Comment from humpwhistle

Exceptional

I really like this this contest. Poem-stories speak to me. And so did this one--in the voices of the angels. The setting and the language come together very expressively, and the message is clear.

One tiny thing: I might try for a less-used substitute for 'ripe old age'. But I'm probably being overly picky.

Well done, Beth, and best of luck with the Committee.

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much Lee, You review means a lot to me. I glad you like this and you are right about the cliche. I'll come up with something else there. I really appreciate the stars.
Beth

Comment from duchessofdrumborg

Excellent

'It Wasn't Her Time", is an exceptionally well-written and delightfully descriptive piece. To me this is a six. Penned with craft and skill, it was a pleasure to both read and review a work of this standard. Good luck with the contest. My fingers are crossed for you!

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much for the lovely review and comments. I'm so glad you liked it.
Beth

reply by duchessofdrumborg on 13-Jun-2021

Hi Beth,
Yes, I certainly like it.
God bless you,
the Duchess

reply by duchessofdrumborg on 13-Jun-2021

Hi Beth,
Yes, I certainly like it.
God bless you,
the Duchess

Comment from Dilettante junior

Excellent

Virtual SIX(sorry out of 6s)

Dear Beth,
What a lovely true story to share in a poem! The poetic aura is beautiful. You have depicted a near-death experience here, with the vision clear. I am so relieved to know your grandma survived this fever. It was a miracle indeed, God's will as in those days, there was no known remedy to such ailment.

Well done!
Love,
DJ

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much DJ. I so glad you like the poem. I loved your review. I guess if my grandmother hadn't survived, I wouldn't be here today, so I'm very glad she did too.
Beth

reply by Dilettante junior on 12-Jun-2021

Indeed dearest. So happy to be blessed with your presence. Love, DJ

Comment from Gert sherwood

Excellent

Beth,
You have beautiful poem in free verse about you grandmother
I like how you told us that she was not afraid of death. How wonderful of you to know of what she saw and heard.

Gert

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you, Gert. I really appreciate your review and lovely comments.
Beth

reply by Gert sherwood on 12-Jun-2021

You are welcome Beth
Gert

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This poem, It Wasn't Her Time, is a neat story that your grandmother could share with you and now you've turned it into a great poem. Heaven is real and we're going.

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much for the review and comments. It is good to know that so many people on this site believe that Heaven is real.
Beth

Comment from Janice Canerdy

Exceptional

This poem is what I would call a masterpiece, one of the best narrative poems I've read lately. Your story is moving, profoundly spiritual, and vividly related.

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much, Janice. I'm so glad you liked this poem, and I really appreciate the wonderful comment and the six stars.
Beth

Comment from Boogienights

Excellent

This is an incredibly beautiful story and one that gives hope. I believe that death is not the end, just another start. I'm entered in this contest, but I think you may have the winner here....beautifully written. :)

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much for the review and lovely comment. I'm so glad you liked it.
Beth

Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante

Excellent

What a beautiful story, Beth! I'm sure it not only helped to give your grandmother the strength to survive her dreadful disease, but a life-changing epiphany that gave her a sense of purpose, in the decades that followed. Yes, I'm sure this story influenced all of you, throughout the generations.
I found no errors.
I love your image. They remind me of the Christmas angels, but they really could be any group of angels making a divine proclamation -- complete with trumpet!
Hmm... songs we sing in church about crossing a river... "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore?" I'm not so sure, that's usually more of a campfire song... how about "Because He Lives"? That has a wonderful verse about crossing the river. But there could be a dozen others.
And of course, I don't even know the most popular church tunes of the 1890s!

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 12-Jun-2021

Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I looked to see what the song might be, and I found this one written in the late 1800 that it might be called Jesus will carry me over the river. It was printed in hymn books of that day.
I know, at the river of death,
My Savior will be at my side,
His presence so near
Will banish all fear,
And He will the waters divine.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus will carry me over the river,
Yes, Jesus will carry me o?er;
He?ll carry me o?er to the glorified shore,
Yes Jesus will carry me o?er.
2 I fear not to enter the flood,
Tho? wildly its billows may roll,
With Jesus my guide,
No ill can betide,
For He will the tempest control. [Refrain]
3 I know when the river I cross
That Jesus will carry me o?er;
Upheld by His arm,
I?ll suffer no harm,
But safely I?ll reach the blest shore. [Refrain]
4 Oh, when to cross over the tide,
To me the glad summons shall come,
With Christ as my light,
The way will be bright,
And angels will welcome me home. [Refrain]
I don't if this is the one but there is a picture of the music and the page from the old hymn book. I have never heard it.

reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 12-Jun-2021

You're very welcome, dear Beth. Thank you for sharing the lyrics of this amazing old hymn! It could have been the one your grandmother heard, during her vision, her life-saving epiphany. It certainly had to be a most unforgettable experience, and something that can inspire us all.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo

Comment from Elizabeth Emerald

Excellent

Mind-blowing. Stunning story powerfully rendered in flawless flow. Your family has been miracle prone--I well recall the angel who saved you in the tornado!

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 11-Jun-2021

Thank you Elizabeth, I really appreciate the review and comments. There have been a lot of things I can't explain.
Beth

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

What an amazing story of your grandmother's faith! Everyone else had given up hope but she listened and believed the message of the angels that she would live to a ripe old age. Best wishes in the contest!

Comments:
"But listen! Surly you all know (Surely)
the words the angel's sing, (angels)

 Comment Written 11-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 11-Jun-2021

Thank you so much, Helen. I think you pushed it up. It was barely over the edge and now it's way up. Thanks for that and for seeing the errors.
Beth