Comment from Warren Rodgers

Exceptional

Yeah Steve! The good guys win in both your poem and the contest! Superb story poem kept me engaged, which is very difficult to do lol, all the way through. Great rhythm and both end and internal rhymes. Nice meter switching flows smoothly from one to the other. I wasn't sure what the ending would be until I got there and that's a big plus in a story poem. You are hot my friend and congratulations on your much-deserved win. Great choice by the committee.
All the best,
Rodger

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2015

Thanks, Rodger.

I was up against some serious competition here - just look at the names who finished behind me - so I am delighted with the win.

The last three contests I thought I had a winning chance and couldn't even get a mention, plus this is one contest I have never won, so I pulled out all the stops.

Steve

Comment from His Grayness

Excellent

First I wish I had at least 15 stars for this powerful work. The mastery of poetic structure, the mastery of holding attention, the power of emotional capture is so well demonstrated here: Wonderful work...sad story....grips like glue! His Grayness

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2015

Thanks so much for the very generous review - glad you enjoyed.

Steve

Comment from Tatarka2

Exceptional

Wow. This was so powerful. The story was mesmerizing, and the poem flowed perfectly, in my opinion. This seemed truly professionally done. Congratulations on winning the contest. It is so well-deserved.

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2015

Thanks for the warm review and the six stars - much appreciated.

Steve

Comment from Contests

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 09-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 10-Feb-2015

Thanks.

Steve

Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Exceptional

Yes I agree variation in the meter makes it even more pleasant to read. I got halfway through before I called Pete and then we read the whole thing together. it's a smash hit, Steve, top stuff. I hope you win because you deserve it, it's a great story. full of passion and action, love it, Giddy

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 08-Feb-2015

Thanks, Giddy - haven't seen you around for a while!

I reckon I'm due a win - I've had high hopes for the last three contests and haven't even rated a mention.

Steve

Comment from GracieAnn

Excellent

Steve, this Share A Story In A Poem contest entry is well written, and the choice of meter does not detract at all from the progression of this fateful story. Rich word choice and end rhymes. All the best in the contest. :0 GracieAnn

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 07-Feb-2015

Thanks so much for the warm review - glad you enjoyed.

Steve

Comment from JJ Rowe

Excellent

Fantastic writing and story telling you have done here. I really liked this poem. Excellent flow and I wasn't held up anywhere. I had to do a double take at the image. I thought it was Christopher Walken :) nice job!

 Comment Written 07-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 07-Feb-2015

Thanks for the great review.

Steve

Comment from GWinterwin

Excellent

Great poem with a picture to make it complete. Great word flow and rhyming as you tell the story of the Duke of Vanterelle. A quite interesting story that keeps the attention of the reader throughout.

 Comment Written 06-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 07-Feb-2015

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Just2Write

Exceptional

A very intricate and interesting poem, Steve. The story is plum-full of intrigue, evil, revenge and sorrow.
It is not clear who the father of the child is - I'm assuming it was the former Duke - but hey, one never knows.
The poem has all the elements of a good story - Great characters, plot and climax - with an excellent close.
Well done, my friend.
Rose.

 Comment Written 06-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 06-Feb-2015

Thanks, Rose, for the generous review and the six stars.

No, only seven months from start to finish, so it has to be the narrator's child - how he gets to inherit the Duke's title is up to your imagination!

Steve

Comment from ravenblack

Excellent

Such a musical piece and you created an excellent villain, a so-called noble who thought he was entitled to just have his way with the plebians ( gee, when does that ever happen). A classic tale of revenge that, with the ascension of his son, becomes justice. Excellent poem and a strong contender.

 Comment Written 06-Feb-2015

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reply by the author on 06-Feb-2015

Droit de Seigneur I believe it's called - is Bill Clinton with his intern a prime example? At least she was a willing participant.

Thanks for the great review.

Steve