Reviews from

Mary's Handbag

A Poem about Mary

34 total reviews 
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That handbag held all her memories from her youth to her death, so, in many ways it was the essence of who she was. An interesting and different study of a woman. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 12-Apr-2024
    Thank you
Comment from jim vecchio
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am thankful this was recognized as an "All Time Best". This poem was about the best character study I have read on this site. Wish I still had that sixth star. Certainly deserving!

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you, very much.
reply by jim vecchio on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you for posting!
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really like the way you have used the handbag in this verse to tell Mary's story, an ability that dementia took from her. It's a powerful symbol of this woman's life and the wealth she carried within herself and shared with others.

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you
Comment from Debra White
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Mark,
I enjoyed reading your poem.
It is has an honesty and beauty about it.
Mary reminds me of my mother in law, who also carries her handbag around with her. It never leaves her side or her sight. She too has dementia and the handbag is seemingly a comfort to her....along with her tea and her cigarettes.
Thank you for sharing and good luck for the contest.
Best wishes, Debra :)

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you so much.
reply by Debra White on 11-Apr-2024
    You're welcome.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a lovely poem about Mary, her handbag and her life. I especially enjoyed the fact that she took that handbag with her. A poignant poem Mark, written with emotions flowing through your words. Loved it,
cheers
valda

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you.
Comment from Douglas Goff
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

My goodness, but that handbag has seen some action.

It makes me wonder if we should not all have such a sturdy stalwart handbag to lean upon.

Great write!
D

 Comment Written 11-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you.
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a very good tribute to Mary and her life. I think those who serve a very special and selfless people I know I feel that way about our American airmen and soldiers like my father was and other family members like my brother was. Descriptive words expressed this story about Mary very well.

Best wishes

Alex

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you
reply by Alexandra Trovato on 11-Apr-2024
    You're welcome.
Comment from dragonpoet
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Mark
This is a well executed free verse ode to a very heroic woman. She did a lot of good in her work and family life.
Dementia is a horrible disease.
It seems a minor miracle the that bag o f memories didn't fall apart.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Good luck in the contest l.
Have a great rest of your week:
Joan

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 11-Apr-2024
    Thank you
reply by dragonpoet on 11-Apr-2024
    No problem, Mark.
    Joan
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Man, this was a deep poem. I love how the handbag represented the woman. There was every side of Mary in this. So very sad that dementia robs people of who they were. Gretchen

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much.
Comment from Kingsrookviii
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a good story, yet I suppose it to be poetry for lack of punctuation. Also, it seems like you knew this person; I like that part, but the reference to the bag full of all she had and was known for strikes me as very sad. Additionally, the use of whilst instead of while is not congruent with the rest of the more modern tone of linguistic expression. I could be wrong, because English is used in many ways. Overall, this is a solid work.

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

 Comment Written 10-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 10-Apr-2024
    Poets can use punctuation in poems. It is not a requirement, as it is in prose. Poets have poetic license to use it or not.
    Whilst is used in British English, this poem is set in England as is plain by the reference to the RAF.
    Are you aware that Revenge marking is against this website's policy? Would you like to reconsider your marking or would you prefer me to take this issue further? I found a mistake in your writing and marked you down for it, you seem to have been committed to do the same to me.
reply by Kingsrookviii on 11-Apr-2024
    You arrogant piece of work. You do what you want. I don't care. I stand by my review. You said I lost your confidence; like I give a darn. I have enough confidence of both of us. I appreciate your catch of my double negative and you accused me of blocking you. O didn't. You have an attitude, but I'm not tye one to buffalo. Go away of you're too insecure for a dose of another opinion. You are so arrogant. I didn't defend my work, you brought an eroorto ny attention. Thanks, but my opinnion is as good as yours, so don't you dare put it on me for retaliation. I gave you a review, and you, me. Peace out, bye.
reply by Kingsrookviii on 11-Apr-2024
    You arrogant piece of work. You do what you want. I don't care. I stand by my review. You said I lost your confidence; like I give a darn. I have enough confidence of both of us. I appreciate your catch of my double negative and you accused me of blocking you. O didn't. You have an attitude, but I'm not tye one to buffalo. Go away of you're too insecure for a dose of another opinion. You are so arrogant. I didn't defend my work, you brought an eroorto ny attention. Thanks, but my opinnion is as good as yours, so don't you dare put it on me for retaliation. I gave you a review, and you, me. Peace out, bye.