Miscellaneous Poems Vol 2
Viewing comments for Chapter 18 "Construction Tips"More poems
14 total reviews
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Loved the title, took it as tongue in cheek, for this well thought out Lanturne Poem. Very true, and sometimes they keep the darkness locked in with us. I like where you went with this one, well done,
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 21-Sep-2017
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Loved the title, took it as tongue in cheek, for this well thought out Lanturne Poem. Very true, and sometimes they keep the darkness locked in with us. I like where you went with this one, well done,
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 21-Sep-2017
reply by the author on 21-Sep-2017
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Thanks again, Valda. Your encouragement is always appreciated. Craig
Comment from --Turtle.
Hi, Craig,
A relevant Lanturane, one that does well to capture both a bit of current points of the day, and a bit of common sense that today is lacking for the common or sense part of the phrasing. I don't know how effective the poem would be on those hard desiring to lock themselves into some sense of security, but I know that it does reflect the sad sense I feel about the situation.
And thoughts in addition, without the title, this poem expresses beyond the current tone of today. Some days I want to build a wall around myself, block out all the noise... hide in my room. I would just be left with me, yeah there's a lot of noise out there, but hiding away from everything only leaves you alone with yourself.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know I read this poem, and enjoyed it.
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2017
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Hi, Craig,
A relevant Lanturane, one that does well to capture both a bit of current points of the day, and a bit of common sense that today is lacking for the common or sense part of the phrasing. I don't know how effective the poem would be on those hard desiring to lock themselves into some sense of security, but I know that it does reflect the sad sense I feel about the situation.
And thoughts in addition, without the title, this poem expresses beyond the current tone of today. Some days I want to build a wall around myself, block out all the noise... hide in my room. I would just be left with me, yeah there's a lot of noise out there, but hiding away from everything only leaves you alone with yourself.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know I read this poem, and enjoyed it.
Comment Written 29-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2017
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Hi Turtle,
I was starting to worry, as I haven't seen any postings from you in quite a while (well, it seems like a long time anyway). Glad you're still here, and I'm looking forward to more soon.
Yes, my thought process was that at the immediate level it's about "border protection", but on a more personal level, it's something we are all tempted to do. It's pretty hard to get that across in so few words, so I'm very happy that occurred to you too :)
I've got the expected amount of opposing comments, but nothing particularly narky. That's the democratic process.
Many thanks for your continued really helpful and encouraging comments, and for the generous review.
Craig
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I'm still here, kind of hiding inside my shell a bit. Still not recovered from a trip to see the total eclipse. Can't believe it was more than a week ago, in truth. Took it's toll on me, but well worth it.
They say-- (and I use the term 'they' in that dangerous, dang-it, I can't remember where I heard this from so it could be total hogwash) -- I've heard it said, once someone believes something, no amount of reason or facts or tugging can wedge them away from the belief. Instead, the facts backfire into making the believer reject facts with even more force. I use that understanding to try and wedge myself away from my own beliefs, to remember to question everything. Still I can't understand some things. There's so much at work here, nothing seems simple.
When it comes to art, ... like poetry ... sometimes words that people can connect to, that are separate from the belief but evoke the emotion, can cause one to pause.
A reader might be able to identify with the truth that walls built to keep others out can become a prison within... and then the hop to the next thought of, what is this wall that I hope to build? Isn't there even a fraction of acknowledging the ... yes, walls can be dangerous ... isolation can be worse than the risk facing the world.
Eh... then there's also the slip back to ... Zombies. If there are zombies outside, I'd sure like a wall between me and them. : p
'Cause I'm afraid of zombies. But, zombies are the monster that my imagination conjures, what is the wall truly going to do?
I'm babbling, but there is the point. A single poetic phrasing and the brain does a lot of mulling.
Comment from Irish Rain
Great entry for this lanturne contest. So true also. Of course, there does need to be borders...but who are they trying to keep out? These are people they invited in, to work. I say...make them legal. They're not 'disposable.' Ah well, a wonderful entry, blessings...
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2017
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Great entry for this lanturne contest. So true also. Of course, there does need to be borders...but who are they trying to keep out? These are people they invited in, to work. I say...make them legal. They're not 'disposable.' Ah well, a wonderful entry, blessings...
Comment Written 28-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2017
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I'm grateful for the lovely review. What you say is true; I also had in mind there are other walls besides physical ones. Hard to get that across in so few words . Many thanks, Craig
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Absolutely!!! Hope you win! And me too, ha ha!!
