Reviews from

To Know or Not To Know

that is the question

29 total reviews 
Comment from rama devi
Excellent
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I love the rap-like rhythm and musicality of this fine free verse reflective poem, my friend. It flows great! Good random rhymes, well timed. Strong message and thoughts.

Just a few suggestion regarding capitalization...so the enjambment is absolutely clear and there is no cap mid-sentence:


Without the Holy Spirit
W(w)ithout Yahweh sittin'
on the throne


'Cause now,
(y)You really are
one of us


Not when
Y(y)a got...mortality,
ah wavin' You home


I never heard back from you from my last email. Are you still planning to send your poems for book design? In your own timing (even if in years) is fine, of course. Just wondering!

Dean was going to work on his book with me, but he died before he had the chance. As your poem reminds us, mortality is our birthright. Here for you, whenever (if ever) you're ready!

Warmly,
rd

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 07-Jan-2020
    Thank you so much. i CAN AGREE WITH SOME, OR EVEN, A LOT OF WHAT YOU SAY. bUT...i CAPITALIZED-shit, caps lock was on,,,but...references to the deity must be capitalized, no? And...this certainly disrupts my enjambment flow. I do think, I am not bright enough to edit. LOL Doug
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2020
    Rama, I have not given up on the book. I do feel guilty on my non-perseverance. But, as i oft say, my life is simply a conglomeration of...chaos. I appreciate your tolerance. If we could simply start again weith no changes to my poems, and...put them in "In-Design", I think we could move forwaRD. Doug
reply by rama devi on 07-Jan-2020
    My dear Doug, there is absolutely no pressure so no issue of non-perseverance. I'm here when you need me. You'll need to send me the poems in the exact form you want them and the order you want them (unless you want me to help decide the order, which we can discuss via email). Also, we need to discuss illustrations and design choices, style choices, etc. So, when you feel ready, just send me a mail and perhaps we can schedule a phone conversation...?
reply by rama devi on 07-Jan-2020
    I was referring to the caps in the front of the lines. Holy Spirit being capped is not a problem...sorry for the miscommunication. I meant no "unnatural" cap mid-sentence.
reply by the author on 07-Jan-2020
    oh.well...I am getting older.
    lol
reply by rama devi on 07-Jan-2020
    Lol - I feel it too, and only 54.
reply by rama devi on 07-Jan-2020
    P.S. Anyway, when you feel ready and inspired to start, let's discuss via email....even if years from now. LOL~!!
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2020
    K

    LOL
reply by rama devi on 15-Jan-2020
    :-))
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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This poem, To Know or Not To Know, seems to question the hope of Heaven as a substitute for the realization of building and surviving in societies without that promise or assurance.

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you.
Comment from Kerry Foley Robinson
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or, to be or not to be. lol. Just kidding. It's nice to see you, Doug. I do enjoy your fragmented musings. I hope you have a wonder New Year! Hugs. ~Kerry

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you, Kerry. It's been a long time.
reply by Kerry Foley Robinson on 14-Jan-2020
    It certainly has been. Hope your doing well. Send my love to Mom.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2020
    K
    Thank you.
reply by Kerry Foley Robinson on 16-Jan-2020
    😉
Comment from Gert sherwood
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Hello victortouche
You definitively have a question by saying
that is the question
To Know or Not To Know
One thing I know --
Without the Holy Spirit
Without Yahweh sittin'
on the throne ---
'I would be unhappy and discontent not knowing there is someone with spiritual power to help lead me to eternal happiness.
Gert

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you, Gert.
reply by Gert sherwood on 14-Jan-2020
    You are welcome viictottouche
    Gert
Comment from Ben Colder
Excellent
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Within the Holy Spirit, one can say "Death where is your sting?" I find nothing wrong with this although it could be strange to the agnostic. Thanks for sharing. your talent.

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you, Ben.
Comment from royowen
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I think I've written a few poems about the shortness of life, a game of "guess how long you will live", none of us know, but I do know one thing, it's not how much one does or how diligent one is that counts, but whether it's done with compassion and grace, our lives were given to spend well, not count biscuits in a barrel. Recognise how needy we are, God will take care of the rest. Beautifully written as usual Doug, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 07-Jan-2020
    I could just puke. I lost my long and in-depth reply to you. Ugh! Thank you for your open mind, tolerance, and compassion for those of us who simply remain astray. Love, Doug.
Comment from CrystieCookie999
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I guess this is a poem about agency! Or free agency. I guess the underlying question or theme here is, will humans develop their ability to reason better if they are living apart from or independent of preaching or doctrine or dogma? The speaker in this poem wants to point out that one can also live life outside of religion. I think, personally, there is a balance--which might be a good theme for another poem. Even the most faithful friend I have said several years ago, "I don't really need to read scriptures four hours a day." But he still reads at least half an hour a day, I believe. One of our best poets in our state poetry society died two weeks ago. He was also probably the least religious member in the society. The question remains, was he a better writer due to being less religious, or would he have been a better writer if he had incorporated some religion in his life? I guess that is a question he will have to answer if he wants, where I believe his soul or spirit is now.

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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All of our wisdom comes from God. I can't imagine not listening to Him. I do know people who don't but He makes it so easy to follow, although not popular, especially in today's world. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading.

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you, dear.
Comment from June Sargent
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I for one would not want to try it alone. Without divine guidance or knowledge, we are not much more than the animals. Sometimes I think they have an advantage. We have free will. They have instincts. Much of the mess in the world today is the result of man's exercising free will. I'll stick with the dolphins...they have radar!

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you.
Comment from dragonpoet
Excellent
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This free verse poem flows well. It's short lines create strong emotion.
It seems to be a dare to live without faith. It also alludes to eternal
life
Keep writing
Happy New Year.
Joan

 Comment Written 02-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Thank you, Joaan.