The Ultimate Price
The soldier's wives also go through a living hell...35 total reviews
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I don't hear from you for years, and then you drop this incredible poem in my lap just to make me cry! That was such a sad, emotional poem, and I agree with what you say in your author's notes, it's not only the soldiers that pay the ultimate price, but the wives at home suffer and are forced to pay the price, too. Congratulations, Boyfriend, this is a worthy winner! Sorry that I can only give you a virtual six. Sending you a hug, but don't stay away for so long again!! :)) Sandra. xxx
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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I don't hear from you for years, and then you drop this incredible poem in my lap just to make me cry! That was such a sad, emotional poem, and I agree with what you say in your author's notes, it's not only the soldiers that pay the ultimate price, but the wives at home suffer and are forced to pay the price, too. Congratulations, Boyfriend, this is a worthy winner! Sorry that I can only give you a virtual six. Sending you a hug, but don't stay away for so long again!! :)) Sandra. xxx
Comment Written 14-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Hello Girl Friend,
First of all, thank you for your wonderful review, I really appreciate it. It wouldn't matter if you gave me a one-star rating as long as you enjoyed reading it. It is sad but unfortunately it is true.
Now, how are things going across the big pond? It has been a long time since we've spoken and I have missed talking to you very much. However, it's just been a very unusual summer as you well know. The state of Kentucky is reporting over 1,000 cases of the virus nearly every day now. The Kentucky Derby was even canceled, the first time in 150 years.
It's just hard to get interested in doing anything during times like this unless it's hanky-panky...LOL...I've got to start writing more. With being quarantined this long I think I'm losing my ability to think straight.
I hope and pray that you and your family are staying healthy and happy and safe from the virus. I just saw where you won the Book of the Month Contest, that's great. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Keep it up and send me your autograph the first chance you get. Seriously, you are a terrific writer and I think you have a very bright future ahead of you.
You guys take care of each other and may God bless you all and keep you wrapped in the safety of His Arms. Drop me a line sometimes and I will gladly answer as soon as I can. And, thanks for the hug. Now you've got me thinking about hanky-panky again, I wonder where my wife is...LOL
Keep writing...You have a God-given talent...Cheers...Bill
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Hello Boyfriend, :)), it's cold today in the UK. Summer's over; we had four days, so can't complain!!
The virus keeps popping up its ugly head, so we're still being careful, but it's no where near as bad as you're still having it, goodness me. 1,000 cases nearly every day? That is scary.
I've missed our chats, too. It's all doom and gloom now, with good reason, but it's not the same when the fun, smiles and laughter stop. Let's all pray for a better 2021.
Thank you for the congrats on my BoM, that's so sweet of you. This one is an older schoolchild's ABC book of animals. I began it when my grandson started asking me questions about why so many animals are becoming endangered. So, it's not really for young children. It's about their habitats and why they are disappearing. I've put its age range at 9 - 109. I thought that covered it nicely!! Lol.
Now then, down to the serious stuff. Hanky-panky!!!! You be careful, four-inch stiletto heels, suspender belts, whips and chains, are not good for your blood-pressure! Just be warned! I keep telling my hubby to remember that he's no longer a sprightly young man any more, and that I'm doing my best to keep his heart beating at a sensible rate! Lol!
Take care, my dear friend, I pray the same for you and your family that God watches over you. Sending another hug! :)) xxx
Comment from AnnieDawn
I can see why this poem was selected as the winner of the contest. We forget, at times, about the families of the soldiers and the grief they suffer. You have described a situation that probably has happened more than once. Thank you for your entry. Great job.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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I can see why this poem was selected as the winner of the contest. We forget, at times, about the families of the soldiers and the grief they suffer. You have described a situation that probably has happened more than once. Thank you for your entry. Great job.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Hello Annie,
Thank you very much for your fantastic review, I appreciate it. Yes, according to the historians this has happened throughout all the wars.