Comment from BeasPeas
Hi Craig. This is a construction tip that I hope the USA does not take. Your country has not taken this advice itself as it is surrounded by water and has strong immigration rules in an effort to protect its citizens. Europe has decided that it will allow easy migration and immigration from country to country. Let's see how that works out. The USA is trying to adhere to its already on-the-books immigration laws that have been ignored for years. People welcome, but must come in legally and have a trade to support themselves. Now Canada is balking at illegal immigration just as USA because it is draining their social service system. A hot topic for sure. For those who are open borders people, though, that is their choice. Maybe Australia will become one of these open border countries, but not yet. Marilyn
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Hi Craig. This is a construction tip that I hope the USA does not take. Your country has not taken this advice itself as it is surrounded by water and has strong immigration rules in an effort to protect its citizens. Europe has decided that it will allow easy migration and immigration from country to country. Let's see how that works out. The USA is trying to adhere to its already on-the-books immigration laws that have been ignored for years. People welcome, but must come in legally and have a trade to support themselves. Now Canada is balking at illegal immigration just as USA because it is draining their social service system. A hot topic for sure. For those who are open borders people, though, that is their choice. Maybe Australia will become one of these open border countries, but not yet. Marilyn
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Hi Marilyn,
The walls your current President seeks to construct aren't only with your southern neighbour, nor are they only to do with immigration. I fear the danger for both our countries is that all this talk of the perils without are a smokescreen for the much harder problem of the perils within That was the idea of my poem. Thanks, as always for reviewing. Your comments are always welcome - agree or not :) Craig
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Hi Craig. It's okay to disagree. Opinions are diverse and I respect everyone's. The rest of the world can do what it wants, but so can we.
To each his own (but without violence or intimidation). Personally, I'm thrilled that President Trump got elected. He's a breath of fresh air. American politics are so corrupt (probably like that everywhere). There are many problems here. Ordinary folks have been crushed by the PC crowd, intimidated, and insulted as being ignorant and bigots. These are the buzz words to silence those who oppose the liberal agenda and it's been successful. However, the worm is turning. It's way beyond the time to honor our own citizenry who have been ignored. Not any more.
Comment from Gloria ....
Your lantern shape of your poem is fantastic, Craig. The subject matter of equal interest. I expect a history of the world could be written around the theme of walls, invisible and otherwise that keep being erected and taken down. Excellent metaphor for the rise of the ultra rich who are building gated properties with larger acreages and fewer neighbours with the cooperation and participation of those lower classes being walled out. Ya gotta give the Devil his dues. ;-)
Best wishes to you in the contest with this beauty.
I
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Your lantern shape of your poem is fantastic, Craig. The subject matter of equal interest. I expect a history of the world could be written around the theme of walls, invisible and otherwise that keep being erected and taken down. Excellent metaphor for the rise of the ultra rich who are building gated properties with larger acreages and fewer neighbours with the cooperation and participation of those lower classes being walled out. Ya gotta give the Devil his dues. ;-)
Best wishes to you in the contest with this beauty.
I
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Yes, Gloria. Physical walls are only the tip of the iceberg - the least insidious part, I think. Many thanks for the lovely review, and the wonderful shiny stars. Craig
Comment from Scarbrems
Never a truer word, and all that ... An effective message. I never know what to say about the short stuff, really, other than, in this case, it's a striking sentiment. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Never a truer word, and all that ... An effective message. I never know what to say about the short stuff, really, other than, in this case, it's a striking sentiment. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Thanks, Emma. You find the longer poems easier to comment on, and I find them easier to write :) Good to see you back. Craig
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
CD,
Your words offer excellent advice to the 'leaders' but really to all in regards to building walls.
I enjoyed reading your contest entry. Good job on the correct syllable counts in all lines.
Best wishes in the contest. Jan
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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CD,
Your words offer excellent advice to the 'leaders' but really to all in regards to building walls.
I enjoyed reading your contest entry. Good job on the correct syllable counts in all lines.
Best wishes in the contest. Jan
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Thanks for the lovely comments Jan. I really appreciate them. Craig
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
Hi Craig. Your Lanturne poem is a great commentary and very relevant to what is currently going on in the political scene, with Trump wanting to build a wall. It's a complicated issue. I can half understand where he's coming from, because of all of the illegal aliens, but like you, I wonder if that is indeed the answer to keeping the U.S. safe in the long run. It would seem to this reader that attempting to improve relations with Mexico may be of more benefit in the long run, than building a wall would be. Who knows? I guess time will tell.
This is a very well written Lanturne poem. Syllable count for each line is spot on. Your poem gives the reader pause to ponder the various ramifications that a wall could present. Best wishes for the contest. ~ ~ Connie
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Hi Craig. Your Lanturne poem is a great commentary and very relevant to what is currently going on in the political scene, with Trump wanting to build a wall. It's a complicated issue. I can half understand where he's coming from, because of all of the illegal aliens, but like you, I wonder if that is indeed the answer to keeping the U.S. safe in the long run. It would seem to this reader that attempting to improve relations with Mexico may be of more benefit in the long run, than building a wall would be. Who knows? I guess time will tell.
