Comment from WriteSins!

Exceptional

What an amazing piece of poetry! It touches everyone in the sense that we all hide behind something, sometimes without even recognizing such. Truly exceptional.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 18-Nov-2016

Thank you for taking the time to dig through the FanStory slush pile to find and read this, WriteSins!
I appreciate you doing so, and I am so glad to know that you enjoyed it.
Thanks too for the generous six star rating.
I never take those for granted.
Thanks so much again, and enjoy your weekend.
Oh...and before I forget...

Comment from Margaret Snowdon

Exceptional

The real you shines, if it's allowed;

shake off the pain, dismiss the crowd.

Expression's never commonplace,

lest masks are used to hide your face.


Another of your amazing poems, Dean - you never disappoint. I hope you collect them in a book. And the pictures - where do they all come from? Fascinating. Margaret

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

The pictures come from my own, deranged mind, Margaret, LOL, as does my poetry. Despite their morbid nature, I think you understand the implications, and why I felt I needed to use such graphic art. Some have really lambasted me for it, calling it "unnecessary", but it is what it is.

Thanks for the exceptional feedback and wonderful comments. Coming from a poet of your caliber -- one I greatly admire -- that means a lot to me.

If I don't hear from you before then, I hope you & your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

~Dean :}

Comment from Treischel

Exceptional

A thought provoking piece of poetry. Very well constructed in many creative and expressive ways. Well blended graphics, as usual. Love the alliteration, Ceasura, enjambment used in this aabb rhymed poem. The theme of the mask is outstanding. It flowed with the deft touch of pace and pause that provided maximum emphatic impact. Very well done. Bravo.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

Hearing that word...BRAVO!...coming from a poet of your immense talents does my novice heart good, Tom. I can honestly say this, I always give my all with everything that I write, whether it be poetry or prose, and my all is all I can give.

Thanks again, my talented friend. I appreciate it, very much. :}

~Dean

Comment from lindalcreel

Excellent

This is so true. I found that when my mother-in-law was alive and I took her to her church, the people seemed friendly enough. Unfortunately, as soon as they walked out of those doors, their true selves came out. What hypocrites.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

Yes, that happens all too frequently, I'm afraid, Linda. We see such examples every day.

I truly appreciate your comments and for sharing your thoughts with me. Thanks again!

~Dean

reply by lindalcreel on 21-Nov-2014

My pleasure:)

Comment from tdragonfly

Exceptional

Thanks you for the beautiful poem. It validates that what we do is significant and should be shared. Often we are our own worst critic. We feel our work is not good enough to share among the real poets. But who is to make that judgment? Thanks for peeling off one layer of the mask.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

You're too kind, tdragonfly, but i do appreciate your kindness.

Author Stephen King wrote one of the most profound statements on why he feels writers feel compelled to do what we do in his book, Stephen King On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, and I quote;

"Writing isn't about making money, getting rich, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it's about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well. It's about getting up, getting well, and getting over. Getting happy, okay? Getting happy. Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free, so drink. Drink, and be filled up."

Thanks so much again for your exception rating and comments. They are greatly appreciated. :}

~Dean

reply by tdragonfly on 21-Nov-2014

Dean, thank you so much for sharing the quote. I really connect with it.

reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

You're very welcome, it really hit home for me as well. :}

Comment from persevere

Excellent

This is a thought provoking piece. Are these masks a crutch for lack of self confidence? Do they keep the lid on a tortured past? We often hear the comment " he never gave that impression".

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

True, persevere, and you make a very good point with your comments.

Thanks so much for that...:}

Comment from JudyS

Excellent

Dean, Excellent writing on this one. I really enjoyed the read. And this is a most interesting subject. I agree, we all hide, some better than others. Judy

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Nov-2014

That we do, Judy...that we do.

Thanks for the thoughtful review. :}

~Dean

Comment from JPilcher

Exceptional

Honestly... My favorite writing to date. Period!

Where do I even start?? I wanted to give you 6 stars based on just the title & illustration alone!! I even thought to myself "This better be good damnit.. They better of not wasted all that awesomeness on nothing."

No joke. The subject, formatting, illustration - when all combined = beyond phenomenal. UBER impressed right now. Just saying...

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks so much, JPilcher, you're too kind, my dear. I don't believe I've ever had the honor of receiving a review from you, but if this is any indication, then by all means, review away, my friend, LOL.

In all seriousness, I'm very happy you enjoyed the poem. I give everything I have, with everything I write, and then always hope for the best.

Thanks so much again. It is appreciated. :}

~Dean

Comment from Father Flaps

Excellent

Hi DeanO
I believe we wear masks because we lack confidence.... or we're a criminal, or a superhero.
Where do you find this artwork? It certainly grips the reader.
"disclosing thought in metered rhyme" ... you certainly are a master of metered rhyme.
You grab the reader with these lines,
"now, take my hand, c'mon -- let's go!"
and,
"strip off your mask -- come follow me"
and,
"Just take my hand, again, I plea,
fly to the stratosphere with me."
Nice alliteration in this line,
"some sneaky, saddened, sullen sleuth"
Nicely penned!
cheers
Kimbob

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Cheers to you as well, Kimbob, and thank you very much for your detailed review and valued opinions.

The artwork is from my photobucket account. I have literally thousands (no joke!) of animated gifs, and photos of various types, stored there. If you ever need a photo for something gruesome, then I'm the man to see, LOL.

Again, thanks for your thoughtful comments and review. All are sincerely appreciated, my friend. :}

~Dean

Comment from Jumbo J

Excellent

Hi Dean,
there's something so real and authentic about your words that resonate a lingering echo... masks to hide our true selves and shield from pain or just to hide from the truth of our existence? I've found that the truth really does set you free, no masks, no pretense... the burden of ownership lies directly on the shoulders of who you see... wonder if masks are just ego? Or maybe, lack of them?

With out a doubt, you challenge the mind to question and re-evaluate... hopefully what you see is what you get.

Outstandingly unique construction friend!

With our thoughts we create,
transparency,
James.

******Stars!!!!!!

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks for your indepth assessment, Jumbo J, and you're right, we all wear our own masks for very different reasons.

Again, I appreciate the excellent feedback and complimentary review, my friend. :}