Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

Clever title Craig and a light-hearted verse on this guy, who unfortunately for his hempen-widow (cleverly descriptive word) was left hanging 'round. Enjoyed this one,
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 15-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 15-Dec-2018

I guess he'd reached the end of his tether. Many thanks for the kind review, Valda. Cheers, Craig

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This poem, Hanging with Friends, brings this hempen-widow into the lexicon with a nicely spun mini-tale. Some people complain about being hanged even when the rope is new.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2018

There's just no satisfying some, is there? Many thanks once again, Bill.

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi, Craig,

Wow - it wasn't bad enough to be a widow back then, but they had to label you by the way your hubby died?

Your poem moves along with a nice rhythm and you used your new word brilliantly,

~MP~

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 11-Dec-2018

It was tough times, that's for sure. Thanks so much, Patty.

Comment from Gracenoteme

Excellent

You are taking part in a neat exercise. The book by Paul Anthony Jones would be a wonderful gift to get for Christmas. I love using archaic words where possible. Your poetry flows and has great meter. I hope to be able to produce similar-type work when I am writing poetry. It is amazing that you can find the time to write with all the animals on your little piece of the Earth, I am sure your patient female helps make this possible. My husband is also supportive of my creative endeavors.

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 12-Dec-2018

Our animals really don't take up so much of our time, especially in spring and early summer, which , thankfully, is the time we don't have to bother with feeding them (dog(s) excepted). Home renovations are consuming almost all my time of late. I'm glad your hubby is supportive, the support of our partners is a big bonus. Many thanks for the kind words, and best of luck with your own endeavours. Craig

reply by Gracenoteme on 12-Dec-2018

It's always good to keep up with renovations.

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

My land! I guess another label to pillory a person with for surely if her husband was hanged she too must have failed somewhere along the line. Of course I don't adhere to that thinking, but my guess is some do. Yikes. Your brought great humour to an otherwise dour subject, so great job.

Gloria

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks very much, Gloria. I agree, it must have been her fault, somehow :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from Debbie Pope

Excellent

Now who ever thought to devise such a word? She's just a plain widow, bless her heart. Are the sins of the dead husband to be borne by the wife? But I rant needlessly.

This is a really good one, Craig. I like that he had both feet on the ground until he was hanged. And I like the understatement of his crime being due to a stumble.

Totally enjoyed myself.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks so much for the great comments, Debbie. I'm glad you enjoyed :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Oh so sad. I think this must be a very old word. These days one might think a "hempen-widow" is someone whose husband overdosed on hemp. (lol.) Yes, I know it shouldn't happen.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

I think "weed-widow" would be more alliterative for that, Helen. Many thanks for the great review.

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a great job with this word, Craig. I like the rhymes on the shorter lines. Your words flow well and tell a sad story. The picture is perfect to pair with your well-chosen words, too. This sounds like something out of the Old West in America. Thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Here too, Jan. The last man hanged in Australia was as recently as 1967. That was also the last instance of capital punishment on these shores. Many thanks, Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem about the influence of friends outside the marriage that can get one in big trouble and will definitely get himself hanged at the end and left his dear wife a hempen-widow.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks so much, Sandra. I'm grateful for your continued support. Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is a well written poem. The word "hempen" is most likely from an adaptation of rope made from hemp. Certainly not a compliment to the poor widow who bears the stigma of a hubby who suffered this fate. Good job with the new word of the day. Marilyn

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks very much, Marilyn. I don't imagine it's a tag she would like to wear the rest of her life. Cheers, Craig

reply by BeasPeas on 10-Dec-2018

She can fix it by marrying again.