Reviews from

Hello, I Know

The death of a Vietnam Veteran

16 total reviews 
Comment from GARY MACLEAN
Excellent
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So, so sad. I have lost both a sister and a brother to cancer. You never want to hear the telephone ring during those times. The way you ended your piece it made me think that was THE phone call. I am so glad I read the author's notes. There really is still some kind of hope.

I don't know if you watch America's Got Talent on TV or not, but they had one contestant (Nightbirde) who had cancer in several of her internal organs. She announced she was told she had a 2% chance of survival. Her response was "But 2% is not 0%!" Yes, there is a chance for your brother yet.

I'm sorry to report that Nightbirde did pass away but keep hopes up and keep prayers flowing. I don't know your brother, never saw him, never talked to him and I don't really even know you, apart from FS, but I can share your grief and I would like to ask you if I can include your brother in my prayers. I will include him in my prayer circle. Someone will hear us.

Unfortunately the

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Please do. No one turns down a prayer. Thank you for your kind words of support. They are appreciated.
reply by GARY MACLEAN on 28-Jul-2022
    Done, he is in our prayers as we speak!
reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Thank you!
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
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That sister is a terrible plight. My best man and friend was a medic over there and fought bravely for years before succumbing. It's hard to imagine the USA not knowing the dangers they inflicted, and likely will cause as many deaths medically as did battle.

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    I venture to say the number is in the thousands. My first cousin died from Agent Orange cancer too. What's extra sad about my brother is that he was the only son and was not to be sent to Vietnam. However, he was drafted and had to go. Thanks for reading and rating my poem.
Comment from Heather Knight
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I'm with him. There could still be a miracle and his hope is a miracle in itself.
Why do us humans have to keep on doing such horrible things to each other?
Your poem is incredibly powerful and heartfelt. You got me from the word go when you mentioned Poe's story which I love. And your voice is unique.
Sending hugs.

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Thank you for your comments of support. I appreciate the exceptional rating. What is unique about my voice? Just curious. I took it as a compliment.
reply by Heather Knight on 28-Jul-2022
    I don't know how to explain. It's the images you use, the powerful impact they have on me, the beautiful use you make of language... I simply love it even though the topic in this case is very sad.
    And yes, of course it was a compliment. x
reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Thank you, Heather. We all need cheerleaders, especially in the times we are living through.
reply by Heather Knight on 28-Jul-2022
    Yep! The world is going crazy, but I hope things will get better again. x
reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Me too!
Comment from judiverse
Excellent
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How sad. It is good to hold out hope. You did a wonderful job of describing the sadness at losing a beloved brother, and to Agent Orange, too. I've heard of others being affected after exposure to it. Beautifully worded. The reference to Poe worked in beautifully. judi

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    He is still alive but suffering. I wrote this poem because I know it is coming. One can only beat cancer but so many times. Thanks for reading and rating my poem.
reply by judiverse on 28-Jul-2022
    You're welcome. Right. You can only beat cancer so many times. My sister-in-law's sister had breast cancer and she went on for several years, with the cancer always coming back and invading other parts of her body. judi
reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    It's a horrible disease, just horrible.
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
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A powerful and emotionally impacting poem. My brother too. He died in 1984 of Agent Orange related cancer. He had his larnyx removed in 1974 and spoke with a device. He was a wonderful man and a decorated Green Beret Weapons Sergeant.

Sending you my best today as always and condolences in your loss.
Sal xo

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 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    He is still alive but suffering. I wrote this poem because I know it is coming. One can only beat cancer but so many times. Thanks for reading and rating my poem.
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Excellent
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A great response to the prompt. A very poignant and heartfelt poem that echoes into your brother's real-life situation. A family member's intuition often senses tragedies and deaths before they happen. I'm so sorry about your brother. A well-written poem, as always. I'm out of sixes.

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 Comment Written 28-Jul-2022


reply by the author on 28-Jul-2022
    Thanks Theo, for your ongoing support. I left out the part he drinks and exacerbates the condition.