Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

Thank you for sharing your picture of a family photograph and some difficult family times. I admired your repeats of "dread/dreaded" for intensity in these evocative couplets. I am glad you did not believe your harsh Daddy. Sighs- Joan

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Apr-2016

Thank you Joan.

Comment from Just2Write

Excellent

Such sadness, Tom. I wish you had not been put through that kind of pain. So often fanatics of a discipline are cruel - and likely learned their ways at the hand of another fanatic. Such things are cyclical - so I'm glad you broke the link.
No religion that teaches cruelty, hatred, bigotry or tyranny has a place in the world anymore. We no longer need to control our family, and thus the masses through intimidation and dread.
Bed wetting in young boys, and sexual drive in horny teens is NORMAL. The sooner we get that figured out - the better. I'm not saying that the results are pleasant - I'm just saying that we should stop demonizing children for being human.
Rose.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Apr-2016

Thank you Rose. You have a good handle on it, I see. I appreciate your review, and the warm empathy. We all go through life with a history. It helps to write about it.

Comment from Nottoway

Exceptional

This is heart wrenching poem which reflects so much emotion. It also paints a reality which is more prevalent than me people realize about the hurdles one has to overcome in order to succeed. It captures the desire to blaze your own path despite a father's misgivings.

Not only wonderful in the styling, but wonderful in the message presented to inspire anyone to fight to overcome.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 11-Apr-2016

Thank you so much Nottoway. I appreciate your comments and the stars very much.

Comment from sunnilicious

Exceptional

Some daddies don't say a word. I wonder which is better sometimes. Illustrative poem. Creative even if true. Great visualization. Well thought out and clearly written. Nice work.

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Apr-2016

Thank you Alicia. I appreciate the review, the observation, and the stars.

Comment from harmony13

Excellent

What a great poem! The author's words are clear, sad and thought provoking. I did not know that the second son in the Catholic Family should become a priest! Thank you for the detailed description of this type of poem. The photograph is perfect and compliments the theme and words of this poem.

 Comment Written 09-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Apr-2016

Thank you Harmony

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Well, Tom. I know it goes without saying, but we both know who was the real 'problem' in all those situations, right? I'm so sorry you had that kind of relationship with your dad. I know times were a bit different when we were coming up, but still.... no excuses for any of this.

BTW, quite the good-looking guy you were - huh? Maybe still are! Can't tell with that beard! hahahaha

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thank you Robyn. Oh yeah gotta change the picture soon to a beardless me. Thanks for that discerning review.

Comment from lightink

Excellent

What a heartache! All families create a black sheep - I'm sorry that you were chosen for that role... It wasn't about you! I was shocked that even in his deathbed he was aggressive. I'm absolutely certain you were never ever like him - maybe that's why you were punished so much... sorry for the very personal voice here... I see a person here (not just a poet). Sending love!

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thank you Jyoti. That is very sweet of you. I try hard not to be. Everybody has a story though, don't they.

Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

Historically we have a great deal in common though I was not a bed wetter nor was my family catholic though at age 10 I apparently remarked that I was going to be a vicar when I grew up because they only worked on Sundays.

I ve seen a couple of these ghazal thing and I have to say I don't much care for the. Maybe I will grow into them eventually

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thank you Pantygynt. They aren't my favorite either.njust wrote this one to show someone how to do one. Drinking the wine appealed to me. But that's about it.

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

Darn! This is good. My wastepaper basket is full of half written Gazals. I just don't seem to be able to get them to sing. Yours is poignant, and skilled in the way you have turned the repeating words to good effect. Each couplet stands alone, as it is meant to do, and yet the whole poem stands as a unity.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thank you very much tony. They are tricky to write.

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

Thanks for the author notes as they give the reader a clear picture of the format of this poem.

Your poem reads well and tells of a sad situation. The picture is very good.

I commend you for your bravery in posting this, and overcoming the verbal abuse of your youth.

Good job and thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2016

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2016

Thank you jannypan seems like everyone here has a story.