Reviews from

The Song Thrush

A Ballad

68 total reviews 
Comment from zanya
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There may not be such a legend in Irish Folklore but here is a poetic creation that could well fill that gap ! A modern day ballad- how refreshing to read a story in a poem- filled with mystique and lore and exquisite language 'a liquid spill of sunlit notes/ to match her golden hair'

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    I am thrilled that this was polished enough to earn six stars from you, Zanya! So glad that you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Tony.
Comment from Senyai
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Tony, I found your poem to be most delightful. You are a true poet of the finest quality and deserve your Seal of Quality but only 1 seal? There should be many after your name.

On the poem, I loved The Song Thrush alluding to Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene". Thanks for all the side notes as they helped much with clarity of your excellent work. Always illuminating and deeply enjoyable. The rowan tree and Song Thrush will live forever in my heart.

You are a true master, skillful and humble with your work.

Senyai

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    What a lovely review, Senyai. I'm delighted that you liked this well enough to award it six stars. It went through a number of metamorphoses before emerging in its present form! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from c_lucas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The Thrush has very strong vocal cords. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read. There is very good imagery.

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    Thanks, Charlie. Appreciated. Tony
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love this one Tony, you've done a great story with this Irish mythology tale. Loved it. I've never heard of that folklore around the curlew, we get them here all the time. Maybe the Irish birds are different. Good luck in the contest, really enjoyed this one.
cheers,
valda.

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    Very many thanks for your generous review and six stars, Valda. I think that the Queensland curlews are much the same as the European ones - especially the variety with the longer beaks.
Comment from Dawn Munro
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, I didn't have to read beyond the first stanza to know who I'D vote for in this contest (and I have an entry in too - LOL) but of course I DID read this exquisite fairy tale from start to finish, and then again, for pure enjoyment. I won't let those naysayers who talk about 'fluff' reviews influence me either. You need me to spell out WHY I am spellbound and ADORE this poem about as much as a fish needs a bicycle.

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    If this is a 'fluff' review, it's a cloud with a golden lining! Many thanks for your kind words and for the six stars, Dawn. Both much appreciated! Best wishes, Tony
reply by Dawn Munro on 06-May-2016
    Best wishes to you, too. You're most welcome. :)
Comment from Stephanie Kastner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a very smart poem that flows well. The eagle swoops in and saves her. I'm glad she'll sit in the comfort of the Rowan tree, protected from the faerie spirits. My favorite line is:
At dawn upon the keening wind,
A white-tailed eagle flew
And spied a glint of gold upon
The silver veil of dew.

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    Thanks, Stephanie, both for your kind words and for picking out the lines you liked best. Kind regards, Tony
Comment from Jonadab Ezerie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Now I know this poem was 'ALL TIME BEST'.What more can I say, your poem said it all.I lack words to express how unique and articulate your poem was.I likes it .Keep it up

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 06-May-2016
    I appreciate your review and kind words, Sealord Hunter. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Aussie
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such a glorious photo, one can almost hear the trill of the Thrush. A wonderful entry for the contest. Americans will understand it if they read your notes. I loved it because I too wrote a story about the Selkie. Your story/poem touches my Celtic soul. Well done poet.

 Comment Written 05-May-2016


reply by the author on 07-May-2016
    To have written a poem that reminded you of your Celtic roots is praise indeed! Six stars, too. One way and another you have made my day!
Comment from jonathan1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An enjoyable read with an entertaining story. As a lover of fantasy I was captivated by this point. I loved the descriptive nature and I felt as if I was transported to the scene. Captivating.

 Comment Written 04-May-2016


reply by the author on 07-May-2016
    Many thanks, Jonathan. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Tony.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A lovely ballad, my friend. It sounded beautiful, but the author notes added more meaning to it, so thank you for those. We Iowans don't know much about other lands. We just know land is for corn and soybeans, LOL. Not a highly cultures place, I'm afraid~Debbie

 Comment Written 04-May-2016


reply by the author on 07-May-2016
    Thanks, Debbie. Delighted that this opened a window on another world for you. It's a long time since I've been to Ireland. A beautiful place but it never stops raining! LOL