Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

This poem details the respect you had for your running partner and friend in Carlton Mendell.

The cadence of the poem was excellent and the rhyme scheme, spot on.

Thanks for posting, John

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks for the review, John. Carlton was one of a kind.

Comment from Wayne Fowler

Exceptional

Excellent! (In my humble, non-poetic opinion.)
I don't know how your poem got into the feed of 'Stories and Chapters', but I'm glad that it did. I really enjoyed the tale. Or maybe I clicked in the wrong spot, I don't know.
It made me wonder as I was reading whether Carlton Mendell was an imaginary ruse, a conjured entity created by you to push you to your limits, and beyond. But I accept your remarks in Author's Notes.
Imagine, though, a make-believe competitor, always a stride ahead, taunting you to dare to catch him.... I'll bet you could do it.
Best wishes and good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks, Wayne. Carlton was real, and he did push me to do better. In our earlier races, we would always run the first mile or two together, but then he would run off and leave me in the dust.

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

A fine tribute to your friend here who was a good runner and I wonder if he will ever read your fine words of praise? You only beat him when he was in his eighties? Wow? What a great runner. I loved this tribute, good luck with the contest, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks, Christine. I wrote this poem before he passed away, and I have always regretted not letting him see it.

Comment from Miranda Langston

Exceptional

You've definitely earned the six star review, my friend. This truly is exceptional poetry and I think I've just read the winner of the contest. VERY well written and I love your rhyming. Best of luck to you in the contest and in all your future endeavors, my friend ^.^

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks, Miranda. This man has been an inspiration in my life.

Comment from Lea Tonin1

Good

Thank you for this poem good rhyming! It sounds like you had a great friendship and mentor in your life that has fundamentally changed you for the better! Your word choice for me, could do with some tweaking. Why just things up and has you go from good to great! Not sure if you have access to a thesaurus but it could be very helpful if you want to change up your words or add something a little more descriptive. Having said that, I can see you're love and admiration for him is clear.
I thank you for your submission and good luck!

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 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks for the review and suggestion, Lea.

Comment from PoemsOfDD

Excellent

This is such a thoughtful and respectful tribute to the one and only - Carlton Mendel. He sound like a man every person should have as a friend. Inspiring, a legend. I really enjoyed reading this poem. The repeat of the name throughout is very effective. A worthy entry. It was a pleasure to meet Carlton Mendel.

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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 20-Feb-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Feb-2023

Thanks for the review, DD. This was a very special person.

reply by PoemsOfDD on 20-Feb-2023

He must have been. It is always an honour and blessing knowing an earth angel. xx