Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your sonnet contest entry. I have always thought a small country cottage would be fun to live in, but unfortunately I have way too much stuff. I'd have to cut it at least in half maybe more. LOL Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks, Barbara.

We accumulate belongings don't we. More than once my wife and I have had to downsize, getting rid of some of that precious stuff. Now we do live in a cottage - not quite as pretty as the one in the picture, but filled with love, nevertheless.

Steve

Comment from kiwijenny

Excellent

Me too. I love my home.. it's not two stories. It backs onto a farm but is 4 minutes from town .
I like you would not change it for a castle.

But oh, our home is bright and brave and bold;
I would not trade for palaces of gold.
Same.
God bless

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks, jenny.

It's a well-worn theme perhaps, but one that bears repeating.

Steve

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

And that looks like a magical castle for a "cottage!" Well done sonnet, Steve and the story is one we wish for all couples to treasure love and family over material things.

One comment is that I feel you could end these lines with a question mark instead of a period:
"For had we not already claimed the prize
of love, and all contentment that it brings."

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks, helen.

We do live in a cottage - not quite as picture perfect as the picture...

Thanks also for the sharp eye - I have fixed the question mark.

Steve

Comment from Y. M. Roger

Excellent

A most heartwarming sonnet, Steve, that echos with the sweet noises that you have described - the chiding, the laughter, the leaking, all of it - all enveloped in the love of each other that enfolds the whole house!! :) I would only ask about the consideration for a question mark at the end of the second stanza/verse...? It would make the read smoother as it is certainly phrased as question .... and with the simple period, the read seems a bit stilted there, kindof like the mind/voice says, 'wait, was that a question or did I read something out of order/miss a word...?' However, your meter is well laid out so, please feel free to ignore... thank you for sharing! :) ;)

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks for the lovely review - and for spotting the missing question mark - fixed now.

Steve

Comment from His Grayness

Excellent

I found this to be a very delightful and beautifully presented work that expresses joy and gratitude with great sincerity and requiring no repairs or improvements of any kind whatsoever. I Truly enjoyed this outstanding work and thank this author for a really rare and excellent work ! HIS GRAYNESS Vance

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Vance, thanks for your kind words about my sonnet.

Steve

reply by His Grayness on 01-Feb-2019

excellent work all thanks to you! Vance

reply by His Grayness on 01-Feb-2019

really nice work and thanks all go to you! Vance

Comment from elmorose

Excellent

I'm not surprised to read that you have published a book. This poem, and accompanying picture, is perfection. I am new to this site and I am being drawn back into the world of rhyming poetry, after spending many years trying free style. You certainly have the knack. Kudos to you.

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thank you for your kind words.

Rhyming does come easily to me - it's the next step to create something both meaningful and original with those rhyming words that is the real challenge.

Good luck with your return to poetry.

Steve

Comment from RodG

Excellent

The Speaker here has learned how love can make even the smallest home a mansion. And as he and his wife become empty-nesters, they will not have to downsize. I truly enjoyed this Sonnet. Rod

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks, Rod.

Our nest is long empty. We do live in a cottage, not quite as pretty as the one in the picture.

Steve

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

This is truly lovely Steve. Well done on your Pentameter and of course your rhyme. I have no suggestions nor did I see any nits or spags. Well done my friend. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Nancy, thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from Joy Graham

Excellent

Hi Steve,

This is a beautiful sonnet about your castle and your keep being this gorgeous little cottage with leaky roof and all. Excellent iambic pentameter, nice rhyme choices, good turn, and fine closing couplet. This is a wonderful sonnet contest entry. Best wishes to you.

Joy xx

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Thanks, Joy.

Actually our real cottage did have a leaky roof when we moved in. Thank goodness it wasn't thatch like that photo - I wouldn't know how to go about fixing that!

Steve

Comment from LisaMay

Excellent

This is a bit schmaltzy for me but clearly you have written a beautiful sonnet, which well shows the nature of a loving commitment for the long-term (even until "Earth itself assumed a diff'rent form"), regardless of surroundings. Contentment, laughter and satisfaction with one's life are great prizes indeed.
I hope you wife doesn't always get the wet patch from where the roof leaks!

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 29-Jan-2019

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2019

Fixing the leaky roof was one of the first tasks when we moved into our cottage here - it was definitely not as picturesque as the one in the artwork!

Yes, a little soppy perhaps, but the theme bears repeating, I think

Thanks as always for the kind review,

Steve