Reviews from

The End

Minute Poem contest entry

41 total reviews 
Comment from RGstar
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Nicely phrased, Steve.
The final test is nigh for all of us and how we take that exam is to each his own...I must admit, I will probably fail mine. I don't have the answers, but it is not one I am in a hurry to think about, though it constantly rears its head.
Good write.
Best wishes,
RGstar

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015
    I'm pretty sure I know what happens (or doesn't) at the end and I'm in no great hurry to go there, even if my mind dwells on it a bit these days!

    Thanks for the thoughtful review.

    Steve
Comment from Neonewman
Excellent
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Beautiful artwork chosen to accompany this wonderfully crafted piece for the Minute contest entry. I particularly enjoyed the second stanza.
God bless and good luck in the contest!
Steve

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 19-Sep-2015
    Thank you.

    Steve
Comment from NJK62
Excellent
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A highly effective poem which demonstrates total command of the chosen form. The image of life as sailing the sea where the weather is unpredictable successfully evokes the capricious nature of life and the severe examination we all experience as a result. This idea of unpredictability is given additional emphasis through the effective use of alliteration in the third line. Furthermore, the image in the final two lines of the poem powerfully suggests the idea of death, sunset and even the day of judgment? In the first stanza the imagery is equally effective. 'Fleeting breath' evokes the brevity of life and I particularly liked the characterization of Death as mournful, as though (s)he/it almost regrets having to end life, despite the death of an individual being compared to a 'prize', something of value. This is an original idea. Finally the rhyme is never forced: it consistently gives additional emphasis to the key ideas in the poem. This is a highly accomplished poem that deserves to do well in the competition.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thank you so much for the super and thoughtful review.

    I like the idea of Death as being slightly gentle too - it's an idea expressed really well in the novel 'The Book Thief' where Death is the narrator.

    Steve
reply by NJK62 on 20-Sep-2015
    No problem.
Comment from Mark Valentine
Excellent
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Very smooth flow to this one. I love how the last two stanzas are one continuous sentence. It's a great take on one of my favorite topics - reflecting on the seeming brevity of life and pondering its meaning. The picture fits your last stanza brilliantly. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thanks, Mark - glad you enjoyed.

    Steve
Comment from humpwhistle
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Ah, the end of days. But are you referring to an individual's end, or are you talking the Big Kaput?

I think it's the former . . . But you couldn't resist raising the other question.

Frankly, I think it takes more courage to face death individually. It's personal. Exclusive, and exclusionary all at the same time.

I think your 'where sky meets sea/the world ablaze/at the end of days' is not the fiery Armageddon is really a poetic dramatization of a single quiet passing.

Best of luck, Steve

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thanks, Lee - you are right, the rhyme and the evocation of that phrase was too good to pass up.

    Steve
Comment from Benjamin Valencia
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Hi Kiwisteveh. A poem that I read over a few times to try and get the gist of which I think I did and its very deep. For true happiness to be achieved, he must meet the horizons to see his own fate. At least, that's what I got out of it. Cheers.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thanks, ben.

    Steve
Comment from visionary1234
Excellent
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Only you can make a Minute poem not seem trite, Steve - and use 'breath' and 'death' to boot! Love your enjambment in 2nd verse too - takes the pain out of the form, and gives us a grand finale! You're truly a poet after my own heart! :)Sharyn

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Sharyn, thanks for the very kind words.

    I guess the mechanics of this form aren't too difficult, so I try to give it a bit of depth in the content - glad you thought that was successful.

    Steve
Comment from PoemsOfDD
Excellent
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A solid poem. Your poem is reflective in its message. The picture attached is very fitting and adds to the message. Well done.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thank you!

    Steve
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Excellent
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Well written poem depicting that final event everyone must one day face. This poem should also be a good contest entry.

 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thanks, Brett!

    Steve
Comment from Tessa Kay
Excellent
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I like the minute form. It has a kind of rush to it, starting long and then going short.
The picture is amazing, very ominous, and goes very well with your poem of impending doom. Well done. :)

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 Comment Written 14-Sep-2015


reply by the author on 20-Sep-2015
    Thanks, Tessa.

    Steve