Comment from Schalk Jacobs

Excellent

A deserving win in my book, Sir. Excellent poem that you have written in so few words. You managed to capture all of the emotions pertaining being in a place you do not necessarily want to be and seeing things nobody should. Again congrats on the win.

 Comment Written 30-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you very much for your review and kind remarks, Schalk. Much obliged!

Comment from Sanku

Excellent

The two poems - totally different .This one serious and heart felt compared t the frivolity of the former .Congratulations for the win. it deserved to win .here are my virtual six ******

 Comment Written 30-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you, Sanku. I really appreciate your thought and comments.

Comment from l.raven

Excellent

Hi Dean, a very well described win....my heart goes out to all those men and women...all know they can die out there...but sadly so give their lives...very nicely done...and a so touching picture....luff Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate your heartfelt review, my friend.

reply by l.raven on 30-May-2014

you are so welcome Dean...xxoo

Comment from amada

Excellent

This is very beautiful, lovely and inspiring as well. The idea of a soldier praying in the battlefield, and that prayer reaching heavens! Heavenly.

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thanks, amada, I really appreciate your touching review.

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

Congratulation for your win. Middle line has six syllables. Otherwise this is very well written and reminded me of the Korean Police Action.

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate your thoughts. I was thinking of the Battle of the Bulge when I wrote it, but Korea works too.

reply by c_lucas on 30-May-2014

You're welcome, Dean. Charlie

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

Dean, congratulations on your contest win
perfect pairing of art and poem, which is in excellent 3/5/3 syllable count
thoughtful take on the air theme
good alliteration in scared soldier
Brooke

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you Brooke. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the kind comments.

Comment from nordicgirl

Excellent

So easy to see why this won. What beautiful insight and choice of words. A haunting tribute that underscores not just those that died, but every soldier in a strange land alone and afraid, still standing tall. Wonderful. NG

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thanks a bunch, Nordicgirl. I truly appreciate your kind and thoughtful review, my new friend.

Comment from Ridley Williams

Excellent

Hello Dean,
This piece was sobering and inspirational at the same time. Our fighting boys pay the ultimate price even if they return home physically unharmed. The mental stress of the kill or be killed attitude, is something they all come home with, and mores the pity. Nice work with this insightful write...I see why it won! Best wishes, my friend, Bill

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you, Bill. Yes, although they may have left the battlefield alive, the war for them never truly dies. It lives on through the countless sleepless nights and nightmares.

I really appreciate the kind review, Bill.

Comment from RodG

Excellent

This 3-5-3 indeed warrants the contest ribbon, Dean. You say so much eloquently about the humanity of a soldier during war--his fears, his faith. The first line, "frigid winds," is a great metaphor for war. Rod

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thank you, Rod, I truly appreciate your review.

Comment from TOMORAL

Excellent

Great imagery and this touched my heart deeply. This is one fine 3-5-3 and it gets my vote. Best of luck in the contest. Blessings~

 Comment Written 29-May-2014

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reply by the author on 30-May-2014

Thanks, TOMORAL, and I am really glad that you enjoyed it.