Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

I don't know anything about Oak Kings, Holly Kings, or Celtic myths and legends.
Save for the Kelpie horse, perhaps.
Still, I know darn good poetry when I read it; poetry that features an appealing rhyme scheme and meter, which a Pantygynt poem always seems to do, and has an alluring tale to tell.
This poem certainly qualifies on all counts, Carol.
Bravo!
~Dean

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016

Thanks so much, Dean. I know of the kelpies myself - good stuff!
Carol

reply by Dean Kuch on 12-Dec-2016

My pleasure as always, Carol.
I wrote a poem about the Kelpie Horse for a contest that never materialized but was announced.
It's good to know that someone knows what they are, heh-heh...
~Dean

reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016

Yes I agree! I sometimes wrongly assume people know things that I think are common knowledge...lol.

reply by Dean Kuch on 12-Dec-2016

Live and learn, right? :)

Comment from Cass Carlton

Exceptional

Ooh my goodness you really bring out the Celt in me with this wonderful piece. This poem tells of the inexorable rise and fall of the seasons , celebrated in ancient times with rituals and ceremonies now long forgotten.(Or only barely remembered) The foot notes are very interesting and serve to clarify the poem's meaning for those not familiar with Celtic mythology. cheers Cass

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 12-Dec-2016

Many thanks, Cass. I just love this Celtic stuff, as you can tell :))

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Yule!
Carol

Comment from misscookie

Excellent

Wow that is some artwork you choose to go with your poem
It is a perfect match for your poem
You captured my attention from the first line to the last
I found this to be a very interesting read.
Thank you for sharing.
Cookie

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 11-Dec-2016

Thank you, I appreciate this,
Carol

reply by misscookie on 12-Dec-2016

You';re very welcome.take care.
Cookie

Comment from michaelcahill

Exceptional

Jeesh. This is killer. I love this form too though I find the awdl version a little tough. LOL (but worth it)
This is just gorgeous, I don't know where to begin. It's one of those get-up and storm around the room swearing type pieces. The feel of this is it was written long ago and has been a classic for a long time. But it doesn't feel old. What a weird review, I know. Loved it. mikey

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

You may have noticed I avoided the Awdl version here, lol. THANK YOU for such a great review, I love it. Weird reviews are the greatest :))
Don't you love the picture too? It makes him look so mystical and terrifying!!! Which is awesome.
Thanks so much, Mikey! Happy Yule :)))

Comment from Nika2016

Excellent

Well ..what about Green Man? Where does he fit into your tale? Seaglass posted her Holly King poem last week with Green Man overtaking Holly King to usher in spring. This seems more plausible and creates a trinity.
Your poem has nice rhymes..imagery ...and also
a nice cadence...

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

There are different traditions and beliefs. I'm not saying I don't believe in Green Man, but here I chose to focus on Holly and Oak. I did see Caroline's poem too, I loved it.
Carol

reply by Nika2016 on 10-Dec-2016

OK...I remember your spring Green Man...

Comment from Ric Myworld

Exceptional

Wow, I'll have to do some homework to keep up and understand your Celtic-based traditional poem offerings. This is very different than most of what I've read and definitely keeps my attention. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

Thanks, this is an old, old tale, from pagan times. I have been fascinated with the Holly and Oak Kings since I read about them as teenager. It's a passion of mine, and I thank you for this fabulous review :))

Happy Yule!
Carol

Comment from Gloria ....

Exceptional

This is a fabulous Pantygynt. The form fits so well with the legend for a smooth read and a mighty tale.

Love it!

Gloria

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

Thanks so much! I'm amazed you have a six left, and I deeply appreciate it :))

Happy Yule, my friend!
Carol

Comment from Joan E.

Exceptional

It's two hours later in NOLA--just enough time for one more review before bedtime, and I was glad to see your Celtic theme pop up. I enjoyed your dramatic storytelling, rhymes, alliteration and the wonderful "wheel of life" metaphor. Cheers and sweet dreams- Joan

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

Thank you so much, Joan! How sweet of you to check in, and I appreciate what has to be the last of your sixes! Hey, do watch out for the Hurricanes - the alcoholic kind. They are strong! But enjoy the food :))
hugs, Carol.

reply by Joan E. on 11-Dec-2016

I don't drink alcohol, and so far the weather is stable and in the 50's, but rain is coming... Bon appetite! Joan

Comment from RodG

Excellent

I can almost hear a Celtic bard singing this ballad of the two great kings. Some wonderful imagery throughout and I really like the rhyme scheme chosen.
Great description of the Holly King in stanza 2 and you clarify the seasonal cycle very well in your last two stanzas.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 10-Dec-2016

---

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2016

The rhyme scheme was invented by our own Pantygynt, on Fanstory. I really like this form for poems such as this one - telling a story with dramatic appeal (one hopes). Thank you so much for this great review! :))
Carol