Comment from Tom Horonzy

Exceptional

As for the fifty percent... in baseball that would get you a triple crown. Owners are paying players millions for hitting a buck fifty now and students aren't even graded in many districts in fear of an F hurting their feelings.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2022

Tom, it is just 8:01 here and you have already given me the highpoint of my day! Doubt it could get better so I am tempted to go back to bed - except that the world's meanest woman has a list of things I must do. Vacuous is the life without challenges... Seriously, I've always been a fan of sunrises. I really started taking note of them while working on oil rigs out in New Mexico. I was 18, far from home and as that sun would rise across that baron prairie, and the antelope would stir, it was beauty I had never seen and well worth the experience. Later in life, in the Navy, came the "red sky in morning..." issue... Thanks again! And, you are right: 50% gets rewarded because most do not even aspire to that.

Comment from pookietoo

Excellent

Hi, great photo and poem. Can you tell me do we use a photo we took for this contest or any photo. Does it matter? I wish you lots of luck in this contest. Keep smiling and best wishes.

 Comment Written 01-Feb-2022

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reply by the author on 01-Feb-2022

I had the same question at first. But, each poet decides their own picture. If you go to the contest page, click on theis "picture" contest and scroll way down, you will see the current entries listed. Click on a couple and you will see different pictures with each. Great to hear from you, Ms. pookietoo! Stay warm!

reply by pookietoo on 01-Feb-2022

Did you use a photo you took? I was thinking of using a photo of a duck I took.

reply by the author on 01-Feb-2022

I often do use photos I have taken, but in this case, I googled sunrises and there were many from which to choose. I chose the one with the sunflowers. I think if you have a picture of a duck which you took and means something special to you, that would be the one to use. After all, our first purpose in writing is to please ourselves, is it not? Best wishes for the contest!

reply by pookietoo on 01-Feb-2022

I used the photo of the duck. The contest didn't say to use our own photo, but I did.. Thanks for your reply.

reply by the author on 01-Feb-2022

Great picture of the Mallard. You could not have done better. However, if I am reading your poem, about the male mallard, you use only 11 words by my count. Not to ruffle your feathers, but I believe you need to use exactly 15 words. You might wan to count the words on a few other entries to verify my suggestion.

reply by pookietoo on 01-Feb-2022

I did use 15 words.

reply by pookietoo on 01-Feb-2022

I fixed it, thanks,

Comment from Pam (respa)

Excellent

-Very nice artwork and presentation.
-You have used your 15 words well.
-I appreciate your notes, and I agree
that we should demand more of ourselves
as long as it isn't over the top.
-You have a good topic and progression of ideas.
-I like the theme of the sunrise and hope.
-Effective imagery and rhyme, too.
-Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2022

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reply by the author on 31-Jan-2022

I owe you, Ms. Pam! Got it fixed. Including my font size. Counting never was my strongpoint. Thank you so much!

reply by Pam (respa) on 01-Feb-2022

You are very welcome. The poem is much better. I revised the review for you:)

Comment from Heather Burroughs

Excellent

I love this poem. It packs a big punch with few words. The color scheme and picture go together wonderfully with your poem. Good luck with your entry in the upcoming contest. Many blessings to you.

 Comment Written 31-Jan-2022

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reply by the author on 31-Jan-2022

Wow. Not many tell me they love my work! Thank you. Once I saw those sunflowers in the sunrise, I was hooked! Thanks for stopping by my world and your kind words.

reply by Heather Burroughs on 31-Jan-2022

You?re most welcome!