Reviews from

Strong Foundations

A teacher makes a fascinating discovery about her workplace

10 total reviews 
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
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I'm sure that many teachers have stories to tell us. Inspirational stories are wonderful to listen to and read. They always make a person feel better. Thank you for writing your story.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023
    Thank you!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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I enjoyed this story as it taught an unusual lesson. Although Australia is huge with lots of empty spaces, the school is built over the remains of a burned church.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2023


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2023
    Thank you, Carol. Yes, I believe it was done to save money. Some things never change. :)
Comment from Michael Groover
Excellent
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Your poem beautifully weaves together the history and transformation of a place where sacred and secular converge. It vividly describes the church's past, its encounter with fire, and the enduring beam that stands as a symbol of resilience and strength. The metaphor of this beam connecting to education and forming the foundation for the future is poignant and thought-provoking. Well-crafted and evocative!

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Michael! :)
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
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That is amazing. To think that all those years you were teaching class above that old church. What were the chances of someone ever discovering the fact. I learned something new from this story.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much! :)
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent
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Great story.
It's a very nice thought, teaching on the remnants/remains of where the Good News was preached. I wonder at the wisdom of converting curches into houses.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thanks, Wayne. I agree. It's a challenge seeing churches coverted into warehouses or nightclubs. i much prefer it to be this way. :)
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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You are so right - inspiration need not ever be far away. Well done on your interesting story presented as a poem with very smooth rhyme and metre. I am glad you included the image. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thank you very much! xx
Comment from Douglas Goff
Excellent
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This is a great motivational piece. It makes the reader reflect on what is important to self and community, yet ends with solid thoughts for a strong future.

I liked this. Thank you for sharing!
D

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much! :)
Comment from Rob Rinne
Average
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What you've written is thoughtful piece that weaves history, personal reflection, the enduring nature of faith, education, and human endeavour. It made me think of what we're leaving for our grandchildren.
I'd consider going over it again think about your connection to the work and what else you can add that can provide more clarity to the reader.
Your work spoke of education as a "sturdy blackened beam." That's a powerful image and I wonder if it couldn't be woven into the work a little more.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thanks for your feedback. You expressed some positive thoughts in your opening paragraph - much appreciated. This piece was a contest entry and I was limited to 200 words. The requirements of contest entries usually appear beneath poetic works and they explain the contraints the poet was addressing. Author's notes beneath the works are often very informative and provide greater context as well.
    Could you expand a little more on the further clarity you require in the piece?
    I see that you're new to our site. You might like to read the Q&A advice regarding reviewing to give you a little more insight about the different numbers of stars and what each level signifies regarding a poet's work. You'll find this under the Community tab on the top of the page.
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Excellent
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A charred beam offers a glimpse into physical and spiritual resilience and leaves us with hope. I like that you have likened a teacher's task to the laying of a strong foundation, one that will last into the future. A really nice story.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thank you very much! :)
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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I guess the real foundations for a church to survive would be Christ Himself, the master builder of the faith, and creation, the building would reflect this, like the solid structures I've seen, beautifully written my friend, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2023
    Thank you so much, Roy! :)
reply by royowen on 29-Nov-2023
    Most welcome