Reviews from

Deconstructing the Greats

Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "And Then..."
Here I'll share my own versions of famous poems.

13 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
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Your poem, And Then, reminded me of the last conversations with my husband before he died. Even down to Hallelujah, he asked for that as his final song. A lovely read and write Heather. Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Sorry to hear your husband passed aways, Pearl.
    Thanks for your lovely review.
    Sending hugs.
Comment from Ulla
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Oh, Maria Jose, this is such a bittersweet poem, talking about what you want to happen once you've gone. I can sympathise and identify. I'm going down in the family grave in America where I truly believe I belong.
Your poem is so beautifully written and it brought a tear to my eyes. Un abrazo, Ulla xx

 Comment Written 15-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thanks so much for your lovely review, Ulla. I hope you are doing great. Give me a shout if you come to Madrid.x
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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Wise advice here Heather, we should remember the good things about those we have lost and keep those good precious memories. I hope you are welcomed by the English people Heather and feel that you belong in England. The British are a cold hearted lot at times. I certainly feel welcomes by the Spanish people who are always kind to me. A poignant write, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 14-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    You think? I've been very lucky and both my best friends in Bourton and now in Yorkshire are some of the nicest people I've ever met. I love Americans too. And of course Spaniards. There are nice people everywhere.
    I'm glad you feel welcome here. x
Comment from lyenochka
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Yes! I knew you were referring to Dan Vasc. Thank you for introducing me to Javier Zamora. I think of the Latin American poets, I like Gabriela Mistral even better than Neruda. I'm sure your will find lots of differences in Latin American Spanish with Spain's Spanish.
I do like the feeling of your poem because there is a lot of peace and acceptance of mortality and a desire to encourage those who remain after we go. Well done!

 Comment Written 14-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thanks for this thoughtful review, Helen. I understand Latin Americans perfectly when I talk to them, but reading them is a different matter. I'm having problems understanding many of the words JZ uses in his poems.
reply by lyenochka on 19-Nov-2022
    Interesting! I know that Latin American words for turkey and avocado could be different. El pavo is Latin American Spanish. Is it the same in Spain Spanish?
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2022
    Yes, we say pavo, but there are many other words that are different.x
Comment from GWHARGIS
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I have told my family to cremate me scatter my ashes in our yard and at the beach. Then I want everyone I know to play basketball. Just a game. Sounds simple. That is usually when your loved ones honor your wishes. Gretchen

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    I like it. It's lighthearted and cheerful. Thanks for reading.
Comment from Bill Schott
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This poem, And Then, has a somber but also light tone as the speaker allows that survivors should seek to honor her final wishes and do the things she asks. Nice.

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thanks for reading, Bill.
Comment from Begin Again
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Some will wring their hands and sigh in desperation because you have weren't about your actual end of life, but to me, every word was right. We must live life to the fullest while we have time to appreciate the little things as well as the big and when our time comes, others must be content to enjoy the memories. Tears and sadness will do nothing for anyone. but remembering the smiles and laughter will lift spirits forever until we meet again. Loved your poem!

Hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    I'm glad you liked it, Carol. Take care.
Comment from royowen
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A love this very wistful poem Heather. I read from your interview that you are actually Spanish, but love English and England. Not sure why I mentioned it, but we have a friend who's Rumanian, but lived in Australia since she was eleven, she likewise is an Anglophile, I'm not sure why I shared that, I'm English born, but have lived in Australia since I was eight, I hold two passports, English and Australian, I've returned several times to England, but world traveled really. Loved your poem Heather, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    I thought you knew I was Spanish, Roy. I used to be Maria Jose Garcia in FS before and I often reviewed you, but that was around two yers ago.
    Thanks for reading.
reply by royowen on 19-Nov-2022
    Yes I did know, but you love and teach English, as my wife teaches German and French, but your pen name is Heather Knight?Maria, heh heh.
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2022
    Yes. I use it mostly here on FS 😊
reply by royowen on 23-Nov-2022
    Well done, do you prefer Heather or Maria?
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2022
    I like both, but now I think I like Maria better.
reply by royowen on 23-Nov-2022
    Okay Maria, I hope I can remember
reply by the author on 23-Nov-2022
    No worries. 😊
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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I want to start by mentioning that I've run into several people in the last few weeks who are planning their own funeral; I started doing so a few years ago.

We get so caught up in all the unimportant things in life, such as our wedding day and the days the kids are born, that we don't slow down and really appreciate it as we could and should.

This is rather sad, talking about not belonging. I believe that you belong - your poetry has enriched my life:-)

This is a lovely poem, Maria. Let's plan on having you around for a long, long time.

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thanks for reading, Pam.
    My students loved your text, by the way. The advanced ones found it easy to understand. Let's see what happens when I give it to my intermediate students.
    We also watched the video and they admired the beauty of your town.
    BTW, when I say I don't belong, I mean I don't feel Spanish even though I was born here, but it doesn't make me feel sad or anything. Just different.
    Hugs.
reply by Pam Lonsdale on 19-Nov-2022
    I'm so glad that you're students enjoyed visiting St. Augustine:-)
Comment from Barbara Peabody Pouliot
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I am lacking words at this moment. I do not know your situation, but if you have at least one moment left on this earth, use it to smile, use it to smell a flower, use it to hug someone, use it to laugh and most importantly use it to rejoice the Lord for giving you all those beautiful memories! Amen
Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 13-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Right now I'm healthy and leading a full life. I don't know if you read the notes, but what I'm doing in this book is writing my own version of poems by famous poets, thus the topic.
    Thanks for reading.
reply by Barbara Peabody Pouliot on 19-Nov-2022
    Good Luck. All the Best
    Write On