Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

These French repeating-line forms can be awkward to present naturally as the repeated lines can become intrusive, but yours flow quite naturally here and I think the song of praise form helps greatly to achieve that. Somehow we expect it. I only hope the villanelle I shall be posting tomorrow will achieve this as effectively as yours has done.

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 18-May-2015

Thank you for the encouraging review. I appreciate your insights on the form and am happy to hear you think I've done it effectively.

Comment from judester

Excellent

The faith and conviction in this poem is clear andpowerful. Great flow and imagery. I enjoyed this and read it a fewmore times, cheers judester

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 25-May-2015

Hi Judester,
I find it a great compliment that you would read the poem several times. I appreciate the gracious comments about the message and the writing. Debi

Comment from Writingfundimension

Excellent

'Though I'm alone and shunned in Galilee,
a leper's lot, but still He stops to care.
He restores my soul and cares for me.'

Great use of enjambment here, Debi. What a lovely and thoughtful poem.

:) Bev

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 18-May-2015

Thank you for the great review, Bev. I appreciate you stopping by to read and review, and to give encouragement. Now I need to work on Piper's story. I look forward to reading more of Dr. Morales. And it looks like you have some other great things in your portfolio, too.

reply by Writingfundimension on 19-May-2015

Hi, Debi. My pleasure--the poem really touched my soul.

I miss writing poetry. I so enjoyed all my classes and the inspiration I received from all of them, especially with Brooke. I'm going back to see if I missed any posting on your story of Piper, as I see I may have missed your second submission. Anywho, have a great rest of the week.

:) Bev

Comment from Brett Matthew West

Excellent

Author makes a very point in the presentation of this poem's repeated hook line "'Tis the grandest gift in all eternity".

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 25-May-2015

Thank you for the great review. I appreciate you pointing out the line you liked the best. It truly is a great gift He gave us, isn't it?
Debi

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

A very nice tribute to our Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary. He died to set us free. You seem to have followed the rhyme pattern. Well done. It doesn't say anything about meter or syllable count so I guess you pass although lines are irregular. Love the message. Well done. :<) Nancy

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 25-May-2015

Hi Nancy,
The structure of the Villanelle didn't mention anything about syllable count or meter. I read several before attempting this one and the syllable count and meter were all over the place, sometimes even within the same poem.
I appreaciate you insightful comments about the message. Christ is so amazing and what He did for us is beyond comprehension. God bless. Debi

Comment from RodG

Excellent

I like the simplicity of how you tell the tale of Jesus as he SHOWED his love for others and how that love "restores" the poet's soul and "rescues me."
You chose a wonderful refrain to build this villanelle around as it emphasizes your message clearly to all readers.
The structure of your poem (i.e.--meter & rhyme) are flawless.
Very nicely done!

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 25-May-2015

Thank you for the gracious comments about the writing. I especially like your remarks about the simplicity and showing. I appreciate the encouragement. Thank you. Debi

Comment from Jose Saic

Excellent

This is beautiful poem that makes a tribute to our Lord. He knows our name and looks for us to heal our life sufferings.
Jesus showed us the real meaning of forgiveness when in Calvary He said to his Father, please forgive them, because they are not knowing what are they are doing.
These verses are a testimony of a grateful soul.

I liked it

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 18-May-2015

Thank you, Jose Saic, for sharing your insights and letting me know what the verse meant to you. I am happy you liked it.

I visited your page, but sadly, I do not speak Spanish so I could not read your poetry.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review mine.

reply by Jose Saic on 19-May-2015

You are welcome.

Comment from Nosha17

Excellent

The use of the repeating lines helps to accentuate the power of the message and the power of Christ. Having faith in Him and knowing He cares about us helps us to get through our lives in peace. Excellent rhyming and message. Faye

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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 25-May-2015

Hi Faye,
Thank you for the kind comments about the writing. I especially appreciate you mentioning how the repeating lines acentuate the message and the power of Christ. Thank you for you insightful comments about the message too. I appreciate the encouragement. Debi

Comment from Sis Cat

Excellent

I enjoyed this Villanelle for its message, structure, and repetition through which the poem strengthens and the message deepens as I progressed reading it. This is a humble poem of faith and a superb example of poetic craft.

Thank you for sharing.

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

 Comment Written 16-May-2015

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reply by the author on 18-May-2015

Thank you for the very kind remarks about the writing and your insights about the message. I am happy that you enjoyed it and I appreciate the encouragement.