Reviews from

Orpheus and the Argonauts

a sonnet

35 total reviews 
Comment from Benny Beeharry
Excellent
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Hi ,This has always been great stories when I was young.
I read and enjoyed them.
And they are still very beautiful now and exciting to read. The moral s beware of to nice and sweet things that offer fast ways to paradise.
Very well done.
Benny Beeharry

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
    Thank you for the great review and the encouragement. I love the old myths with all their drama and action. There always seems to be something to learn from them. I am pleased you enjoyed reading this one. Thank you. Debi
Comment from Pantygynt
Excellent
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I can't resist the call of the old classic mythology as you will realise if you have checked out my first book: "Charon - Memoirs of a Ferryman". I had forgotten that Orpheus had an entertainer's contract on board the Argo. This is a marvelous story very well told and accompanied by a classic piece of German(?) artwork. Splendid stuff.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 30-Apr-2015
    I will have to check out your work. I love the ancient myths. Charon is not one of the figures of mythology that gets a lot of attention so it may be interesting to see things through his eyes.

    Yes, Orpheus do more on the voyage than get past the Sirens. He also charmed fish to jump onto the Argo so they had food to eat, and he used his skills to keep the mix of Greek heroes from fighting smong themselves. It was wise of Jason to take Orpheus along on the voyage.

    Thank you for the encouraging remarks about the writing. I do believe you are correct about the artwork. I cannot quite make out the artist's name so if you recognize it, please let me know.
Comment from bizzygirl
Excellent
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I grew up on all the myths, Jason and the argonauts my favorite. How lovely to see a childhood passion in a mondern day poem. The history for those unfamiliar with mythology is a very good idea. I see many people using history and hints to enhance the poem and I think it works well. My favorite line is: For not all conquerors use sword and shield.Great power reigns in strains the Muses wield.
Thanks for bringing back childhood memories!

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
    I am so happy you enjoyed the memories brought back by this verse. I love the old myths and Jason and the Argonauts was one of my favorites too. Thank you for pointing out what you liked, especially your favorite lines. I appreciate the encouragement.
reply by bizzygirl on 29-Apr-2015
    YW
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
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A famous legend and how true it is to life. What a marvelous choice for your sonnet. Orpheus come to the rescue in the third stanza, providing the turning point and how clever to use the second stanza for the Sirens' song. Your closing couplet draws a universal truth from the legend and I like the emphasis the opening spondee gives to the last line. All-in-all, a most satisfying sonnet. The rhyme and rhythm are both consistent, although I had to strain a bit to give sufficient weight to the last syllable of 'treachery' for the rhyme with 'sea'. I think, however, that sense over-rides mechanics in this case!

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
    Thank you so much for such a a positive review. I always value your opinion because of your background as a teacher and because you win the contests so consistently.
    That wasn't the line I was worried about so I appreciate you pointing out how the mechanics came across. I look forward to reading your entry for this contest. It's certain to be wonderful.
Comment from Pyrrho
Excellent
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Another 'Pen-is-mightier-than-the-sword poem/essay and well done at that.

I wrote a series of couplet-poems titled "Apoplectic Aphorisms" which all began with 'They say' and one of them was:

They say
"Might is right." Which I've ignored
For
"The pen is mightier than the sword."




 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
    Thank you, Pyrrho. I love your verse! Sounds like we are like minded on this topic. The pen can reach so much further than the sword. I appreciate the kind words of encouragement. Debi
Comment from krys123
Excellent
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Debi;
+ This is truly an excellent story within a poem that follows the requirements for such a contest. With the help of your authors notes and made it easier for me to understand your poem in depth.
+ Near and notable alliteration's:/"Sirens' sea"/"desires... the dreams"/"promise paradise"/"songs far sweeter"/"spells to save"/"sword and shield"/
+ Rhyming was masterful in each rhyming word was contingent to the meaning and concept of each line. This being important, your rhyming was neither forced nor labored and helpful in the rhythmic flow of your poem.
+ Rhythmic meter, iambic pentameter, cadence, timing, tempo and movement. All were very helpful in making the reading clear, fluid and so very easy.
+ Imagery was very distinct, definitive and clear. And also very exquisitely expressive and vividly and demonstratively descriptive throughout the writing: "With Jason questing for the Golden Fleece, the Argo trespassed on the Sirens' sea.
And soon they learned, these Argonauts of Greece, about the Sirens' charms and treachery."
+ Poetic assessment and summary: The italicized words that you used could've been larger and more prominent. Otherwise, and that I thought your sonnet was written very well and I enjoyed every bit of it.
+ Thank you for sharing and posting and may the good Lord be with you always my friend.
Alex

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
    Hi Alex,
    I wish I could give you six stars for your review. Thank you for taking so much time and being so detailed. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the story and the notes. I left a lot of the story out, but I have loved Jason and the Argonauts since I was a kid and saw it on tv. Those old Greek myths have so much drama and action.Thank you for the notes on the imagery, the mechanics.
    I appreciate the suggestion on the italics. I kept changing it back and forth since the italics look a different size on different computers. I finally gave up on that one.
    Thank you again. God bless. Debi
reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
    Hi Alex,
    I wish I could give you six stars for your review. Thank you for taking so much time and being so detailed. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the story and the notes. I left a lot of the story out, but I have loved Jason and the Argonauts since I was a kid and saw it on tv. Those old Greek myths have so much drama and action.Thank you for the notes on the imagery, the mechanics.
    I appreciate the suggestion on the italics. I kept changing it back and forth since the italics look a different size on different computers. I finally gave up on that one.
    Thank you again. God bless. Debi
reply by krys123 on 28-Apr-2015
    You are so sincerely welcome my dearest friend.
    Alex
Comment from A TARNISHED KNIGHT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I like this a lot WJD..Always have had a fascination with Greek Mythology. Your notes added to the lure of this tale..Kudos for job well done !!
TK

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
    Thank you for the shiny six stars, TK! I too love the old Greek myths. There is just something magical about them. I am so pleased you liked is one. Thank you! Debi
reply by A TARNISHED KNIGHT on 26-Apr-2015
    I have to do some more with me and my Unicorn named Dream.. He has been out to pasture for awhile and I think he needs to take me on a magic trip lol
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
    I did enjoy your poems about Dream. I look forward to more.
Comment from lakeport
Excellent
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Orpheus and the Argonauts, Indeed that's a wonderful expressed poem, very nice in form, I enjoyed reading it, Good luck at the contest, God bless you. Hugs! Lakeport.

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 25-Apr-2015
    Thank your for the good wishes and blessing, Lakeport. I appreciate the kind words about the writing and am pleased you enjoyed reading the verse. Thank you for reading and reviewing. Good bless you, too. Debi
reply by lakeport on 25-Apr-2015
    you are very welcome,Hugs!lakeport.
Comment from kiwijenny
Excellent
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Ooo the power of the muse...you have that..I love this poem that is set in Greek mythology but is relevant to us today...we must overcome those things that tempt us...
Well ornned
God bless

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
    Wow, what nice comments. I like the insights you share about overcoming temptation. Thank you.
Comment from Colette
Excellent
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Well done, I compliment you on your wonderful piece. Surely this piece has to win the contest, I wish you well. In these contest entries we need imagination and, you have achieved just that. I will keep an eye on this contest.
Well done.

 Comment Written 25-Apr-2015


reply by the author on 25-Apr-2015
    Thank you, Colette. I am flattered by your kind words about the writing. I appreciate the well wishes for the contest. Thank you for the encouragement. Debi