Reviews from

All Those Puzzling Pieces

Viewing comments for Chapter 37 "Red Pearls"
What makes a life? How do the pieces fit?

94 total reviews 
Comment from johnabrennan1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A vivid account of a horrible descent that possibly lies before each and everyone of us. Stark telling of the journey. Good write that stops in its tracks and makes one think.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    Thanks so much John - yes, that's the kicker, isn't it? Thx for "getting" the point of this piece, and for your review. Best wishes, Sharyn
Comment from squid152
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This work is a great example of free verse. Write in the moment. I loved, "Red pearls curling and your blood child. -Squid

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    Thx so much squid! I love free verse, though rarely write it - so thx for taking the time to review! Best wishes, Sharyn
Comment from Somer
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, this was enjoyable to read, it had me captivated that's for sure! So what is the "creature" inside her? This was well written good work.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    You've got it Somer ... that is,indeed, the kicker - we all think it can't happen to US, don't we? My mother was a brilliant woman, but even brilliance does not protect her. Blessings, Sharyn
Comment from S.Yocom
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Dementia is a terrible thing, which you describe here so well.
I love the picture of the bloody pills that look like red pearls. Your poem describes this disease perfectly. (There is dementia in my own family.)
Sally

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    thank you Sally - there is dementia in our family too, though I've not really thought about it that much before ... when it happens to "other" people, it's easy not to let it encroach upon one's reality I think - but when it's up close & personal, not so easy to ignore! Best wishes - and thx for reviewing and your encouraging words - Sharyn
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That is so sad, I am sorry about your mother, I dread that it will happen to me or mine. Such a horrible illness. Your descriptive imagery is amazing! It really tells the story of dementia. Well written and a truly good read. xsx

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    Thx so much Sandra - glad to "connect" with you!
    Best wishes
    Sharyn
Comment from donaldww
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This well written poem has a disquieting tone. The words in the first stanza make my skin crawl, but of course, that is the author's intent. Dementia is a difficult disease to deal with; the friends and relatives expect things will improve but often they don't, or fluctuate forcing a see saw of emotions.

The background color is very intense and the color often used to depict mental illness.

Excellent! writing! I hope you're able to cope with this difficult situation.

DW




 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    "Aloha" DW - yes, it is indeed the intent as that is certainly the impact - too terrible to contemplate when you see someone close become a crazed stranger. Thx so much for reviewing!
    Best wishes
    Sharyn
Comment from October21
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very descriptive, metaphorical write. Loved how you shared the message. Hate what has happened to your mother. I hope she is ok! God bless you both.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    Thx so much for reading & reviewing O21!
Comment from Axiom Gray
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a powerful piece. Thank you for sharing this work with fanstory. The structure of the stanzas adds to the frantic mood of the poem. Your use of red as the background made me feel like I was reading words written in blood. Well done!

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    This piece has been brewing in my head a while ... and yes, red seems like a logical choice, unfortunately! Thx AG!
Comment from Curtis Hatch
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a truly sad poem. Dementia and Alzheimer are thieves that steal the mind, and what they leave is often an empty shell, occasionally occupied by a demon. My father was diagnosed with onset dementia, but so far, he is responding well to a medication that allows him to think clearly.

My heart goes out to you and your struggle.

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    Yes, they do Curtis - and ironically, my mother is doing much better now too! What meds is your dad on? (I want to keep as much as possible in my future arsenal).
    Best wishes - and thank you so muchfor taking the time to comment and review!
reply by Curtis Hatch on 30-Jun-2012
    The doctor changed my dad's medication about six months ago. I am not sure what he is taking now, but for him, it made a dramatic difference. In his case, he is 90 and was living alone. He neither ate regularly nor took his medicines predictably. He is now in an assisted-living facility where he eats routinely and gets his meds on time. I live 450 miles away, and I can only get access to his medications list in person.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    aah - that's great that he's doing so well! I live in Hawaii and my mother in Australia - but luckily one of my sisters lives down in Tasmania, close to my mother and unfortunately a lot of the burden falls on her. Luckily I have another sister who is a nurse in Brisbane, so she's only 2 1/2 hours away if needed. But it's hard to see someone you've known as being very very sharp not being able to remember how old they are!
Comment from justatuna
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Not sure I understand it, but that's a good thing. These are the poems I like to read. They make you think. I really appreciate your work. I'll definitely read it again.
Thanks...

 Comment Written 30-Jun-2012


reply by the author on 30-Jun-2012
    thx so much my dear - keep reading! and bless you for reviewing!
reply by justatuna on 30-Jun-2012
    It was my pleasure.