Reviews from

No Father Needed

Minute Poem-Potlatch Challenge

32 total reviews 
Comment from ciliverde
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is almost lighthearted, yet in a way, could be terribly sad. An Irish elf? That could explain a thing or two. I suppose we all must raise ourselves, we can pretend that we have guiding hands, but in the end it comes down to our own, selves. Maybe the elves have it easiest of all? With their magic powers, you know. Well done, I like yours much better than mine,
Carol

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Actually, I LOVE yours. You'll find out if I ever get over to review it. I think our most important guide is ourselves just like you say. It's our choice. We can take it all in, but in the end, we decide what to do with it. YES, my magical powers come in handy. The ladies have no idea what they're doing with me. But the magic keeps them smiling. LOL mikey
reply by ciliverde on 20-Jun-2016
    Hahaha you're so funny. I still like your better, so there!
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
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Hi Mikey,

Very good, very strong piece here.
I love the fact that although absent, it isn't an excuse for anything. you. sir, are a credit to humanity.

nice piece.
G

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Geez, you're too kind. I've always believed the past is no excuse for anything. Why throw away your future. It seems like a waste to suffer a horrible paste and then sacrifice MORE to it. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
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Ah that explains a great deal. Lol. A little Irish elf indeed. Would that be the same as a leprechaun then? I have a feeling we're going to learn a lot about father's from this potlatch. And here we have the absent one. Your minute of glory here touched my heart.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Just a tich of it, aye. Some great pieces came out of this little challenge. A couple stellar works in fact. I'm so pleased this hit you. Thanks so much. mikey
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Excellent
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And you did a darn good job of it too, Mikey. You're one of the smartest, kindest, most giving, caring folks I've met online... or anywhere. Some of us are blessed and/or get lucky. For every man like you, though, there are dozens whose lack of a father causes a lot of problems that they can't get past on their own. Sad for them, tragic for society.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Gee. That's just so lovely to hear. Thank you very much, that means a lot to me. It never occurred to me that anything in my life was out of the ordinary. It all seemed normal to me. It still does. Sometimes when I see some of it written down it looks pretty strange though. LOL But, really, if the past is an excuse, there's no future. Hey, pretty good. HA! mikey
reply by Phyllis Stewart on 20-Jun-2016
    if the past is an excuse, there's no future.

    Yes, very good message. "It's not my fault" is no way to live. Get up and DO something to make your life better!
Comment from catch22
Excellent
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Hi Mikey, overall the poem is a good minute poem with good use of iambic meter. My issue is the use of reversed syntax in "father grand " in the first stanza. It does not sit well with me because the grand, hand rhyme reads forced to my ear. Other than that, it's a solid poem. If you do edit, please let me know and I will upgrade my rating.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Ha! I fully intended to NOT change a word. LOL
    Then I kept reading it and that phrase "father grand" started to really bug me. So, yeah, you were right. I fixed it and of course it's ten times better. Isn't that always the case? I also repeated the aa rhyme, so I fixed that too. See what you started? Thanks so much. mikey
reply by catch22 on 20-Jun-2016
    You're very welcome. Glad to help and I will upgrade my rating.
Comment from fionageorge
Excellent
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Michael, that is so sad... yet, through this poem you convince us that you managed just fine. Great Minute Poem, with excellent rhyme and a different take on all the other poems about fathers. Thanks for sharing and warmest regards, Marijke :o)

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Thanks, Marijke.
    What a cool name. It wasn't traumatic or anything. Just raised differently and mostly by myself. It never occurred to me that I was missing anything really. I'm so pleased you enjoyed. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Mike, you made me cry. This is such a beautiful poem. You are such an awesome poet and gifted artist. I am so proud of you and I wish I could give you a real hug right now, not this paper *gypsy hug* crap. A Real Hug.

You expressed your feelings so well and I can relate to you so much right now.

I love you, Brother Mike. You are an awesome person and a gifted writer. I am very proud of you.

