Of Poets and Poetry
Viewing comments for Chapter 23 "The Wanderings of a Child"NaPoWriMo 2016 Challenge (30 Poems in April)
14 total reviews
Comment from Helen Bach
Wow, Kim, this is wonderful. What an utterly charming and captivating poem from beginning to end. At first it reminded me of my own childhood and the country walks with an enthusiastic naturist Uncle but then you show me other things... fireweed and porcupines, mountains and Northern lights. This is one of the best poems I have ever read. I actually felt quite emotional at times, which very rarely happens to me. I will have to revisit to see why. The images from your poem will stay with me today. This is a work of art and I love it. Thank you for sharing this. Hugs xx
reply by the author on 25-Apr-2016
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Wow, Kim, this is wonderful. What an utterly charming and captivating poem from beginning to end. At first it reminded me of my own childhood and the country walks with an enthusiastic naturist Uncle but then you show me other things... fireweed and porcupines, mountains and Northern lights. This is one of the best poems I have ever read. I actually felt quite emotional at times, which very rarely happens to me. I will have to revisit to see why. The images from your poem will stay with me today. This is a work of art and I love it. Thank you for sharing this. Hugs xx
Comment Written 25-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 25-Apr-2016
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Hi Helen,
Your amazing comments have made my day already! :) Thank you so much for sharing so many thoughts on this poem. Your reactions are priceless. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review. I feel really fortunate to have grown up here and love to share Alaska with everyone. Thank you for all of the compliments.
Kim
Comment from Leineco
Usually I find myself quitting half way through
when presented with style of free verse - but I have to
admit - the "travelogue" concept you have employed
here totally captivated me.
But it was more than that - it was also the intimate feel
of discovery (both of the physical world and your history)
that captivated me. Of how both your adopted home and
your adoption played out here.
Beautifully penned Dovey! :-)
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Usually I find myself quitting half way through
when presented with style of free verse - but I have to
admit - the "travelogue" concept you have employed
here totally captivated me.
But it was more than that - it was also the intimate feel
of discovery (both of the physical world and your history)
that captivated me. Of how both your adopted home and
your adoption played out here.
Beautifully penned Dovey! :-)
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Leineco,
I was really going for the style of Walt Whitman here, and I am so glad that you were able to stay captivated throughout the length of the poem. Thank you for all of the wonderful comments. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review.
Kim
Comment from judiverse
This is wonderful free verse, and best of luck in the contest. You show how much one can learn from nature, and I love all the details about the diverse creations you got to see. You make the reader feel the connection with nature. This sounds like a tribute to adoptive parents, too. It is a tribute to them that they can show love for that child, just as if he or she was their own. I can't even begin to imagine the wonder of the Northern lights. judi
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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This is wonderful free verse, and best of luck in the contest. You show how much one can learn from nature, and I love all the details about the diverse creations you got to see. You make the reader feel the connection with nature. This sounds like a tribute to adoptive parents, too. It is a tribute to them that they can show love for that child, just as if he or she was their own. I can't even begin to imagine the wonder of the Northern lights. judi
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Judi,
You are the first one to mention the adoptive parents aspect. Yes, I was adopted when I was three days old. I was actually born in Portland, Oregon, but we moved to Alaska just before I turned 2. It was my Dad's adventure, and I'm still living it today! I hope you get to see the Northern Lights someday, they truly are amazing. They are something I'd wish for everyone to see in their lifetime. :) Thank you for all of the wonder comments.
Kim
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You're very welcome, Dovey. Adoptive parents can be wonderful. They deserve a lot of credit for welcoming these children as their own. judi
Comment from CD Richards
What a fitting contribution to Earth Day :)
This is a really lovely account of your childhood in your adopted home state, Kim. The descriptions of the scenery and the wildlife are exquisite, and your love of them shows through in every line.
Congratulations, I think it should be a strong contender in the contest!
Craig
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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What a fitting contribution to Earth Day :)
This is a really lovely account of your childhood in your adopted home state, Kim. The descriptions of the scenery and the wildlife are exquisite, and your love of them shows through in every line.
Congratulations, I think it should be a strong contender in the contest!
Craig
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Craig,
I'm so happy you enjoyed the poem. I doubt there was anything in there that you didn't know about me, but the fact that you enjoyed the descriptive qualities makes me smile. :) Have you ever read any Whitman? I think you'd like that poem I listed in the author's notes. Thanks for the wonderful comments.
*hugs*
Kim
Comment from BeasPeas
This poem in the style of Whitman is one which I have enjoyed the most. It has allowed elaboration of description and thought. That combined with your lovely photo are inspiring and a perfect post for Earth Day. Marilyn
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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This poem in the style of Whitman is one which I have enjoyed the most. It has allowed elaboration of description and thought. That combined with your lovely photo are inspiring and a perfect post for Earth Day. Marilyn
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Marilyn,
Thank you so much for the glowing comments :) You've made my day! I appreciate you taking the time to read and review.
