Reviews from

Transparent Friends

collecting 'friends'

42 total reviews 
Comment from duchessofdrumborg
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

"Transparent Friends", is an extremely well-written and heart-wrenching piece. From what I've seen and heard, Facebook has caused a great deal of trouble. This talented poet's work was heart-breaking to both read and review.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 13-Jul-2019
    Thank you for your kind and heartfelt review. Your words to describe my talent, as a writer, impresses me with joy. I hope the read, and review you wrote, did not break your heart, beyond introducing a thought-provoking poem. Your candor and insight are appreciated. Have a good weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-Nice image and
presentation, Jesse.
-A well written poem
that shows the impact
of social media on people
like Lisa.
-I like your line about
these sites "not reaching
into your soul" and the
friends being superficial.
-I think this is true for
many people, and it is
unfortunate that they get
such a positive vibe from
thinking that they are
so lucky to have these friends,
and ignore the reality of the situation.
-The conclusion is very good, too.
-Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Wow. Thank you, Pam. You have written an exceptional review, covering many points, and choosing particular lines that spoke to you. It is unfortunate that so many are deceived into believing that their 'friends' know them more then they do, given what little information they receive, through each other's posts. Thank you for this in-depth, and insightful analysis, of this poem. Have a nice weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by Pam (respa) on 12-Jul-2019
    You are very welcome, Jesse. You always write things to think about. I can picture a person who relies a lot on Facebook a lot. I don't know her well or see her anymore, but I can see that dependence on all of the friends from Facebook.
Comment from kiwisteveh
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Indeed you give us something to think about with this strong contrast between the 'fantasy' world of Facebook and the sobering reality. Well done.

Here is my own comment on another aspect of facebook, written several years ago...



One thousand 'friends' who'd pass me on the street
without a single blink of recognition,
confirm that this is true - "I read a tweet!"
"Barack Obama's just an apparition."

The story's trending. Oh, what vile volition
could whirl it round the world on flying feet?
I can't be sure, but I have my suspicion -
one thousand 'friends' who'd pass me in the street.

Now noble truth with fiction can't compete;
the lie explodes to rival nuclear fission.
Whose finger's on the button? Friends I'd meet
without a single blink of recognition.

What voodoo magic's this? What superstition
can gobble garbled gossip, find it sweet,
and pass it on, as though some dark magician
confirms that this is true; "I read a tweet!"

The editors of every scandal sheet
all scramble to outdo the competition.
Now mainstream's joining in, they all repeat,
"Barack Obama's just an apparition!"

It could be I deserve to reach perdition;
I've paced that primrose path, when indiscreet.
But though I've put myself in this position,
you bet your boots, today I will delete
one thousand 'friends'.

Steve

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    First of all, thank you, Steve, for your kind words. I am glad this was thought-provoking for you. Secondly, Wow. Thank you for sharing your marvelous poem about the many blunders of social media, and Facebook, in particular. The flow, the meter, and especially, the rhymes, are all top notch. You make many excellent points. My favorite line, is the last one, about deleting one thousand 'friends'. Thank you for sharing your likeminded poem.
    Have a great weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
Comment from Irish Rain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow Jesse.
Is this a friend of yours, or just
an example?
Either way, I know it really happens.
No, Facebook can be interesting, but
there's certainly no real substance
there.
Unless your friend starts a 'Go-Fund-me'
page...and some of her friends actually help.
Best wishes to her,
Wonderful write,
Blessings...

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you so much for, this excellent review, and for the super six stars. I agree with your comment on there being no substance, (usually) on most social media sites. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I will send "Lisa" your best wishes. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by Irish Rain on 12-Jul-2019
    You too!!
Comment from Joan E.
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for using Lisa's story to remind us how little we really know about individuals on social media. Your description of "transparent 'friends' " is quite appropriate plus thought-provoking and makes the perfect title for this compelling, social commentary. Sighs- Joan

