Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

I really liked the transformation of the narrator from the fear and "tensing, sensing" of that dreadful "silence." But the last two stanzas show that through understanding and forgiveness, one can love the one who hurt through silence. Best wishes in the contest!

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2022

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2022

Thank you Helen - you have understood the journey perfectly. Thanks too for your good wishes.
Wendy

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

There is little left to say about this poem after your extensive notes. You write:
But love and talk are rare.
I would say, talk is rare but love abounds.
That's how it is in my world, in any case. Thanks for sharing. Kate xx

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2022

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2022

Thanks so much for reviewing. Silence with plenty of love is fine. It?s when it is used as a punishment that it becomes a form of manipulation, or even abuse.
Wendy

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

Great minds think alike Wendy and I wrote a poem this morning about silence and then I read yours! Yes we should think of silence as a blessing, not a curse, much enjoyed, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 18-Oct-2022

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2022

Many thanks for reviewing. I ?m looking forward to seeing yours too. It can be a blessing, yes. But when the silence is a tool for punishment that?s very hard for the mental well-being of the victim.
Wendy

Comment from karenina

Excellent

I love it when you gift us your poetry, Wendy...

This is well thought out, moving through the various phases of love blossoming, thriving, waning, gone...

Your use of different color fonts is very effective.

I love your take on "the end." Silence can be so soothing!

Karenina

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 Comment Written 17-Oct-2022

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2022

Thank you very much Karenina. Such a positive review!
Wendy

Comment from HarryT

Excellent

This is a fine effort demonstrating a journey one might take as she moves from a broken relationship to acceptance and peace. But I am not convinced that the love of God fills the human need for companionship, just my opinion. Your images are strong and provide emotion. I also like the internal rhyming.

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 Comment Written 17-Oct-2022

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reply by the author on 18-Oct-2022

Thank you for your very thoughtful review. You are quite right, God?s love does not fill that need for human love. He made us for relationship, with Him yes, but also with each other. Once I grew to maturity I understood this person better, and the reasons for his silence and apparent lack of love. God helped me forgive, and show love, and the relationship was healed. Peace within followed.
Thank you again.
Wendy

reply by HarryT on 18-Oct-2022

Pleased all worked out for you. We all can use a help when it comes to meaningful relationships.