Reviews from

With Each Path, A Healing Prayer

Despite life's challenges, so much for which to be grateful

56 total reviews 
Comment from nancyjam
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is lovely Diane. I love the hopeful message carried in each stanza,
as we all wonder when lie will return to normal.
Nature is the healer, a gift from God.
Your images are beautiful and I like the prayerful last line in each stanza.
Thanks for sharing.
Nancy

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Nancy!
    So pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Manh C Dang
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is perhaps my favorite poem of yours. It speaks of the beauty of nature, the blessings of our Creator, and your grateful heart. There is such a sense of peace and tranquility reading this writing. Congratulations of a work well done!

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Manh,
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
    I'm not certain if this offering is my favorite, but I surely felt a sense of peace penning it. It would be so easy to sink into the depths of despair, and even anger, over the events of this past year, but I choose to see the positives, the beauty, the wonder, the grace of it all...
    Thank you so very much!
    diane
reply by Manh C Dang on 14-Mar-2021
    You are very welcome!
Comment from joycetreasures
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Mrs. KT.

This is a lovely sincere poem about the Creator's beautiful creation. His love for us is shared in his beautiful universe. Walking down a path allows us to see the awesome beauty in our world. I love walking and praying as I trot a path. I love the imagery you used; flowers and two gently doves. There's a joy in touching all the beautiful fronds as one walk down a path. There's always a healing prayer when one stop and pray. This is a beautiful heartfelt prayer. I am so thankful we can pray to the Savior and know he hears us. Well done.

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Joyce!
    So very pleased you stopped by! It's been far too long!
    Thank you for your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
    My husband and I have been so blessed to be able to raise our children - and still remain - in a part of the country that is filled with wonder every season. So much beauty to behold and appreciate... And each path is healing, if we allow it to be...

    Thank you again!
    diane
reply by joycetreasures on 14-Mar-2021
    You are welcome, Mrs. KT. Stay safe and keep loving our awesome creator.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You did an excellent job, Mrs. KT. I loved reading every word of your poem. I could see everything you wrote about how nature can, and does, heal one's lagging spirit. Your lines flow smoothly with great details that create great imagery of your beautiful special place. I like the perfect images your paired with your words, too. The way you ended each verse with subtle change that's applicable to the content of each verse is super. You are right. There's so much to be thankful everyday--so many overlook the small things. I like the mention of all the critters at your pond. Yes, life goes on--even when there are major ups and downs. Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Thank you ever so much, Jan, for your exceptional rating and thorough review. I am so pleased that you noticed what I was attempting to do with each stanza - pairing the ending prayer with the content of what I observed. I realized as I was writing this piece, and it's something that I've mentioned to a few folks who have stopped by today, that I often whisper prayers as I go about my day. I think I've done this all my life. But this poem brought it into perspective... if that makes sense. When I see the daffodils, I do whisper a prayer of joy. The same thing happens when I see deer or returning robins. And nature teaches us so much - even at times like this year - there is always hope and healing to be had...
    Thank you so much!

    Take Care!
    diane
reply by Jannypan (Jan) on 14-Mar-2021
    We had blowing dirt with winds of 45-50mph today. Nature is mad at us here, I guess. But really, it is March and is normal.
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Well, I hope nature calms down this week! We were to head to Colorado to meet our newest grandson. We've delayed our departure until Tuesday, but even then, we may still have to wait! Goodness!
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is lovely! I took a brief hiatus from FS and from all the internet, mostly. I've gone back to reading the books I put away so long to one day read and now, I have no excuse but to savor their wonder, mystery, and knowledge. My dear friend, David, reminds me to feed my mind and so I have.
This poem speaks of your journey through this difficult time we have all experienced and it does so with grace, style, and with love in your heart. I like the refrain that changes yet, stays true to form, that with each stanza you say a prayer. Heartfelt and full of life, this is a fine example of true poetry. I hope you are doing well, and my thoughts (and prayers) are with you, my friend!
Jesse

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Jesse!
    Well, I surely am glad you are reading and thriving. I like the idea of "feeding one's mind!" I, too, have so many books I want to read! Must make time!
    This offering began as a Kyrielle, and then it "took on a life of its own" as I realized a few things about myself:
    1. I often pray as I walk - or go about my daily life. Often not a conscious prayer, but a prayer nonetheless. And that I've been doing it since I was a little girl.
    2. That what I see in nature often provides the source of my "prayers."
    3. That nature has taught me so much about life.
    4. That I have been incredibly blessed...

