Comment from Cindy Warren

Excellent

How sad. Some people will do anything for money. This isn't sporting, it's disgusting. And I think you're right, all of us will pay the price in the end.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 16-Aug-2017

Hi Cindy;
thank you for your time to read and review this piece.

I think the consensus here on FanStory echoes your thoughts. I've had many readers respond the same way,

~patty~

Comment from Sasha

Excellent

I enjoy the picture this challenges, they always bring out the best in the poet. Beautiful work with this and deeply moving while conveying the sadness and cruelty of the loss of so many beautiful creatures. I have never been able to understand the poacher or sportsman mentality. For what? Money? Fame? Excellent work with this and on a subject so important to us all.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 16-Aug-2017

Hi Sasha;
thank you so much for the lovely review of this piece. I really enjoy the 'Picture This' contests because I have to work in a different way than I usually write a poem. Finding the words to portray my interpretation takes concentration and a stretch of my skills,

~patty~

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Thank you for sharing your author's notes. I'm not a poet and sometime, often, struggle with poetry. I agree poachers should be stopped at all cost. They aren't doing the environment one ounce of good.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 16-Aug-2017

Hi Barbara;

I do not consider myself a poet, though I've been stretching my poetic wings over the past several months. I, too, struggle to meet the constraints of the poetic forms, and get lost when I try to write free verse.

I appreciate your time to read and review,

~patty~

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

This is a good topic choice for the 'picture this' forum Patty. They don't seem to be able to stop the killing of these beautiful animals.Nicely done with this form, I've not seen it before.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Valda;

this new poetic form was created by Kerry Robinson last month. I decided to try it out for the prompt. Thank you for your kind words about my poem,

~patty~

Comment from Bichon

Exceptional

Great poem. I completely agree with it, as I myself, am not a huge fan of those who poach for fun or without reason, especially when it came to Cecil the lion and his son, that broke my heart.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Chloe; I'm glad you enjoyed the poem and I greatly appreciate your review. The shining sixth star made me smile.

I was SO upset when Cecil was shot - I was sick to my stomach.

~patty~

Comment from June Sargent

Excellent

Very thought provoking piece of poetry. It's sad but true that having destroyed the ecological balance in nature with this mindless slaughter, man is not far behind. This planet has been abused - time to wake up. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi June;
thank you for your time to read and review. I appreciate your comments and thoughts,

~patty~

Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

Maybe we should declare open season on the poachers. That would make them think twice about needless slaughter of an endangered species.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Thomas;

Wouldn't it be wonderful IF we could hunt the poachers?

~patty~

Comment from Curly Girly

Excellent

There is a difference between hunting and poaching.
Hunters are given hunting concessions to hunt.
Some game farms need to cull animals because they have a limited acreage. It stands to reason that they sell hunting concessions for those animals.
Poaching is illegal. It strips nature and is cruel. Poachers will shoot everything dead and have no regard for extinction.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Nicole;
thank you so much for reading and reviewing this poem. I appreciate your comments and thoughts,

~patty~

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Ah, I like that very poignant ending with a question, "Can humans be far behind?" I hope that poaching can be completely stopped soon. I don't approve of hunting unless it really is for food. You are right -- how we treat all of fellow earth creatures reflect on our value of life for all.

In the second line, I think "poachers" should have an apostrophe to indicate the possessive.

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

hi there;
thank you for the lovely review of this piece. Poaching needs to be stopped, and while efforts are being made; they simply aren't enough.

Thanks for the suggestion about the apostrophe after poachers - I went and changed it,

~patty~

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Hello, Patty,

How are you? I hope all is well. I really like this poem. Nice rhyming. The Picture This picture is pretty. I belonged to that group for a while. I like the theme, you touched on a valid issue... it's horrible. Good job.
gypsy

 Comment Written 15-Aug-2017

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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2017

Hi Gypsy;
thank you for checking on me! I'm having a great day. Lots of time to write and review.

I appreciate your kind words about my poem. I do feel this is an important issue where we need to take stronger action.

thanks for your support of my work,

~patty~