Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is a wonderful sonnet of the wild horses, mustangs here in America, a national treasure but in grave danger. I see that you won first prize in the contest--Congratulations! Marilyn

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2016

Thanks again, Marilyn.

We have wild horses here too - they actually thrive, but are considered environmentally damaging, so must be culled occasionally. There is a group set up to take as many of the captured ones as they can for breaking in and passing on to good homes...

Steve

reply by BeasPeas on 17-Jul-2016

Hi Steve. The horses are so beautiful, a treasure. I know rescue groups try to find home for them, but you and I both know what happens to the others. Breaks my heart. Marilyn

Comment from Leineco

Excellent

Oh my - what an amazing collection of animal themed sonnets! I don't
believe I've ever seen such a neck and neck, hotly contested contest. Eagle, camel, lion, wild horses, peacock and lone wolf - all done in perfect sonnet form!

You painted such a glorious picture here!
painted crimson, spray of broken water,
steaming flanks, world afire
I loved your closing stanza - I suspect if I were ever fortunate enough
to see these wild horses in their natural habitat, I too, would wish -at
least for a moment, to be one of them - the symbol of wild and beholden
to no one!

Wonderful submission to the contest!

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016

Thank you for the lovely review.

My horses managed to scare the lion, trample all over the peacock (pulled out a few tail feathers, I'm afraid), ran away from the wolf, gave the camel the hump and even teased the bald eagle about his mane deficiency...

Steve

Comment from GoatRead

Excellent

This is an amazing poem.
I not really a fan of poetry. Though I'm a massive fan of horses. This is my favorite horse poem I've ever found.

You must of taken a lot of your time for this.

 Comment Written 11-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 12-Jul-2016

Thanks for the kind words.

I do have a goat poem in my portfolio somewhere - it's called 'The Great Escaper Caper.'

Steve

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

They are magnificient animals and it is pure poetry to watch them run.
Very nicely done as you describe the freedom and beauty of the horse.
A mighty fine entry

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thanks, Barb. There's nothing quite like the sheer joy in running of wild horses.

Steve

Comment from Mystic Angel 7777

Excellent

Now the only thing that I wondered was whether "rooves" (even this spell checker had issue with it LOL) was a word or not. Nonetheless, I do not like rules or restrictions so have put that vexation aside and decided this is truly lovely and congratulate you on your forthcoming win. I do hope you don't become a horse since it will be hard to type with hooves and THIS site very much needs your presence. All the best in the voting and God bless.

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thanks so much for the fun review. I did have a note about 'rooves' but had to remove it (still rhyming!) It is a slightly old-fashioned variant - one that is being replaced by 'roofs' everywhere. I still say 'rooves' even when I spell 'roofs.' Now I could have had roofs and hoofs, but hoofs is even rarer!

I can see the difficulty of typing with either hoofs or hooves. I could just dictate, but Nay...

Steve

Comment from N.K. Wagner

Exceptional

Rooves? In the US it's roofs. Are you playing with words or is this a dialectic difference.

In the last line, you might want to set "too" off with commas.

A great job, Steve. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thanks, Nancy.

I did have a note about 'rooves' but had to remove it (still rhyming!) It is a slightly old-fashioned variant - one that is being replaced by 'roofs' everywhere. I still say 'rooves' even when I spell 'roofs.' Now I could have had roofs and hoofs, but hoofs is even rarer!

Steve

Comment from Cumbrianlass

Exceptional

Love this, Steve. I've loved horses, actually, as long as I can remember, and used to ride regularly.

I've seen wild horses in the UK on the moors and in North Carolina, where they were running wild on the beach.

You capture their majesty and their magnificent, courageous spirit in your poem. This one touched me.

Av

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thanks, Av.

We have wild horses here too, particularly in a fairly wild and rugged area of the North Island, the Kaimanawa Ranges. They do cause environmental problems and have to be culled periodically. This led to a protest movement and a group being set ip to take the captured horses and break them in for re-homing.

There is even a TV series about three sisters who are part of this movement - It's called 'Keeping up with the Kaimanawas' which I think is a wee jike bat the Kardashians' expense.

Steve

Comment from Liberty Justice

Exceptional

Beautiful! Well versed colorful descriptions of actions of horses roaming free. Shocking surprising ending that poet wishes he were a horse. Good luck! WELL DONE! liberty justice

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thanks for the great review and the six star rating - much appreciated.

Steve

Comment from Warren Rodgers

Exceptional

Hi Steve,
You sent me to the dictionary when I read "rooves" but it's there, you're good. Your sonnet is an excellent one and a pleasure to read! Excellent enjambment and solid meter throughout. I saw some wild horses many years ago out west and they do make one feel like you want to be one of them. Super descriptions of the event make it all come alive, nice alliteration and excellent turn in verse three. I especially loved "steaming flanks"

Some esceptional sonnets in Ray's contest, good luck in the booth!

Rodger :)

 Comment Written 10-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Rodger, thanks for the great review.

I had a note on this to explain 'rooves', but it was pointed out that author's notes were forbidden...

Yes, there are some excellent sonnets here - mind you, we've all had practice lately! Of you haven't come across her work already, take a look at some of Hayley Solomon's stuff. She's a fellow kiwi.

Steve

Steve

Comment from Ima L. Ami

Excellent

This is an excellent sonnet and it really shows the true spirit of wild horses. I can see and hear there labored breathing when I read this, and I am left feeling the awe of their wild nature. Great work and good luck!

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2016

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reply by the author on 10-Jul-2016

Thank you. O'm glad you felt this captured some of the spirit of these beautiful creatures.

Steve