Reviews from

The Wolf At The Door

This is a poem about heroin, the user, and the family.

49 total reviews 
Comment from Margaret Bednar
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wish I had 10 stars to give. I don't even have a 6. Just know it is worth WAY more than a five. I can't even imagine how you emotionally were able to write this poem...

 Comment Written 05-Jun-2020


reply by the author on 05-Jun-2020
    Thank you. I would write it in my head lying in bed at night and then write it down in the morning. Thank you for the lovely review.

    Terry
Comment from MissMerri
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, thanks for making me cry. It might be tempting for some who have never had to deal with addiction in their family to think the blame lies with the parents, but I know better, and reading your poem, it is clear you did everything a loving parent could possibly do to raise productive, law-abiding citizens. She will be fine in time, if she understands "the wolf" and has God's strength within, but how painful it is for the family who loves her! I know about that too. And the concern never ends. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written but heart-breaking poem. I'm sure it will be a help to many who read it.

 Comment Written 12-Mar-2020


reply by the author on 12-Mar-2020
    Thank you so much. My daughter was using heroin for 5 years, and it really almost killed me. She died once and was revived in the ambulance. She has now been clean and healthy for 3 yrs. I am glad you got one of the chief messages I wanted people to get - you can be the most loving parents in the world, and things can still go wrong. Thank you for reading it. Terry
Comment from Spitfire
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow! This tugs at my heart. Any reader who has a child will recognize the familiar scenarios of childhood, the bond between father and daughter, sister and brother. The personification of Heroin is superb. This poem deserves to be included in the junior high curriculum.

 Comment Written 01-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2020
    Thank you so much for your kind words and your great review. And thank you for the six stars! It is funny, I?ve had several reviewers mention that it should be part of a curriculum. It?s the worst thing for any mother to ever go through. I pray for addicts every night.
Comment from Cybertron1986
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Such an embracing and heartfelt story that really hits home, especially to parents as myself. It captures the relevant love and experiences of parenthood. Then, that force of reality that drives through the reader like an unstoppable train. Thank you for sharing this powerful message.

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 31-Dec-2019
    Thanks for your kind and heartfelt review. Despite what some people think, no parent is immune from this happening and unfortunately, it is an unstoppable train, one that can destroy your entire family.
Comment from Teri7
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a very humbling and heart breaking poem you have penned my friend. You used very good descriptive words telling the way things came down. I am so sorry this happened my friend. That wolf is another name for satan I believe. May God bless you and your family this new year and may God bring joy and peace to you! love and blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 31-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much Teri. It is a five years that I do not think I would survive again. I wish I could help every kid in this country, and tell them to just say no. It?s rampant everywhere. I am very blessed, my daughter is over 2 1/2 years clean, but I wonder if the knot in my stomach will ever go away. Heroin changes the brain forever. Thank you for your heartfelt words and nice review. Peace to you in 2020.
    Terry
Comment from Mistydawn
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautifully written poem. So warm, heartfelt, emotional, relatable. It brought tears to my eyes. You're right, even the best parents are shielded from drug addiction. My daughter went through the same thing only her drug of choice is meth. She's been clean, sober for nearly two years, I hope it continues, but like you, I know it can change in a heartbeat. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter and kindly ask for you to do the same. Power in numbers, right? Take care.

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 31-Dec-2019
    Yes, power in numbers. I?m glad your daughter is clean but we both will always have that fear. I know I was a good mother and I?m sure you were too. Thank you for the nice review and here?s to health and happiness in 2020.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2019
    I inadvertently deleted your private message when I went to hit send. What I wanted to say was thank you so much for the six stars. I feel like that poem was built on blood and tears. Thanks again
Comment from royowen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a deeply moving and incredibly well written, I didn't read the first poetic offering, but I do know you better, wounds are wounds, feeling rejection when her trusted dad left, most kids probably couldn't handle, it's hard to hang on to faith. I had a dysfunctional family, so I know the battle of hurt and what it can do. If you read Seren58 (Shirley) poem, simply called "dad", you will see how she's dealt with it. A superb post Terry. Bless you, Roy

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2019
    Thank you Roy for the great review!
reply by royowen on 30-Dec-2019
    Welcome
reply by royowen on 31-Dec-2019
    Well done
reply by royowen on 31-Dec-2019
    Well done
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Terry. First I need to say this is a very courageous poem. You put into words that make it not only understandable, but heart-wrenching. I have never stood in that spot, and it is hard for me to imagine what that spot would be like. Your descriptive narrative through each stanza is superb from a writing perspective. There is a rhythm and a rhyme pattern that is appealing. The story you tell drew me in and stirred empathy. This is an outstanding piece of writing and I congratulate you for its construction as well as it's sensitive content. This is a special poem with a special story. Robert

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much Robert. This is a beautiful review and you?ve hit the nail on the head on what I was trying to get across.it was almost 5 yrs and I barely survived. Amy is now clean and I pray constantly. Thank you for your wonderful review.
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 30-Dec-2019
    You're welcome. Stay strong and keep praying. I got it because you expressed it so well.
Comment from Louise Michelle
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There are very few families that haven't been affected by the wolf. I lost a nephew due to a drug overdose.

You did a terrific job putting your thoughts and feelings into this poem. Each stanza held my attention and you also put a lot of effort into your choice of rhyming words. Well done. Hugs, Lou

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2019
    Thank you so much. I just wish it were fictional.
Comment from Susan Larson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

While I don't relate from my own experience, I have several friends who have lost children to drugs and I see the pain they feel. This is a lovely tribute to Amy. It was well worth reading and for you I'm sure well worth writing.

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2019


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2019
    Yes it was, and thank you.