filters through and life's currents resume, there's hope of breaking free from the oppression. "Ebony layers breaking to solid blues." What a fantastic piece. You're such s good poet, really. There's lots of wonderful imagery here. Sheryn :-)

 Comment Written 27-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2014
    Wow thank you so much Sheryn! You got exactly right. That's the image I wanted to convey. Stuck underneath that weight, deep below, in the dark. When sadness is really bad you actually hope for "regular" sadness, regular depression. So when you rise you are not only watching the colors of the deep go from black to blue but you are passing through "solid blues", regular sadness. Does that make sense?

    Truly thank you so much. You're great.
reply by S A Bullen on 27-Jan-2014
    Absolutely. Rather than the odd dary of feeling better, every day: a constant. :-)
Comment from Tatarka2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I can certainly see why this was nominated as a Poem of the Month. I'm reading all of them, and I don't feel I can give away all my 6's at one time. This one certainly deserves it, though. I could feel the ocean, and its weight, then the freedom the poet must have felt. I really have no suggestions for improvement, just congratulations on a job very well done.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2014
    Thank you so very much. I'm really grateful that you read this. Its the closing poem of the book I'm completing with RD's editing. Its called Sewn Into the Sky, based on the poem of the same name I have. I'm so happy you liked it, thank you.
Comment from Daedalia
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You have a wonderful way with words. This was a very moving piece. I read it several times, just to savor the words again. Sad, yet hopeful. Really nice work!

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2014
    Yes you got it perfectly! Truly thank you for such an amazing review. I'm really grateful. Thank you for understanding it too! Its the closing poem of the book I'm completing with RD's editing. Its a journey through depression, love and then hope. Its called Sewn Into the Sky, based on the poem of the same name I have here. I'm so happy you liked it, thank you! Really thank you.
Comment from Luvs2rite4u
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I believe, as the reader,this poem was beautifully written. The usage of words and color were electrifying for me. I felt the rise and fall of each stanza as it entwined until the smooth ending. Again, this was a very wonderful poem. Congratulations! Luvs...

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2014
    Thank you so much Luvs! What a truly wonderful review. I'm so glad it spoke to you in that way. That's such a great compliment. Really thank you so much. This is an important one to me.
Comment from poetbear
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Powerful and impactful writing.
I can relate alot more than you know.
I am sure thers will as well.
Great technique and imagery.
Reads well and make sense.

 Comment Written 20-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
    Thank you! I'm honored that you read this. Its the final poem in the book. Its about my climb, hope. The solid blues reference the colors of the deep but also the "rise" into simple sadness. Which is better than what can go deeper. I'm sorry that you can relate. I hate that people feel pain. I've seen some places. I'm sure you know what I mean. Bless you and thank you. Truly.
reply by poetbear on 20-Jan-2014
    Been there done that is trite but I fpught back and with writing and talk therapy, Depression is long gone.
    Just have t keep thinhs in check.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
    That is very good to hear actually
Comment from mountainwriter49
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hey, Greg

I've read this several times and each time I find another layer of meaning and sensitivity woven within the lines. Such starkness and pain resolved into hope. At one point, I was thinking of this as a free verse sonnet of sorts. It had that kind of impact on me.

'only emptiness swam beneath such weight'
Powerful, emotive and stark. Like one's at the end of one's rope.

'cotton knuckles'
weakness as though a babe

'I was helplessly hopeful.....'
Wonderful line. The transition from despair to hope and life

'ebony layers began breaking to solid blue'
just as the Phoenix once rose, so too have you.

I just can't say enough about this poem and its wonderful impact on me. You've captured a dark period, one with which many readers can relate, and how that ultimately transcended to the light--blue skies.

Bravo!

Merry Christmas
Ray


 Comment Written 22-Dec-2013


reply by the author on 22-Dec-2013
    I'm just blown away by your review. Truly, thank you. You really got it. I mean you really did. That's the greatest compliment. I love that you picked out certain lines. I'm glad you commented on this line. It meant a lot to me. I dont know if you can relate. Its weird, and horrible, but the deepest depression is almost not even depression. Its worse. Its utter pain and fear. So when the ebony layers began breaking to solid "blues" I meant it as just that, the rise through the colors of the depths of the ocean. But also, the gratitude of rising from the darkest pain to simple depression. Solid blues. This poem is especially dear to me. I didn't realize it until I was finished, how much of myself was in it. That's why your review is just phenomenal to me. It really touches my heart. Thank you Ray. Thank you.
reply by mountainwriter49 on 22-Dec-2013
    You're very welcome, my friend. Just keep getting stronger and more and more well.
    -ray
reply by the author on 22-Dec-2013
    Thank you so so very much. I will :)
Comment from Mastery
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well done, Greg. I like the feel of the entire poem...especially these lines:

"Then ebony layers began breaking to solid blues.
Hours could often laugh at endless tomorrows...
but within those colors, I knew I'd be home soon."

Merry Christmas, Bob

 Comment Written 18-Dec-2013


reply by the author on 19-Dec-2013
    Thank you so much Bob. I love hearing from you. Merry Christmas!