Reviews from

Precious Gems: An Anthology

Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "She Had A Name"
A Rhyming Collection of Treasured Works

17 total reviews 
Comment from starman
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Yes, shooting up into a blue, dreamy haze may have its moments, but withdrawal means experiencing a journey back through hell. I think I'll stick with what I've got.

Very good reminder of those people who live by the needle.
:)s .

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2008
    Thank you very much starman - I'm glad you liked this one! And I agree; best to stick with our lifestyles.. xoxoxo
Comment from BarnCat
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well done here, Paca Friend. There is a wonderful melody that plays well against the dark lyric of this poem. Beautifully measured lines; rhymes that do not detract from the essence. Very difficult to accomplish, and accomplished very well. DBL

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2008
    Replied in pm, but will say again, thank you so very much for reading this, and for thinking enough of it to rate a 6. I appreciate this very much BarnCat xoxoxo
Comment from markyhappy
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

alpacalady, heavy stuff. I've tried just about every drug you can think of (Cocaine, ice, speed, pot, trips etc) but the only one that truly scared me was heroin. I used to be a kitchenhand in the city(i live in sydney australia) and a mate of mine was the chef at this spamish restaurant were we worked. I left 20 years old for an office job. Three years later i moved in to a block of flats a block away from my old restaurant. The guy i worked with who was a pretty good looking guy and had no trouble getting the ladies lived in the same block flats that i just moved into. At first i didn't even recognize him. He was about 45kgs and had permanent scratch mark/scars down the side of his face. his skin was grey and he had hair falling out everywhere. he remembered me and all he could say was that heroin had got the better of him. His teeth were black and he had scars all over his body were he said bugs were biting him all the time. I was mortified. Needless to say i only lived there for 8 weekd before i moved out and found somewhere else to live. If i could murder every heroin dealer on earth i would. Truly the most eveil drug in the universe. Sorry for harping on. Just feel what you wrote was so true. Keep up the good 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 02-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 02-Jun-2008
    Oh Mark, what a sad way to see the rotten side of life. I am an ex-Sydney Sider myself, and did see a bit of it as I used to love roaming Kings Cross years ago. I did see an indication with a friend of mine years ago, and she sure was going downhill. Pock marks on her face, she was pale and drawn and had lost weight. And that was only the beginning. Years later I ran into her again, and joy of joys, she was healthy and happy with a baby boy. I was so relieved. I'm glad you enjoyed this poem, and appreciate your story and comments. It is a sad and insidious killer this drug thing. Even sadder when you see someone you knew well fall victim to it.

    Again, thank you so much xoxoxo
reply by markyhappy on 03-Jun-2008
    alpaca lady, its funny, the amount of drugs and alcohol i took did not affect me one single bit. am still healthy and happy today. But heroin users are caught in a world were reality is the enemy and they can hardly see the physical effects this prick of a drug does to you. But also the city enviroment is one were you can quickly lose all feeling of who you really are and lose all sense of perception. anyway. The thought of injecting a needle into myself to get a quick fix is also chilling. Not a universe I'd gladly enter.
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2008
    Hear, hear!
Comment from Falafa
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The longer I live, the more I realize that there are many 'fine lines' in life. It is so sad when people die from things like drug overdoses. Such a plea never answered. Great job here. Very 'self explanatory'. Thanks for sharing it.

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 02-Jun-2008
    Thank you Falafa for a wonderful review and your thoughtful comments. Yes, it is a fine line between who lives a good life and who doesn't. We could all fall prey to this or similar, if we haven't already. Thank you again so much! xoxoxo
Comment from Nanny 6
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your profound poem deserves to be put out there. It is sad, but informative and true. There is a fine line between living life on the wrong side or the right side. I thank God every day that He delivered my daughter from that lifestyle six years ago. To watch her crawl back up the ladder to life has been a true blessing because I know too many people that never get off the stuff. Thank you for sharing. Judy

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 02-Jun-2008
    I'm so glad you enjoyed this enough to rate it a 6, but even gladder that your daughter came back and is living her life well again. Such a scary thought when you look at your own kids, wondering what's in store for them...

    Thanks so much again for a fabulous review! I haven't replied to pm; thought I'd do so here! Have a great day! xoxoxoxo
Comment from heyjude
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Alpacalady,
A poignant poem about an addict's life. I think there are different reasons they get started on drugs. Sometimes just hanging with the wrong crowd. Also, wanting to not feel the pain in their lives. It's sad when it ends with an overdose. I know some addicts who are recovering and are great examples of overcoming with God's help. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 02-Jun-2008
    Yep, it's not always a one way ride to hell. The hard-luck stories are the ones we hear most of, but not enough by far of those who have risen above it to mentor and guide others out of the gutter.

    I appreciate your comments, and your great review. Thanks so much heyjude!xoxoxox
Comment from bard owl
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Drugs are a deadly crutch that all too often leads to "another number on a slab of cold". Your poem offers an excellent example of drug's siren call leading to death's door. This writing is certainly exceptional with a sobering moral all drug users should heed. Blessings, Linda

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 01-Jun-2008
    Thank you so much for your comments here Linda. If only messages could be delivered and taken on board by those who need to hear them. But sometimes, the hard way is the only way some can learn. I appreciate your review and excellent comments very much! xoxoxo
Comment from debbiesue
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted



Hi Alpacalady,

You've written a beautifully sensitive piece here about a lost souls battle with addiction. What starts out to be a comfort, quickly turns into a nightmare. I love that you included song titles of songs about drug addiction, it gave it 'movement', for lack of a better word.

Excellent poetry. The picture was a perfect choice.

*debbie*


 Comment Written 01-Jun-2008


reply by the author on 01-Jun-2008
    I'm glad you liked the inclusion of "song titles" here. I was concerned about doing that, but it seemed to fit in. Thanks so much for your encouraging comments and excellent review - they are very much appreciated! xoxoxo
Comment from Oatmeal
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

alpacalady,

I am an addict although I do not use drugs today. I never used a needle but I did snort a lot of crap. I could relate to the theme here. The description words were very good. They described us very well.

There was no SPAG. No typos. No homophones. No problems at all.

I look forward to seeing you again.

Love you,

Oatmeal

 Comment Written 31-May-2008


reply by the author on 01-Jun-2008
    Thank you Oatmeal. I'm glad you could relate, and more glad that you are ok now. I appreciate your review and comments very much! xoxoxo
Comment from Earthwriter
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow my friend what a persecptive piece of writing i marvel at your talent i read this one and i felt a loss for those who would use

 Comment Written 31-May-2008


reply by the author on 31-May-2008
    Thanks so much Monte. It's great when people like your work, but even greater when someone who's familiar with it, likes it as well. Your words are truly encouraging, and I thank you for that. xoxoxo