Reviews from

Miscellaneous Poems - vol 3

Viewing comments for Chapter 41 "At what cost?"
Yet more poems

16 total reviews 
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
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Sheesh! I sure am glad I found your name on the list and didn't miss this poem. Craig, I have to tell you, I'm surprised this didn't at least place in the contest! Powerful imagery. I am late reviewing (obviously) so I will save my last six this week and continue reviewing, but man, this is six-worthy, even though a small poem!

 Comment Written 26-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 27-Oct-2019
    Thanks very much, Dawn. I appreciate you checking this one out, and the kind comments. Craig
reply by Dawn Munro on 28-Oct-2019
    Always welcome, Craig!
Comment from Santiago2
Excellent
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Civilian Kurds, men, women and children are dying because of the cowardice of this incompetent real estate agent. As a coward, he has nothing in common with those who were "ordered to retreat." His favorite prostitutes would not pick up the phone at this point. "Blood red sands" indeed. Well done.


 Comment Written 19-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 19-Oct-2019
    Thanks so much, greatly appreciated. And, of course, you have my total agreement. Craig
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written 3-6-9 poem about soldiers fighting for their country ashore and sometiems have to pay the pricee they did not think will be part of their mission.

 Comment Written 16-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 16-Oct-2019
    Thanks for reviewing, Sandra, and for the kind words. Much appreciated, Craig.
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
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A horrible situation. Your short poem is well written. While people don't want endless and undeclared war going on decade after decade what are the options? Trump wants us to get out and for Europe to take a the responsibility of defending its neighboring countries, which it won't do. We're damned if we do and damned if we don't. America is accused of being a warmonger if we get/stay involved and disloyal if we turn responsibility over to those who should take up the mantle. Which is best? No one knows. Marilyn

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 15-Oct-2019
    I can agree in part with what you say, Marilyn. America is certainly in an unenviable position when it comes to electing when to get involved or not in global politics and far-away wars. However, the fact remains that these people are allies that the west has been standing alongside, and they have borne the brunt of the fighting and the casualties in the largely successful war against ISIS. Now, on the command of one man, whose only experience with military service is dodging it, against the wishes of many in his own party and the wishes of most past and current service personnel, including those currently in Syria, these friends have been hung out to dry, facing certain slaughter. There was no need whatsoever to offer these brave soldiers to Erdogan on a plate. There is no excuse, and their blood will not wash off, ever.

    Sorry, for the rant, but like many, I'm deeply offended and upset by this horrendous act.

    Thanks for the thoughtful comments and kind rating. Craig
reply by BeasPeas on 15-Oct-2019
    Do you have any idea why the Europeans and/or other countries do not send their people, too, in a joint venture? It seems like we are always the ones who have to lay our lives on the line everywhere. I agree that we can't abandon our allies, on the other hand, other countries have to step up to the plate, too. Not just the good old US of A.
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Hi Craig, this is a very up to date and realistic poem about event and a bloody war (not the swearword) that is taking place in recent days. A strong entry for the contest. Man will never end warring, will he? All best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 15-Oct-2019
    Unfortunately, it seems unlikely, Ulla. Thanks for the kind comments, they're much appreciated. Craig
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Excellent
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On the news last week, I saw a young woman saying (to the U.S.) basically this: That the Kurds had been loyal allies, whom we had then abandoned.
Watching the news just makes me more and more confused about why this? why that? Your well-written piece certainly captures the situation. I am surrounded by Trump-worshipers who seem to think he can do no wrong. I wonder if some have confused him with Jesus! I didn't mean to rant. By the way, I voted for Trump.

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 15-Oct-2019
    He certainly seems to have that messianic quality as far as many of his supporters are concerned. Though, if there is any similarity whatsoever, it totally escapes me. We can't always know what we will get when we elect someone, but we can certainly reassess things in the light of what we see afterwards. What has happened to the Kurdish allies is disgraceful and unforgivable. I also didn't mean to rant :) Many thanks for the thoughtful comments, Janice.
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
Excellent
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An excellent sad but true entry for the 3-6-9 contest. Heart wrenching truth of having to obey orders while your mind tells you it is not right to leave a friend

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 15-Oct-2019
    Thanks so much, Barb. Much appreciated. Craig
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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And they didn't do it with any formal way of leaving like normal protocol which is over a period of time. It was shocking news. Great job in focusing on the key element of loyalty in your 3-6-9 poem. I wrote yesterday about the loyalty of the dog, Hachiko. Human loyalty can't begin to compare.

 Comment Written 14-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 14-Oct-2019
    Dogs, and to be honest, I think most animals, leave humans in the dust when it comes to loyalty and other desirable characteristics. In this particular case, if someone had sat down and deliberately concocted a strategy to cause the most harm possible, I don't think they could have done a better job. Must read your story about Hachiko. Many thanks, Helen.
Comment from Debbie Pope
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Start thinking about how you are going to spend an extra $100, Craig. This poem makes me feel like I have betrayed these poor people. Even though I do it in dismay and under orders, I feel terrible. This goes beyond moving your reader; your readers take up the guilt.
This is heartfelt and compelling. Wonderful job. Thanks for entering the contest. It's so good to hear from you again.

 Comment Written 14-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 14-Oct-2019
    I don't think it's the kind of poem that is a likely to win a contest Debbie, but I do appreciate your most generous and uplifting comments. Most grateful, once again :) Craig
reply by Debbie Pope on 14-Oct-2019
    I think this one will surprise you. Too bad I'm not a betting person.
reply by the author on 14-Oct-2019
    Join the club! I could place an each-way bet on a one horse race and still lose :) Just to be clear, I don't hold the US troops in any way responsible for the slaughter that is likely to be experienced by the Kurdish people or the resurrection of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, if that should happen. Only one person, in my view, is responsible for whatever consequences may play out.
reply by Debbie Pope on 14-Oct-2019
    I agree. And many had so much faith that he would protect the US from Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Comment from Ricky1024
Excellent
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This is a '3-6-9 Poetry Contest Entry'
Rich in Theme and Imagery.
...
It read well and Flowed well with no Grammar Issues as well.
...
Adjective and Objective Contents were both Excellent and Exceptional while Descriptive Measures aligned Perfectly.
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Good luck with that and have a great day.
Doctor Ricky 1024

 Comment Written 14-Oct-2019


reply by the author on 14-Oct-2019
    Thanks very much, I appreciate the kind comments and good wishes. Craig