Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

This is a lovely poem about (I suppose) the separation caused by death. The wait is hard until that day. Your picture shocked me as it looks like the children are high above a canyon. Yesterday I was at the Garden of the Gods in Illinois, an incredible geological place. We arrived as Fire and Rescue were leaving. A fourteen-year-old boy was goofing around and fell two hundred feet. I suspect that I why I saw a huge canyon beyond the children.

 Comment Written 16-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 17-Oct-2024

I was surprised to hear from many reviewers that the poem was about waiting for the after life. In a way, I suppose it is. I intended to illustrate what every person longs for; Joy. And to me, that joy comes from our divine creator and that it is best experienced with a loved one or friend, in the here and now.
The two children are my grand kids, sitting on the stump of a Giant Sequoia in the Sequoia National Park. They were fishing for whales and did not have far to fall. (;-)

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Hello, Yard, it's always good to see your name popup in my inbox, and never fail, whether it be verse or prose, I can count on something with a theme to touch and stir emotions. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Oct-2024

You're welcome.
Thank you so much my friend. I appreciate your interest

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

I am impatience and I don't like waiting or anything, so I make my own joy. I do however love the sentiments in your magical poem, love Dolly x x x x

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Oct-2024

Thank you so much, Dolly. I appreciate your interest and I am glad you found magic within the poem.

All the best, Yard.

Comment from Nicki.B

Excellent

I really liked your free verse poem. I always feel like I'm waiting and it's usually waiting on the kids lol! But I think this has a beautiful message notice the joy in the little things in everyday life and the waiting might stop. Well done and good luck with the contest!
Best Wishes
Nicki

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Oct-2024

Thank you, Nicki. Waiting on kids? Yes, I understand a mothers hope.
That hope does not go away even when those same innocent cherubs become adults.
Yanks again, Yard.

Comment from GeorgeAnn Castles

Excellent

I am both sad and happy as I read this wonderful piece! I want to go "there" also as I know the JOY that awaits but I also know that there is a time set aside for me here...my purpose...your purpose also. Those darling little ones, are they yours?

Those arms you long to be held by....they will come soon enough. The beauty or your words will make the waiting a blessing.

GA

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Oct-2024

Yes, indeed, we all want to get 'there'. It's just down the road you know, the one called the 'Life Time Highway.'
I have been blessed with the darling little ones as you call them. I call them mischievous munchkins who love to challenge me with their pranks.
What is that old gospel song: 'We shall gather at the river...' I'm sure you know it and are looking forward to that day.

All the best, Yard.

Comment from June Sargent

Excellent

To find and maintain joy in our lives these days requires childlike faith - and patience. We must go back to the days when hearts were not burdened with negativity. And wait...

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2024

Thank you, June. Your review is spot on and encourages me. Yes, patience is the virtue of waiting... for joy.

Your feed back is appreciated.
All the best, Yard.

Comment from jaded831

Excellent

Unusual write and intriguing, your poem made me think, I like that. Waiting is hard and takes patience but if you reach your reward it was worth it. Using the two young children fishing was great. They are adorable and what better way to learn waiting.

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2024

Thank you, Jaded. Your review is spot on and encourages me. Yes, patience is the virtue of waiting... for joy... or fish.
Your feed back is appreciated.
All the best, Yard.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

An interesting and different poem for the free verse - and yes, the waiting can be hard, especially if we long for reunion with loved ones. But that joy will be ours one day, first to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Himself, an dalso to be reunited with loved ones.
Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 15-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2024

Thank you, Wendy. Your review is spot on and encourages me. Yes, patience is the virtue of waiting... for joy... or fish.
Your feed back is much appreciated.
All the best, Yard.

Comment from Marilyn Hamilton

Excellent

An excellent entry for the Free Verse Poem contest. Joy can usually be found in the company of someone we love. A friend, a sibling, a parent. Relish all of those special times that you get. Together. good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2024

Thank you, Marilyn. Your review is spot on and encourages me. Yes, patience is the virtue of waiting... for joy... or fish.
Your feed back is appreciated.
All the best, Yard.

Comment from DonandVicki

Excellent

AYE, those thorn bushes! Been caught in a few myself. A very touching poem that speaks to to me about the afterlife. We all look for those that pass.

 Comment Written 14-Oct-2024

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reply by the author on 16-Oct-2024

Thank you, Donald. Your review is spot on and encourages me. Yes, patience is the virtue of waiting... for joy... or fish.
Your feed back is appreciated.
All the best, Yard.