Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

This is in my opinion a prize worthy poem. Very well constructed and a joy to read. I enjoyed reading your authors note almost as much as reading the poem.

 Comment Written 09-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Oh, thank you, DonandVicki, for your generous review. I am excited about the contest and feel I have a prize worthy poem.

Comment from djeckert

Exceptional

This is so cool. It is,quite beautiful and filled with great depth. I wonder if the line " My mother embodied Sankofa
because she never forgot the cotton fields
she had picked "... if you really need to directly say because( if you could substitute the because with something more poetic) just my thoughts anyways for this beautiful piece!! good luck.

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Thank you, djeckert, for your generous, six star review and suggestion. I omitted "because" and used a semi colon:

"My mother embodied Sankofa;
she never forgot the cotton fields. . ."

I also omitted a second "because" in my poem to tighten it up. Thank you for your review, suggestion, and wishing me good luck in the contest.

Comment from Treischel

Exceptional

This is a well crafted story poem with a heart of redemption and a dance with mystical soul. You blended in a mother's example with that magical bird. Wonderfully written. Excellent imagery.

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 08-May-2016

Thank you, Treischel, for your generous, six star review. I am thrilled at the results with my "well crafted story poem with a heart."

Comment from Walu Feral

Excellent

G'day Mate. Sorry I haven't been around much lately.

This is another beautifully written piece and I hope you win the Grand prize in your contest, you deserve it. You have a great ability to tell a story in a poem and in an educational way as well. I always enjoy your work.

Cheers and good luck

Fez

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Yes, Fez, so good to see your work again. I began to think we had lost you.

Many people have complimented me on my storytelling ability in this poem and on my ability to educate and entertain. I am glad you found it so. Thanks again, my friend. Thank you also for wishing me good luck in the contest.

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Helloooo ... I was wondering when you were going to write a poem. :) Sankofa is an awesome poem/story! I heard you are a great storyteller. I think it's great because storytelling may be a dying art. I am not sure. But I think it's not as prevalent as it was in the past. Good job!

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Yes, Gypsy, I was under the gun to write and submit this poem in time for the Dancing Poetry Contest. I did not want to gripe woulda, shoulda, coulda afterwards.

Many reviewers have complimented me on my storytelling ability in this poem. As an art form, storytelling is not dying. Even though I just attended the Bay Area Storytelling Festival which disbanded last week after thirty years, storytelling continues to change and evolve with young people. There are events everywhere in San Francisco.


Thank you for your review. I should write poems more often and not wait for a contest.

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This poem serves to educate, entertain, and blend the history of another culture with ones we are more familiar with. The image of the heart might very well be where our heart image comes from. Really liked this one.

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Oh, thank you, Bill, for your review. I am glad I wrote a poem that educated and entertained. It is magic to touch people. Thanks.

Comment from MizKat

Excellent

Hi Sis Cat,

I enjoyed reading your poem. It is very nice. You mom sounded like a very nice woman too. I'm happy that you found her poetry because I'm sure she was really great in writing it too.

MizKat

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Yes, MizKat, my mother was a great poet and a nice woman. I am amazed at her work. She inspires me to press onward. I am glad your enjoyed my poetic tribute to her. Thank you for your review.

reply by MizKat on 09-May-2016

My mom was great in many things, but I don't remember her ever writing poetry. It's great that you mom did. MizKat

Comment from Marykelly

Excellent

The legend of the sankofa is beautiful and makes a perfect metaphor for motherhood. Fortunately you discovered your mother's message to you and now inspired by her poems, you write your own and become part of the legend.

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 09-May-2016

Yes, Marykelly, I write my own poetry and become part of the legend of Sankofa--a perfect metaphor for motherhood. Thank you for your review.

Comment from P1

Excellent

this is absolutely aesome
it made me tingle. the picture is amazing
and the wors yo chose to use fitted together
perfectly good luck with the rest of the contest
keep up the good word

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 08-May-2016

Oh, thank you, Paige for your review and contest well wishes. You're the first reviewer to feel a "tingle" from my poem. Thanks.

Comment from candyfink

Excellent

You have so much talent in you that goes beyond one lifetime. It's very clear you are a wonderful storyteller. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 08-May-2016

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reply by the author on 08-May-2016

Thank you, Candybarr, for your review and compliment. I have to give Mom credit for my poetic and storytelling gifts.