Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens

Excellent

When reading this poem, I could not help but feel it was for a love that just didn't quite make it. However, it may have been for the best.. the verse that captured that for me was:

I can indulge the notion
An underprivileged heart
Stokes blind devotion
In a world fraught with schoolyard bullies

Relationships can be one side, one of devotion and one
of abuse, bullying is not limited to the schoolyard.

Well said,
:-) Carolyn

 Comment Written 05-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 05-Apr-2016

Hi, Carolyn. Great insights into this poem. I think I truly 'dodged a bullet' with this person. Yet, like many women who are caught up in a relationship with an abusive person, I blinded myself by focusing on his better qualities. He was not a monster but a deeply flawed person struggling to get along as best he knew.

Thanks very much for this gracious and encouraging review.

:) Bev

reply by Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens on 05-Apr-2016

:-) you are welcome

Comment from Joan E.

Exceptional

I liked your play in the title on the old nursery rhyme and your striking artwork selection. I admired the emotions about a lost love you conveyed in this freestyle with your images and judicious use of alliteration, as in the "watch/ Winding down". Your final line sums it all up well! Cheers- Joan

 Comment Written 05-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 05-Apr-2016

Hi, Joan

Thank you for this really gracious and generous review. You're the only one who caught my nursery rhyme reference. So, you've made me happy!

As always, your insights are both helpful and encouraging, and I appreciate them very much.

:) Bev

reply by Joan E. on 05-Apr-2016

I am really pleased to be on the same wavelength with you! Smiles and hugs- Joan

Comment from Khamelink

Excellent

This really makes you think. I'm not sure if that was your intent but I like it. I thought it had a good rhythm. The artwork went well with the poem. It added to making you think about what it's about. Good job!

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Thanks, K. I really appreciate your encouragement and support. Nice to hear you felt the artwork added to the poem.

:) Bev

Comment from CDyer

Excellent

Very unique! I can feel so much hurt and I sympathize with the disillusioned. Such a struggle to keep from fooling ourselves with lies, trying to convince our memories they are incorrect. It does all come down to feelings in the end. Very nicely structured and concluded!

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

I really appreciate your thoughtful and generous review. As you say, it all does come down to feelings.

Warm regards, Bev

Comment from Bryana

Excellent

Beautifully written poem, it has an
excellent rhythm and flow. It was a
pleasure to read it.
I wish you a wonderful week full of
inspiration.

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Bryana, so nice to hear from you. Thank you for this most gracious review.

:) Bev

Comment from Green Lake Girl

Exceptional

You always catch me off guard with the depth of your poetry, Bev. Cannot help but wonder if this poem is in any way autobiographical? (That's just me being nosy.)

When reading, I get the feeling the poem is meant for a certain person. Perhaps a clever trick by the writer? A reader feels as if they're privy to a private one-sided conversation. In short, exceedingly well done.

This stanza resonated with me. People come and go in our lives. Some relationships work--others don't. The healthy thing is to move on.

"I can let our promise
Haunt my demented dreams --
As if the contract was fulfilled
And we each moved on"

Moving memories around--great description. We can only hope more memories reside in heaven.

You're an amazing talent, Bev!

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Hi, Marietta

Thank you for this grand review. I'm going back to my roots as I used to write quite a lot of poetry when I first joined the site. It feels good to be back in the saddle.

I appreciate your insights and highlighted sections very much. It's been interesting to read what parts of the poem resonate with certain people. Very gratifying when you can connect with a reader in some way.

:) Bev

Comment from papa55mike

Excellent

I love this beautifully written poem. I love the flow in your writing, it seems to be coming directly from your heart. Well done. I wish I had a six for you. Have a great day and God bless.
mike

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Hi, Mike

What a sweet and kind review, Mike. The poem came from a place that I don't often visit anymore. But time has a way of healing the wounds to a certain extent.

Your wish for a six is truly icing on the cake. I really appreciate the encouragement.

:) Bev

Comment from honeytree

Excellent

Excellent art work for these words
living our lives can be hurtful and caring
We can be angry one minute and say sorry the next minute
Our lives can be so changeable.

Honey tree

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Well said, Honey tree. Thanks for your gracious review!

Bev

Comment from boxergirl

Exceptional

You got a great one here, Bev. The freestyle poem grabs my attention with the strong introduction and keeps grabbibg me all the way to the bottom. That is what amazes me about poetry. How a writer can put down on paper what so many people can connect with also. You are a great storyteller but your poetry muse is awesome as well...more please. :-)

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Hi, BG

Thank you so very much for this awesome review. I used to write more poetry than prose, so your words are especially sweet to me. I'm inspired to contribute to this month of poetry, so I'll be writing more. As you know, writing poems is not for whimps!

You say it so well: 'how a writer can put down on paper what so many people can connect with...' It's what I have always admired about poetry. It seems a truly universal language.

I really appreciate your compliments and your very gracious support.

:) Bev

Comment from Word Junkie

Excellent

Hi Bev,

This is pretty great. It doesn't make a specific statement or tell a relatable tale, but it dances around the edge of experience in a way that invites the reader to relate some part of the verse to his or her own experience.

The wrap is satisfying. Great job!

Thanks for sharing this,
Lana

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 04-Apr-2016

Thank you so much, Lana. Your review is both eloquent and gracious.

:) Bev