Comment from C. Gale Burnett

Exceptional

Truly, truly exceptional!

- Black and white, no artwork was definitely the perfect choice. 1) the message stands out; and 2) black and white reminds me of right vs wrong, no gray area allowed.

- 'Cardinal' : capitalizing the 'c' was genius, giving two entirely separate but equal meanings to the word. 1) cardinal sin: one of the seven deadly sins according to the bible; and 2) an ecclesiastical leader of the Catholic religion.

- You worked this poem without using the word 'Catholic,' but the subject of the poem was still perfectly clear (and that was before I read your author notes).

- this is a timely peace, and I have been following it on the news here in the States. It is a crime, a disgrace, and a slap to God's face.

I thank you sincerely for sharing this perfect 5-7-5!

Fondly,
Gale

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Mar-2019

Thanks so much for the wonderfully kind and thoughtful review, Gale. I'm also very grateful for the delightful rating. Black and white also stand for the colours of the priest's garb. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

This is a concise 5-7-5 poem about the sex scandal that should never have been allowed to happen once. It is a horrible thing when those who are supposed to make faith bloom kill it. Both the perpetrators and those that covered it up and let it continue should be leave the priesthood and be jailed. The background color is appropriate for the darkness of the crimes.

Congrats for placing third in the contest.

Keep writing

Joan

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 08-Mar-2019

Thanks very much for the kind and thoughtful comments, Joan. In this case, justice appears to have been served. In so many cases, it never will be. Most grateful, Craig

reply by dragonpoet on 08-Mar-2019

You are so very welcome. I am glad you here it. It should happen like this more often.

Joan

Comment from Ms. Snyder

Excellent

This is a hard one for me to review as it just churns my stomach this subject matter. Any time a child is hurt or abused by anyone I can deeply sympathize. I know where there is one, there are at least 50 that aren't being caught behind him. Thank you for taking on a tough subject in your contest entry.

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 05-Mar-2019

You're quite right, it's just the tip of the iceberg we see. Thanks for the kind review, and well done on your own great result :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from catch22

Excellent

Hi Craig, wow, this 5,7,5 packs a tremendous punch and is a dark irony. I thought the wordplay was clever and the message strong. Best in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2019

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reply by the author on 03-Mar-2019

Thanks so much, Pam. I appreciate the kind words and good wishes. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from James W. Reynolds

Excellent

This poem could not be more timely. I like the brutal simplicity of it. No need to mince words. In fact, mincing words would be a disservice. Nice work on an extremely difficult subject matter.

 Comment Written 28-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019

Thanks very much for the kind remarks, James. Much appreciated. Craig

Comment from Debbie Pope

Excellent

That is a powerful statement of truth. Actions by the clergy go beyond the ultimate shame. The coverup goes beyond disgusting. Talk about hypocrisy. It's a wonder that the church has any credence after all of this.
Thank you for this poem that calls a spade a spade.

 Comment Written 27-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019

Thanks so much for the thoughtful response, Debbie, Much appreciated -- Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

I agree with you. I'm Catholic but even Catholics are disgusted with the constant pedophilia (and other outrageous acts) which has been covered up for centuries. These people should be tossed out with no compensation. The usual method is to "transfer" the offender to some other parish where parishioners have no inkling there is a criminal in their midst. Personally, I take the religion as a smorgasbord--take what I like and leave the rest. However, I've dabbled in other religions, too, and there isn't one of them that practices what is preached. Marilyn

 Comment Written 27-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019

I suspect you are right there, Marilyn. Thanks for the thoughtful response. Craig

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, This is a very well written 5-7-5 poem with great notes. That is so sad to me. I would be afraid to take my sons to that type of church, when they were small. You used very good words. Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 27-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 27-Feb-2019

Thanks very much for the thoughtful review, Teri. I think many people are reaching the same conclusion you have. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Exceptional

Powerful with great impact, Craig! It's a crime that many men of the cloth get away with what the layman would go to prison for. It's downright disgusting!

Love your title "Not My House" ... it's not my house either, that's for sure. "breeding ground" ... love this.

This is a super contest entry. I hope you win with this clever 5-7-5. It speaks volumes.

Cheers,
Connie

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2019

Thanks so much, Connie, for the glowing review and the wonderful rating. Disgusting is a most appropriate word -- if anything, perhaps not quite strong enough. Most grateful for the good wishes as well :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from Gloria ....

Exceptional

It is just such a profound betrayal, of the children, the parents, the congregations. How tainted everyone must feel. The cover ups of abuse so damaging.

Says so much in such few words even without the author notes. Wishing you best of luck with the Contest Committee.

Gloria

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2019

Thanks for the terrific review, Gloria. Yes, in spite of the crocodile tears, the church sanctioned and funded cover-ups continue. How are we meant to resolve that in our minds? Most grateful for the kind words and good wishes. Craig