Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

Since this is a contest entry, I'll nitpick far beyond my normal level. Are the words actually antonyms? Would it be Heartsick vs. Happy or heartsickness vs. happiness?
Will the judges care? Terrific message in this poem. Fivers.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2016

Thank you for your review for my poem, LIJ. I truly appreciate your comments, and I guess the judges thought they were close enough antonyms to not disqualify it. I wish with all my heart every soldier could be home with their loved ones for Christmas. Thank you for your encouraging response, and I'm glad you liked the message.
Smiles,
Karyn :-)

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

This antonym poem, Christmas Surprise, has a hand on the pulse of our current times with families separated by mideast conflicts. Nice scene for the holidays.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2016

Thank you for this great review for my poem, Bill. I truly appreciate your kind comments and you liked the scene. I wish with all my heart every soldier could be home with their loved ones for Christmas. Thank you for your encouraging response.
Smiles,
Karyn :-)

Comment from ArtGal

Excellent

Oh my, I wish I had a six! I can only imagine a little girl hoping for this! And yes, her prayer has been answered. God bless all who are in Iraq, and may they come home very soon. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all could kiss their kids on Christmas morning? One never knows. God bless for writing this. . .Sharon

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Thank you for this wonderful review for my poem, Sharon. I truly appreciate your knd comments, and I'm pleased you enjoyed it enough to want to give it a sixth star. I agree how wonderful it would be if every solder could be home with their loved ones for Christmas. Thanks!

reply by ArtGal on 23-Dec-2016

Blessings to your family during these Holidays! May the New Year or before, bring them home. . .Sharon

Comment from Mrs Happy Poet

Excellent

Yes this is well written you painted a beautiful scene with your words in this poem I enjoyed good luck in the contest regards Jill

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

I'm delighted you enjoyed the poem, Jill, and thank you for your great review and kind words. Thank you!

Comment from Leineco

Excellent

:::clap:::clap:::clap:::

You've told a wonderful (and complete) tale in these 17 words,
that gave full and emotionally resonant meaning to your antonyms !

Very nicely done :-)

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Thank you so much, Leineco, for this great review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the poem, and I truly appreciate your kind words and encouragement. Thanks!

Comment from Thomas Bowling

Excellent

A very good antonym poem. An excellent contest entry. You should do well. It seems to meet all the requirements for this contest.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Thank you so much, Tom, for your review and kind comments for my poem. I appreciate your time very much.

Comment from nancyrabbrose

Exceptional

I think you have a winner. It is a wonderful poem. The illustration you chose is perfect for your excellent poem. I know that people everywhere who are longing for a loved one tonight, two days from Christmas, can be comforted from you poem. It is out in the spirit world now.
Well done.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Nancy, I'm so thrilled and honored by your wonderful review, generous rating, and kind comments for my piem. Thank you for your encouraging response, and I'm so L,eased you liked the poem.i truly wish the world would stop and allow all soldiers to be home with their loved ones. Thank you so much!

Comment from Thal1959

Excellent

I love the sentiment; so current of the times. The comparison of being away with being home for Christmas is universally felt by the reader. However, as an antonym poem entered in a contest, I am not sure "heartsick" will be regarded as an antonym with "happiness." True antonyms for happiness would be unhappiness or sadness. Technically, there is no antonym for heartsick, except in the realm of literary license. This makes the work artistic, perhaps even eloquent, but I am not sure how it will fare in a contest. Good luck though.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Thanks for your review and feedback. I used "sad" at first, but I felt heartsick described the girl and her feelings much better. Thanks for your time.

reply by Thal1959 on 23-Dec-2016

You are right in that heartsick does better describe her feelings, but again, I don't know how it will be regarded in a contest as a true antonym. Again, good luck.

Comment from Pantygynt

Excellent

Not just an excellent antonym poem but a beautidful thought for all those service families seperated by the call of duty at this Christmas. Let us pray that all the daddies can soon come home.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

You nailed the emotions I hoped the reader would feel with this poem. Thank you for your review and kind words.

Comment from RGstar

Excellent

Hope they will be reunited for that Christmas Morning.
A sad reflection of many where war is concerned. Let us hope for loved ones in reuniting.
My best wishes.
Have a great Christmas.
RGstar

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2016

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and write a review for my poem, RGStar. I wish all soldiers could be reunited with their loved ones and be able to come home for the Christmas season. Thanks for your kind response.

reply by RGstar on 23-Dec-2016

My pleasure. I hope you are home with yours. Have a wonderful Christmas. :)