Comment from Trybuck

Exceptional

I believe you have exposed yourself with this one Dean. I have seen a little of you under the mask of horror that you write very well but under that is a very sensitive person that is apt to get his feelings hurt quite often because he cares so deeply, which is why I don't mind reviewing your horror.
Always enjoy your writing, maybe not the topic, but always your writing, Buck

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks, Buck, and you're too kind, sir. You're right, this is directed at myself just as much as it is anyone else. The fact that horror is not your cuppa tea, yet you still take time out to read and review what I've written, makes your reviews appreciated all the more, my friend.

Again, thanks for the exceptional rating and review. They are sincerely appreciated. :}

~Dean

reply by Trybuck on 19-Nov-2014

You're very welcome

Comment from N.K. Wagner

Excellent

Artfully written and illustrated, Dean. Yes, we all wear masks, for protection or privacy...or both. Well done, sir. :) Nancy

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks so much, Nancy. I appreciate you taking time out to R&R this work for me. Congratulations too for being named FanStory's writer for November. You certainly deserved the honor, as far as my humble opinion is concerned.

Thanks again. :}

Respectfully,

~Dean

Comment from Kenneth Schaal

Excellent

'The Mask' is also my favorite rondeau; this is a close second. Well written Dean, and a pleasure to read aloud, or otherwise. Love the way you closed this, and sorry to out of sixes. Kenny

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

No worries, Kenny. Your kind comments, and letting me know you enjoyed reading this is reward enough, my friend. I truly appreciate it. :}

~Dean

Comment from Hareem.S

Exceptional

Beautiful. I wrote on a similar topic one but the lovely and exquisite manner in which you have elaborated the theme is unparalleled. It has a musical cadence to it. Absolutely enjoyed reading this.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thank you very much for your complimentary comments and exceptional rating, Hareem. As you know, I sincerely value your opinion as well as appreciate your work.

All the best to you, my dear friend, and thanks again for everything! :}

~DeanO

Comment from Dom G Robles

Excellent

This poem is something to think about. Each and everyone of us are hiding something which is not the true picture of ours. It would be more honorable, I suppose, if we really let people know of what we are and not trying to hide something. I admire the rhyme and rhythm of the poem. It is excellent. The pictures too, depicts the theme of the poem. My sincerest congratulations.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks for taking the time to read & review this work for me, Dom. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful comments. :}

~Dean

reply by Dom G Robles on 19-Nov-2014

You are welcome Dean. Your two pictures DEPICT
the strength of your poem.

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks again, Dom. :)

Comment from marijmd

Excellent

Despite the creepy imagery - the poem is actually inspirational and lovely. I was half expecting some gory twist at the end!
:) Maria

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Nope, no gory twists in this one, Maria. But, the week's still young... ;}

Thanks so much for the fine review.

~Dean

Comment from Leineco

Excellent

And so you mask your message
behind the graphics
as if with horror's presage
we'll think we've been misled

but beyond the pics' distraction
you kindly remind us
unless we risk exhibition
our words are just. . . habitual.

(nice try at distraction Dean. . .but the light is too bright to reflect :-)

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Well, you caught me, Lorraine, because I am indeed also pointing a gnarled finger back at myself in this. In reality, I'm not a scary guy at all. Well...no scarier than your average person. I love my family, I attend church on Sunday morning and evening (and sometimes Bible studies on Wed.). I cry sometimes when watching movies (My Dog Skip & Hatchi get me every...single...time!).

But, I love horror yarns, tales, myths and legends. I always have, and I probably always will. So, you're right, this poem is a mask behind the mask, and I hope the message to be who we are, despite what others might think, resonated for you.

Thanks, my friend. I truly appreciate your response to this one! :}

~DeanO

Comment from seaglass

Excellent

I agree that we all wear masks. We learn early to adopt society's rules, smile at the right time, say your sorry and look remorseful on demand, don't laugh at te wrong time, etc. Some masks hide fear, pain, and insecurity while other hide the plots of evil individuals. I'm not sure I've ever met someone over the age of 3 without their mask. This poem engages thought.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks, seaglass, and I'd hope I could get at least a few people thinking with this poem. I appreciate you letting me know that it worked for you.

Much obliged! :}

~Dean

Comment from Zue65

Excellent

That is so true we are all great pretenders, we hide our true selves for various reasons which may be for positive or negative purpose. The point is, we are all clowns in different degrees. I enjoyed the poem, but I will be honest Dean, I find the art work too gory, and brutally shocking for me, that I cannot even look at it. I just read the whole text of your poem but I scrolled fast avoiding the picture, yet I still manage to see it anyway. God bless my friend.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 19-Nov-2014

Thanks so much, Nassus, but I felt the artwork had to make a strong statement due to the name of the poem, "Stripped". I apologize sincerely if it got to you derogatorily. However, I do sincerely appreciate you taking time out to share your thoughts with me about it.

Again, I'm very grateful. :}

~Dean

Comment from Ronni

Excellent

Very provocative truth conveyed here, one we all know
is so, yet deny to the core. Those that are better
at it do the worst harm; at expense of the one deceived.
Eerie tone throughout, unsettling the senses from
beginning to end; creative picture images deeper
engulf mind, surreal and shivering effects.
Thanks For sharing.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2014

---

reply by the author on 20-Nov-2014

Thanks for giving it a go, Ronni. I really appreciate the R&R and excellent feedback. :}