Reviews from

Queen of River Denial

Vulnerability revealing pain in the past

30 total reviews 
Comment from Erika Whittle
Excellent
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You have perfectly captured the feelings of shame, regret and insecurity. I appreciate your reference to the garden of eden. The last sentence is my favourite.

 Comment Written 17-May-2024


reply by the author on 17-May-2024
    Thanks Erika. Regrets of yesterday and fears of tomorrow still constrain me from enjoyment of today sometimes. Esther
reply by Erika Whittle on 17-May-2024
    Well I think everyone struggles with that. It's hard to accept that some things are beyond our control and that what's done cannot be changed. Live and learn, as they say.
reply by the author on 18-May-2024
Comment from T B Botts
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Esther,
you've expressed your feelings so well in this poem. In a world that tries hard to hide the truth and put a mask on our true selves, you've opened yourself up to exposure and even criticism. The vulnerability that you show is so touching, and your honesty is refreshing. You're a rare gem gal, I hope you never change.
Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 16-May-2024


reply by the author on 17-May-2024
    I figured my sons may want to know my story. So for my older son's birthday I wrote the unvarnished version of Half African Son (which I posted as several chapters). I was overwhelmed with shame and the poem is about my feelings. I think I may have given him too much. I forget I have had many years to process things which I unloaded on him at one time. Thanks Tom.
reply by the author on 17-May-2024
    I figured my sons may want to know my story. So for my older son's birthday I wrote the unvarnished version of Half African Son (which I posted as several chapters). I was overwhelmed with shame and the poem is about my feelings. I think I may have given him too much. I forget I have had many years to process things which I unloaded on him at one time. Thanks Tom.
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
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I enjoyed this poem very much and I wish you the very best of your wedding. And you have a lovely day and may God bless you with all his wonderful blessings. Patricia .

 Comment Written 16-May-2024


reply by the author on 17-May-2024
    Thanks so much Patricia for reading it. Esther
reply by the author on 17-May-2024
    Thanks so much Patricia for reading it. Esther
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
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This is certainly an emotional poem for this contest, Esther and a poignant read. Especially when you take off your mask to share your story but then feel so vulnerable, so exposed. Very well written, and good luck im the contest.

 Comment Written 14-May-2024


reply by the author on 14-May-2024
    Thanks so much. Sometimes digging up things long forgotten is painful. Esther
reply by the author on 14-May-2024
    Thanks so much. Sometimes digging up things long forgotten is painful. Esther
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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When we expose our true feelings and we are honest, it can leave us feeling vulnerable, especially when we receive criticism. One thing I have learned about life, we cannot please all of the people all of the time and there will always be someone who is upset by us just being who we are, a fine post Esther, always be true to yourself, no matter what anyone else has to say, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 14-May-2024


reply by the author on 14-May-2024
    Thanks Dolly. I did not expect the feelings of shame because it was so long ago. Esther
reply by the author on 14-May-2024
    Thanks Dolly. I did not expect the feelings of shame because it was so long ago. Esther
Comment from Nottoway
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

WOW and WOW!!!

I don't think I have read such a touching poem in a long time.

This poem captures that it is that we all face. We seek acceptance and love and understanding. And it takes the right person to ask us things that unlock who we are and how we got the point we are at in life. We hope they allow us to take off the layers but also retain a few leaves to cover some things.

There are so many ways I imagine this poem and what it means.

I love it!!

 Comment Written 12-May-2024


reply by the author on 13-May-2024
    Thanks so very much. I was overwhelmed with sharing too much of my story and feeling the shame of past failures. The first Half African child took the brunt of it....Esther
Comment from Shirley Ann Bunyan
Excellent
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This quite deep and haunting. Depicting of exposing your darkest secrets looking for a kind of redemption yet getting nothing and feeling even worse. Very effectively written.

 Comment Written 09-May-2024


reply by the author on 13-May-2024
    I started with a few little personal stories. Maybe a life saga...and found myself writing about things almost forgotten. It was long ago but hard to unsay once said. Intimacy only happens when we are known and accepted despite the knowing.
Comment from jake cosmos aller
Excellent
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I liked this poem exploring themes of empathy and introspection, inviting readers to reflect on their own moments of vulnerability and self-deception. I like the allusions to the garden of eden and other biblical references. I like the abstract image chosen for the poem.

 Comment Written 08-May-2024


reply by the author on 08-May-2024
    Thanks Jake. I am writing my life story and tripped over shame from mistakes. Was surprised at the intensity. I grew up as a missionary kid and divorce was not an option. I would be honored if you have time to read what interests you. Esther
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
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Excellent entry for the Emotions Poetry Contest. You described denial well. Denial is a stage of grief and a common emotion we can all identify with.

Well done. Goodluck.

 Comment Written 08-May-2024


reply by the author on 08-May-2024
    Thanks. Appreciated. Esther
reply by the author on 08-May-2024
    Thanks. Appreciated. Esther
Comment from Shanbreen
Excellent
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Talking about our inner thoughts is never easy, especially if they are contrary to the norm of the society you live in. You have a wonderful way with words: "Let me conceal myself in a shadow of my own." You have done a wonderful job with your emotions. All the best for the contest.


 Comment Written 08-May-2024


reply by the author on 08-May-2024
    Thanks. I appreciate your reviews so much.