Comment from LadyCosgrove

Excellent

This is a fabulous beginning to what promises to be a really great story. I very much look forward to being able to read the rest and see what became of them all.

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2014

Thanks, LC

Happy ending coming up when I have time.

Steve

reply by LadyCosgrove on 16-Oct-2014

...on the edge of my seat :-)

Comment from adewpearl

Excellent

solid use of abcb rhyming
excellent use of steady iambic meter and enjambment to make for strong cadence and good flow of thought from line to line
What a terrific story to have in your wife's family tree!!
I'd love to read the dramatic conclusion :-) Brooke

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2014

Thanks, Brooke.

It seems my wife's tree is full of dramatic stories - give it a good shake and out fall lots of madmen, criminals and the occasional hero...

Joseph's conclusion is quite startling considering the turn his life took in the first part. Just got to find the time to write it!

Steve

Comment from Kenneth Schaal

Excellent

Holy Shmoly, what an unusual contest, and requirements. I'm wondering where this came from. Well written ballad but I feel cheated not knowing an outcome of some sort. Rather anti-dramatic. Kenny

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2014

Thanks, Kenny

You'll have to wait for the suitably dramatic finale. This guy had a life you could make a novel or a blockbuster movie about.

Steve

Comment from bob cullen

Exceptional

Originally I awarded only five stars, then I read it again, it deserved a six.

I must admit I love poetry when it records a historical event. I also love poetry that rhymes.

This poem flows as a ballad should. I couldn't find fault. And now I can't wait to read part two.

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Bob, thanks so much for the thoughtful review - perhaps not as 'poetic' as some of my pieces, but put that don to having to weave it around specific historical events.

I hope to start on Part 2 soon - that definitely has a happier ending for Joseph...

Steve

Comment from Diny

Excellent

The looked= they looked for reinforcements

only typo I found, and it was a fun read hope it does indeed end well- I so enjoy a good epic poem

reminiscent of Caseys at bat!

write on- Di

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from mikemagine

Exceptional

A very fascinating poem and story! There are some kinds of history I just love! I'd NEVER heard of this and I'm flabbergasted! This has movie written all over it, imo! And why not YOU...??? I think this is outstanding! It has all anyone can ask for: drama, tension, conflict, injustice - I can see NO flaws!

Bravo!

Mike

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Mike, thanks for the warm words and the six stars.

Alas, I am no script-writer or I might indeed be tempted to think of writing this as a movie...

Great, sweeping, historical drama, starring.... (fill in the blank)

Steve

reply by mikemagine on 17-Oct-2014

Sure thing, Steve.

reply by mikemagine on 19-Oct-2014

Good stuff, Steve!

Mike

Comment from Jackarrie

Excellent

I found this very interesting, and a glimpse into the past and how the peasants were so badly treated. Joseph was a very brave man indeed. Unfortunately he was badly let down by the men who were supposed to back him.

Well written
I would love to read the second part,

Good luck in the contest
Mary

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Thanks, Mary.

Not sure when I will get to the second part, but I can promise you a happy ending!

Steve

Comment from jaeladarling

Excellent

I love this! Not just history, but *personal* history. I enjoyed this tale and the way it's told. Perfect style for the story. Thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Thanks so much for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from BlueFlag

Excellent

Wow another Amazing read in this contest so far after 3 reads of the 8 I liked yours and the Emily Dickerson one!
Both outstanding works of poetry and art painting the pictures of your stories!
And it will be hard to choose just 1! and I have 5 more to go! 5 stars

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Thanks for the kind words - glad you enjoyed.

Steve

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Was that about the time Oglethorpe's hoods were banished to
the New World, I wonder, starting the long trek to Bretton Woods? I like historical story poems.

 Comment Written 12-Oct-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2014

Thanks for the kind words. I had to google Oglethorpe - I think my story is set later.

Steve