Comment from bard owl

Excellent

There are so many children with autism. I have a friend whose daughter has two sons with varying degrees of autism. It is heartbreaking to wonder how they see the world. As you said, autism is a very complex disorder and one, I hope, will someday not exist. Your poem was heartrending. Excellent. Blessings, Linda

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

The tetracyts form is a perfect platform for this theme, with its minimalist approach. So much is conveyed in the short form.

Thank you also for the notes, including the useful link and more information about your terrific symbolist painting. I started painting abstractly this year and will have to venture into symbolism next, especially since I found your work quite evocative.

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from jackiesmuse

Excellent

This poem says so much in so few words about something so complex. I love your original artwork, too.

I'll bet the Autism groups (I'm sure there are national organization) would love this total presentation for their newsletters, magazines, etc.

I have not seen this form before. I really like it. Thank you for introducing it to me.

Fine poem!

:-) jackie

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from Judian James

Excellent

This is very well done Sue. How wonderfully you have conveyed what you and your daughter face each day, not only through your wonderful piece of artwork but your poignant, carefully chosen words. well done

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from Domino

Excellent

I love your art.
Is 'Fayesh' your daughter? I'd really like to know!
Perhaps add notes to explain a 'tetractys'?
Very vivid observation and important question.
Excellent. Best wishes, Ray xx

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Fayesh is a poet here. I first read her tetractys and LOVED IT. And she helped me after I wrote it. This is a great read: http://jpicforum.info/types-poetry/tetractys-807.html - Initially, it looks like an 'ad' page, but scroll down and it explains tetractys very well. AND, it's challenging and fun. Thank you for your great review and very kind comments. (Let me know if you write one!) Regards, Sue

reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Oh, forgot......excellent point about me explaining tetractys on author's notes! Will offer up that link now. Thanks!!

reply by Domino on 25-Nov-2008

Hi, Sue. i never research anything and if a poem takes me longer than half hour to complete I get bored and move on. Guess I'm lazy and have a short attention span. I certainly aren't trying to sound clever. With me it's either in the limited gray matter or it's not. That's probably why I'm so crap! LOL. luv, Ray xx

reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

We are a kindred spirit!!! I only JUST started writing poetry. And what I discovered was that if I "felt" it, I just wrote the blasted thing! HA!!!!!

Here's my ugly, ugly past. Ready? All my life, I could give two hoots about poetry (GASP!!!). But, I believe it was because I am such a verbal person, with no problems to communicate what I need to (business, emotional discussion, etc.)

Anyway......after a house full of kids, a busy life, etc. - I find myself in a more quiet life. And a lot of time, I'm on my own. I mean, what's a person to do....right??? I had to either write it down or go around the house talking to myself!! HAA!!!!!!

Won't bore you anymore. Just wrote a poem one day and haven't looked back. Love experimenting with all the various types. So, I'm "knee deep".

Cheers,
Sue

reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

......hence, my sloppy haiku poem (zero research).HA!!!!

reply by Domino on 25-Nov-2008

Hi, Sue, it's great to bump into you.
I never wrote a word til 12 months ago when I joined this site.
Same as you, I never gave a thought to poetry til my daughter showed me a poem called 'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes. It really inspired me!
I'm in a 'quiet life' , too as I've lived alone for many years, though I'm sorta content.
Poetry's wonderful in that it gives us the opportunity to get our feelings down on paper, thus making us feel relieved. There's also the extra challenge of writing to our best ability (often with 'artistic license) in order to get feedback. Who wants to sing in the wind? LOL
Keep writing and keep in touch. Best wishes, Ray xx

Comment from Kingsland

Excellent

the artwork and your words reflect well within the context of the poems meaning. I found nothing to suggest for this well written verse. I liked everything about it.This was my delight to have read and reviewed it... John

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from Perp Ihebom

Excellent

I think the idea in the mind of the writer is well-expressed in these very few lines . Having a child with a special challenge is a difficult problem that requires a lot of courage to tackle. The answer lies with God, but we must be ready to co-operate with Him. kudos

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

Comment from Isis

Excellent

Short but understood, that's how I describe this poem. You were able to describe autism in a short poem. Although I would like to incorporate the word unheard in the poem. Great job.

Love,
Isis

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Isis, I totally appreciate your suggestion. However, "unheard" is so subjective. But the word "Silent" is a necessary word, as they have almost complete lack of speech, which gets down to the fundamental frustration on their part. But I want you to know I SO appreciate your insight and taking the time to want the work to reflect the complexities of autism! You are sweet. Thank you for your most generous review and kind words. Warmest regards, Sue

reply by Isis on 25-Nov-2008

you're welcome. I agree, and Silent is a strong word that encompasses any description.

Love,
isis

reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Isis, so kind of you to reply to my clarifying the word. I'm so glad I could impart just how much lack of language is on the "top of the list" of autism's many symptoms.

With much respect,
Sue

Comment from Nicnac

Excellent

This is very profound.
You have said so very much in so few words.
Your poem is expressed very lovingly and gentle.

What you say is so true! Many people with Autism ARE misunderstood. Some people misinterpret the social behaviors of those with Autism, and think of them as mentally retarded, etc... But that isn't so. I know someone with a form of Autism, and he is extremely intelligent, interesting and has a wonderful child-like innocence. He simply doesn't know how to process certain social interactions and situations.

The artwork you chose is a fabulous compliment to your piece. Your Author notes are lovely as well. 'Simplifying a complex disorder.'

Thank you for sharing this heart felt expressive poem.
No revisions.
~Nic

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Hi Nicnac, thank you for reading my work. I just discovered "tetractys" and just had to make an attempt. My beloved daughter is very aware of the world around her, yet is apart from it. Hence "Enigma". The painting I put with it is my own work, which I did as a symbolic to express this enigma. Then decided to express it with words. Thank you so much for your very generous review and lovely comments. With warmest regards, Sue

reply by Nicnac on 25-Nov-2008

Amazing artwork! Now I know why it fit so perfectly! :)

Comment from Donovan

Excellent

A wonderful question. We need to comprehend that world. Suffer the little children to come unto me. For such is the Kingdom of Heaven....One of the great paradoxes of faith. Except we humble ourselves as little child....we spend to much time trying to understand the world of sin when we should work on the world of innocence. A wonderful poem.

 Comment Written 25-Nov-2008

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reply by the author on 25-Nov-2008

Donovan, I really appreciate your most kind words. And for your very generous review. Very difficult to have your prized loved one around but not know their inner-most thoughts; their wants, needs and desires. With my warmest regards, Sue