Reviews from

Ukraine

A fight for freedom

67 total reviews 
Comment from Juliette Chamberlain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Russia rides out as 'a conqueror bent on conquest' but will it cause a wider conflagration?
Can we hold our breath as we say that prayer for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Interesting subject with perfect rhythm and rhyme.


Warmly,

Juliette

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 27-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Juliette. Yes, let's hope that this conflict does not spread.
Comment from jenintorre
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well said Paul. Your poem has brought tears to my eyes. It is spot on! If there is a god then where the f... is he? Very scary for us that live in Europe.
Take care. Jen

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks for the review, Jen. You are right to be worried. You are also right to be wondering where the Old Boy is.
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a totally topical sonnet (I think you should add the date you wrote it - in six months I fear we will forget these important details), that is incredibly well-written. I can't believe how quickly you must have written it. It just shows how passionately you care about the subject.
I have nothing negative to say about this work. The line I liked best is easy, the last one. It provides a stark counterpoint to all that goes before, and is a sobering reminder that right may fail totally and devastatingly.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Katherine. You are right. In six months, this poem will have very little meaning.
Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Paul,

Nice. Very nice. I was really pleased to see your name in my inbox. It's not there often and I had to wonder what might have compelled you... I was intrigued.

When I saw the word UKRAINE as your title - I sighed. That's all I'm hearing about these days - and it's SO horrible. So depressing. I just thought, really?

And then, I read it. *smile* Now, I see why you save up. Which... is not accccttually true because every time I see you, you leave me with a LITTLE something, right?

This was a really, really compelling piece. Each stanza was well done. It made a beautiful sonnet. It followed the sonnet structure beautifully - even with that turn at the third stanza which was done in a more unusual, subtle, and unique way which I liked a great deal. I felt you really got into the heads of those poor people - hid in their very own homes with them. And at the end, bled with them.

That ending was perfect - and it may be what will send this one to the top in the contest voting for you. Kudos, my friend. Lovely!

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Robyn. You are too kind. I have not been able to keep away from the TV with news from over there.
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Paul.

Outstanding!

You have captured not only the sentiment, but the brutal reality, of what is happening in Ukraine. Ronald Reagan referred to Soviet Russia as the evil empire. Nothing has changed. Putin does not want cooperation, he wants domination. His objective is to resurrect the Soviet Union. The message of your poem is strong.

His actions are clear and those that do not understand them, are willfully ignorant.

Good luck in the contest.

Robert



 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Robert. Will we ever learn?
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 26-Feb-2022
    You're welcome, Paul. Some will learn but most never will.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Paul,
A beautifully written and well-timed sonnet. While Russia will win with military might, it will not win Ukraine's hearts and minds and will find themselves fighting resistance for years to come as others in history have learned when they invade a free county.
Best wishes and here is a six for your heartfelt words.
Mary

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Mary. Hopefully Russia will back off after meeting tremendous resistance from Ukraine's military and citizens.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I have many emotions about Russia invading Ukraine. I guess I'll leave it at that before I turn this review into a political rant. It's easy to do nowadays. LOL Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Barb. Poetry is no place for politics, but I couldn't resist.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A very timely and well-done sonnet for this contest, good luck. Thank you for writing it. This is history repeating itself. Flashback to 1938, Hitler just wanted to reunite a part of the historical land of Czechoslovakia. The powers in Europe say okay. The USA stands by and does nothing. A year later, WWII started. Good job.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Terry. I wonder if Putin ever wonders what history will have to say about him.
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your exceptional sonnet deserves the 6 I don't have, Paul. Your skillfully-written lines describe vividly the travesty that progresses even as I'm typing this. The couplet is especially powerful!

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks, Janice. I'm holding my breath and praying.
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Egypt, Rome, Great Britain and some others have all been forced to learn. The quest and undying desire for freedom is a burning fire that cannot be quenched. Victory has never swiftly come, but its arrival is assured. No matter the cost tyranny is always overthrown and overcome in the end.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 26-Feb-2022
    Thanks for the review. Let's hope that it doesn't take too long in this case.