Comment from LateBloomer

Exceptional

Hi Debi, a timely poem for the Fourth of July--Independence Day.

Your poem reads and flows well, and your message is clear. Of special note:

The times we had to go to war
We live what they were fighting for

(Truer words were never spoken, but sadly, many of the younger generation and other new comers to our Nation do not understand what America truly stands for, and all the Good that our Nation has done. It's very sad to listen to the News and only hear words of hate and dislike towards our Nation...and all the mistakes that were made by our Forefathers.)

Well chosen photo. Good rhyming. Well done. As this is a contest entry, I wish you good luck. Xo. M

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Always appreciative of your very kind reviews and comments and this one was no different! Thank you for the sweet stars for the red, white and blue!

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Debi, I love this poem you have penned about what makes you happy! I love the red, white and blue you chose to use since it is Independence Day today. You used very good words of gratitude and happiness for how you feel and your love for the Lord! Thank you for writing and best wishes in the contest my sweet friend. love and blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Thanks so much for the kind review and comments for my 4th poem I hope Speedy is having fun with all the attention. Lol.
I appreciate it so much!.

Comment from Monica Chaddick

Exceptional

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I can't say anything more. Flow is perfect, rhyme is perfect, color scheme is perfect, picture is perfect. You always do a great job, but you have outdone yourself on this one, my friend.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Dearest Monica , Thanks so much for the kind review and comments for my poem I appreciate it so much!
Thanks also for the arvesome six stars:

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Thank you for sharing this writing prompt entry with us. It didn't come into my PM box, maybe because it's a writing prompt entry. I am glad I caught it. I enjoyed reading. Yes, We all need to Thank God for all He's done for us.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Thank you Barb for the very kind review and comments. Much appreciated my dear friend. And I am too. I had asked Tom if there was a way to find posts after contests and he said just to look for them. So I was hoping that he would put them on our pm's when the contest is done. But I guess that would be too hard to do.

Comment from Roxanna Andrews

Exceptional

Yes we are so blessed, I have friends who have lived all over the world and they always said there is no place like the US. I get most disgusted with colleges who teach kids to hate this country, but most find out how wrong their teachers were. Really well done. Thanks for sharing. Happy 4th of July.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Thank you my dear Roxanna, for the awesome review and kind comments. You are exactly right, and there are so many places that we could live that would show them a different way of life that would make them thank their lucky stars for their freedom. So thank you for that and also for the six stars. You are so sweet and kind and now that my eye surgeries are done, I will get over to review you soon too. Do you mind me asking when your birthday is? I love doing poems for my special reviewers and friends. If you'd like I can do one for you.

Comment from Paul Manton

Excellent

Hi, Debi. I think reviewing this on Independence Day couldn't be more appropriate. Happy 4th of July!
Technical: eight quatrains in iambic tetrameter, in rhymed couplets - and all perfect!
Just like the picture - special to today - and then the eight subjects you choose to celebrate your freedom: intro/happy word; marriage, children, freedom of expression, church, freedom of choice in politics and religion; those who fought to keep us free; conclusion - summary of 'a free life'.
Nothing to criticize - you could abbreviate 'This poem's not . . .' (verse 6) which would help the rhythm - otherwise a super tribute to your country on Independence Day. Yeehaa!
Paul

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Thanks Paul for the kind comments and always thoughtful comments and feedback. It is aways appreciated, my dear friend.

reply by Paul Manton on 05-Jul-2023

In case you want to contact me at home, my email is paulikann@me.com
I know you won't abuse that - and share it with the Christian writers who are your close friends - just the people you trust.
Paul

reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Thank you Paul. I never share anything with anyone without permission. I have too much respect for others to do that. Thanks and I will put it into my addresses.

reply by Paul Manton on 05-Jul-2023

God bless you all.

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

Great notation, "Don't take it for granted."
You let us know the many freedoms your are grateful for. Each stanza highlights a different one and you change up the refrain line just a bit to emphasis your points.
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Hi Debi, and thanks so much for your kind comments for this happy and free poem. So much appreciated my dear friend.

Comment from Anne Theriault

Excellent

So easy to read this poem. It seems to include us all. Liked the color-combinations, the different fonts meant to emphasize the colors of the flag. It was meaningful because it progressed in stages, meaning-wise, covering a whole life. The rhythm was consistent, and I personally liked the theme. Good luck!

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 05-Jul-2023

Hi Anne, and thanks so much for your kind comments for this happy and free poem. So much appreciated my dear friend.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

This is an excellent post, I enjoyed it so much. Yes I agree with all these things, we really do have a life were we can choose, my two girls have long successful loving marriages, with great hubbies, and lovely children with great self images, and all are outstandingly gifted, yes I am a blessed man, why? Because of the work of the cross, and a loving and gracious God, beautifully written my friend, loved it, good luck, blessings Roy
Suggestion : I look back at my worthwhile life.

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 03-Jul-2023

Thanks so much Roy,. I know that when I was a girl, I remember how Russia ruled their country so harshly and I never forgot how strict they were and how awful communism seemed. My mother used to tell me that they couldn't be caught with a bible or they could be executed. So I have never forgotten that and don't take my freedom for granite. So thanks again my dear friend.

reply by royowen on 03-Jul-2023

Yep, I understand, there was a Christian couple here we knew.(Russians by birth) who smuggled bibles into Russia,

reply by the author on 03-Jul-2023

I remember about stories like that and what an awesome story that would make.I may just write one for the 4th. Thanks again Roy.

reply by royowen on 03-Jul-2023

Bless you, you are a great witness to God?s goodness Debi,

Comment from karenina

Excellent

Hmmm. I think I could guess with 99.9% certainty who wrote this... (smile)

It's patriotic and positive and entirely beautifully presented. Clever to play off the final line of each stanza with a different point of view of "free" --and to offset that in red!

Perfect entry for the Fourth of July long weekend. Lots have been in upheaval and yet freedom still rings...

Now let's pray for Ukraine... they also deserve this blessing!

You'll do great with this ~~ anonymous!

Karenina

 Comment Written 03-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 03-Jul-2023

Thanks so much K. Those are some pretty good odds you were banking on, and I think I share those odds when I say I bet I know who you were guessing.

It was about the holiday we're in that made me think about when I was a girl, I remember how Russia ruled their country so harshly and I never forgot how strict they were and how awful communism seemed. My mother used to tell me that they couldn't be caught with a bible or they could be persecuted. So I have never forgotten that and I don't take my freedom for granted. So thanks again my dear friend.

reply by karenina on 03-Jul-2023

It's hard to be anonymous with such a stand out style!

Smile

reply by karenina on 03-Jul-2023

I knew it... Good guess right? But I did not say I thought it was you, so no rules were broken! Congrats...second place right? Nice!