Comment from nancyjam

Excellent

Congratulations on your win. This is a very touching 5-7-5.
The final line emphasizes the fact that memories of loved ones last forever. This definitely deserved to win.
Nancy

 Comment Written 18-May-2024

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reply by the author on 18-May-2024

Thanks Nancy!

Your sentiments about the memries is what I was thinking in composing this poem. FYI I usually use FanArt for my illustrations.

Mark

P.S. I am super pleased with the win.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Those memories are "sketched in stone" meaning that they last forever as well as a reference to the tombstones. Well crafted 5-7-5! Congratulations on your win!!

 Comment Written 16-May-2024

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reply by the author on 16-May-2024

Thank you for your review and recognition!

Yes, those sketches and memories last in our lifetimes and beyond our times too.

Mark

Comment from Erika Whittle

Excellent

A lovely poem on a bittersweet topic. I particularly like the second half of the poem. It was super smart to switch memories with mem'ries and get rid of that one syllable. Great job!

 Comment Written 15-May-2024

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reply by the author on 16-May-2024

Thanks Erika!

I will oft use those abbreviated words to steal a syllable for my typical 5-7-5 poems.

I do appreciate your sentiments.

Mark

P.S. I choose FanArt for almost all of my posts. However, when searching for cartoon images, I go outside to the internet (-;

Comment from dragonpoet

Excellent

Hi Mark,
This poem shows the mourning of the dead. It gives images of people standing crying near graves.
The picture reminds me of a horror movie scene. I don't think anyone would visit their loved ones at this time of day in the fog. Though the fog could be metaphor for the unknown afterlife.
Congrats on winning the contest
Keep writing and stay healthy
Have a great day.
Joan

 Comment Written 15-May-2024

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reply by the author on 15-May-2024

THANK YOU Joan!

I am certainly surprised with this honor. I do like your spin on my overall presentation.

Mark

reply by dragonpoet on 15-May-2024

You?re welcome.
Joan

reply by dragonpoet on 15-May-2024

You?re welcome.
Joan

Comment from Contests

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 15-May-2024

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reply by the author on 15-May-2024

I am most honored with this accolade.

Mark

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Perfect presentation for a cemetery. The grayness sets the emotion. Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I enjoyed reading and good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 11-May-2024

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reply by the author on 11-May-2024

Thank you Barbara for your kind review. Pleased it provided you some emotion.

Comment from PoemsOfDD

Excellent

A good 5-7-5 write. One that incorporates the emotions of a lost loved one. A somber picture. An interesting graveyard where each plot is fenced in. Different for each country. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2023

DD,

THANKS for your spin on my poem. Given the current situation between Israel and Gaza, the areas fenced in take on different meaning ? too many funerals will bear witness to the horror of lost loved ones.

Mark

Comment from RodG

Excellent

Ah, Mark, you're back to thinking about cemeteries. This short poem conveys a positive attitude for visiting a gravesite--reviving fond memories of the deceased. Can I suggest replacing your title with words that imply or state the THEME of your poem? Rod

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2023

Rod,

The longer one that was 2-3-4-5-6-7 so I adapted it for this contest. The same artwork was used. I will reconsider my title.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Mark

Comment from June Sargent

Excellent

This is a sad and touching piece. When all is said and done, our memories are what will sustain us. A poem we can all relate to, Mark. Sketched in stone.

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2023

Thanks June!

Yes, some of our family memories are found on those gravestones.

Mark

Comment from karenina

Excellent

This is such a tribute to those who have left us...

I appreciate the use of "sketched" rather than engraved, carved, or even etched.

We are forever "sketching" and reflecting on memories, according to our experience, mood, and grief...

I found this to be very thoughtful!

Karenina

 Comment Written 17-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2023

Thanks K!

I thought sketched was better than etched too.

M

reply by karenina on 17-Oct-2023

Welcome, Mark!