Reviews from

A Potpourri of Poetic Curiosities

Viewing comments for Chapter 194 "The fortress"
A collection of poems showcasing unusual words

15 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well done with this word Craig, you've written a great rhyming poem around it. Loved the ending verse where the insulet turns out to be within his own mind. Great read,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 15-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much for the wonderful comments and the lovely rating, Valda. I'm most chuffed you enjoyed reading. Hope you're enjoying a nice warm, sunny Sunday. Cheers, Craig
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Hi Craig, this is a wonderful poem, using yet again a rare word. When you're tired of all the strife that is going on you have this beautiful tropical insulet. It sounds divine. I loved this well written poem with such beautiful imagery. All the best. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Many thanks, Ulla, for the wonderful comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem :) Craig
Comment from Robbie Yates
Excellent
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Awesome poem, yet again. The rhythm and metre are impeccable and the way your secret place's location is slowly revealed is brilliant. Awesome stuff.

Reading your work makes me want to become a better poet :)

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Thanks so much, Robbie, for the wonderfully generous comments. You're very kind. Cheers, Craig
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written poem about an insulet that many people dream to escape to when life gets too complicated in our normal routine, even if it is just for a short while.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much, Sandra. I appreciate the support - have a great weekend! Craig
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, I sure love this little gem of a poem, Craig!

Yes, one can always escape to the "insulet" that is hidden in the mind, and no one else can get in there. It's nice that this particular island is "sun-drenched". :) I love the subject matter of this write, and your poem is flawless. "A sense of privilege turns out to be their cross to bear" is my favorite line. Why is it that so many seem to think that the world owes them everything? This is a thought-provoking commentary on the times that we live in!

Exceptional, Craig!

~~ Connie


 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Many thanks for the exceptional rating and the most delightful comments, Connie. I appreciate the kindness - have a wonderful weekend! :) Cheers, Craig
Comment from Pamusart
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Hi Craig. I think at one time I knew what insulet meant. But I forgot. This time I thought of a needle's eyelet. Don't ask me why. This doesn't have your usual impeccable meter. But it is still smooth. St one point every other line was eight then six syllables. In one place there are two six syllable lines in a row. Thank you for sharing And at the end the meter is different. I really like the ending. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Hi Pam, I'm a bit lost. This is iambic heptameter. Every line has 14 syllables, and the stress in on each second beat. Perhaps I'd understand better if you pointed out a line or two you think is wrong? Anyway, thanks for commenting, much appreciated. Craig
reply by Pamusart on 13-Jul-2018
    Ah. I see. The first fourteen syllable line looks like two lines the way the stupid fanstory editor displays it. Sorry. My bad
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    No worries - you had me scratching my head there :)
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
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"An insulet unreachable by those (who) would deny..."

You have inspired another poem.

Ode To Dreams
by Dawn (about my son)

Sometimes I think that fate plays a powerful role in what we read...

Wish I had a six for this charmer, Craig...


 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Your poem about your son is delightful, Dawn - but as it's not a haiku, I'm afraid I can only award it two stars ;-)

    Many thanks for reviewing, and thanks for the catch - my gramma ain't what she used to be :)

    Craig
reply by Dawn Munro on 13-Jul-2018
    LOL - well, I have posted it, so there.
reply by Dawn Munro on 13-Jul-2018
    And Craig - no worries, you hear? All kidding aside. I liked it, so I wanted to keep it, that's all. But when you read it again (if), you might feel some way, and I don't want you to - you couldn't know. It's all good.
Comment from lyenochka
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I wonder if that's where we get the word, inlet from? Everyone needs an insulet like that even if it exists only in our mind to get away and rest from the world's craziness.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    My book tells me insula is the Latin word for island. So it makes sense that a small island is an insulet. It doesn't say about inlet. However, Etymology Online has this to say:

    inlet (n.)
    "narrow opening into a coast, arm of the sea," 1570s, said by old sources to be originally a Kentish term; a special use of Middle English inlate "passage or opening by which an enclosed place may be entered" (c. 1300), from inleten "to let in" (early 13c.), from in + let (v.).

    Cheers,
    Craig
reply by lyenochka on 13-Jul-2018
    Wow! Thanks for the research!
Comment from MissMerri
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I so much enjoy your "word of the day" poems Craig. This one especially appeals to me because I know exactly what you're talking about. The place of escape we can find "hidden in the mind" is one no one else can breach. It is yours alone and it is safe from the onslaught of world discord or annoying "preaching" and discomforting ideas others might foist upon you. I can imagine how annoying you must find me, but I find you always courteous and polite and I appreciate that very much. You must be a gentleman as well as a scholar. This is a perfectly constructed poem and a delightful read for someone who loves words... as I do. Thank you for sharing your gift.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    MM,

    I think I could, without much trouble, list the six people I regard as being the top poets on this site. Your name would be in that group. I don't find you at all annoying, and I enjoy your work very much, which is why I keep reading it.

    I see you've been checking out the forum. I'll just say that I don't find certain ideas "discomforting", so much as mind-numbingly boring, when repeated ad-nauseam, and when there is no respite from them. There are topics that are important to me, and yes, I write about them. I post about them - occasionally. Why not all the time? Because not everyone wants to be a secularist, tree hugging, pacifist, vegan; so why should they never hear anything else from me apart from that? Anyway, having fulfilled all the requirements for receiving the next "How to Win Friends and Influence People" award, it's time to move on.

    Thanks for the very kind things you had to say, MM. They are really appreciated.

    Craig

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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Good job, Craig. I like reading your poems before I read the notes with the actual word you chose to write about. I read first trying to find the word. You did a great job with this one. All along I thought you were describing an actual small island. Then I find out it is your mind. Well you know what they say 'mind over matter.' Good job with your great rhymes & smooth flow. Your words create great imagery. too. Thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2018
    Thanks very much for the lovely comments, Jan. I think all the most beautiful places are in our mind - sometimes, when we see them in real life, they turn out to be something of a disappointment. Not necessarily because they are bad, but they just don't live up to the image we had of them. I'm most grateful to you for checking out my poem :) Cheers, Craig