Comment from Sis Cat

Exceptional

Wow, what a riveting story poem that reminded me of the flash floods through the hills around the San Fernando Valley. The river gods are devastating. You make great use of myth and metaphor. Your story poem engaged my heart and imagination. I thought I was going to have a happy ending with the rescued Angus, but then it got sick days after the flood subsided.

The river sings more sweetly now
as I fetch my rifle
and by torchlight
fumble a shell into the chamber.

The river gods know nothing of heartbreak,
and they will not be scorned.

This free verse poem was so exceptional, I did not notice it was a free verse poem. I noticed the story. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Thanks so much for the great review and the six shiny stars.

Floods ere a fairly regular hazard when I was growing up on the farm in Northland, new Zealand. It was a rarity to lose stock, but quite common to get a day or to off school! It's an ill wind (or rain)...

Steve

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

This strikes a chord in an old man who has seen the rivers rise and roar. The watershed lakes here help, but I think the river Gods can ignore them when
they wish. Excellent free verse story.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Thank you. yes, I think when Nature really pulls out all the stops, nothing we do can stop her.

Steve

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Exceptional

Wow is all I can say.
Excellent contest entry.
Very well done and I love the way it flows from sentence to sentence.
The descriptions are great and use of words are magnificient

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Barb, thanks for the enthusiastic review and the six stars!

Steve

Comment from petalangela

Excellent

The river Gods. Are real and must be appeased.
Your poor little cow sacrificed to their anger.
A moving poem that takes the reader on a wold current of devastation as the river God rages

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Thanks so much for the great review.

Steve

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your free verse poem about river gods. Good rhythm and even flow with excellent word choices and attractive format.
Nicely done

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Exceptional

A very well written free verse story poem. Excellent description and imagery. Your talent is well displayed. Best wishes in the contest, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Debbie, thanks so much for the kind words and the six stars. Glad you enjoyed this, a rare foray into free verse for me.

Steve

Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep

Exceptional

Simply brilliant, unambiguous, and impressive is the picture you paint, Steve. I read it to Pete and he shakes his head in wonder, as do I. You have excelled yourself again, and we delight in the reading. Thank you. Giddy

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015

Thanks so much, Giddy. free Verse is not my usual area of expertise, as you know. I did think I'd done quite well with this, but the first half dozen reviews were pretty lukewarm, so it's good to get some really positive feedback. dare I say that the pople who know what they're talking about have been more complimentary!

Steve

Comment from GregoryCody

Exceptional

Whoa Steve this is GREAT. I love your flow here. Really really nice choices of words. Message is clear.

and the heavy boom of artillery
thunders down the valley.

That is an awesome couplet. thunders down the valley...

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 29-Jun-2015

Greg, thanks for the very kind words and the six stars - much appreciated.

Steve

Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Hello to you . kiwisteveh
Your free verse has the torrent power from the river gods knowing how to destroy that once--

murmured and meandered
around the maze of bald-headed grey rocks
to pool in dreamy shallows
where floating dragons flaunt hazy iridescence
over the lazy waters

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 29-Jun-2015

Thanks, Gert.

Steve

reply by Gert sherwood on 29-Jun-2015

You are welcome Steve

Gert

Comment from amahra

Excellent

This is my third Free Verse I've read for the contest. And I must say, this one is one of the best I've read. Great word choice; very well written, lots of wonderful similes.

 Comment Written 29-Jun-2015

---

reply by the author on 29-Jun-2015

Thanks for the kind words.

Steve