Reviews from

The Gift

A nursing home Christmas

76 total reviews 
Comment from John Cranford
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Words can't express the beauty of this poem and the heartfelt emotions I felt from reading it. What an amazing work from a truly talented artist. What a privilege it was to experience it.

John

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 21-Dec-2021
    Thanks, John. You are making me blush.
Comment from Mama Baer
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Rob, thank you for sharing this beautiful Christmas piece. I spent many a Christmastime visiting nursing homes, either as part of a Christmas musical number or to visit a grandparent. As the years advance, I am more mindful of the fact I am not far removed from those people I went to cheer. Sending lots of Christmas wishes your way! Here's to continued reading, reviewing, and writing in 2022!

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Shaunna. I volunteered in a nursing home while my mother was there. It was quite rewarding.
Comment from pookietoo
Excellent
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This is such a beatiful rhyming poem. I wish you luck in this contest. Keep up the great work. Happy holidays to you and your family. Best wishes.

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Pookie. This was a true story. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother.
reply by pookietoo on 20-Dec-2021
    welcome,
Comment from Monica Chaddick
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is so poignantly beautiful. It stirs up emotions of every kind. So touching in its message, as well as wonderful in its flow. Have an awesome Christmas and best of luck in your writing endeavors.

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Monica. The story is true. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished a little for dramatic effect.
Comment from SimianSavant
Excellent
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Nicely written with perfect meter and rhyme. Two lines take a moment to figure out:

As back through all those years she slips

But I think this is an acceptable rendering, and will be understood by most readers as her mind traveling back in time, rather than her slipping on ice because she is old.

She could put with these strange faces.

I think "put" is a Little bit of an odd word to use. Perhaps try: link, jive

Very nice work.


 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks for the review and suggestions. True story with some embellishment.
reply by SimianSavant on 20-Dec-2021
    True stories are the best stories
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
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You have simply and positively narrated the story about the old lady you visited at a nursing home, she was isolated there, she remembered her younger days and about her son, her Christmas days celebration was different, she still remembers her those colourful and enjoying days, we know, as God's greatest gift that Christmas Day; well said, well done; keep writing. ALCREATOR LITT DEAR

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Al. This was a true story with some embellishment.
Comment from Earl Corp
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was a great entry into he Christmas poetry contest. It rhymed, made sense, had a spiritual feel to it, and touched the reader emotionally. HVery nice job. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 20-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Earl. This was a true story. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I embellished some for dramatic effect.
Comment from MissMerri
Excellent
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Your rhyme and meter are impeccable and your story is sweet and touching. You are a natural storyteller, I believe, and to put it all in flawless rhyme is not easy. You are very talented, and I always enjoy your rhymed tales. Merry Christmas, and I hope this story is true. MM

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Adonna. It is true with a little embellishment. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother.
Comment from Joanne Gill-Maddick
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Such a beautifully written poem. It has a great flow and rhyme scheme. Very touching and inspirational piece. Lovely photo to compliment your words.

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Joanne. A true story. The boys are my grandsons, and the lady was my mother. I added a little for dramatic effect.
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
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You've imparted a Dickensian flavour to your story in a poem, Paul. It emphasizes the loneliness and isolation of an institutionalized Christmas. This season of merriment and festivity can create the converse, despair.

Very well written entry.

"Her boney hands, so thin and frail,
With desperate grip they told the tale,
As she then clung to those three boys
Like some small child with brand new toys."

For me this is the best stanza.

Good luck in the contest.
Stay safe and blessed

Julia

 Comment Written 19-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
    Thanks, Julia. That was also my favorite stanza.
reply by juliaSjames on 20-Dec-2021
    Happy Holidays Paul