Reviews from

Run Your Own Race

Winning isn't always the most important thing...

107 total reviews 
Comment from Shirley E Kennedy
Excellent
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Aha, I think I've heard similar pearls of wisdom in the past.
It is such a great message but one some just cannot seem to come to grips with.
As you have pointed out -life IS quite short and time passes so quickly.
Very well written and quite philosophical.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Thanks, seken58, and rarely does anyone refer to anything I write as being philosophical, so I doubly appreciate your kind comments!
Comment from Ric Myworld
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I have always heard and read remarks similar to the old saying, "It isn't whether you win or lose but how you play the game." However, my shallow mind has always questioned the truth in those sayings. For if there is any truth in those sayings, why do we keep score, or have winners or losers? Great job, and as usual, I'm just joking and being silly. :-)

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    No, you do make a good point, Ric, really. Unfortunately, in wars, the Olympics, in contests such as they sponsor here, there always has to be a winner, and a clear-cut loser. But, that doesn't mean you can't help someone else win along the way. Like voting for a competitor in the Poem of the Month here, for instance. If I choose to do so, am I not also only helping myself win too, in some respects?

    Thanks for the excellent review and insights, Ric. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.
reply by Ric Myworld on 22-Jul-2014
    Yes, helping others improve themselves or just giving them a vote of confidence can encourage or keep the struggling competitor or fellow writer trying. And yes, we win and feel wonderful for our efforts. All the Best, Ric.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    See? I told ya so, LOL... :D
Comment from Acquired Taste
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Search for the light that's hidden there,
'tween selfishness and deep despair

Beautiful words Dean, simply beautiful. This is a terrific poem; positive for each of us; reinforcing our will to step up to the plate; encouraging a step forward regardless of the barriers you may think are in front of you.

This should appear in a magazine.

AT=/

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Thanks, Jean, I appreciate that wonderful compliment, my friend. I'm very happy you enjoyed the upbeat message in this too. A bit off the beaten path for me.
Comment from Linda Engel
Excellent
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A race through life is challenging enough, so pace yourself
to the winner's cup,

A lot of good advice in your poem, well written and well rhymed. And we should keep in mind each "race" is different , it's yours, you're right in that life is too short to always sit on the sidelines.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    You got it, Linda, you're absolutely right!

    Thanks for the wonderful review.
Comment from livelylinda
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Dean: this poem is a change for you. It is not horror nor theme lost within fancy words/music, but an old theme written in clear words and meaning. . .somewhat "normal". Are you ill??? LOLOL Multiple personality?? This poem was a joy to read, although the difference rattled me a bit. . .Linda

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Ha ha, I don't think so, Linda, but there are many out there who do think me to be "ill", LOL. Yeah, a little change of pace for me, that's for sure! But, my darker muse is returning. I can hear him scritch-scratching on my brain now, Thanks for the excellent review, my friend.
Comment from Nosha17
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The sentiments you have expressed here are so admirable and along with the great rhyming and choice of words most deserving of a six (I always have at least one left on a Saturday, but today I don't)I am in total agreement with you. About 8 years ago I was going through a bad patch (I had had lots of them in the whole of my life)and I somehow got a nudge from people I had met at church, and from then on I saw the light. I liked the lines about mediocrity, I am always telling people how tired I am with how it is promoted, whereas talent and initiative are stifled. Great write as always. The sports achievement in the picture says it all in a nutshell. Faye

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
    Thanks so much for your positive review of this poem, Faye. I really appreciate it!
Comment from robina1978
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Excellent photo to complement your rhyming poem with. I certainly enjoyed the message you gave in it. The result does not matter, but how you race- as in life.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Thanks so much for your kind review and exceptional rating, Ine. I sincerely appreciate it!
Comment from Bryan G
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I can't help but think of the immortal Vince Lombardi who said, "Winning is not the everything. It's the only thing." He would agree with you that how the race is run is important and would add if you run the race in the proper way winning is the logical outcome. I agree with you over Vince that winning is not everything.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Thanks, Bryan, and I loved ole Vince. Just like the great Woody Hayes of Ohio State fame, sometimes winning got the better of him, made him forget the sportsmanship over the showmanship. Both were fine, outstanding coaches just the same.

    Thanks for the great review. I really appreciate it!
Comment from Jackarrie
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A great poem about the importance of taking part, this is what is most important. Winning is really great it give us a buzz, but we cannot win all of the time, so it is best to focus on what we enjoy.

I enjoyed your poem, it does have a positive message in it.
Mary

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
    Yes, yes it does, Mary. At least that was my intent when I wrote it.

    Thanks so much for the review.
Comment from judiverse
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Wow! This has everything! It rhymes and flows beautifully. The thought is wonderful and well expressed. These are words of wisdom that people should heed. Love of fellow man and setting goals are some of the fine ones. Your words have an encouraging and uplifting tone. You handle the comparison to a race really well. It's a matter of finding that inner strength. judi

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2014


reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
    Thank you, judiverse, and so sorry about the late reply. I am so far behind in my review responses it's not funny! I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it!
reply by judiverse on 23-Jul-2014
    Hi, Dean. Not to worry. Loved the poem. judi
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
    :} Thanks!
reply by judiverse on 24-Jul-2014
    You're welcome. judi