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Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "tanka (thunderclouds gather)"
Poems not in other books

25 total reviews 
Comment from Dawn Munro
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Brilliant.

There, I have said what I need to say--it's called brevity. For those who insist we fill out a certain number of words in a review. (Sorry but I can't resist. ROFL. It's my mood. Too much of a tempest this morning.)

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    Thanks!

    (That was my equally brief response, hehe. The full version goes into much more detail regarding the generosity of you rating).

    Tempests, begone!

    :)
reply by Dawn Munro on 27-Jul-2019
    LOL> :))
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Graig. I really liked this tanka, but I will focus on the the third line which serves as the satori (The aha moment to the first two lines) and the pivot line to the last two lines of the tanka. If you take 'may' away you have a true satori line and a great pivot line as well. Good luck in the contest. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    I agree it's stronger without the "may", Ulla, and appreciate the suggestion. Unfortunately, that would change the syllable count, and I have the feeling if it's not strictly 5-7-5-7-7, the committee will chop it. I've played around with a couple of alternatives... like "storms bring disaster", but haven't hit on anything I'm happy with. I'll keep trying :) Cheers, Craig
reply by Ulla on 27-Jul-2019
    What about 'dark storms wreck havoc' or 'strong storms wreck havoc'. Just a thought. :))
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written Tanka about the thunder clouds that gather and we can predict a thunderstorm is heading our way. We can sometimes not see the tempestsidi we create for ourselves.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    Most grateful for the kind words, Sandra. Cheers, Craig
Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This meets the contest requirements splendidly. Structurally, you deliver a correct line and syllable count. Technically, you meet all of the requirements necessary for a well constructed Tanka:
The first two lines present a concrete image that poses a dilemma to the reader.
The third line offers a clear turn in perspective.
The last two lines provide a solid resolution binding it all together beautifully off the turn.
Good luck in the judging and thank you very much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    Thank you for the lovely and detailed comments. I really appreciate the good wishes as well. Cheers, Craig
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really like both the first and second image. Your pivot line is strong and works well with both images. Tanka don't use capital letters or punctuation so you might want to look at that again. Best wishes in the contest, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    Thanks very much, Debbie. I actually checked out a couple of sites, and thought punctuation was acceptable. It seems opinion, as always, is divided. In any case, if the verdict on FS is a "nay", I'm happy to go along with it. Cheers for the tip :) Craig
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There was just the biggest thunder and lightning storm here the other night. Sheet lightning lit up the entire backyard. It was awesome and the cat dug it too.

Yep this is a well written tanka with all the requisite parts although your pivot line could use a tweak to make it a statement in itself, not a problem.

Best of luck to you with the Contest Committee.

Gloria

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    I'll have a look at that. Thanks so much for the delightful rating and the cool comments, Gloria. Much appreciated, as always. I must have storms on the brain today, just done another one on a similar theme.

    Cheers,
    Craig
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Well done tanka, Craig. Yes, as much as Nature's tempests are fearsome, the storms of our own making can have much longer lasting effects on hearts. Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 26-Jul-2019
    Thanks so much, Helen. I appreciate the kind words and good wishes. Craig
Comment from Teri7
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Craig, This is a very interesting and well written Tanka poem and the thunder clouds. You used very good descriptive words and very lovely imagery from the art work you chose. Best wishes in the contest! Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 25-Jul-2019
    Thanks very much, Teri. I appreciate the lovely comments. Craig
reply by Teri7 on 25-Jul-2019
    you are so welcome my friend. That was an awesome picture!
Comment from Cindy Warren
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That's true. There's no storm that's done half as much damage as humans have. Nature seems to recover from the worst of them, but it doesn't always recover from us. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 25-Jul-2019
    Thanks for the good luck wishes and the kind comments. Craig
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A philosophical tanka. Reminds me of a naani poem. But of course this is written in perfect tanka form with a fine pivot.

Storms of our own making - wars, famine, ghetto crime, political crises ... last much longer than the short-lived natural variety, both in duration and aftereffects.

I enjoyed the expertly crafted meteorological references incorporated into the poem.

Best of luck in the contest.

Blessings Julia

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2019


reply by the author on 25-Jul-2019
    Thanks, Julia, for the great review. I appreciate the kind comments and good wishes :) Craig
reply by juliaSjames on 25-Jul-2019
    You're welcome, Craig