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you, Joan, for your wonderful review. I love how you get the gist of this post. I also appreciate that you saw this title as perfect for my social commentary. Thank you for your kind words, and for seeing this as thought-provoking. My intention was successful then. Enjoy your upcoming weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by Joan E. on 13-Jul-2019
    I am glad to be on the same wavelength. Sweet dreams and happy weekend- Joan
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Lisa's "friends" are superficial as most "friends" are on social media sites. They are not developed to bring more than the most cursory of "attachments" together--perhaps to share like hobbies, ideas, philosophies or political persuasions... Lisa could certainly have broken through those barriers and truly shared the difficulties she was having...perhaps some of her "360 FRIENDS" would have started a Go Fund Me page--or offered her temporary shelter--or helped in some other way. We cannot fault people for NOT responding to our truth if we are not willing to share our truth. There would be some (and they may have a point) that would say if Lisa had money to own a device to be on social media, perhaps her proprieties should have gone to shelter first. I understand you are making a social comment here, but this door swings both ways.--Karenina

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you for your insightful comments. I appreciate you reading and reviewing my post. Have a nice weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by karenina on 14-Jul-2019
    You as well....Karenina
Comment from Darlene BoClair
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I like how you write about the depth of a homeless woman. I like the emotional message of popularity in the social world where there is no loyalty to friendship. I feel the process of the loneliness that comes and the strength that last. I like the journey that you write of that takes one to the streets. I like that you write not to ignore the issues of the world, yet respectfully introduce the reality of the human spirit. It's something to be said about our thoughts.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you, Darlene, for your encouraging comments. You write from the heart and I like that. I like what you have to say about the journey that takes one to the streets. That is insightful and very appreciated. I am glad this poem spoke to you in a positive way. Have a great weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
Comment from misscookie
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The artwork captured my attention
first, I can tell just looking at this was going to be a heart breaker
I began to read your poem I felt much pain and sorrow for her your words are so on point.
Progress is great yet, the connection of humans had for one another is swiftly fading away and by the grace of God there goes I
Thank you for sharing
This is what I call a food for thought poem
Cookie

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you, Cookie, for your heartfelt response to my poem. I am glad, in a way, that feelings of pain and sorrow, came up for you as you read this piece. I like your 'take' on Progress, and how the connection between people for each other, is fading away. You are insightful and a feeling person, and I like that. I appreciate your kind comments. Enjoy your upcoming weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You did a great job, Jesse, with your poem. Your lines read smoothly with a true message. It is that message that seems to be lost on those who live for social media. they are missing out on genuine interaction with real living, breathing souls. As evident by your words, there is no real connection--just a numbers game. Also, they all try to top one another to be the best with the most. Most of what? In the end, they have nothing and the one who relied on them is left with nothing, too. Thanks for sharing and caring. Jan

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Thank you, Jan, for your kind words, and very insightful comments. You see it so well for what it really is. I like your point about how both sides are left with nothing. You ask a good question, "Most of what?" Everybody seems to vie for position to see who's the best and who is liked the most. I appreciate this thoughtful review, and I thank you for caring. Have a good weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by Jannypan (Jan) on 12-Jul-2019
    Awesome poem, Jesse. Many need to read this and wakeup to reality.
Comment from Janetsue
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is such a powerful posting. I once ran an employment-assistance program for the homeless where I would take them to thrift stores and obtain clothing they could to wear to interviews. (I went into homeless shelters and recruited individuals to attend my two-week life skills seminars where, afterwards, I was able to pay them each a stipend of $200 for completing it.)

These are especially moving words: nobody takes the time to read between the lines.

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jul-2019
    Whoa! Good for you! It is nice to meet someone who, not only cares but, does some things helpful, to make a difference for others less fortunate. I am so glad, this poem powerfully spoke to you, and moved you. And, I agree. Nobody takes time to read between the lines anymore. Thank you very much for the sixth star rating! You have impressed me with your service and commitment to change. Your sixth star is a splendid addition to this. You have made my day special. Enjoy your upcoming weekend.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by Janetsue on 12-Jul-2019
    You have definitely made my day, and I appreciate your comments very much.
    Thank you, Jesse!
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2019
    You are very welcome.
    Jesse