Reviews from

Mumba the Stray

A sonnet

39 total reviews 
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

How tragic. I didn't understand the poem too well but when I read the notes I grasped my chest and felt such sadness on what a terrible way to go. This true tale in a rhyming poem tells a well-thought-out story but it didn't come across as you had anticipated. The tragic scene inside my head I cannot shake although I wish I could.
Please warn me before you write such tragic news.
Jesse


 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Dear Jesse, thank you so much for your kind review and thoughts. I have actually extended my notes before I read your suggestion. This occurred a significant time ago, he lived for another 12 years or so, was a very special dog that will always be remembered. In this sense, I believe his soul lives on. I'm sorry for any distress this might have brought. Thank you again, Debbie
reply by Jesse James Doty on 20-Nov-2023
    Okay.
Comment from Judith B.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I don't cry easily but I am almost weeping after reading this. It is so accurate about what a pet means to people, especially someone who is suffering. So well done and relatable.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Judith, for such a wonderful review! I deeply appreciate your lovely words and am delighted the verse was meaningful to you. Take care Debbie
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My dog suffered from a similar accident several years ago now, when he was hit by a car in a normally quiet road. I can't even think about it without becoming upset even now, but I'm just glad he didn't suffer and it was over quickly. A well written, heart warming read, he truly sounds like a special friend.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Jacob. Your kind review and thoughts are, as ever, greatly appreciated. We've had many dogs over the years, mostly terriers, but no other dog has ever come close to Mumba. When we talk about souls transitioning, his was a special example. Thanks again. Debbie
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The poem tells a tale of man and beast who are both in need of a friend. Things sometimes come our way, maybe with divine intervention, to heal the pain of the moment and then perhaps when the more urgent hurt is healed and there is no longer a crisis things go back to allow the man to get on with life. This is beautiful story in poem.

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Beth! Your kind review and lovely words are greatly appreciated. Take care Debbie
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Isn't it amazing the magical way animals can "appear" in our lives? I've heard so many (beautiful) stories like this one that way. I had a friend who had just lost his dog, and a couple days later was out driving, to work through the pain a little, and, WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH HIS WINDOW OPEN, A DOG LEAPED INTO HIS OPEN WINDOW!!! They're just angels, these wonderful little furry creatures.

Your story about Mumba is so beautiful...and memorable. Is this a recent loss? And is this a picture of Mumba?

Extremely well done poem, Deb...but then, that's all you know how to write!! xoxox

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Dear Elle, thank you sooo much! Your kindness and support are so greatly valued. This was, in fact. a long time ago and we've had many dogs since, mostly terriers, but Mumba was particularly special. When they talk about souls transitioning, this was definitely a great example. He had compassion shining through those doleful eyes (even my mother was inspired to write a poem about him and she didn't do that often!). Yes, that's him in the pic. Thanks so much again. Debbie
reply by Rachelle Allen on 20-Nov-2023
    Well, he's gorgeous, and I can understand why he made such an impact on your lives. xo
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Aww, it sounds like Mumba knew that he was meant to be where he was. And at just the right time.

I love, love, love the last line. Mumba served a purpose before he died - this is the stuff miracles are made of.

How long did your husband have with Mumba before he passed?

What a lovely tribute you have written for "man's best friend".

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much for your kindness and support here! He was a very special dog and 'knocked spots' of all the others we've ever had. He knew things and we always said he'd been here before and has probably now transitioned into another life. Amazing dog, he lived probably another 12 years but was very spirited and liked the ladies (he should have been neutered, I know). Thanks again, Pam, Debbie
Comment from JT traveller
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, I love your author's notes and the emotions you put into your poem, Debbie. I enjoyed the poem but also feel sad. Beautiful photo of the dog and lovely presentation. Iust say, I have received a lot of negativity on this site and plan to leave tomorrow. Thank you for all your support throughout my journey. Jacqueline xx

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Jacqueline, I'm so sorry to hear that you're planning to leave.This is quite a shock and I can't understand why you, of all people, should be the subject of negativity. You have such talent and great promise in your writing that I can only hope you find some other more worthy forum for your work. Your wonderful review is greatly valued although I'm sorry that it might have caused you more sadness. He was a special dog whose soul, I'm convinced, will live on. Do keep in touch with me if you can. Love Debbie xx
reply by JT traveller on 20-Nov-2023
    I will definitely keep in touch. In the last 2 days my gender and sexuality has been questioned. People have asked, "What is your real name, John?" and "You write like a man."

    I feel I am receiving more negativity than joy so choose to leave.

    It was wonderful to meet you on here. Take care, Jacqui xx
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    This is outrageous, Jacqui, and needs to be reported to Tom. It's simply not fair that this sort of offensive stuff is spewed out without any sanction from the owner of the site. And you feel driven to leave. Please re-consider because I would definitely help you take up this cause if you would allow me to. I know you have a significant fanbase and whoever has said these things is simply not worth the time of day.
reply by JT traveller on 20-Nov-2023
    Oh Debbie. I wish I could meet you in person one day. I will simply leave but definitely stay in touch. Jacqueline xx
reply by JT traveller on 20-Nov-2023
    I received this email from another woman on my private email. Oh my what a busy woman I have no idea. Who the jumping lizards Are you woman? Hahaha 🤣 speaking of Publishing and all of that ha ha.
    Pretty impressive. You must be an established writer I presume .

    I was thinking you're just somebody who comes and goes or someone new on fan story. Lol all I knew of you was an anonymous little poem that I voted for.
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Who is she, Jacqui? I don't really understand what she's trying to say. She sounds bonkers...you can't let madness win. And why is she on your private email?
reply by JT traveller on 20-Nov-2023
    She asked me to beta read for her. I am a kind person and I like to give back so I sent her my private email address so she could send a Word document. Her name is Kerry.
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    I'm passing this matter on to a friend of mine here who's very proactive helping others on this site. I'll keep in touch with you in the morning. But please don't go anywhere....xos
reply by JT traveller on 20-Nov-2023
    I've written to Tom just advising him that I want to close my account. Thank you for your kind words. Jacqui xx
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Debbie, I am happy that Mumba played so important a role in your husband's life. I know how it hurts. I lost my 6 month old puppy a few days ago. I only knew him 5 of those. To lose a companion of many years and with so many shared memories is rough. I'm sure you feel the loss as well.

Lots of love,
Rhonda

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

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Rhonda, for your kindness and support again. I'm so sorry to hear about your little pup. That's so sad. And, yes, they do become close companions and, of all our dogs, he was particularly special and we always said he'd been here before. Thank again and take care. Love Debbie x
Comment from JSD
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Aww, lovely heartfelt verse, Debbie. A perfectly composed sonnet with its rhythm and rhyme assured and enhancing your message. The note adds such a level of meaning to the poem. So moving. x

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

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    How on earth did you do that so quickly! Thank you so much, John.
reply by JSD on 20-Nov-2023
    It popped up in my messages so I reviewed it!
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2023
    It was just mighty quick:)
reply by JSD on 20-Nov-2023
    Funny. Women have said that to me before.