Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Excellent

Hi Craig,

It's easy to see how this word came about, as hemp was used to make rope. "hempen-widow" is fairly self-explanatory, but I love how you have worked a little story into a poem to convey its meaning. "both feet on the ground" I thought it quite clever how you worked this into your poem, as once her husband is hung, his feet won't be touching ground.

Thanks for teaching yet another word!

Cheers,
Connie

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Glad you picked that up, Connie (sorry for the unintentional pun)! I'm grateful for another thoughtful and generous review :) Craig

Comment from Janilou

Excellent

I'm glad I stopped to review this poem. I love learning new words. :-) Very well written. No errors noted in this poem.
I lived in Australia for twenty-something years before returning to the USA. My husband and I also have an assortment of critters who live on our acreage with us. LOL
All the best,
Jan A.
(Author of the Julu series)

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks for the kind words about my poem. I'm also pleased to hear about your varied collection of "other people". I guess, having spent more than a decade out here, you might find some of my spellings and phrasings less odd than some do :) Most grateful, Craig.

Comment from zanya

Excellent

Wow here's a very interesting word -have not encountered it before- so seamlessly sewn into this rhyming poem - and with a life story to booth - appropriate pic

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

Thanks very much for the kind comments -- Craig

Comment from RodG

Excellent

You do have a knack for words. I am impressed with how much narrative you achieved in this single stanza poem. You evoke sympathy for the husband who "stumbled" once but made a fatal mistake, and his widow. I am not a fan of monorhyme but it works well here. Rod

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

I use monorhyme sparingly, as it can be monotonous (not surprising, I guess). I'm glad you found its use in this piece acceptable. Many thanks for the kind comments :) Craig

reply by RodG on 10-Dec-2018

My pleasure. Rod

Comment from Sugarray77

Excellent

Hello Craig. I think this a word that I hope is not used much any more. Very few people are hanged now a days. I like your book, as you know, and look forward to many more entries before the end of the year. Thanks for sharing.

Melissa

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 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2018

The last hanging on these shores was in 1967, which was also the last time the death penalty was issued.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Melissa. Cheers, Craig

Comment from Mrs. KT

Excellent

Good Morning Craig!
Now "hempen-widow" is a new one to me. Makes sense. Also makes me wonder about the century in which this phrase was initiated and its place of origin. Looks like I have a bit of research to do this morning.
Your poem flows well and surely tells a sobering tale. Thank you!

diane

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 Comment Written 09-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2018

Thanks very much, Diane. I'm afraid I can't give a time for when that phrase came into being, thought it seems a lot of other phrases related to hanging date back to the late 18th century. Most grateful, Craig