Comment from jshep

Excellent

Horror poem for sure, Dean. This makes me think you might be a doomsdayer. The poetry style was great with such powerful imagery that made this reader cringe. But, unfortunately, you poem subject is so true. the sentinels brought such an eerie feeling to the poem.

Also an amazingly powerful presentation that just added to the power of your words. I see why this was nominated for poem of the month. Our species might learn, but then it might be too late.

Best of luck. Joyce

 Comment Written 06-Mar-2014

---

reply by the author on 06-Mar-2014

Thanks very much for reading the poem and giving me your thoughts, Joyce. I really appreciate it. I've often felt that we (man kind) are our own worst enemy. I'm very glad that you enjoyed it.

Comment from Joan E.

Exceptional

I admired your dark but compelling ode about the horrors of biological agents. I am amazed that you could sustain the theme at length in rhymed quatrains. I particularly liked the starkly contrasting "flower" and "pox" metaphors. Kudos on having the poem selected for the Poem of the Month contest. The music and title you selected reinforce the mood well. Best wishes in the voting booth- Joan

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2014

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014

Thanks, very much, Joan E. I am humbled and honored by your kind comments and review. The words for this one seemed to have a life all their own, really. They flowed form brain-pan to keypad almost effortlessly. I love those rare occurrences when that happens. It also usually when I create my best works.

Thanks so much again...for everything!

reply by Joan E. on 04-Mar-2014

Don't we all love it when the words flow out of our soul through our pen or keystrokes! Here's to more such episodes!! Cheers- Joan

Comment from nelliesellie

Excellent

I love the picture. I love the poem. We should be afraid. We claim to decry biological weapons. But we had agent orange in the Vietnams war. It was suppose to be a defoliate. Wrong. Our men come back with a lot of damage due to exposure of this agent. I am sure the soldiers of the other side suffered too. This agent is still effecting generations of plant and human life. We will invent one we can not control. It will be too late for the human race. Great work. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2014

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me on this one, nelliesellie. I believe you are right, as well. The next war won't be waged on a battlefield, but in a genetic lab somewhere.

I'm very grateful for the read and kind comments.

Comment from forestport12

Exceptional

"Tic, toc, tic, toc..." This drones in my head. Haunting descriptions to go with the pictures. Such depth in this poem with how you used the title, the word, the flower, and then how tied it together with a somber, realistic, powerful, and forceful prophetic eliquence. Stan

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2014

---

reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014

Thanks so much, Stan. This one actually scared me after I took a step back and looked at the finished product. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it. I am very grateful to you for sharing your thoughts with me on this topic as well.

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

Dean, your fantastic poem, and the terrifying subject matter, both entertain and alarm. The connection to Leviticus and the other historic references were as interesting as the work. Your rhyming scheme is different and fun to see unfold.

 Comment Written 21-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 21-Feb-2014

Thanks a million, Bill. I'm very happy to hear you enjoyed this one!

Comment from Mastery

Excellent

Wow! Just Wow! This is some writing, my friend. The poem itself is powerful stuff and I like the info you gave the curious at the end, in your notes. Who knew? Great job, Dean. Bob

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 18-Feb-2014

Thanks very much, Bob. I'm so happy you liked this one!

Comment from Winslow

Exceptional

Dear Dean,

By his own hand man will cause death. Listen not to the whispering trees, for our doom is sealed and life will end. Very well written and chilling, but maybe man can learn in time to deny his own deadly scourge.

This is a pessimistic write where hope is gone and the grave you dig is deep.

Warm regards,

Winslow

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 18-Feb-2014

Thanks for the stellar review, Winslow! I'm very glad you liked it.

Comment from pipersfancy

Excellent

Chilling, my friend. Perfectly chilling - made more so by the very real possibility that we will be the sowers of our own ultimate seeds of death. It happens even as we speak.

PF

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 18-Feb-2014

Yep...scary stuff, Pipe!

Thanks for the wonderful review.

Comment from Dawn of Tomorrow

Excellent

All kinds of demonic plagues to be unleashed upon this planet. This was quite chilling and definitely makes one think about their life and if it's in the right place or not. Great author's notes as well.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 13-Feb-2014

Thank you very much Dawn of Tomorrow. I appreciate the kind words and review of my work.

Comment from Michael Biondi

Excellent

Beside the fact of the historical background of the poem, I just enjoyed the darkness it had within it. I don't know if you've ever seen it, but I felt a connection to the film "Silent Hill", especially cause of the picture you attached- which was an awesome choice. I felt a darkness within it, which I hope does not offend you! I enjoyed the darker feel too.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2014

---

reply by the author on 13-Feb-2014

Nope, it doesn't offend me at all, Michael. In fact, I really appreciate what you said, because darkness and a foreboding, claustrophobic feeling was exactly the message I was striving for, and you picked up on it splendidly.

Thanks for the fantastic review.

reply by Michael Biondi on 13-Feb-2014

Awesome news haha! So happy I got it right. Keep writing forever. I enjoyed it.