Reviews from

Animated Stills

Viewing comments for Chapter 42 "The Meadow Masquerade"
Inspiration of Life from Photographs

12 total reviews 
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
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You are so right about the meter being like a waltz, (My favourite dance.) and it is so graceful. I enjoyed reading this and had already thought the rhythm was like that. I love it when you write your poetry to enhance you photography, which you are so good at. The words of the poem, again, are very descriptive, I loved the lines of the wildlife dancing to the merry tunes of the breezes, the imagery takes you there to watch this happening. All in all, a wonderful poem to read and a fascinating photo of that mask like tree. :) Sandra xxx

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2017
    Thank you Sandra. It was a fun one to write. I am glad you enjoyed it. I always appreciate your perceptive reviews, and encouragement. They help to energize me.
Comment from patcelaw
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Tom, very well written poem about the photo. The photo is quite interesting and I am glad you shared this with us. Many blessings for a great weekend ahead, Patricia

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 15-Dec-2017
    Thank you Patricia.
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
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Excellent poetry as usual for you, Tom.
I really enjoyed being able to read yet another of your fantastic writes.
You're right about the tree looking like it is wearing a mask.
How odd...
Again, outstanding work!
 photo sig20two_zps0wlwuzne.jpg

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Dean. I am finding that, quite often, trees make very interesting subjects. This one was indeed odd.
reply by Dean Kuch on 14-Dec-2017
    My pleasure. :)
Comment from Joan E.
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You find the most intriguing images to photograph--I saw the mask immediately and was delighted it inspired you to write about a "masquerade"! I enjoyed your rhythmic and rhymed quatrains, plus the repeat for emphasis. Festively smiling- Joan

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Joan. Your lovely review makes me want to dance in the forest. Or, at least, find those elves. Lol.
reply by Joan E. on 15-Dec-2017
    Here's to dancing with those elves! Big smiles- Joan
Comment from TAB_that's me
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Your poem is alive! Squirrels and birds at a masquerade party. I love the imagery in that! I love the trees in your photo.

Teresa

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Teresa. Your review gives me a smile.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Even though the picture didn't fully load for me. (My computers fault) I enjoyed what did. One eye of a mask. LOL
I always enjoy your pictures Tom. This poem was a refreshing change my friend. I may get to spend my six's yet this week.
Good Job on the poem. Very uplifting. Nancy

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you so much Nancy for such an encouraging review, even though you didn't get to see the whole image (Dang computers!). I am pleased you enjoyed it, and am delighted with the six stars.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
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The rhythm and harmony, music and melody, song and sound in mystic range and order could be felt in a typical forest, only a head and heart could feel and visualise; well said; I like. DR ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Alcreator Litt Dear, for a fine review. I am pleased that you liked it.
Comment from Sharon Haiste
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The poem is indeed joyous and active.
Well written with a clear and fun story.
I really enjoy your collection of Animated Stills.
Well done.
Sharon

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Sharon Mede. I appreciate your comments, and am pleased found the fun in it.
Comment from Pantygynt
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The Comedia dell' Arte moves in the forest it seems in your sylvan masqued ball.

This is lovely and redolent of a Srauss Waltz in the woodlands arounf Vienna. It is a totally different but equally effective use of anapaestic metre, and if my steam train set it off on its journey I am very happy.

For me another pleasure with this is that it employed the full anapaest throughout the line rather than commencing each line with an iamb, which seems to be the most popular way of writing in anapaestic metre.

I baulked a little on first reading at this line: "All the birds, and the squirrels, in the shadows..." The extra syllable obtained by treating squirrels as a feminine ending, although it is not the end of the line, interrupted the rhythm of the dance for me and I wondered if something like: "All the birds, and the squirrels, in shadow..." might not havwe been more appropriate. Just a thought.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Pantygyny. I see that you touch on an area of diction here. You correctly pronounce the word "squirrels" as a two syllable word -"SQUIR-rels". We Americans treat it as one syllable (not correct per se dictionary) "skewrls". That is the way I used it here. So you are correct using your vernacular, but I am right using mine. So I should either correct it to satisfy the purists, or maybe add a note on the context, as its just not natural to pronounce it as a two syllable word for me.
reply by Pantygynt on 14-Dec-2017
    Sorry Tom. I never thought of that at the time. I should have because I am something of a champion of regional pronunciation and disagreeing with those who put their trust in dictionaries on this matter. Please accept my apologies.

    Perhaps a note on these contentious matters might have been worth while.
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Jim. No apologies necessary. I am glad you feel that way, as poetry is as much of a verbal experience as it is a written one. This being an international site, pronunciation issues are sure to occur. I agree with you the the vernacular of the author should be respected. I will add a note though. That usually helps.
reply by Pantygynt on 14-Dec-2017
    I recall a PTI (Physical Training Instructor) in the Royal Marines who came from our North East saying that the left hook was the best in the book. In both words he pronounced the oo as a long vowel rhyming with tomb or broom. Come south a few miles it would rhyme with took or crook but then they rhyme there with luck and pluck, which words I would cup and up -- and so would he but differently. Oh shit! what's the point? Lol.

    I shal never forget being taken to task on this site for rhyming dawn with morn. To me only the initial letter is different.
reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Points well taken.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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A fabulously rhymed poem and this form has a lyrical limerick feel to it, great words with a magical touch with elves serving up goblets of wine, a delightful tale, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2017


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017
    Thank you Dolly. So pleased that you joined and enjoyed the party.