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A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities

Viewing comments for Chapter 185 "The teacher"
A collection of poems showcasing unusual words

16 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
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You mean to say that I'm going to run out of time before I learn all that I need to? lol. Great poem Craig, and a good combo of the quote and your word of the day.
Like the question in the second stanza - why are your wrongs, not the clergy's unfurled? -
Good one,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 09-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 09-Jul-2018
    Many thanks for the wonderful comments and the very generous rating, Valda. Both are very much appreciated - Craig
Comment from Pamusart
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Hi Craig. As usual your meter and rhyming scheme are spot on. I have a question here. Should it be his rather than they since each is a singular subject?

"Each must find their own way, and in that I believe,"

Very nice poem and I had no clue on the word. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 06-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 06-Jul-2018
    I'm honestly not sure, Pam. You could be correct, but on the other hand, that would discount 50% of the population (and yes, sometimes I do use the male pronoun and do exactly that).When I use "they" or "their" in this situation, I'm trying to avoid being gender specific. I suspect the jury might be divided on that lol

    Many thanks for the question, and for the fine comments.

    Craig
reply by Pamusart on 06-Jul-2018
    I know you are happy with it. You could say All instead of Each. I do not need a reply
Comment from Debbie Pope
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That is an awesome quote by Berlioz. I can see why you had to use it. You carry out the teacher motif quite well with the cassock smock imagery. Nice job as usual.

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much for the lovely comments, Debbie. Agreed, it's quite an outstanding quote :) Cheers, Craig
Comment from lyenochka
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I wonder if a monadnock is smaller than a monticule. I'll wage that it's bigger. Your philosophical poem is well crafted and of course, I respect your views and you know that my experience has led me to God.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    I'm not sure which is bigger. I know and respect that you believe your experience has led you to God. Many thanks, Helen.
Comment from BeasPeas
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Hi Craig. Time is the teacher and it doesn't matter how we learn our lessons, in my opinion. No one has all the answers, we each get to where we're going by a different route. Yes, in the end we all die anyway. There is a Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, not far from where I grew up in New England. A good poem that I enjoyed reading. Marilyn

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much for the kind comments, Marilyn. I did come across your Mt Monadnock in my reading. All the best, Craig
Comment from Joan E.
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Many thanks for sharing your inspiration and one of your "word-of-the-day" poems. I admired your rhymed and rhythmic quatrains. Here's to finding "meaning in life"- Joan

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    I know Douglas Adams said the meaning of life is 42. I'm pretty sure Monty Python said it was being nice to animals and small children. Ithink whatever works for someone and doesn't cause harm is a good starting point. Many thanks for the kind words. Craig
reply by Joan E. on 05-Jul-2018
    Yes, I like your "starting point" mantra! Cheers- Joan
Comment from Bananafish308
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Hey Craig, I loved your wonderful poem. You know, one of the reasons I have stayed on Fanstory for so long (about 12 years) is that every now and then I read something that either expresses what I consider to be a profound truism about life, or teaches me something, or inspires me. Your poem did all three.

It is so true, time is the true teacher. Often I feel as if I have learned more since I turned 40, then I did in the previous 40 years. I also learned a new word, monadnock. I am always looking for new book suggestions and now I can't wait to get Jones' book.

Many great lines, but your closing two are the best:

"but within lies the key to find meaning in life--
with experience, thought and the passage of time."

Great quote by Berlioz. Had never heard that one before.

Great Job!

Bill

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    Thanks so much for the stellar rating and the very generous comments, Bill. I'm glad you enjoyed my poem. I think perhaps it's a sign of the inherent laziness of our species that we seem always to look to others to provide us with answers. I'm very happy to see your name on a review, thanks for dropping by! :) Craig
reply by Bananafish308 on 04-Jul-2018
    You're quite welcome, Craig. So true about our species. Bill
Comment from Ulla
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Hi Craig, yeah, so true, we seek enlightenment and meaning with it all, but time is not on our side. Before we get what it's all about we're long since dead. Well, I for one don't dwell on it too much. I actually enjoy life too much. Great poem you've written. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    That's the way to be, Ulla :) Many thanks for the great comments - Craig
Comment from nancy_e_davis
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How true you poem and the quote you offered at the end. The meter was well done and the message clear as glass my friend
For our life is but brief, and too soon it is
done and what happens has often no reason nor rhyme;
but within lies the key to find meaning in life--
with experience, thought and the passage of time.
..I agree with your last verse....Well done. Nancy

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much, Nancy. I appreciate the lovely review - Craig
Comment from Scarbrems
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Another great word, another great poem. I like the notion of your teacher being the clock, and it is true that we can learn a lot as time passes, but only if we are willing. Some grow old and never learn a thing from the clock.

Wise thoughts, my friend, a fresh twist on the classic, timeless theme of ... time.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2018
    It's very true that some just don't learn. Some just have no interest in learning, others look in the wrong places, I think. Others (and I won't mention any names, because I'm not into self-incrimination) wish they'd learned a few lessons much earlier in life. Many thanks for the lovely review, Emma.