Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin

Excellent

Hi, Debi...

_ Goodness---sounds like this format takes A LOT of brain cell activity! (*<*)
_ Love the message in this--beautiful.
_ Perfect picture too. Looks sort of like the red rock around Sedona, AZ. About 4 hours from my place.
_ Well done.

Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

Thank you for the excellent review, Jax. It seems that people are a bit overwhelmed with the notes so I have drastically reduced them. I am, however, delighted that you loved the message and the picture. It sounds like you live in a beautiful area.

I need to catch up on your recent novel postings. I'm getting behind and I am curious about what is happening.
debi

reply by Jacqueline M Franklin on 23-Aug-2015

- I was born and partially raised in the Ohio countryside.
-At 10-yrs-old, we moved to Downey, CA til I graduated-----then I moved back to Ohio.
- Now, for the last nearly 40 years, I've lived in AZ.
- The desert has its own beauty....but once a country girl, always a country girl! (*<*)

reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

Yeah, it is hard to take the country out of the girl. I still can't give up my horse. I find it comforting to take care of her.

Comment from happykat4

Excellent

Very nice. I enjoyed reading your poem from the beginning to the end. The faith is understood and such a peace comes from it. Yes there will be hardships, but you know God is with you and will provide for you. Blessings. Kathy

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

Hi Kathy,

Thank you for the encourging comments. You understood exactly where I was going. I am pleased you enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Debi

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Oh, debi! My mind is reeling. It sounds so complicated. I did enjoy your wonderful poem. I also like the idea that manna is any help as well as the divine spiritual food as we were taught in school.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

Hi Marilyn,

Don't let the notes on the structure throw you. They are there for those that like to dissect the form.

I am flattered that you liked it and appreciate the encouraging comments about the theme. I appreciate the comments about the manna.

Thank you for the excellent review.

Debi

Comment from Unspoken94

Excellent

I am so confused. I only know that this poem addresses a theological question: We know that God is with us, but in the end, we must make the tough decisions alone. You honored this and I applaud you for your poem that tells us that God never abandons us, even in our wilderness. -Bill

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

Hi Bill,

Don't worrry about the structure. The notes were for those that do. I am so pleased that you enjoyed reading my poem and for your insights about the the message. Thank you so much.
Debi

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

I shall have to bookmark this for your notes on the form! The poem has a most satisfying structure. The two tercets present a good contrast, one against the other and the parallel with Jesus' time of reflection alone in the desert adds another level of intensity.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

Hi Tony,
I do think it is an interesting structure. I was looking for a description on another form when I found it, but it looked intriguing. It might even make a good form for a contest. It's not too long or complicated.

I love the your insights about Jesus in the desert and his time of testing and contemplation. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing.

Debi

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Octain Refrain
Though I Walk Alone
by w.j.debi

A beautiful poem about a close relationship with God and it does recognize that all you need God will provide. Good job!

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

Thank you for the encouraging review and your insights on the subject.

Comment from JanPerry

Good

Very good writing. I was expecting it to go for longer, and needed it to.
Hence the four. But this bit is well written and describes your faith well.
Thanks.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

I appreciate the review. The form dictates that it must be eight lines and no longer. I am glad you wanted more. They say that a good writer does leave the reader wanting more.Thanks for stopping by. I see you are new. Welcome. Hope you enjoy learning the ropes. I know when I first joined, reading other peoples reviews helped a lot so that I learned what was expected when writing a review. Good luck in your journey.

reply by JanPerry on 22-Aug-2015

Next time I read your work will put in extra stars. Just was left wondering with this one, thanks

reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

I have no problem with the stars. I look more for the comments. There are a few on the site that do get upset with four starts. Five seems to be the norm. I remember when I joined I was thrilled to get a five on my first poem, but most people give fives because you are supposed to offer suggestions for improvement for anything under a five. To me a three should be the norm and a four would be above average and a five excellent and six amazing.
There are a lot of great people on the site and I know I have learned tons in the first year and a half since I started posting. It is a great place and I looke forward to stopping by and reading your work soon.
One of the first people who reviewed me taught me to do reciprocal reviews--if someone is nice enough to review your work, you review theirs. I have found some really great friend, poetry and prose that way.
Again, good luck on your journey, and most of all enjoy your writing and sharing it.
Debi

reply by JanPerry on 23-Aug-2015

Thanks Ms Debi. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Its true, that too many 5s are given instead of a 4. 4 to me is normal poetry. Normal is still good.

reply by the author on 23-Aug-2015

So true. :)

Comment from TAB_that's me

Excellent

I like the way the poem is enveloped in such a great repeating line. Love the tercets. great rhyme and meter. great message too:)
teresa

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

Hi Teresa,
Thank you for the excellent review. I am happy you enjoyed it and thank you for pointing out the parts of the structure that you liked, as well as the message.
Debi

Comment from Lynn27

Excellent

This is great poem. I like how you wrote this as a prayer. Your words are very powerful and that pulled me into your piece.

Nice work!

Lynn

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

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2015

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2015

Hi Lynn,

Thank you for the kind comments about the writing. I am happy you enjoyed it. I especially like your comment about the words pulling you into the piece. Thank you! Debi