Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

I like your poetry Paul. I thought you were familiar when you read my story and said it was because of Debi' poem. I've read your work several times. I saw I had read the poem of your retirement as a math teacher. This poem is sad. It is hard to lose a child to war, but at least you ended it with the knowledge is wasn't forever. She'll see him again in Heaven. That is the hope believers have and sometimes it what gets us through the sadness.

 Comment Written 11-Sep-2023

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reply by the author on 11-Sep-2023

Thanks for the review, Beth. I'll try to stop by from time to time.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Wonderful story told about the ultimate sacrifice of both the mother and the son. And what a unique take on the contest prompt! Congratulations on the win!

 Comment Written 03-Aug-2023

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reply by the author on 06-Aug-2023

Thanks, Helen. There are way too many stories like this.

Comment from Writebynight

Excellent

A sad story poem about a mother's loss. It flows really well with the 8/6 meter and rhyme. I like it how you pass through hope to despair and then finally to comfort.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thanks for the review. I think it's a little rough around the edges because of the short amount of time that we had.

Comment from Mario PIERRE

Exceptional

I would love your poem to win this contest, because it's so different and unique. It's heart wrenching and sad. Thanks for sharing such a gripping poem!!!

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thanks, Mario. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

A very poignant poem, sad and beautiful. This reflects to fate of so many young men who have offered their lives for their homelands. Beautifully written. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Jul-2023

Thanks, Wendy. Many of those mothers could use a therapy dog.

Comment from Andrea Kepple

Excellent

A touching poem. I like that you included three kinds of kisses, two of which being a kiss goodbye and one that is not a kiss goodbye. I like the rhymes you used in the poem. I like the rhythm in the poem.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023

Thanks, Andrea. It was quite a short notice for this contest. It was a hurried job, but it came out okay.

Comment from Dawn Munro

Exceptional

Ah, bard, this is simply wonderful, although it finds its way into my heart in such a way as to ruin any joy residing therein... But then, that's great poetry, isn't it, the kind that evokes the strongest of imagery -- emotion...

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023

Thanks, Dawn. You are right. Emotion is the goal of the poet, whether it be tears or laughter.

reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jul-2023

You are very welcome.

Comment from Kathy Hyer

Excellent

This is very moving and I think everyone could relate to it. Truly reflects a loss to a mother I enjoyed it very much. I can relate to knowing she will see him again someday.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023

Thanks for the review, Kathy. Those mothers carry a heavy burden through life.

Comment from jenintorre

Exceptional

I really love this beautiful poem. It is so poignant and full of sadness that it made me cry. Your rhyme is so clever. A fabulous entry for the competition. Good luck and best wishes. Jen.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023

Thanks, Jen. The reviews for this poem have been great. It was written on such short notice that I didn't expect such nice comments.

reply by jenintorre on 25-Jul-2023

That?s often the best way. 😍

reply by jenintorre on 25-Jul-2023

Comment from Goodadvicechan

Excellent

This is a good entry although it s a sad story.

I hate wars. In my life, I have lived through war times. Those days were horrible.

Although it is a sad story,you did a good job in your writing. The poem rhymes well.

The expression of kiss/ kisses are well thought of.

Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2023

Thanks, Chan. I am terribly sorry that you had to live through war times. Hopefully you can finish out your life in peace.