This is a very well written Lanturne poem. Syllable count for each line is spot on. Your poem gives the reader pause to ponder the various ramifications that a wall could present. Best wishes for the contest. ~ ~ Connie
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Hi Connie. There are all sorts of walls, and although the US may be the most obvious example, I think "wall building" is pretty much a global issue these days. Thanks for your continued support in reviewing :) Craig
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Yep "wall building", be it by a country of a person isn't a good thing. To put up walls can trap those inside.
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
Absolutly, absolutely, absolutely.
This is very well stated, deep and yet so true. All depends on state of mind. Excellent
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Absolutly, absolutely, absolutely.
This is very well stated, deep and yet so true. All depends on state of mind. Excellent
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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Thank you so much Barb. Your kind comments are gratefully received :) Craig
Comment from pome lover
that's very nice, but perhaps in the Middle of Nowhere you don't need them. We do not want to end up like Germany, Spain and other countries with open borders. To be prudent and careful in protecting one's country is not a bad thing. That is my opinion, at least. Would that it were not necessary.
pome lover
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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that's very nice, but perhaps in the Middle of Nowhere you don't need them. We do not want to end up like Germany, Spain and other countries with open borders. To be prudent and careful in protecting one's country is not a bad thing. That is my opinion, at least. Would that it were not necessary.
pome lover
Comment Written 27-Aug-2017
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2017
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I think if you asked most Germans, they'd rather what they have now than 30 years ago. Protecting one's country is important, protecting it from the right things is something else. Thanks for reviewing :) Craig
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that is true enough. Immigrants who want to assimilate are welcome, but come in legally. There is nothing wrong with that. And we have millions who did not.
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PS - I don't think the Germans are very happy with the horror Isis has brought to them through their open borders. Do you?
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The fact 22 German lives were lost last year in seven different incidents is awful, but I doubt the majority of Germans would prefer to live behind the Berlin wall.
On average, since September 2001, 6 Americans have died per year on home soil due to terrorism, compared to 30,000 per year at the hands of other Americans with guns. In the US, as in Australia, it's a smokescreen to hide the real problems with society.
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Mr. Richards, I understand what you're saying. I'm not trying to argue with you or compare then to now. I just don't want terrorists to have the opportunity to enter this country easily. Nor do we need more illegal immigrants.
What would you suggest if you don't mind my asking?
Katharine - PL
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I'd suggest devoting time, money and effort to issues in proportion to the problem they present. Is six lives per year worth all the carrying on, all the expense? I suppose if you are one of the six it is, but we need to be realistic. To my mind, it would be worth addressing the 20,000 odd suicides and 10,000 homicides per year brought about by citizens owning lethal weapons. The law, the social problems and attitudes that lead to these statistics. I've heard it claimed (I haven't spent time trying to verify it, but I suspect it's true) that more Americans die each year in the US at the hands of white supremacists than foreign terrorists. I'm not singling out the US here - there are similar problems in my own country, and many others. It's too easy to look for somebody else to blame than sort out our own problems.
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Also, I wouldn't argue with stringent background checks for immigrants, tougher security measures at airports, and the like. These are common sense responses. Many recent suggestions and actions don't indicate common sense, they indicate appealing to, or trying to create, mass hysteria.
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I'm sorry, we will never agree. However the murders, etc are addressed, but sanctuary cities where most of it occurs - ie, Chicago make that difficult. I am for the people's right to carry guns.
I believe we know the proportion of importance our problems present and address them on a continuing basis.
I believe you have your fact wrong - more deaths in the US are caused by black gangs - mostly killing each other. The white supremacists, Nazis, KKK are a small if detestable groups who - there is proof - are paid by Soros and others in power who do not like our President and will do anything to oust him and cause dissent. You will probably hear about that in the near future.
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Sir - do you see conservatives rioting? Instigating violence, burning flags, killing police? We had 8 long miserable, humiliating, years of Obama, but did you ever see things like you're seeing now? It is sickening and disgraceful. It is not President Trump who is dividing our country. If you are interested I will provide you with a list of his accomplishments so far. These will be true facts that don't get publicized by the general media. they are true.nevertheless.
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I do believe you're right about one thing - we'll never agree :) Your response is a red herring - my point was specific. Who is responsible for more killings in the US today - white supremacists, or terrorists? The problem of gang violence won't be solved by banning immigration or legitimate international travel. Addressing gun control might have some effect. As for the conspiracy theories and the rest of it, it's discussed at length in the political forum here, and probably best to leave it there. I was just expressing a view through my poem, which you've been kind enough to review - and I thank you for that :)