Comment from sage17611

Excellent

It's amazing that your hometown had not changed. I guess that is not usual that the people remain the same with some changes to the surroundings. Usually the person returning has many life changes. Your poem is nicely written with a nice theme, thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2016

Thank you, Sage. I appreciate your thoughts and the fact that you took the time to read and respond to my work.
Cynthia1

Comment from dannielleduran

Excellent

Great poem of self reflection. I really enjoyed the artwork you included to bring out the meaning of your poem. I liked the play on words and the way you framed your words as the reader reads down.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2016

Thank you for the lovely review! I am so glad that you liked the framing of the words. I am not always sure of exactly how to do that. I'm glad the framing was effective. Thank you again.
Cynthia1

Comment from rama devi

Excellent

Wow--this is wonderfully pensive and reflective. I love the shifting perspective unfolding with age and experience and how you convey the way we see old things with fresh eyes when we return to them after along time and a lifetime of experience.

Love the soft, gentle flow and tone of this fine poem. The voicing is intimate and lovely. Love the penultimate stanza the most, especially these two lines:

I have returned with knowing eyes. Inclusive, open, unafraid
I've glimpsed a wider, deeper world

and this line is a pivotal semi-epiphany leading to the closing:
I view life
differently


Potent closing note:

I find it hard to reconcile what I once knew
with what is now,
for I am
not
the same


Insightful work! NO sixes left, but this leans toward one for the way you draw the reader into the POV and mood.

Warmly, rd

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 03-Aug-2016

Again, such a thoughtful and positive review! I always feel that you have truly read my work, not only for the words but for the underlying meaning. Your knowledge of poetry, it's structure and composition is certainly noted! I know that a poetry expert has read my work. So comforting! Thank you.
Cynthia1

reply by rama devi on 03-Aug-2016

Aw, thanks for your gracious and super enthusiastic response, dear. So glad you feel that way. It's encouraging to encourage!~ :)

Big warm smiles, rd

reply by the author on 03-Aug-2016

Thank You!

Comment from jusylee72

Excellent

very beautiful. I think this is a lovely story of how we evolve into who we are. We do change when we go back home and see how much the world has not changed but we have.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you for the positive review of my work. Thank you for taking the time to read it and review.
Cynthia1

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Even Peanuts had a strip on this Hardyish theme...you can't go home again.
There was even one where the returner was startled to find the locals' perception of their world was better than his...excellent free verse.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you! I appreciate your positive remarks...I will have to look up the Peanuts strip!
Cynthia1

reply by LIJ Red on 02-Aug-2016

Wish I could help. Sixties or early seventies...

Comment from Slythytove2

Exceptional

I had occasion to return to where I grew up recently and discovered it was all the same but I was no longer comfortable there. Some pride themselves on not moving or having to for a lifetime- perhaps they're happy with that seclusion but I feel life is a journey and meant to be explored and at some point I won't be able to move on but not yet. I find the comfort of home in myself not where I am.
An excellent poem.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

My, thank you! I so appreciate your lovely thoughts and the six stars! You are very kind!
Cynthia1

reply by Slythytove2 on 03-Aug-2016

My pleasure.

reply by the author on 03-Aug-2016

Thanks.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I have told my husband many times that I want to go back to my hometown. It was a small rural town in the Midwest. He keeps telling me we can't go back, it won't be the same. We've lived all over the world since leaving. How horrible. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us. It's causing me to reflect.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Returning has both positive and negative aspects. Best wishes to you in making your decision.
Cynthia1

Comment from Mary Wakeford

Excellent

I really loved the image of the butterfly emerging from the cocoon as a symbolic visual for the words that follow; the childhood home being represented by the cocoon that once held 'newness and naivety' and now the grown woman, represented by the butterfly returns to the house or town that 'built' her. Beautiful sentiment.

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you so very much, Mary. I am glad that you enjoyed the illustration and felt that it fit the poem. I appreciated your positive comments.

Comment from Allison78

Excellent

I've often wondered what it would be like to move back to my home town and I'm reminded of the title of Thomas Wolfe's Book You Can't Go Home Again. I found your poem very moving and well written and I enjoyed reading reading. Well written!

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you so much, Allison. I appreciate the kind remarks.
Cynthia1

Comment from rjuselius

Excellent

This is a fine piece of poetry dear Cynthia! I love the metaphors because they are fresh and not stale. I was intrigued with your wording.
Thank you for sharing!
Blessings!
Virtual six.

Rebekka x

 Comment Written 02-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2016

Thank you so much for your lovely comments.I am glad that you enjoyed the metaphors and wording. This means a lot to me.
Cynthia1