Reviews from

What You Mean To Me.

Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "If I Should Wake Before I Die"
I want you to know...

70 total reviews 
Comment from cterp
Excellent
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As someone who has actually woken from a coma and realized the necessity of writing those letters, I appreciate the beauty of this poem deeply. My letters are written and tucked into a strongbox, where I can dig them out and update them if necessary (if I keep on living, you know)

Very nice use of meter and rhyme.

chris

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 06-Aug-2016
    Sorry for my tardy reply... Thank you so much, Chris, for this lovely and generous review. Warmest regards, Marijke :o)
Comment from WalkerMan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is absolutely beautiful. Beyond the perfect rhyme and meter plus the nice twist on familiar words, the depth of loving feeling so effectively conveyed is truly heartwarming. It is a splendid gift for the one who inspired it for nearly five decades, even if you did have to explain to him that there was no immediate cause for alarm. This poem is memorable enough to merit publication, not only in your own book, but also in anthologies of treasured poetry. Superb.

 Comment Written 31-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 06-Aug-2016
    Sorry for my tardy reply... Thank you so much, my friend, for this lovely and generous six star review and your heart-warming comments. Warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by WalkerMan on 06-Aug-2016
    You are welcome, Marijke. It really is a most lovely sentiment. -- Mike
Comment from evesayshi
Excellent
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In my opinion, a beautiful expression of love and final words to one's beloved - an innovative reversal of the "if I should die before I wake" axiom - I loved the wonderfully articulated and fluid rhyming - lovely rendering...

 Comment Written 30-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 06-Aug-2016
    Sorry for my tardy reply, Eve... Thank you so much for this lovely and generous review. Warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by evesayshi on 06-Aug-2016
    You are so welcome, Marijke - my pleasure. Please do not be at all concerned about your time in responding - we are all busy people, in addition to our writing...Eve
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
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This is a wonderfully written poem with touching content. Maybe something we think about sometimes, but can't express as well as you have in your amazing poem. I see you have won first prize in this contest and I congratulate you. Marilyn

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 29-Jul-2016
    Marilyn, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this poem in it. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by BeasPeas on 29-Jul-2016
    Hi Marijke. Your reply really gave me a giggle. "With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet..."
    Marilyn
reply by the author on 29-Jul-2016
    That's him... unromantic, practical... but solid as a rock and my backbone. :o) Marijke
reply by BeasPeas on 30-Jul-2016
    I'm happy for you, Marijke, and happy anniversary to you both. Marilyn
Comment from Dutchie
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

hI Marijke. This is the most beautiful love poem I've ever read.
Nice flow and great rhyme, it's a poem right from the heart.
I know you love George, I hope he has read this poem. I know it's difficult for him to show his feelings, but he is a great guy. But I assure you he loves you as much as you love him. It's a little gem, this poem.
Lots of love and happy smiles from miles. Fietje xxxx

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Hi Fietje... so many brilliant reviews, but yours is extra special, as you know both George and I well, and yes, I know he loves me as much as I love him. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have finally given him this, in my home-made card. George being George, I had to explain first that I had no intention of dying... that I wrote this in case I had never told him... but I had. Thank you my friend. I will talk to you Monday. Love you... Marijke :o)
Comment from Joan E.
Excellent
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Thank you for reviving this very meaningful poem and dedicating it to your husband. Your creation and action are powerful reminders about what we should say to our loved ones while we can. Your repeats of the title and your rhymed couplets in the quatrains add to the intensity of the piece. Amid tears, I am pleased that your work has received such splendid recognition. Warm regards and best wishes with your book- Joan

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Joan, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this in there. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by Joan E. on 29-Jul-2016
    We'll be celebrating 46 years in September, and would have to explain the concept to my husband too--men are more literal! Happy anniversary and many more!! -Joan
Comment from AnnaLinda
Excellent
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Marijke,

This is a beautifully written love poem to your husband
and makes for an outstanding entry to the love poem
contest. You were able to include nice rhymes and
smooth flow while sharing your heartfelt love for him.

I hope this scenario of you being in a coma does not
come to pass, but an interesting take on the idea
of "If I Should Wake Before I Die"

Best wishes,
Linda

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Linda, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this in there. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by AnnaLinda on 28-Jul-2016
    Congratulations to the both of you.
Comment from robina1978
Excellent
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Excellent artwork that complements your poem perfectly. I seem to remember you win all love poem contests. I see why, very justified. Best wishes for your back (Fia told me)

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Ine, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this in there. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Marijke,

I can see why this poem won the contest! A non-traditional way of approaching a poem for a Love Poem contest ... I thought this was a very self-less and sweet way of writing about love.

As well as expressing a deep love, your poem clearly gives the reader a glimpse into a person with a big heart who puts others before herself. Well written and presented with excellent rhyme, flow and terrific imagery. This write touches the heart. In particular, I loved your last stanza ... a strong ending for this sweet write.

Well done!

Hugs,
Connie

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Connie, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this in there. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)
reply by bichonfrisegirl on 28-Jul-2016
    That's a sweet idea ... to put this poem in your card to your sweetie. 49 years together ... WOW!!! ... that is SO great! Congrats and Happy Anniversary, Marijke! Not many couples make it that long nowadays. Kudos to you both. :)

    Connie
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Excellent
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Hi, Marijke

= This is such a great poem. I can see why it won the contest.
= Great impact, and so true for many of us lucky enough to have a great love in our life.

(*>*) A Smile Is A Frown Turned Upside-down (*>*)
Cheers & Blessings ~ Jacqueline ~ Jackie ~ Jax

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2016


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2016
    Jackie, thank you so much for your lovely comments. Today is our 49th Anniversary, and I have made a card and put this in there. With him being down to earth, I had to explain in detail that I wasn't planning on dying just yet... just that this is what I would want him to know if I was... It took a bit for him to grasp the concept! Thanks again, my friend, and warmest regards, Marijke :o)