Comment from Ginda Simpson

Exceptional

There cannot be anything sadder than receiving this news. You remind us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and that of others we do not even know. The repeating words "but not tonight" effectively demonstrates that mourning is a process, one that takes time.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks for the review, Ginda. I'm going to try to write another poem about the consequences of war, "but not tonight".

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

This is simply tremendous. It's obvious why it was the Sad Poems Contest winner. I doubt there were any close seconds. You captured it all so beautifully, Paul - the scene as well as the emotions attached. Exceptional work. xo

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Rachelle. You are too kind.

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Paul, I can certainly understand why this became the winner of the contest, it's not only beautifully written but it also expresses the pain an profound grief she's experiencing. Very well done. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Ulla. I cannot fathom the grief of a war widow.

Comment from nomi338

Exceptional

I hate this poem because, it is an awful reminder of just how horrible death is. Death originated as a result of hatred. It has spread and continues to spread. You make plans for your life, you give and receive love, you even try to spread it as far abroad as possible. The minute you let down your guard and begin to think that you may be granted a period of happiness, hate springs up and snatches any possibility of that , rudely from your grasp, leaving you with a handful of ashes. I hate this wonderfully constructed poem. Not because it is no good, but because it is far too real to be read and consumed with any kind of comfort.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks for the review, Nolan. That was great commentary.

reply by nomi338 on 27-Jul-2024

Thank you for saying that.

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

Congrats on your well-deserved contest win, Paul. This is a very moving verse about this chaplain's visit to state the inevitable and the impact on the wife. You related the story with your usual fluency and aplomb, making it sad but never overdoing the sentiment. Great job! Debbie

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Debbie. I had a tear in my eye when I wrote this poem.

Comment from dragonpoet

Exceptional

Hi Paul,
What a heartfelt poem that uses repetition well to engulf us in the emotions of this poor woman and the baby that will never know her father.
All soldiers are heroes and should be treated thusly. War widows and widowers do learn to go on like we all have to after death.
Congrats on your well deserved contest win.
Keep writing and stay healthy.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Joan

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Joan. I have very deep feelings for war widows.

reply by dragonpoet on 27-Jul-2024

You're welcome, Paul. As we all should.
Joan

Comment from Dawn Munro

Exceptional

I have not words to tell you just how much this scene plays over and over in my mind after reading your sad and brilliant poem...

I see why it is the contest winner.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Dawn. This poem also plays over and over in my mind.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

Congratulations on the contest win Paul, but more so on your beautiful words. You put me right there as she clutched his dog tags. Unfortunately there are still those knocks on the door, all too often. Well done.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Valda. The women in my family have, luckily, not heard that knock on the door.

Comment from jessizero

Excellent

Congratulations on winning the "Sad Poems" contest. You did a wonderful job with the sorrow in this poem, and I liked your rhymes. Thank you for sharing, and best wishes to you.

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Jessi. This poem is one of my favorites.

Comment from Tom Horonzy

Exceptional

And I thought my entry would stand a chance to place or show but the Win went to you and I cannot say it was wrong
War is hell so tell and you did very well
Congrats

 Comment Written 26-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2024

Thanks, Tom. Nice rhyming in your review.