Reviews from

For the Love of Words

Free Verse

58 total reviews 
Comment from Just2Write
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well, well my master of words - an excellent free verse on the topic of words and how they are like to children to the writer. How they can delight and vex. This is the very first time I had ever listened to a sound track of the writer reading his words. Most interesting. I had read it first without the sound and then went back, and listened. Funny how your voice sounded so much like I had envisioned it would sound - especially as I had never heard your voice before. I guess your tone and poetic voice has come through loud and clear in your written words.
Excellent -
The F word has made it into 2 of my incoming poetry offerings today. We must be all on the same wave-length. Rose

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    Thanks, Rose. I haven't tried adding sound before. I find background music intensely distracting and annoying and I have little or no interest in watching the video clips that people append from time to time. However, a couple of people suggested I added voice to this and so I thought I'd give it a go.
    I think that this is only the second time in about thirty years that I've used the F word in a poem. I usually reserve it for private muttered oaths when I'm particularly annoyed with myself. Interestingly, it was 'fornication' that attracted more adverse comment and I have now changed that to 'copulation'. which is a more accurate synonym, in the context of contrasting the Anglo-Saxon with the Romantic word base.
reply by Just2Write on 20-May-2016
    Hmmm. Fornication didn't bother me at all. Neither did the F bomb in this instance. I use it myself with friends, but never in the public world outside that circle - unless of course, it's a Tourette's moment. Rose.
Comment from Leineco
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Stunning.

And so many approaches of assimilating it. Is he asking me if I am
satisfied with my efforts, or describing the many styles of writing that
can be satisfying? Does he mean to inspire us to reach for greater heights,
or remind that we have not aspired nearly enough?

Or is it simply a reminder of the power love of words represents.

While reading through this (on one of my many trips through) suddenly
many of the signature styles that have blossomed on this site came to
mind (as did their authors). But quite honestly, it was your body of
work that I was mostly reminded of. I know of very few (counted on
one hand) writers on this site that caress and fondle words with tenderness
and attention that you do. Not out of hubris, but rather out of a deeply
ingrained sense of respect and, yes, love.

There are so many sections that leapt off the page and danced like maypole
revelers around me - I simply cannot exalt any one over another :-)

Suffice it to say this is an amazing Love Poem Poetry Contest entry and a truly
seductive read!

Two quick thoughts on word choices
- fornication (with its harsh form and kay, to me was not nearly as lascivious as copulation would be.
- I can't help it. . .I just wanted thesaurus wrecks to be
Tyrannothesaurus wrecks LOL

Outstanding and incredibly captivating write T



 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    I very much appreciate this detailed review, Leineco, and your kind words. I did have Tyrannothesaurus wrecks in my first draft, but thought it too unwieldy when read aloud and so beheaded the beast!
    I was also interested in your comment about 'fornication'. You are the second person who has suggested that I change it. I have now done so, as you suggest, to 'copulation'. which is a more accurate synonym, in the context of contrasting the Anglo-Saxon with the Romantic word base, as well as being more sensuous, without the unnecessary suggestion of the harlot loitering at the gates of the city!
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very complex poem about the different motivations, or muses, of our craft. What makes us write? How does that work out to our messages we want to relay?
I've never seen so many facets listed, and done so with such intuition.
Well done,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Rhonda. You are right about there being many different motivations for writing.
Comment from F. Wehr3
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, nicely done! This was good in so many ways. I loved this part and how it relates the nervous shy words of youth. Excellent job!

Do your words have buck teeth and pimples,
are they shy and nervous,
do they shine through tears?

Are your words
all fingers and thumbs,
staccato stabs at utterance
tapped out on keys,

Take care,
Russell

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Many thanks, Russell, for the positive review and six stars - also for pointing out the parts that worked best for you. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Gone but not forgotten
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My words are all these things but seldom put together as well as this! I'm continually inspired by this website (and occasionally appalled) but this is, in fact, among the best! Thank you. PS - I don't have any Six Stars left, or I'd give you one!

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Many thanks, Wordcraft, for the positive review and comments. I'm delighted that you should have thought this one worth six stars. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from johnwilson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Mere words seem useless to me at this moment as I revere in the silence after your last word "peace". Stars, I don't have enough of..not even a sixth or a 100th. This is the best poem I've heard/read in quite awhile. When I signed onto this site, a month ago, I had no idea so much talent resided here. You have made me a fan with "For the Love of Words" and I am bookmarking this poem to reread again and again, for I am a lover of words, some of them described in this piece. I will say Bravo, my fellow writer, and the reading of the poem is still tingling in my ear!

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Many thanks, John, for this very positive review and suggestion that my poem might have been worth six stars. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from pattipac
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

WOW, Tony, how I wish I had a six-star kiss to gently place upon this outstanding "gem" of a poem about "Words" we speak and write. I must admit I have stuttered at times; searched for words at times, and sat back in awe at times, when words spring-forth from my pen as though they came from a well of hidden waters.

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Thank you so much for this lovely review, Pattipac. I love the concept of a well of hidden waters!
Comment from Naham Mills
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I like the ending hiw they drift down towards the ground to rest in peace.. Beautiful imagery. I like the themes you explore and the language you use to do so. The structure is flawless by my eye. The content was amazing and I can't wait to see more of your work. Keep it up

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Many thanks, Nathan, for this very positive review and for pointing out the parts that worked best for you. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Alan K Pease
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I think you have covered the words of love and the love of words from all directions in one profound statement composed of vignettes about the life that one may live within them. There is no stanza that I love the most then the entire poem. Best wishes for a successful outcome in the contest. I have good feelings.

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Many thanks, Alan, for this most positive review and for the six stars - also for your good luck wishes for the contest. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Louise Michelle
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hm...I guess I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with words. When they come easily, I'm proud and happy. When I struggle for the simplest word that should be so obvious, I get frustrated.

You did a bang up job with this poem, Tony. I know what you're thinking. I couldn't find a better phrase than 'bang up.' What can I say? It's early morning and I can't find a better word, LOL. Hugs, Lou

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 19-May-2016
    Thanks for your bang up review, Lou! Anyone who can review first thing in the morning has my undying admiration.