Comment from ArtGal

Exceptional

Dean, I think this is one of your best, but as I've told you before, I think you're possibly the best poet here, and I applaud you for this poem, and many others! There's no way I'm giving you less than a 6 for this one. You are so very right, and we must teach this to our children. Winning is really not what counts, but how you play the game. A very old saying, but it's so very true and always will be, BRAVO!!! . . .Sharon

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Hah, hardly the best poet here, ArtGal, but I'm very flattered that you feel that way. I do always try very hard to write something worth reading. That much I can and will say.

Thanks for the six stars as well as your awesome review. It's appreciated!

reply by ArtGal on 21-Jul-2014

All I stated is very true, so please know that! I will come back to review, and find you on the front page!

reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Thanks, I'll be looking forward to it.

Comment from l.raven

Excellent

HI Dean, you couldn't say it better...this is in sports...and in our lives...a great write...it's not whether you win or lose....but how you ran the rave...so very well written...love it!!! Luff Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Thanks so much, Linda. I'm very glad you enjoyed it.

reply by l.raven on 21-Jul-2014

you are so welcome...xxoo

Comment from NicciFaye

Exceptional

What else can possibly be said when you've spoken the truth so beautifully and boldly. A masterpiece of wisdom and as always I always am amazed at that beautiful spirit that resides inside you Dean.

P.S. Sorry for not being able to read your works lately. In school (Master's Degree..lots of researching, writing,and reading), and I'm working on my book still. So I will just be on here reviewing for the moment.

Beautiful and worthy of a six plus!

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Thanks so much, Nicci, I really appreciate that. Your schooling and education is far more important than reading my meager offerings, my friend. But I am very honored when you do have the time to.

Thanks for the kind comments and exceptional rating.

Comment from Twilightspire

Exceptional

I love it. Very inspiring and not a bit of the ole Dean Kuch "doom and gloom." :)
This is a great piece and I hope you don't mind if I let all of my kids read it. The words are more than enough to teach a great lesson.
Thank you for posting this.
-T.J.

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

No, I don't mind at all, TJ. That's the main reason I wrote it in the first place. Kids (and adults as well) need to realize that winning isn't always the top priority. Helping others to win along the way is much more rewarding, wouldn't you agree?

Thanks again for the fantastic rating and exceptional review.

reply by Twilightspire on 21-Jul-2014

Absolutely, I agree. I try to tell my kids the participation and having a good time is more important than winning. My son flip-flops about the idea, but generally follows the philosophy.
I really am glad you posted that, it says everything that I've been awkwardly trying to tell them for years. :)

reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Ha ha, I'm sure you do just fine, y friend. I'll bet you're an excellent father. Just call it a feeling...

Thanks again, TJ. I'm off to read your story now...

reply by Twilightspire on 21-Jul-2014

Aw, thanks, big guy.

reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

:D

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

Yes, we used to be taught this, that our lives were in our hands, and it was up to us to make it worth living. Unfortunately this is taught in all cultures anymore. I wish it was. Great job.

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

Thank you very much, Lance. I certainly wish it were too, my friend.

Comment from Lulube

Excellent

A directional pep talk. Well done, I have one on the same inspirational kick in the butt talking to, lol
Of course your's is in fuller English. I talk or write in anything other than plain, very plain, basic English.
this is full of imagery to let the reader see what you are talking about in your suggestions. Words of wisdom with a little map.

enjoyed this easy reading, great flowing lines with great rhymes poem.

lulube

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

Thank you very much, Lulube. I'm so glad you did. More often than not, I write what I mean, and I mean what I write. I leave little room for interpretation.

reply by Lulube on 20-Jul-2014

welcome Dean

lulube say what you mean but it's that vivid imagination of your's that's one of a kind.

reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

:} Well, I do try very hard.

Comment from acerisestory

Exceptional

Another wonderful write, Dean! It is truly an inspirational poem with so many positive things to say. I can't find a stanza that I like more than another. Each one speaks for itself, and yet it's all tied together with great flow, rhythm and rhyme.

I must give you one of my sixes! Thank you for sharing your talent, Dean!

Alana

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

Thank you very much for such an enthusiastic review and wonderful rating, Alana. I am very glad you enjoyed it!

reply by acerisestory on 20-Jul-2014

You are welcome, Dean. Alana

Comment from Eternal Muse

Exceptional

Dean, I have to award this a six. This was truly powerful. And very therapeutic for my state of mind too. Yes, we have to set goals and reach them - it's not the win that counts, but how you ran the game. Your poem touches on morals, honesty, integrity, faith and inner strength.

These were favorite lines, among so many:

To always love our fellow man,

and do the very best we can,

set goals, for you must have a plan,

to see beyond horizon's span...



There is a path that's tried and true,

to walk or run, it's up to you.

Search for the light that's hidden there,

'tween selfishness and deep despair.


Bravo, my friend. This was a true bull's eye!

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

Thanks so much, yeltel, and I have always valued your opinion as you know. I'm very glad this struck a favorable chord with you, and I really appreciate the exceptional rating. Thanks again!

Comment from joneau2

Excellent

A very good poem, somewhat off the beaten path for you, but nonetheless of the same high quality you write all your material. If you haven't had a chance to do so, please review my contest entry titled "Time Goes By." Thanks

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2014

Thanks so much, John, I really appreciate the review. I'll have a look at it...

Comment from Sonaleeka

Excellent

A compelling write, I loved the poem along with art work. Always a pleasure to read this kind of writing.worth reading and thanks for sharing.
Nicely done!

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2014

Thanks very much for reading and reviewing it for me, Sonaleeka. I really appreciate it! :}