Have a great day, my friend...Bill
Comment from WalkerMan
The beautiful but sad illustration drew me to this post; and, stanza by stanza, your increasingly gripping words kept me there to the heartrending last line. Yes, soldiers are not the only victims of war; and the family members suffering most are wives and mothers. The loss of their child to cancer, then her soulmate husband to war just two months before he could have come home, clearly was too much for this woman to bear. Sadly, such tragedies have been all too common throughout human history, but rarely mentioned except in occasional poems and stories.
You, as a surviving veteran, in effect are serving your country again by this recognition of these unsung heroines whose lives are ruined or lost too. Thank you for both aspects of your service. Superb.
Congratulations on winning the In Their Memory Contest. You well earned it.
Below are suggestions about three easily fixed items not spoiling the rating given for the overall quality of this post.
In the Description line above the title, you meant the possessive plural (soldiers') rather than the simple plural. Add the apostrophe as shown.
In the Notes, you meant the simple plural (soldiers) rather than the possessive singular. Omit the apostrophe.
Also in the Notes, you meant "bear" (carry) rather than "bare" (uncover).
(Are you surprised no one else noticed? Among other things, I am a professional editor and see what others miss.)
Please tell me when these three changes are made, and I'll remove the relevant comments to leave you a clean review.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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The beautiful but sad illustration drew me to this post; and, stanza by stanza, your increasingly gripping words kept me there to the heartrending last line. Yes, soldiers are not the only victims of war; and the family members suffering most are wives and mothers. The loss of their child to cancer, then her soulmate husband to war just two months before he could have come home, clearly was too much for this woman to bear. Sadly, such tragedies have been all too common throughout human history, but rarely mentioned except in occasional poems and stories.
You, as a surviving veteran, in effect are serving your country again by this recognition of these unsung heroines whose lives are ruined or lost too. Thank you for both aspects of your service. Superb.
Congratulations on winning the In Their Memory Contest. You well earned it.
Below are suggestions about three easily fixed items not spoiling the rating given for the overall quality of this post.
In the Description line above the title, you meant the possessive plural (soldiers') rather than the simple plural. Add the apostrophe as shown.
In the Notes, you meant the simple plural (soldiers) rather than the possessive singular. Omit the apostrophe.
Also in the Notes, you meant "bear" (carry) rather than "bare" (uncover).
(Are you surprised no one else noticed? Among other things, I am a professional editor and see what others miss.)
Please tell me when these three changes are made, and I'll remove the relevant comments to leave you a clean review.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Thank you very much for your outstanding review and rating, I appreciate it.
Thank you also for your correction suggestions.The changes have been made. However, I prefer to leave your review as is to serve as a reminder for me to proofread more often.
Have a great weekend...Bill
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You are most welcome, Bill.
As you requested, I'll leave the correction suggestions in place.
If you look closely, the first one is plural possessive soldiers' with the apostrophe AFTER the s (rather than before it, which would be singular possessive). I don't think you meant to imply that some soldier had more than one wife. ;}}
The second fix is correct, and I see you reworded to avoid the third.
Of course, what really matters is your superb poem. -- Mike
Comment from Jasmine Girl
You told a very sad story. Wars have destroyed many people's lives including those who didn't go to wars. They don't do anything good for us in my opinion.
Well done.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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You told a very sad story. Wars have destroyed many people's lives including those who didn't go to wars. They don't do anything good for us in my opinion.
Well done.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Hello Lisa,
Thank you for your excellent review, I appreciate it. Yes, I agree with you, wars only accomplish one thing and that's destroying thousands of families.
Have a great weekend, my friend...Bill
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Your poem reflects the pain families, esp wives, deal with when faced with separation and ultimately the death of husband/boyfriend in a poignant way.
The ending is so sad, but often true for many. Your lines flow well with good rhymes and great imagery. The image is a great pairing.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Your poem reflects the pain families, esp wives, deal with when faced with separation and ultimately the death of husband/boyfriend in a poignant way.
The ending is so sad, but often true for many. Your lines flow well with good rhymes and great imagery. The image is a great pairing.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Hello Jan,
Thank you for your great review, I appreciate it. Yes, according to the historians this happens during all wars.
