Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

This is so beautiful! Structurally it is flawless with seamless rhyme and lilting rhythm. The content is wonderful - you should have entered this in the story telling contest as this is stunning and would knock the judges socks off. Nicely done and I am blessed to have been able to share this with you.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from Tomes Johnston

Exceptional

This is an amazing story that the author has created with this piece of work. This reverend must have been quite a man indeed. It must be wonderful to have a story like this.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

Many thanks for your notes detailing more the context of this true story. I enjoyed your adding the animated, bobbing bottle too. You make writing in rhymed couplets in quatrains seem effortless and the "mysteries" acceptable! Cheers and happy Sunday- Joan

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

What a wonderful story and that pastor certainly was a special man to take the time to deliver that bottle back with the answer. I am sure he was inspired to do so. This is heart warming. Thank you for sharing this unique and caring tale.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from GWHARGIS

Exceptional

I love it. The child like way the the questions were asked and the innocence of the bottle..was all so good and put me in the frame of mind of a child. I liked the answers to the questions that weren't really answers at all. Nicely done. Gretchen

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from country ranch writer

Exceptional

AWE HOW NICE OF YOU TO DEDICATE THIS TO HIM I BET IT WAS AN EXCITING TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN THIS HAPPENED FOR YOU KNEW THEN YOU HAD BEEN HEARD.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from Domino 2

Excellent

Very moving story in your notes, Dean, so poetically reflected in your story in a poem.

I found about half the write to be off meter, so too many lines to highlight, but the other half was perfect.

Despite the jumpiness of some lines, which made me read them twice (maybe not a bad thing, LOL), your poem had a smooth flow and was a pleasure to read.

I'd give you a six for the notes and story, but not for the meter.

Best wishes, Ray

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Exceptional

I have testimony in my own life that God does answer prayers and will wrap us in His love when we need it the most. Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014

Thanks so much, Barbara. Yes, he always finds a way to answer our prayers. It may not always be as soon as we'd like, but still, He answers them eventually.

I sincerely appreciate your heartfelt review and exceptional rating. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. :)

Comment from ravenblack

Excellent

That must have been a defining moment for a kid, for the message answered and returned. I can't recall the exact details, but a similar incident occurred with a balloon w/a note tied to It's string- and it crossed an ocean. Moving, touching story. Just one very minor nitpick- your second stanza- you want to keep it in the voice of the child. I know it is done to preserve the rhyme scheme, but "how will my scarf she knit" stands out as not sounding as if it could come from the mouth of a child.

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014

Thanks, Ed, and Just2Write pretty much said the same thing about that line. I'll have to figure out a way to correct that.

I really appreciate the review.

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

Silly me, I was wondering what sort of miracle let the bottle float upstream. I love this poem of faith Dean. Just right for a Sunday morning. xsx Nancy

 Comment Written 05-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 05-Oct-2014

Thanks, Nancy. I'm not sure which direction it went, up or down, but it went. I found it amazing that of all the people in the world who could have found my bottled note, a preacher did. It could have floated on down the great Miami River, or simply sank. Or, it could have been ignored all together.

It never drifted back to me, of course, I told the real story of how it was returned to me in my author's notes. But I recall feeling that it had, and my mom did not tell me exactly how she'd gotten a hold of it until several years later.

I still have that note, to this day.

Thanks so much for your review, and have a lovely day.