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Viewing comments for Chapter 61 "African Wind"
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74 total reviews 
Comment from Nika2016
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In my particular opinion..no poem could be more beautiful. I am, however, partially biased as I love the piano most. The video compares this woman to nature and especially water. The sea is dominant. Then it moves to the realm of the stars and planets. You seem to equate her with a goddess. I like the fact that you see her inner beauty. Wherever she is...I am sure she loves this..This is your best.
The piano is the best because it approximates the sounds of life..notes flowing through the mind as windchimes and the flight of birds. I need to play again. Truly a nice one, Michael...free of animosity..just joy!

 Comment Written 25-May-2016


reply by the author on 26-May-2016
    Oh my, Nika. This is astonishing. I adore your analysis and I'm stunned by your review. These are words I'll truly cherish forever. I can never thank you enough. I'm proud of this piece and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from snowhood
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Anything with a piano in it,is poetry in itself. For those that don't play, they will never quite make that emotional connection. Loved the words, write on!

 Comment Written 22-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    For sure, I understand completely. I can't imagine not having it to escape to. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Mikey,

I have to be honest. On my first reading, I didn't get it. On my second reading, I didn't QUITE get it. But by my third reading, it was starting to slip up behind me. *smile*

I'm not great at free verse, but here's what I see:

This is a man trying to help a woman understand what he sees, thinks and feels. At first I was confused because he goes from speaking of himself to speaking of her, but then I GOT it. He's saying to understand ME, you have to understand that YOU are an integral part of me. An inside, outside, all around me sort of thing, like the wind -- a hot, sultry wind that moves you in it's flow, not a slight breeze, but a heavy presence you can't deny. As real and firm as these piano notes that caress the air, as these words that dance across the page. And yet, if you blink your eyes or say the wrong thing, they could all disappear....

Very cool...

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    Hi, Robyn
    Seems like it's been a while. Probably my fault. You had me worried for a second. Then ... you have this so spot on it is a little scary, but I've grown to know you mean me no harm with your powers. LOL
    I love reading your interpretation because it is put into words better than I can. It is exactly right. It's even more clear to me than it was before.
    Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from Loumon
Excellent
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This is a beautiful poem.
What I have taken from the inspiring words, that in order to truly see, one must experience, as the pianist creates the music, it commingling with the nature to create an amazing unforgettable night.
The words are well chosen, making one stop and pause, creating excellent visualization.

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    I'm so pleased with your reaction and words. I couldn't ask for more. Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from Eternal Muse
Excellent
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Michael, this is a very lovely poem. The visual effects, imagery and artistic presentation are above par. I think am going to play my piano when I finish this. The words are deeply layered and quite hypnotic. They draw in the reader's psyche. It is like having spitual seance. Whose spirit are we trying to call? (smile). The presentation and appeal with a reader are amazing. I wish I had a six, but alas, it is Saturday and my larder is empty.

I think it should do very well in the contest.

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    Thank you so much. If you play piano, you understand. Whose spirit? A lovely woman, of course. :)) mikey
reply by Eternal Muse on 24-May-2016
    Yes, I play piano. I finished a 7 year music school in Russia. My favorites are Chopin, Schumann and Mozart. I sing too. The piano is an integral part of my life. Your poem and that artwork resonated with me.
Comment from dragonpoet
Excellent
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It seems the words are blowing in the wind as the musical notes from the piano.
To understand this person, you have to learn the music around the speaker. You must be able to see with other than your eyes.

Keep writing

dragonpoet

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    Thanks for your understanding. mikey
reply by dragonpoet on 24-May-2016
    You're welcome.

    Joan
Comment from catch22
Excellent
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Hi Mikey, awww an Enya fan! I knew you were a good egg lol. This is a lovely poem almost like an affirmation or mantra to be recited again and again. I love the presentation and the formatting to use line breaks in all the right places. It gives space between words for dramatic effect. The whole verse has lightness to it and breathes. Very cool poem.

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    I'm so pleased you enjoy this one. It's one I enjoy myself and yes I love Enya. This is my favorite song and it seems so out of place to people along with Beatles, Prince, Zeppelin and the like. But there is something about her. I like Tori Amos too. LOL Why stick with one thing, yes? Thanks so much. mikey
Comment from Ima L. Ami
Excellent
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This is so smooth and feels like the wind is blowing as I read it. Great line, "close your eyes, and with them closed tight, open them." I love that and wish more people had the capacity to do so. It is very rare, indeed. Great background image that gives the feeling of the wind playing music. Thanks!

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 23-May-2016
    Hi, Suzanne. I'm so pleased you like this. It's my favorite thing I've ever written. I like the way you put that, "the wind playing music", how beautiful. Thanks, mikey
reply by Ima L. Ami on 23-May-2016
    You're very welcome. I posted the clickable links in our new home!
Comment from jlsavell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Mr. Cahill,

And how are you? Well, this is certainly an impressive free verse and yop notch. As you well knoq, I love free verse, one of my absolute favorite forms and it is not easy. I do not care what anyone says. Exceptional phrasing and presentation. Stunning.. Jimi

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Hi, Jimi
    So nice to see you stop by. :))
    I'm well. I'm very pleased you like this. I finally wrote something I like as well. True, it isn't easy to do well. It's my favorite too, by far. mikey
Comment from Liberty Justice
Excellent
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WELL DONE! 5 Stars. Beautiful mysterious-looking photo matching intriguing words that mystify the mind. Arrangement of words in creative decorative order, background enriched and font bring on fascinating picture of the African wind. Read mine also. Good luck contest today dear poet. liberty justice

 Comment Written 21-May-2016


reply by the author on 24-May-2016
    Wow. I'm so pleased with your enthusiastic response. Thanks a million. mikey
reply by the author on 07-Oct-2018