Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Craig, again you've composed a wonderful poem around today's word. You really captivated the spirit of an auction, not to mention an auction as important as this. 'apparently, on whim'. Shouldn't it be 'on a whim'? I know, I may be wrong. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2018

Hi Ulla, you're quite correct. "On a whim" is correct, "on whim" isn't.I've changed it, thanks for the tip :) Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is an interesting piece. The reader may contemplate how much is too much and how much is not enough in achieving material success. Ultimately a person leaves his/her life as naked as entering it, so it's all for naught. Marilyn

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2018

Unfortunately, nought would often be a good outcome. Many leave this life with a negative balance. Many thanks for the thoughtful comments, Marilyn. Cheers, Craig

Comment from --Turtle.

Exceptional

Hey, Craig,

I got to read through this poem too, and I enjoyed the scene. A story in a poem, unfolding, with dialogue and a cast of representatives in an exaggeration of the truth. Lots of food for thought.

This carries a potent theme, and I like that its all shown, with a final thought that frames the greed and effects of such consume it all transactions.

Really well done.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2018

Thanks so much for the great comments, Turtle. I'm also extremely grateful for the wonderful rating. Hope you have a great weekend! Craig

Comment from catch22

Exceptional

Hi Craig, what a powerful poem about how materialism and exploitation of the Earth's resources will destroy the very planey we require for survival. I thought the satire was well executed and your poem's quatrains (you broke them as couplets) made good use of abcb rhyming. I loved the incorporation of the word of the day into an impacting write.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Thanks so much for the delightful rating and comments, Pam. I spent a while trying to decide whether to format in couplets or quatrains; following your comment, I've changed it to quatrains, and I think it's better for that. Thanks for the (implied) suggestion :) Most grateful! Craig

reply by catch22 on 06-Dec-2018

Oh kewl! Glad to help and you are very welcome.

Comment from Harper J

Excellent

I really liked this poem , it is different and fun. It flowed well and kept me intrigued .
It carried a well flowing story . Though I personally am not so sure about the way it ended.
But nether the less, it was a very good write and I look forward to reading more of your work

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Thanks very much, Jean. I appreciate the kind comments and support in reviewing :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem about the auction, it seems very unorganized but at the end it seems everyone is happy with their purchases even if it shakes their pocket till it is empty.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Thanks very much, Sandra. I appreciate your continued support very much -- Craig

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

What a brilliantly scandalous idea to sell off Earth to the highest bidder, but yes that happens every second of every single day somewhere around the world. If a person wants to get the "real" news the best place to do it is by following the stock market and I ain't even talking about cows.

Superbly rhymed and metred and excellent social commentary.

Gloria

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Thanks for the great review, Gloria. Allegedly, I own part of the moon (an acre), and have title deeds to prove it. I knew it was a scam, even years ago, but Jayne thought (correctly) it would be a fun birthday present. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from pome lover

Excellent

very interesting, Mr. Richards, and you make a good point, which is a worthy one.
Seems to me if we could somehow start with China, as it is the largest polluter, we might make a dent, then proceed from there. But I can't see that happening. And from what I've read, if American industries did everything right for the environment, it wouldn't make a bit of difference. I believe we do better than any other country in protecting the environment, is that not so? I am sincerely asking.
pome lover

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Well, firstly, I'm not American, and my post wasn't in any way directed specifically towards America. Killing the planet is a global issue. I can't possibly answer this in any useful way without writing a mammoth essay, but I'll try to make a couple of points, since you sincerely ask the question. You say, "I believe we do better than any other country in protecting the environment, is that not so?" I'd be interested to know where that suggestion comes from. According to figures from numerous studies, your country has the distinction of being the worst per-capita polluter of any country with a decent population. My country has the honour of second place. Both the US and Australia produce well in excess of double the pollution China produces per head of population.

This is one report you might find of interest, using data from the World Bank:

https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/10296/economics/top-co2-polluters-highest-per-capita/

In terms of renewable energy adoption, neither the US or my country come anywhere near the the top; you'd probably be surprised at those that do -- including a number that receive very little sun, and a number on the list of the President's s***hole countries.

In short, no, both our countries have pathetic records when it comes to environmental protection.

Also, this red herring of, "if we did everything right, nothing would change" is raised here all the time, as it would seem it is there. It's simply false. China has a massive renewables program, and is looking to reduce their emissions all the time, as are many countries. Why should countries with GDPs among the highest in the world not play their part? Even if the argument made sense (which it doesn't), since when do we do what is wrong because everyone else is? A smart country would position itself not only to use internally, but also to create massive export markets in renewable energy, and other planet-saving technologies. Win-win situation.

Anyway, a bit of a rant, but you asked, and I tried to give a decent answer, without typing a book.

I appreciate your questions, and your kind remarks.

Craig

reply by pome lover on 06-Dec-2018

Craig - bless you! for your wonderful explanations, information and opinions. I truly appreciate your taking the time and interest in your response. I didn't know those facts, as I'm sure you surmised. Am going to copy and print your response to have and delve into them further. (after Christmas)
Sometimes the huge scope of nationalities represented by FS members boggles my mind (I have "talked" with a gal in Iceland, for instance), and I had forgotten that you were from Australia.
Thanks you for the info and again for your kind response. It is much appreciated.
Katharine - pome lover

Comment from Pamusart

Exceptional

Hi Craig. This is a sixer. That prospective buyer should wait. Earth's riches are reduced every day. At some point it will be at a bargain basement price. Very profound. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Thanks so much for the lovely rating and most delightful comments, Pam. Good to hear from you again :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from Gracenoteme

Exceptional

I love the way this poem you wrote rhymes and makes sense. I attended an auction in Wetaskiwin, AB once with my uncle and his family. Of course the stakes were not high like this one that you write of. And the highest stakes of all, the future of humanity. Yes, by those figures that would be a sad bargain. I am not sure which industry got the bargain, but I can see what you are saying. It doesn't sound very hopeful, but it is very descriptive and I can resonate with it. I am just a newcomer to Fanstory, but I have made many attempts at writing poetry over the years, and especially appreciate poems that rhyme. If we are in an auction type of situation, I hope there is a way for it to be favorable to humanity having a future on this earth. I see in the news that climate change is fast progressing, faster than even predicted. This poem really brings that home in my focus.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2018

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2018

Firstly, welcome to Fanstory. I hope you have a great time discovering the site, it has much to offer. Thank you for the lovely rating, and for sharing your thoughtful comments. I rarely write poems that don't rhyme, I just find it so much harder; so I'm glad to have company :) I hope you have great success with your endeavours here! Cheers, Craig

reply by Gracenoteme on 06-Dec-2018

Thank you for the welcome and the well-wishes. I am sure I will continue to enjoy your future poetry.