Reviews from

Into the Poetic Fray

Learn. Remember. Write. Repeat...

24 total reviews 
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Diane, this is a beautiful poem that gave me so much joy to read. The rhyming and the imagery were outstanding. I really enjoyed your lovely poem. All the best. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 22-May-2018

Comment from zanya
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Doesn't this Aftermath poem absolutely tick all the boxes of the budding writer who is entering the 'poetic fray' and hoping the readers will 'embrace'the sentiments- alas ..not so simple... the final line is a delight - well done

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    Hello zanya,

    Thank you so much for your exceptional rating and complimentary review.
    You are so correct: nothing about writing is ever simple...

    So pleased my words resonated with you...

    diane
Comment from Jeffrey L. Michaux
Excellent
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I really like this. You've done a superb job presenting a great message with this well written poem. It does seem that if we pen something that we think is some of our best work and it gets shot down, then, it's potentially devastating. We lick our wounds and live to write another day. I like this and enjoyed reading this. Great job and well done.

 Comment Written 22-May-2018

Comment from Air Spirit
Excellent
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Your poem has a personal significance to me -- because I am experiencing most of what you are describing in your poem today, of all days I read your poem..... I am struggling with the same feelings of self-doubt, disappointment, having a hard time understanding how and why things have not worked out... one of them being some recent posts of mine, but others on much more personal level... and I put a great deal of time and energy into my reviews-- to specifically be 'gentle' with any perceived criticism.. Everything I say about someone's poem is said out of respect and consideration, the same way I would hope my poems are reviewed... but such is life... our best laid intentions sometimes go sour .. but regardless, I innately hold the essence of what you suggest... I have to look within, as a learning experience, suck it up, take a deep breath, and realize that my writing, as well as my other personal issues have been done to the best of my ability.. if others don't appreciated what I offer and give, it ultimately there is nothing I can do to change someone's heart or feelings... the task at hand, is dealing with my feelings and getting back to doing the things I love and being who I am... the rest is secondary and should be in the backdrop... your entire poem is filled with encouraging insight into our human frailty, coupled with a realistic and healthy determination to realize this is all about doing something we love... and there will be many who do embrace our words, our actions, and what we can offer them... just not everyone... and so it is... thanks for the lovely and meaningful share... it is well received and your poem was excellent...

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    Hello Friend,
    I am so pleased - sadly,but pleased - that my words resonated with you.
    I love writing. It's as simple as that.
    What I learned from my last poetic foray into a contest is that the message of the poem takes precedence over form - even when form is one of the major specific requirements of the poem! When I "gently" pointed out that the form was lacking and/or misinterpreted in a number of the poems submitted, my observations were not appreciated. And yet, those poems went on to win the accolades my offering did not.
    I get it.
    Not everything a writer creates is going to be applauded.
    But I was hoping for more than one or two claps! :)
    And it was disheartening.
    So...I either had the choice to not write again and sulk, or take up my pen and begin again.

    Thank you for understanding!
    Write on!

    diane
Comment from Mastery
Excellent
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Terrif rhyming in this one, Diane. I cannot figur efor the life of me who you are speaking of in the first person? It could not be you as I have always seen good stuff from you everytime I have read your posts. Well, good luck with this one, too. Blessings, Bob

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    Thank you, Bob!
    I just needed to express my thoughts regarding some of my latest poetic ventures that were not "good stuff."

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Really well done! I appreciate the encouragement you give me with this poem. I think if we do write truly from our hearts and keep learning and perfecting our craft, that in itself is a reward and that's why I appreciate FS. We really can't measure our works based on contests.

 Comment Written 22-May-2018

Comment from karenina
Excellent
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I have been at both ends of this spectrum. I've submitted a poem for a contest and had one vote only (my own)---and I've submitted and forgotten to vote (for myself!) yet won $100. Both were flukes. Not everyone votes. I've often thought it would be wonderful if every active member received a private message when voting booths are open (as it stands you have to sign up under the "contests" tab if you want to be notified when a vote is due)---and who is to say, really, if name recognition, popularity, number of friends or fans, etc. may affect any given close vote? On the flip side, some may read a single poem and be so enamored the others lose before they are read. In any event -- a popular vote
is hardly a referendum on your poetic skill or ability... Don't let yourself get dragged into that abysmal pit! Enter what entices you and forget about it...if you are notified of a win, second or third place chalk it up to serendipity and keep writing because you're very good at it, you touch people, and no contest can verify or nullify that!

Karenina

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 24-May-2018
    Hello Karenina,
    Thank you for your thoughtful review.
    My reasons for writing this piece may appear that I was lamenting a loss and/or pandering for votes.
    What I hope it is, is a wake-up call to voters in contests to pay attention to the requirements of the prompts and review them for both technical and emotive merits. That is not usually the case, as you share in your review, above.
    I've surely won my fair share of both site and member contests; the overriding message I wish to share is "Keep Writing!" regardless of the outcome...
    P.S.
    I love it when serendipity happens!
    Kind of like when I met you here on this site! :)

    Have a wonderful day!
    diane
reply by karenina on 24-May-2018
    I did understand that. I think I was using "your" in the universal sense...as in "hardly a reflection on your (the poet's/any poet's) poetic skill or ability.
    The choice to enter or not varies poet to poet. Some love the very short poetic form contests, some love sonnets or a particular theme. Some enter only committee selected winner contests, or "real cash" contests, some enter ALL and some NONE. I do agree if one is going to enter it is wise to be

    well aware of the rules and forms!

    Karenina
Comment from Phillip C Kuhn
Excellent
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A form of writing about writing is alway intriguing this ''tis our passion, it was worded well with a steady flow, an enjoyable read, good luck in the contest

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    So pleased you enjoyed, Phillip

    Thank you!

    diane
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
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This speaks about a fray, a deliberate poetic fray, despite learning, remembering, repeating and writing, perfection could not be established; well said, well done. Keep Writing -- DR ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    Hello Friend,
    So pleased you enjoyed.

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Breanna Clark
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The subject alone should earn you six stars from any writer on this site.
This poem was a smooth read and had a very nice rhythm. I appreciate the fact that you did not stick to a certain number of lines in the stanzas as well.

I believe that this poem captures the struggle that so many of us go through. That desperate feeling of wanting your words to powerfully affect someone else is one every writer knows too well. And through it, I hope we all come to the conclusion to keep writing anyway. Thank you for providing me with a bit of inspiration.

 Comment Written 22-May-2018


reply by the author on 22-May-2018
    Hello Breanna!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and review!
    And I am very pleased that my offering resonated with you.
    We all need to be reminded - every now and then - that our words matter.

    Keep writing for certain!
    Thank you!
    diane