Kim
Comment from Pantygynt
This is a great piece of free verse after the manner of Walt Whitman. There are not many who can make this style of free verse interesting or beautiful but here you have proved you are one. When I came upon it I looked askance at the long lines and the not inconsiderable length of the whole piece. However, within about four or five lines I had become totally lost in the Alaskan wilderness' springtime and remained wonderfully captivated by it throughout the year, with the device of the fireweed's life cycle as my calendar.
As a student of literature I feel I ought to be able to explain why, on reading serried ranks of lines that don't scan or rhyme, I normally want to decry them as little more than prose, but on reading this I did not, but I cannot. The conventional signs of poetry, alliteration, consonance, onomatopoeia are largely absent. Everything seems to rest on the spellbinding imagery. I really do wish I had a six for this.
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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This is a great piece of free verse after the manner of Walt Whitman. There are not many who can make this style of free verse interesting or beautiful but here you have proved you are one. When I came upon it I looked askance at the long lines and the not inconsiderable length of the whole piece. However, within about four or five lines I had become totally lost in the Alaskan wilderness' springtime and remained wonderfully captivated by it throughout the year, with the device of the fireweed's life cycle as my calendar.
As a student of literature I feel I ought to be able to explain why, on reading serried ranks of lines that don't scan or rhyme, I normally want to decry them as little more than prose, but on reading this I did not, but I cannot. The conventional signs of poetry, alliteration, consonance, onomatopoeia are largely absent. Everything seems to rest on the spellbinding imagery. I really do wish I had a six for this.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Pantygynt,
A virtual six from you is like striking gold, any day of the week :)
This one is another first for me. I really hadn't tried a free verse in the style of Whitman before, and reading his free verse, to me, is not like most that I've seen here on Fan Story. I took a gamble on the long lines, but that really was his style. I'm so happy that you enjoyed my wanderings through the woods. That sense of imagery is exactly what I get when I read Whitman.
Thank you so much for all of your fabulous comments! :) I appreciate you taking the time to read and review such a long piece.
Kim
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Much of the free verse on this site is actually free style (which allows some rhyme); free verse has none at all or so I am reliably informed. I have just posted today's NaPoWriMo. Would you be good enough to let me know if the picture has come out properly or whether it is still oversize?
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It looks perfect :)
Comment from honeytree
Wonderful poem written in every way
The wonderful time this child had exploring
is so special and would be full of wonderful memories.
Mother nature will always be special for us all.
Honey tree
I have no six left
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Wonderful poem written in every way
The wonderful time this child had exploring
is so special and would be full of wonderful memories.
Mother nature will always be special for us all.
Honey tree
I have no six left
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Annie!
I thank you kindly for the virtual six :) They are every bit as appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my lengthy poem. :)
Kim
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that's fine.
Annie
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That's fine
annie
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That's fine
Annie
Comment from Pearl Edwards
This is a beautiful wander Kim, that you take us on, with you the child growing up amongst the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature. For me it was a unique journey, to a land so different to mine. A lovely read, and good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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This is a beautiful wander Kim, that you take us on, with you the child growing up amongst the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature. For me it was a unique journey, to a land so different to mine. A lovely read, and good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Valda!
Are you back from vacation? I so enjoyed the thoughts you shared about this poem. I'm happy that it held your interest through the length and descriptive passages. I appreciate you stopping in to read and review. Thanks for all of the wonderful comments and six shiny stars.
Kim
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Yes back from holidaying with family down south, only got home last night, so still trying to settle back again.
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I hope you brought home adventures to write about :)
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A great poem to celebrate earth day, it is so much better to grow up in open fields and close to nature than in a big city, where everyone cares only about their own survival.
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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A great poem to celebrate earth day, it is so much better to grow up in open fields and close to nature than in a big city, where everyone cares only about their own survival.
Comment Written 22-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Sandra,
Thank you for taking the time to read and review my poem. I appreciate the wonderful comments. :)
Kim
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
A beautifully written free verse. I had not heard he was credited with being the father of free verse, but heeis porobably one of the best known from that period of time. Very well written, my friend. Best wishes in the contest~Debbie
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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A beautifully written free verse. I had not heard he was credited with being the father of free verse, but heeis porobably one of the best known from that period of time. Very well written, my friend. Best wishes in the contest~Debbie
Comment Written 21-Apr-2016
reply by the author on 22-Apr-2016
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Hi Debbie,
He actually wasn't the first for free verse, but perhaps the most well known from that time period. What I was reading speculated that he set the tone for American poetry to be set apart from the conventions of European structure. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate your thoughts.
Kim