Reviews from

Paper Dolls and Toy Soldiers

Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "The Measure"
selections for seal submission

19 total reviews 
Comment from Kerry Foley
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello, Mike, hope you're doing well. I must say, WOW! This poem is fantastic, it possesses such beautiful artistry. The combination of the three poetic forms was executed perfectly. First of all, your nonet has a perfect shape like a pyramid that leads us into a great adventure; Quiet an adventure it was, you drew me in to swirl in your squalls and spin into your cyclone, it piqued curiosity and enlightened the senses of excitement to the great unknown quest of where we're going on this journey. Tapering off this masterpiece with a tale to tell leaves me as the reader with such intrigue. The 5-7-5 you closed with, "I am a poet" was the icing on the delicious poetic cake you penned. This was an enjoyable, entertaining read. Well done!!! I'll have to keep a lookout for this when it comes to voting, it's certainly a sure winner. Hugs! ~Kerry

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Hi, Kerry, hope you are well too. Gee what an amazing review. You make me feel like I actually did everything I hoped I would do. That makes you the proverbial "if at least ONE person gets it I'll be happy" person. LOL

    Thanks so very much. I am indeed very happy. You made my month. :)) mike
reply by Kerry Foley on 16-May-2018
    Made your month, wow, I'm thrilled. You certainly nailed this one, Mike, it was truly fantastic, not only the poetic expertise, you've captured the audience into this entertaining tale. Have a wonderful day, my friend. Hugs!
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I rather liker like this particular amalgamation of forms. The nonet kicks the whole thing off in measured tones and the five-seven-five sums up so the effect is not unlike a French envoi or an English sonnet's final couplet.

Thecentral free verse section allows you to give free rein what is undeniable your favourite form -- none or rather total freedom and it is so right for this chaotic switchback of a ride first on the orca's back an latterly swimming free and wandering in totally magic surroundings.

A form of your own devising in which your affection for and skill with free verse shines forth like some poetic beacon.

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Hi, Jim

    Great to hear from you. I haven't been active, but I've been around and enjoying your Tanka quest, AMAZING! Thanks for the super review, much appreciated. mike
reply by Pantygynt on 16-May-2018
    Thankss Mike.
Comment from Debbie Pope
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

When I saw your name, I started not to review the poem because I knew that it would deserve a six star, and I am out. But I like to study your poetry, so here goes. And it does deserve the highest rating. First comment, I did not notice the multi form category, and my first thought was--"wow, he is changing styles." So, I guess you accomplished the prompt. Your nonet drew me in. It is probably my favorite, with the 5-7-5 a close second. I just love "hope begins all journeys." Those words are what I will take from your poem. I will remember them forever. But your free verse is wonderful as well.Your adventures are so imaginative and creative. Your final 5-7-5 poem continues your theme of seizing life's possibilities. The first two lines are memorable as well and could be used in many situations. Thank you for showing your talents, Michael. I certainly enjoy.

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Wow. If you're gonna make me feel like a million bucks, I'm not worried about a star or two. LOL

    What wonderful words that made my week and month really. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this. I'm not very active lately, but I'm around and enjoying your work as well. Thanks so much. mike
reply by Debbie Pope on 16-May-2018
    Thanks, Mike. Your earlier work made an impact on me. And, you seem to win every contest you enter. That's a fact. Glad you are back some.
reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    You're too kind, Thanks so much. I'm always around, so feel free to message me for anything. The key to contests is to enter ALL of them. There is an advantage to being well known regardless of what anyone says. That comes with time. I lose a lot too, :)) mike
Comment from Mustang Patty
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, Michael;

Very interesting entry for the Multi-form poetry contest. When I saw that you were the creator of this contest, I hoped you would pen a piece meeting the requirements.

Your use of these three forms worked well. I understood the differentiation marked by the colors, but without the colors, it still reads like one coherent poem.

Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest.

patty

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Hi, Patty, nice to hear from you. I'm not to active lately. So pleased you enjoyed this. Yep, I thought I should enter my own contest. LOL Thanks a million for the kind words. mike
Comment from Kerry Wanstall
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Michael, it is easy to see why you have attained such a high ranking within the Fanstory membership. You are such an accomplished writer. Perhaps of equal, if not of even more importance, is the possession of a wonderfully vivid imagination.
The combination of the two can't help but result in your writing the most entertaining, clever and beautifully crafted poems, of which "The Measure" is an example.

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Wow, Kerry, what a lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this, the main thing is the writing, the rankings and all that are just the fun part around here. Many don't have the time to join in, but there are some awesome writers who aren't even ranked you'll find. Thanks so much for your kind words. Big smiles. mike
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Michael, this is a well written entry for the contest. I wish you the best in the contest. By using differing formats we do not get locked into have people think we can only write one format and that indeed says we have become poets. Patricia

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Hi, Patricia

    So nice to hear from you. I'm not to active lately, but you've been in my prayers with all you're going through. I hope you're settling in and all is well. :))

    Thanks a million for you insights and kind words. Hugs, mike
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was wonderng how this would work when I saw the contest...I love your nonet...it is one of my favorite forms...I guess there is a segway into your free verse...but it reads like a separate poem....in my mind I imagined the poetry forms would all move smoothly one onto the other thematically....you seemed to go off theme entirely wth your 5-7-5! Maybe my concept is wrong. At any rate, the skill in each of your three poem forms is evident and so five stars are called for. Good luck n the contes!

Karenina

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    They're supposed to be connected and they are in my brain. HAHAHA!!!! But that's often the case with what I write, it makes perfect logical sense TO ME!!!!!! In any case, I'm pleased you found value in the individual parts, that's half the battle anyway. Thanks a million for your thoughtful review and generous stars. Good to hear from you, I haven't been very active, but I've enjoyed reading your work. Great stuff. mike
reply by karenina on 16-May-2018
    Well sop resting on your laurels there, Mike, and post more! I need ineresting work to get my own muse going and I'm in a slump! :)
reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Wow, I have laurels? LOL

    Okay, I'll make an effort then. :))
reply by karenina on 16-May-2018
    Yes! And unlike Preparation H there is no cure so you best not be sitting on them for long! (Giggle)
reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    HAAAAA!!!!!
reply by karenina on 16-May-2018
    :)
Comment from Alexander Vasa
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello, nice to see you posting. You always make me feel you are laughing at someone and it comes across in this poem, too. LOL, I like laughing and take every opportunity to do so.

I do have a suggestion for improving your shape at the beginning, I've shaped so much writing it comes easy. Get rid of 'of', it doesn't do anything, and it is a rather unpoetic word at the end of that line, and it will fix the shape up nicely. I am glad you are a poet, and have such confidence in your own ability.

Thanks for sharing your poetry, which was full of fanciful imagery and no errors that I noticed, cheers, Ana.

I realized after that it is a nonet, and that might mean you can't take that word of for a word count or something like that, I am hopeless with form, LOL. That is what you seem good at, Ana.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Hi, Ana. I like your suggestion and even agree, but the form requires nine syllables in the last line, thus, the need for that word. I will look at rewording it though.

    I'm usually laughing at myself. HAAAAA!!!!!! But I suppose you're right, I have a little mischief in mind usually. That's some good insight that I had to stop and realize myself.

    Ahh, should've read to the end, you mention the nonet, DUH! Wonderful review where you totally engaged and offered insights and help. Couldn't ask for more. Thanks a million.

    By the way, I'm not very active lately, but I do read your work and enjoy it quite a bit. mike
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a great metaphor. So true and the reader will be drawn in reflecting on how their first steps have really shaped their attitude in proceeding through life. Were we pampered or did we learn everything the hard way. What a great concept to consider. But we do survive. Good job at blending the different poetry forms. Well written.


This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 16-May-2018


reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Always love your thoughtful reflections on everything you read, Liz. It's wonderful to find someone engaged with what they read, that's what we want more than anything. Thanks a million for a great review. mike
reply by Liz O'Neill on 16-May-2018
    It's a wonder you can even understand what I wrote...something's missing in a lot of places...I HAVE to fix it...lol
reply by the author on 16-May-2018
    Well, it makes perfect sense to me!!!!! :))