Reviews from

On Staffa

A Ballad

51 total reviews 
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written poem about the Pyffins of Staffa. Birds of all kinds are fascinating and I love their cheerful chirps early in the mornings. Staffa seems to be an interesting place to explore.

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Sandra. Glad you enjoyed my poem! All the best, Tony
Comment from damommy
Excellent
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Not only wonderful metaphors, there's a good bit of consonance.

I like how you referred to the little bird is a comic. They are so cute. You've told this so well, it was like being there. The picture enhanced the words.

And, oh my goodness, writing Valkyries was certainly a feat. Who knew it could be done?

Love ballad. Simply 'sings' right along in reading it.

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Many thanks, Yvonne. What a lovely review! I visited the Isle of Mull and Staffa about ten years ago with my wife and some very dear friends, one of who had just been diagnosed with cancer. It was the last occasion when we were able to spend time with her. The memories came flooding back when I saw this picture of a puffin recently! All the best, Tony
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
Excellent
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And does the ghost of Fingal now
repel fierce Valkyries,
as down they swoop upon small birds
in basalt galleries?' This had such beautiful meter and rhyme, absolutely stunning. I adore Puffins and just want to cuddle them though they would hate it! A stunning poem thankyou for the glossary with all the useful details. kindest regards Meia x

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Meia. Glad you enjoyed my poem! All the best, Tony
Comment from krys123
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Cheers, my friend, Tony;
-how much I enjoy reading your poetry, you probably do not really know, but I have always enjoyed your usage of the vernacular and subsequent idealistic words that created imagery that is so demonstratively descriptive and most definitively and vividly expressive throughout your writings.
-Your enjambment flow smoothly throughout the writing without any stoppage in the reading and writing of your poetry. This is due to your subsequent rhyming and rhythm which creates an overall fluidity in the reading of your poetry.
-I realize there is a difference in pronunciation of words most definitely between the Australian pronunciation in the American pronunciation and so words that rhyme like air and disappear most definitely could sound as a rhyming duo.
-I truly enjoyed reading about the puffin and the surrounding flora which you brought to life in enriched my understanding of such a beautiful bird with his chainsaw sounding call.
-I want to thank you for your author's notes, which really enriched my understanding of this bird and its surroundings.
-Thanks for sharing this, Tony, and take care and have a good one. And may God bless your family and all of your friends.
Alex

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Many thanks, Alex. What a lovely review! I visited the Isle of Mull and Staffa about ten years ago with my wife and some very dear friends, one of who had just been diagnosed with cancer. It was the last occasion when we were able to spend time with her. The memories came flooding back when I saw this picture of a puffin recently! I'm delighted that you thought the poem worthy of six stars. Quite a bit of my heart went into it. All the best, Tony
reply by krys123 on 12-Sep-2017
    Cheers, Tony; I'm so sorry about your dear friend. But those memories that lasted especially about that person and your visit is a godsend. As in every other poem Just as this one. I looked up the puffins and was very interested in their habitat and I thank you for that. I did not know that they dove in the sea until now. A comically looking bird but a fascinating one, still. A great poem and a excellent picture. You are very welcome my dear friend.
    Alex
Comment from DonandVicki
Excellent
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I really enjoyed your ode to the handsome puffin. I would love to travel to see some of these places that have inspired you, Tony. Very nicely written. DonandVicki.

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, DonandVicki. Glad you enjoyed my poem! All the best, Tony
Comment from Janilou
Excellent
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Very descriptive and I could imagine being there and watching these events unfold.

danse macabre?

I wasnt sure if this was a mis-spelling or a word I dont know. :-)

Nice work. Thanks for the journey.
Jan

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Jan. Glad you enjoyed my poem! 'Danse macabre' is an expression meaning the Dance of Death. It is derived from the French, which explains the spelling. All the best, Tony
Comment from estory
Excellent
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I think this poem captures that wild moment in this wild place, the mournful wail of the wind, the calls of the birds, the open light, the endless space, the wildness of the sea. The measured tread of the meter creates a framework for the colors and music of the language estory

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, estory. Glad you enjoyed my poem! All the best, Tony
Comment from Bucketlist
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What else but six stars?!!!! Breath takingly beautiful ballad. I was on the climb with my fear of heights ! I think your talent is intended for greater levels. Are you publishing a book?
The whole ballad had me encased in nature . Thanks for sharing
Trisha

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Trisha, and for the six stars. Glad you enjoyed my poem! Yes, I'm hoping to have another book published before the end of the year. All the best, Tony
reply by Bucketlist on 11-Sep-2017
    Let me know when it's released? You are welcome
Comment from dmt1967
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This poem reminds me of the night at the round tables. I like the olden feel this poem has and the blue background and picture. I enjoyed the read and the reviewing of this one. Thank you for sharing.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, dmt. Glad you enjoyed my poem! All the best, Tony
Comment from Mark Valentine
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This one reads like a classic Romantic ode (reminds me of "To A Skylark"). The bulk of the poem is dedicated to singing the praises of a creature of nature, includes some references to classic art, and ultimately resolves with a reflection on our relationship to nature.

I think we're all familiar with the experience of being apprehended - taken out of ourselves - by nature. Your phrase "the self retires from time" is a wonderfully poetic turn of phrase to describe this phenomenon.

While novel rhymes are hard to come by, I'm guessing "Valkyries" and "galleries" hasn't been done before - nice!

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2017


reply by the author on 11-Sep-2017
    Very many thanks for your kind review, Mark, and for the six stars. Glad you enjoyed my poem! It was based on a holiday on the Isle of Mull with some very dear friends about ten years ago. All the best, Tony