Reviews from

Paper Dolls and Toy Soldiers

Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "A Two Rope Swing"
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22 total reviews 
Comment from frogbook
Excellent
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A very complicated and rather dark story of a loss of innocence I would say. The hardships of life woven into your well placed words cause the reader to ponder. A great poem very well written and taking us on a journey of thought.

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 Comment Written 01-Feb-2018


reply by the author on 01-Feb-2018
    If it's so great, why'd ya give it a four? HAHAHA!! Just kidding. So appreciate the kind words and compliments. Thanks kindly, mike
reply by frogbook on 02-Feb-2018
    OMG, so sorry-a slip of the mouse or maybe the mind. I have corrected that and thanks for asking!!!!!!
Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep
Excellent
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Hi Mikey, this was very pleasant to read. I had to rope swing similar to the one in the picture and I know that feeling of soaring like an eagle. I guess it's the closest we come to what the birds are seeing and feeling. Hope you are well, Giddy

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2018

Comment from nancyjam
Excellent
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I enjoyed your free verse and the wonderful imagery that gives the
reader a sense of the speaker's childhood and the joy of a young boy's flight
on the old rope swing. But then there is sadness too. The imagery depicting darkness and fear. His flight on the swing is a way to escape whatever causes
this fear. The mention of blood and burial also adds a sombre note.
I feel he has left all that behind and is now at peace with his past.
Thanks for sharing your thought provoking poem.
Nancy

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2018

Comment from Sefiros
Excellent
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I can really feel the generations of blood imprinted on the rope. It's the connection between past and future: that sense of liberty of childhood where everything was simple and honest. Nice job.

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Thanks so much. Rich insights. mike
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
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Free versing memories of this mighty old oak, that will still get older, and the little boy who rode that swing, and he too got older. I really liked the blood and the sweat maybe even a few tears that drip fed this gorgeous old tree.Nicely done mike, glad to have read it.
cheers.

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Great insights, much appreciated. mike
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
Excellent
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I love your new mystical picture. It is so you. Why did you not want reivews? This is an absolutely wonderful piece. I love the image you presented with the paper cut, the memories of the differences of the ropes and the tree itself. Memories are wonderful

 Comment Written 30-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    "cause I'm terrible at replying and I feel guilty for not replying and reciprocating with reviews and stuff even though I still sneak around and read your great work. :)) mike
reply by Barb Hensongispsaca on 31-Jan-2018
    Good smooge. .lol
Comment from Joy Graham
Excellent
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Hello Michael,

This takes me back to rope swings of my own past. Any swings, really. I remember swinging as high as possible imagining my toes touching the sky. Now when I sit on a swing I get dizzy and have to get my feet firmly on Mother Earth. This was a fun memory moment.

Joy xx

 Comment Written 30-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Hi, Joy

    So pleased you enjoyed. Thanks so much, mike
Comment from robina1978
Excellent
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A lovely photo of a tree in the woods that complements your poem very well. I enjoyed your free verse, mainly as it tells something about your youth. I found alliteration and one thing that you might have intended to be a simile. For this I don't think it is original enough for that: like a bird free as the wind in my face. I took a class about this with Brooke. Nice poem and general layout.

 Comment Written 30-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Hi, Ine

    Thanks for the great review. Ahh, Brooke. We all miss her, yes? Glad you liked this. mike
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
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I have seen these things in private gardens and they inevitably outlast the youngsters' interest in them. The kids grow up and leave the nest, and swing remains abandoneed like last year's rookery until the grandkids come to stay. I really enjoyed this bit of free verse.

 Comment Written 30-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Glad you liked this. I may fiddle with it a bit. I didn't convey ALL the meaning I wished to. I'm pleased some of it got through though. Thanks much, mike
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
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Your note puzzles me. But then I don't worry much about stars or rankings, but I like to hear somebody say "Hey, that's okay." Hey, that's okay.

 Comment Written 30-Jan-2018


reply by the author on 31-Jan-2018
    Hey, thanks. I'm lame at replies and reciprocal reviews and all that, just too busy taking care of people. So I try to NOT post to much. I feel a little guilty an all. Thanks for the kind words. I DO sneak around and read your great original work though. :)) mike