Reviews from

Tanka (defying the odds)

Tanka

23 total reviews 
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Beautifully crafted and a well-deserved first placing! Well done, Steve! I'm so sorry I'm late in the day getting here. An inspired tanka, saying so much in so little. You know exactly how to convey poignancy and regret for what man is doing. Your "peaceful warrior" is the star of the show! Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2024
    Thanks, Debbie - glad you liked this.

    And yes, I liked the peaceful warrior oxymoron. We could do with more of those.

    Steve
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Steve

As soon as I read this, I knew it was a winner. I told you so in a long, detailed review. Alas, the review disappeared into the black hole of cyberspace. So, I will content myself with offering warm congratulations on your well-deserved win.

Blessings, Julia

 Comment Written 25-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 30-Jun-2024
    Thanks, Julia!

    I hate it when that happens and I would have loved your insights on this. Must have done something right I guess.

    So now it's congratulations to you for pipping me in the 3-liner!

    Should I peek to see if you are in the running for the five-liner too?

    Steve
Comment from Ginda Simpson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The message within this Tanka is a powerful one and the imagery you created to deliver the message is striking. So deserving of its first place win. Congratulations.

 Comment Written 24-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 24-Jun-2024
    Thanks, Ginda. I appreciate the extra star!

    I felt this one came together quite well, so I was pleased it got a win.

    Steve
Comment from dragonpoet
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Steve,
This is a well written poem
This flower gives us hope that we can defy the odds and live anywhere. We can be strong and live in spite of situation.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Have a great rest of the day and week.
Joan

 Comment Written 23-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 23-Jun-2024
    Thanks, Joan.
    I remain positive despite the headlines!!

    Steve
reply by dragonpoet on 24-Jun-2024
    Don't mention it, Steve. Sometimes it takes a lot to stay positive. We all try.
    Joan
Comment from Contests

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 23-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 23-Jun-2024
    Thank you!
Comment from Cindy Decker 3
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Kiwi,
Yours is such a beautiful lesson on the state of affairs of this world. It reminds me of the frailty of our existence;yet we somehow struggle and overcome.
Wonderful poem.
Good luck!
Cindy

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 20-Jun-2024
    Cindy, many thanks for the kind words and your thoughtful reading of my wee poem.

    I kinda like the idea of the solitary flower as the peaceful warrior - perhaps like other oxymorons that is meant to make us think and you have obviously done that!

    Steve
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Fabulous tanka! And you take us from thinking of a human warrior to a single flower which does her part to preserve the planet in her own way. Hope this does well in the contest!

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 20-Jun-2024
    Thank you.

    I especially like the 'peaceful warrior' image.

    Steve
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very nice Tanka poem with a huge message in just a few words. Not easy to do well but you did. Thank you for sharing and good luck in the Tanka poetry Contest.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 20-Jun-2024
    Marilyn, thank you for the kind words.

    Steve
Comment from Nicki.B
Excellent
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This poem would really get you into a spin of though.the words are very well put together to set one off on a wonderous journey in ones mind. That solitaire flower fighting for our future. Quite philosophical. Well done

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 20-Jun-2024
    Thank you!

    That's me, the wise old philosopher. At least that's what I tell those folk who tell me I'm a silly old man!

    Steve
reply by Nicki.B on 20-Jun-2024
    Haha! You certainly aren't that anyway!
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed this tanka. Your descripton of a flower growing through concrete was inspiring. The picture you supplied helped bring the poem to life. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 19-Jun-2024

reply by the author on 20-Jun-2024
    Hi, Jessi. Congratulations on your win in the True Flash contest.

    Thanks for the kind words here.

    Steve