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Viewing comments for Chapter 61 "African Wind"
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74 total reviews 
Comment from GWHARGIS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Beautiful free verse. Btw, my favorite style of poetry. I am not much on rules when writing and can't follow directions worth a damn. Your poem was almost ethereal. Very calming, like drawing in a deep and soothing breath. Well done. Gretchen

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Oh, you're description is just what I want to hear. I'm just delighted it affected you like that. I agree, rules aren't my thing either. Thanks so much, Gretchen
    mikey
Comment from Alan K Pease
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A poem carrying the thrill of mystery set to a musical theme of an African forest of dreams not to be taken for granted. The picture/poem is excellent.

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Thanks, Alan
    Delighted you enjoyed this. mikey
Comment from MissMerri
Excellent
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I enjoyed the parallel form of this poem. I love the piano music as a representation of the personality of the speaker. To listen carefully to all the clues is really an important part of truly understanding another. This is beautifully illustrated in this pared down, concise and elegant free verse poem. There is not one unnecessary word, the mark of careful writing. I enjoyed this immensely and wish I still had some sixes in my basket.

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Well, wonderful words of praise from one of my favorite poets will do just fine. I'm so very pleased you enjoyed this. Thanks a million. mikey
Comment from Kooky Clown
Excellent
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I read the words and then closed my eyes and found it so soothing a peaceful calm it was a really lovely experience. Thank you so much for sharing it.

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    How very nice to hear. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from Louise Michelle
Excellent
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Oh, boy, are you sure you want my two cents? I'm not much of a poet (I just like writing funny verses), so what I say is based solely on my gut reaction.

I think I understand what you're saying by close your eyes and then open them. I think you're saying to imagine. If that's the case, the first sense I would address is sight, not sound. Maybe zoom into a dark room with just the piano keyboard and the fingers.

I can't give examples because I don't write this kind of poetry. I will say this since we've been 'talking' about Fan Story stuff, writers are sometimes too dependent on the image they post instead of creating the image with their words.

Criticism aside (constructive or otherwise), I did enjoy your presentation. The image is awesome and I was able to imagine a lovely scenario. Hugs, Lou

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Oh, good. Imagining a scenario is something I would hope for. Yes also, it is sight that the sound should trigger. And that is certainly true they rely on the image instead of creating it with their words. See, you did fine. You don't have to be poetry crazy to offer an opinion a poet would be interested in. LOL
    Thanks for stopping by. mikey I was after another ((((HUG))) too.
Comment from duchessofdrumborg
Excellent
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"African Wind" is an exceptionally well-written piece. This talented poet's work was a pleasure to both read and review.

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    How very nice to hear from you. I'm most pleased you enjoyed this. Thanks so very much, mikey
reply by duchessofdrumborg on 20-May-2016
    mikey, I certainly enjoyed your work.

    Best wishes, the Duchess
Comment from jonathan1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was an interesting piece. I enjoyed the tone it was written in, the way it was structured was engaging. It flowed well. This is a quirky piece that captures the curiosity of the reader

 Comment Written 20-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    It is clear by your review that you are not reading the pieces you are reviewing.
reply by jonathan1 on 20-May-2016
    I did actually read your piece.
    Sorry my review did not meet your lofty standards
reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    So you say. None of your reviews mention a single aspect of any piece you read. A word from the piece itself, what it was about or anything relating to it. You can see where I'd question you. Not lofty standards at all.
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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Michael,
This is a great presentation--the music is perfect, the color scheme enhances your well written words, and the theme is expressed beautifully, too.

I like the use of the word 'listen.' One can learn so much about others by listening--how they feel, what makes them tick, and why one is attracted to them in the first place.' You can 'see' their soul--the real person without a lot of fake 'stuff' on the outside.

I really like the way the words swirl back & forth over the image--just like a soft wind swirling around you. Good job with embedding the words in the image [and a great image it is].

This seems like a slow, sensual dance between 2 people--maybe lovers.

Good job and thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    Oh wow, Jan
    Your descriptions are almost better than the poem. How beautifully you describe everything. It thrills me to hear all of it. Thanks so very much. mikey
Comment from l.raven
Excellent
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Hi Michael, music puts us in places we wish we could be...places where our imagination just runs away with us...close your eyes...chills...you are there...I would love to see you write more with music...you truly have the writing skill to do it...love this sweet boy...very well written...music beautiful...Luff Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    Aww. I'm just delighted to hear your words. Perhaps I will. It was such a different experience for me. I actually enjoy listening to this myself and reading the words too. Strange for me. I'm thrilled with your response. Smiles. mikey xxoo
reply by l.raven on 20-May-2016
    give it a whirl...LOL...I'm so glad you like it...love Linda xxoo
Comment from Leineco
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Simply swept me away.

Whether it was written for a specific woman (in which
case I would call it a beautiful serenade) or conceptually
(in which case I would call it a cantata) it carries both
longing and promise.

It is the voice of the heart calling and the sound of a new
language, straining to be understood.

I repeat - simply swept me away.


 Comment Written 19-May-2016


reply by the author on 20-May-2016
    Wow. I'm humbled. I can only say thank you. I couldn't ask for higher praise. I'm sure to return and read this many times. I'm just thrilled you enjoyed this so much. Big smiles, mikey