Comment from mtngalofnc

Excellent

Hi Brooke,

You are so right, the pink dogwoods are gorgeous as well as johnny-jump-ups. I am blessed, as I have both and any more it is hard to find the johnny-jump-ups in this area.
Your poem flows with the beauty these trees and flowers offer. Thank you for sharing.

Becky

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thanks so much, Betty - I am thrilled these flowers and trees are your friends, too :-) Brooke

Comment from daniela.albu

Excellent

This is the perfect merry poem, an ode to the month of May. I would have rated it with 6 stars but for the time being I have no more left.

Some of its lines remind me of Shakespearean tempo and wording:
"When hummingbirds who've dropped by for a drink
watch fawns' first fumbling steps with merriment,"

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2010

Comment from Fleedleflump

Exceptional

It's wonderful to see a return to your personified flora, Brooke, partying and glorying in their existence in an orgy of colour and gloss and fine ornament. I absolutely adore this one :-)

Mike

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

An orgy of color - boy, that sounds like oodles of fun - I think I need to go join in! LOL Thank you so so much, dear friend. Brooke :-)

Comment from fionageorge

Excellent

Hi Brooke, I have a feeling you are looking forward to the month of May. Thank you, not only for this lovely poem, which conjures up such beauty, but also for sharing the background and information on the dogwood trees and the Johnny-Jump-Ups.
Warmest regards, Marijke

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thanks, Marijke. So glad you enjoyed :-) Brooke

Comment from meanlevee

Excellent

I thought I'd see what you've written recently.

Ugh, I've written iambic pentameter before, but to make it rhyme seems to me a colossal headache. You get my vote of five stars just for doing that so well.

Good word choices, and some good lines. Very competent to say the least.

I will say that the subject is a bit worn. However, this poem is done really well, and the subject isn't so overdone as a poem primarily about any given flower. The poem serves to show your personality, and that is not worn whatsoever. So there you go.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

I admire your patience in helping the uninitiated with the botany lesson. I did not know about the alternative name of "heartsease." I enjoyed your rhymes, alliteration and personification of the "dogwoods" along with the perfect hummingbird picture.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thank you, Joan, for your kind comments about this poem - is there a reason for the 4? Brooke

reply by Joan E. on 08-Apr-2010

Eeek. None whatsoever, just my stupid fat fingers on the wrong key. Thank you for letting me know and for forgiving my not noticing it myself! I'm off to patch up the mistake, which I hope no one else has noticed. Regrets- Joan (I am the world's worst typist--I just typed my name twice as "Hoan!")

reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

No problem, my friend - I always ask if the comments don't match up to the rating. :-)

Comment from LateBloomer

Exceptional

Hello adewpearl,

This poem was most delightful to read. It reads and flows well and is filled with beautiful imagery. I particularly liked the following:

When hummingbirds who've dropped by for a drink
watch fawns' first fumbling steps with merriment,
(I could truly envision this)

Six stars for you and Nature's beauty that you brought to life.

Here's to The Merry Month of May, regards, LateBloomer

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thanks so much, LateBloomer. I am thrilled you could visualize this scene and most appreciative for your generous response :-) Brooke

Comment from IndianaIrish

Excellent

Well, this ottava rima is bursting with beautiful images. Wonderful rhythm and your alliteration makes the words sing. Very enjoyable, Brooke.
Karyn :>)

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thank you, Karyn. I always appreciate your thoughtful reviews :-) Brooke

Comment from BarnCat

Excellent

Ah,Brooke, you leave me yearning here! We had four inches of snow yesterday and expect more for the weekend. May truely can be the best month , but our May is July . . . Love the personification of nature in this one. It is light and lovely. D

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

Thank you, Deb - Chey and Joy both told me about snow yesterday too - I think you ladies need to form a union and protest!!! Thanks so much :-) Brooke

Comment from DecrepitOldBag

Excellent

Brooke, I've never heard of heartsease being called Johnny-Jump-Up but I just love that name! Where I walk my dogs there are always clumps of them at end of April/early May.

Your ottava rima is beautifully crafted and really makes me long for Beltane when the summer finally begins! Vivid imagery and wonderful rhymes, the rhythm is full of joy as well.

Still no sixes for me to give my friend, Brooke, so yet another 'virtual' for you ******

Hugs
Kat

PS I posted today :)

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2010

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reply by the author on 08-Apr-2010

I always appreciate your virtual sixes, Kat - thanks ever so much - I think my research says they're only called Johnny Jump Ups on this side of the pond :-) Brooke