Reviews from

Why

A Free Verse

28 total reviews 
Comment from Dr. Nad
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an excellent free-flowing free verse poem that extols the virtues of a cactus. It tunnels into its core and allows us to view cacti in a new way that exposes it's inner workings and feelings. I never knew they suffered from distrust. Who'd a thunk it? L.O.L.

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024

Comment from TPAC
Excellent
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I found this statement: super. Elements defined within, tingling to my mind and senses. A deep view of a plant endurance: to live. All these views, being stated in my given opinion: prevailing this work.

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024

Comment from QC Poet
Excellent
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Very relatable to the human condition for I also have Bloomed so to speak in Californias High Arrid and Hot then Freezing Cold desert. Thanks for Sharing your thoughts and insights with your Poetry

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 14-Jun-2024
    Thank you so much! Xo
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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The artwork and this contest entry are perfect together. Thank you for sharing this entry with us. It reads so smoothly, but more importantly is the message within the words. I want to wish you the best of luck with the contest, although I'm guessing you got this.

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 14-Jun-2024
    Thank you so much, Barbara! Xo
Comment from Jim Wile
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow. Really good, Jess. Did you find that picture first or later after you'd written the poem? The two go together so well. This was a beautiful, metaphorical poem about the psychological condition of survivor's guilt.

Most salient is the statement, "I fear a coming catch, a price unspoken, a toll unseen, against which I must guard." It must indeed feel like that to many who have survived when others were not so fortunate.

I enjoyed this very much. - Jim

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 08-Jul-2024
    Jim, it seems I accidentally cleared the reviews for this piece at some point! I'm so sorry for the late reply.

    Thank you SO much for your always insightful reviews. I found the picture after, believe it or not! I was pleasantly shocked! lol

    Xo
    Jess
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
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Hi Jessica,
This poem really hits home to anyone who has survived what others did not. You carefully describe the feelings one has and the defenses they put up when they don't know why they survived when others did not. What must they pay for the privilege of being alive.

Thank you for sharing,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 08-Jul-2024
    Rhonda, I apologize for my late reply. I must have accidentally cleared the reviews for this piece at some point!

    Thank you so much for your insightful review.

    Xo
    Jess
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Of course I recognized that it was not only the cactus speaking, but other survivors of those unspoken tolls that will demand to be paid.

I hope you know you're one of the best poets here. I always look forward to your work.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024


reply by the author on 08-Jul-2024
    Pam, I apologize for this ridiculously delayed response. It appears that I unintentionally cleared reviews at some point!

    I appreciate your gracious words more than I can say, my friend. This made my day!

    Xo
    Jess
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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An excellent poem truly reflecting survivors' guilt. It is a great parallel with the spiky cactus. There is beauty, fear, need for protection. Very thoughtfully composed and well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 14-Jun-2024

Comment from Erika Whittle
Excellent
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It's harder to give up then what people might think. It's like how suicidal people don't usually wish for death, they wish to escape their life. Everything on this planet, struggles as hard to survive. We are no different. Beautiful poem

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2024

Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
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I feel s little bit like this sometimes as I am the surviving twin. I wonder why me; and why she had not developed properly. These things are in the Creator's hands and I know I will see her in Heaven one day. A beautiful, tender poem of you loss and wondering.
Sending you my best today as always, dear Jess, and best wishes for the contest.
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 13-Jun-2024