Good to talk with you, I haven't been around much lately. Have a great weekend...Bill
Comment from godlucifer
she proceeded with suicide. she proceeded to where she can't bear the pain anymore. may she rest in peace and proceed with her child and husband in heaven. your poem was a pleasure to read. thanks for the read. "your so vein" means mood or humor.
your so vein
godlucifer
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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she proceeded with suicide. she proceeded to where she can't bear the pain anymore. may she rest in peace and proceed with her child and husband in heaven. your poem was a pleasure to read. thanks for the read. "your so vein" means mood or humor.
your so vein
godlucifer
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Thank you for your excellent review, I appreciate it. Have a great weekend...Bill
Comment from royowen
It's not only the strange battlefields, in which some pointless war is fought, with no ideal to it, where lives are lost, but there are many nobler battles are being fought. Emergency workers, miners, lumberjacks, police, firefighters, all noble callings, but the crux of your poem is not about, but the bad deal for those left behind, our minds should likewise be with them, their sacrifice is more noble in my reckoning, they have to gather the remnants of their life and reassemble it. Beautifully written, we should pay tribute to those who don't receive medals or accolades, Ex servicemen still inhabit the homeless places. Well done, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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It's not only the strange battlefields, in which some pointless war is fought, with no ideal to it, where lives are lost, but there are many nobler battles are being fought. Emergency workers, miners, lumberjacks, police, firefighters, all noble callings, but the crux of your poem is not about, but the bad deal for those left behind, our minds should likewise be with them, their sacrifice is more noble in my reckoning, they have to gather the remnants of their life and reassemble it. Beautifully written, we should pay tribute to those who don't receive medals or accolades, Ex servicemen still inhabit the homeless places. Well done, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2020
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Hello Roy,
Thank you for your thoughtful review, I appreciate it. Yes, I agree with you, the families of our protectors never receive anything except a great deal of worry and grief during wartime.
And yes, many disabled servicemen and women are still living among the homeless all around the world while the rich politicians who basically put them there, live in their fancy mansions.
Have a great weekend Roy and may God bless you and yours...Bill
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Well done Bill.
Comment from harmony13
These words were heartfelt, sad, descriptive and creative. The author's
words in each stanza were intense and expressed well. The end
brought the reader to tears. It was a such a sign of hopelessness.
This poem is very well written and conveys much sadness.
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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These words were heartfelt, sad, descriptive and creative. The author's
words in each stanza were intense and expressed well. The end
brought the reader to tears. It was a such a sign of hopelessness.
This poem is very well written and conveys much sadness.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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Hello Harmony,
Thank you so very much for your terrific review and rating, I appreciate it.
Yes, this is a sad poem but these things really happen. I am an old Vietnam vet and I wanted to bring this to everyone's attention. During war-time, our military families live a life of turmoil, constant worry and never knowing what's going on with their loved one until there's a knock upon their door. The sad news that they receive causes suicides in some situations.
Thanks again Harmony...Have a great day, my friend...Bill
Comment from Therese Caron
What a sad and all too often true story. When someone loses a husband, and God forbid a child, the pain and despair must be overwhelming. I think sometimes people just can't see there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is a long, dark, painful place. This is very well written.
It is clear and concise, and heartbreaking! Beautiful poem.
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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What a sad and all too often true story. When someone loses a husband, and God forbid a child, the pain and despair must be overwhelming. I think sometimes people just can't see there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is a long, dark, painful place. This is very well written.
It is clear and concise, and heartbreaking! Beautiful poem.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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Hello Terry,
Thank you for your wonderful review, I appreciate it. Yes, I agree with you, the mental pain of going through something like this would be so overwhelming that it could cause terrible thoughts to enter your mind.
Thanks again my friend and have a great day...
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You are welcome!
Comment from RShipp
How sad. Tragedies do seem to stack upon one another.
Reaching out- when feeling so alone- it's os hard to do.
Best wishes in the "In Their Memory" writing prompt contest.
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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How sad. Tragedies do seem to stack upon one another.
Reaching out- when feeling so alone- it's os hard to do.
Best wishes in the "In Their Memory" writing prompt contest.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2020
reply by the author on 13-Aug-2020
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Thank you for your excellent review and best wishes in the contest, I appreciate it.
Have a great day my friend...