    My husband and I were to have left for Colorado yesterday to meet our new grandson. Well, the blizzard derailed our departure, but we are still aiming to leave on Tuesday - driving all the way to Ft. Collins! Keep us in your thoughts! We won't do anything crazy, and I promise we'll "keep our eyes on the skies!"

    Thank you again, Jesse!
    Here's to a beautiful week!

    diane
reply by Jesse James Doty on 14-Mar-2021
    Good afternoon, Diane!
    Prayer sums up for me, to be small feelings of gratitude as I enjoy what life has to offer. Nature for sure is great for feeling close to our creator and as such, constitutes prayer as I stroll along the nature path across from my home.
    I'll be thinking about you as you head to your grandson's home on Tuesday. Stay mindful of the storms, my friend!
    Have a safe trip!
    Jesse
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Thank you, Jesse!
    We're still "on hold," but my bags are packed! :)

    Take Care!
    diane
reply by Jesse James Doty on 14-Mar-2021
    Wishing you well, my friend!

    Safe journey!
    Take good care of yourself,
    Jesse
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Thank you, Jesse!
    We won't do anything foolish! There is always another time, but "Grandma" surely wants to hold that little bundle!

    diane
reply by Jesse James Doty on 14-Mar-2021
    And so you should!

    Jesse
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Beautifully written Diane, the year is up here too, with only a few deaths really, I think more people would have died here from other afflictions, only God knows how many, being distracted by the Covid pandemic, well done, blessings Roy
Suggestion, "With each new path... I'd have to say "prayer" would be only one syllable, however strict we were Diane, it scans as one too. As is fair.

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Roy!
    So pleased you enjoyed.
    Every source, including the three listed below, cite "prayer" as containing two syllables: pray/er
    "prayer." HowManySyllables.com. How Many Syllables, n.d. Web. 14 March 2021.

    Syllables in Prayer | Divide Prayer into Syllables (syllablecount.com)

    How Many Syllables are in Prayer | Divide into Syllables (poetrysoup.com)

    Thank you again!
    diane
reply by royowen on 14-Mar-2021
    Logic would say it?s only got one stress in, it?s my ear that gives me authority, as a musician I could never fit it into my lyrics as two syllables I would have to change ?fair? too.
Comment from evesayshi
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In my opinion, a superb and without a moment's conjecture, a timely write, reminding us of what we have, not lost, so important and relevant during this unhappy anniversary - smoothly rendered in both rhyme and imagery. It is appreciated - thank you...

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Eve,
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
    It's been a challenging year on so many levels. But throughout, there have also been some beautiful experiences. For instance, I am now a grandmother to two beautiful grandsons! So blessed.
    And blessed as well to be able to go outside and breathe fresh air and enjoy nature.
    So very pleased my words resonated with you!

    Thank you again!
    diane
reply by evesayshi on 14-Mar-2021
    You are very welcome, Diane, and I am gratified, both by your superb write and your response to my review. It is indeed a time for reflection and gratitude for the moments you describe in your poem, notes and review response.
    Thank you for sharing all...Eve
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Thank you, Eve!

    Here's to new pathways to healing... and spring! :)

    diane
reply by evesayshi on 14-Mar-2021
    You are so welcome, Diane, and I join you in your warm salutation...Eve
Comment from Reese Turner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very nice visit to a very special place. Well rhymed and timed and flows so nice! I feel sorry for those who have not had a COVID retreat, a place to go where a person does not feel like a prisoner. You and I are so lucky. We have such places. Yours is filled with flowers and fawns, mine has fairways and frustrations. Lucky us!

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Thank you, Reese!
    I am thankful everyday for finding this place and being able to raise our children here...
    So pleased you enjoyed my offering!
    Best wishes on those fairways!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Miss Cookie Atkinson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love the photo you choose to go with your poem, you captured my attention o just like you watching the dove drinking water with out any fear.
This is a delightful poem for a Sunday.
Thank you for sharing
Cookie

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Cookie!
    So very pleased you enjoyed!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and complimentary review!

    Thank you!
    diane
reply by Miss Cookie Atkinson on 14-Mar-2021
    It was my pleasure.
    take care
    Cookie
Comment from Suzanna Ray
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Dear diane, You have written before of Miller's pond and the solas that it has provided you, during this whole sequester. Each time the theme is the same, but the poem is always different . . . This time you have listed 10 different kinds of prayers, each one enfolded by these wonderful rhymes and images with Beautiful illustrations like bookends on this post. Thank you for taking me on this walk today, with you.

 Comment Written 14-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2021
    Hello Suzanna,
    Thank you for your excellent rating and thoughtful review.
    I discovered - quite late, I may add - that I intuitively pray as I go on about my day... And nature provides the paths...

    Thank you!
    diane