MariVal

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    I'm just fine, dear. So don't cry. I'll get my guitar and bust out with, "Dry Your Eyes" and oldie but goodie they said I couldn't sing because it's a chick song. HA!
    A little Brenda and the Tabulations. Go find it. One of my favorites. Yes, I can hella too sing it. LOL
    My mom was around a lot of the time, she was just insane. Not her fault and I'm not mad at her or disappointed. Never met dad, so no idea what having one is like. So really that doesn't bother me either. I was raised by chicks and I like chicks, so no worries. I'm much taller than an Elf although I think you're being really hard on Elfs. They're cute and they're short enough to look up skirts. Of course they'd never do something like that. I'm just trying to give an idea of how tall they are.
    Dance? Jeesh. I forgot all about that. I took tap dancing lessons when I was little. Acrobatic dancing too. I haven't thought about that in YEARS.
    Okay, I've gone without sleep for a while and my brain isn't part of earth. Thanks so much. Irish Hugs, mikey
reply by Gypsy Blue Rose on 20-Jun-2016
    Hello, Mike,

    I like our comment box conversations.
    Since we are friends, you must know I am a big cry baby. Ask our mutual friend, he will tell you. LoL

    I am going to check out the song. I challenge you to record your voice and sing it to me. Since everyone reads comments, I have witnesses who know I have challenged you so you have to do it. LoL seriously, I do.

    I understand what is like to have an insane mother. I know it's not her fault but I wish she would have taken some pills and she could have been a better mom to you. You are right about chicks, girls are better than boys.

    I lived with my dad for 15 years and I didn't know him either. He was gone a lot and he .... well you know. He never had a chance of winning the best dad award.

    I didn't write a hateful poem for him yesterday because he was not all bad and I wanted to honor that good part of him. It's a haiku. Check it out. Two people reviewed it. LoL I am not ms popular in fanstory, that is for sure. I won't win a miss fanstory of the year any time soon. I am SO fed up with the freaking contests. Remind me to tell you about the love poem contest. The one in blue, you were the inspiration behind it. I am in second place and pizza boy (stars with D and ends with 2) is going to win with a comic poem. It's a love poem contest for god's sake!! I get sick when I think about it and him. I hope he chokes on the award. Asshole!!!!

    What was I wrting about? Oh, yeah...my fathers day haiku. Not too bad.

    I am not prejudice agains Elfs. I think they are cute but the thought of one looking up my skirt is disturbing to me. I do like their shoes.

    bye now, singing Mike. Luv ya.

reply by Gypsy Blue Rose on 20-Jun-2016
    Reading my review now it's funny. I went over the top again. LoL I am such an emotional Spanish gypsy. I made a fool of myself but I am not erasing it. Everyone knows it.
reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    If I can figure out how to do it, i shall accept your challenge. I didn't say it would sound good. LOL
    Be careful what you wish for. :))
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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Michael,
This just breaks my heart.

Your minute poem is in great form with an awesome presentation. I like the color scheme, artwork, and your strong message. At the time you did not know it, or understand it, but look at the amazing person you turned into.

Good job and thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Aww. What a lovely thing to say. Thanks, Jan
    It never bothered me not having a father. It was all normal to me since I knew nothing else.
    Thanks so much for a wonderful review, mikey
Comment from nancyjam
Excellent
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Gert Minute poem entry. Michael - you are one of the lucky ones - to grow up
without a dad and have no issues. It made you strong and independent, I gather.
From an Irish lass to an Irish elf - "Well Done"
Nancy

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Hi, Nancy
    It never occurred to me that no dad was anything strange. It was all normal to me. LOL
    Thanks so much, Irish Lass.
    This Irish elf is most appreciative. :)) mikey
Comment from krys123
Excellent
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Hello Mikey;
-I really enjoyed your minute writing And in a way it was a little sad but yet then encouraging to know that your strength grew out of taking care of your growing up yourself.
-None of your rhyming words were forced her baby which was helpful in the fluidity of your writing.
-Each of your rhyming words were contingent and supportive to the meaning and concept of each and all of your lines therefore making your reading and rhythm to flow smoothly.
-The rhythmic mere follow the requirements for this type of format and along with the cadence and timing was very helpful in making the reading clear, fluid and very easy.
-The picture representing the Irish icon was very appropriate, supportive and relative to the conceptual theme of your writing.
-Thank you for sharing and posting this Mikey and may the good Lord be with you always.
Alex

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2016


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2016
    Thanks as always, Alex, for an awesome thorough review. I was never sad about not having a father. It was all normal to me.
    So pleased you enjoyed this. Blessings to you and yours, mikey
reply by krys123 on 21-Jun-2016
    You are very welcome Mikey and blessings to you all so my friend.
    Alex