Comment from tbacha58

Exceptional

Unsuspecting victims would fall through the door to their deaths on the spikes below, those that survived were left to rot and starve to death.

You leave , and come back with such a strong story from the past. Evil started a very long way back ages and ages.
I am so sure that this historic poem was no easy to write, but the picture with its force, is immense, your description later is so deep, and understanding. I want to learn more about the past, I read your poem and comments a few times, I look forward for the coming one. Bless u Terry xx Your poetry's greatness deserves that six star. A small gift from me, to you Dean. Terry xx

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thank so much, Terry. You've made my week, my friend. Your reviews are always so encouraging, and it is for people just like yourself for whom I endeavor to reach higher, try even harder the next go-'round...

Comment from Louise Michelle

Exceptional

This is fabulous, Dean. Your rhyme and meter are spot on which adds to the enjoyment and made me joyfully keep reading.

Great alliteration in cadaverous crews and, of course, seventh stanza. You have provided me with exciting imagery and the musical accompaniment really got me lost in the excitement. That's quite an accomplishment because I normally do not enjoy battle scenes.

Hugs,
Lou

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thanks, Louise, I truly appreciate that. I believe one can convey any type of scenery through poetic expression, including those of battle, which inspire honor and a sense of duty, and make it literary worthy. You simply have to know where to draw the line...

Thanks for your fabulous review!

Comment from pbroussard209

Excellent

Very exciting piece. I love this time in history it is so dark and scary. You did a great job in conveying a foreboding atmospher and a chilling tale. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thank you for reading, my friend. I appreciate it, as well as the most generous five stars...

Comment from barkingdog

Excellent

And yet another fine presentation. This time one based on history and the occult.
Fine rhyming quatrains with even tempo give me reason to skip an over night stay at Leap Castle. LOL

Nice alliteration(culled courage; prayed they'd prevail; cadaverous crews; set silken sails;hopes of halting and more) and fine use of enjambment add melody and smooth movement to this spectacle between the dead and the living.

-ships cannon(') muzzles

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thanks so much, BD. I always enjoy your intelligent, insightful reviews, my friend!

Comment from SteveY

Excellent

Wow, just another very excellent writing by this extremely talented author. Love the music with this one and the imagery and story of the battle.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thanks so much, Steve. I'm very glad that you liked this one, given it's subject matter. It is a real legend, and Leap Castle is a place I plan to visit one day. I don't understand why they brought a witch in to exorcise the place. Wouldn't a priest have been a smarter choice?

Comment from Rosalyne

Excellent

Hi Dean,
Your poem on Leap Castle is well-written like always. I found your note at the end interesting and also scary that such acts were carried out behind closed hidden doors. This kind of torture is barbaric. Is the Leap Castle in Scotland? Just my own curiosity.
Bye
Rosalyne :)

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thanks very much, Rosalyne.

Leap castle is located in Ireland. It's reputed to be one of the most haunted places in all the world. With the sinister goings-on that occurred there, it isn't any wonder, huh?

reply by Rosalyne on 30-Sep-2013

Thanks so much for posting this poem and the history. I never knew of this kind of torture. Such a fascinating but scary place.
Bye :)

Comment from joneau2

Excellent

Another professionally produced extravaganza of sight and sound. the poem enchanting and intense. As always, a wonderful writing, a work of art. I don't know why you don't appear on New York Times Best Seller list ... your works are that good. Seems to me some publisher should publish a book of your poems and stories, maybe Stephen King can help.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Well, that would be nice, joneau2, but I ain't holdin' my breath. I see you've got a couple of books on Amazon.com yourself, so you must know a way in which it can be done, getting published, I mean. I haven't a clue.

Thanks for the great review, my friend...

reply by joneau2 on 30-Sep-2013

Check out Amazon.com's e-book creator. Or go to CreateSpace.com, an Amazon.com company for creation of a soft cover edition (they link, and it's all for free). It's pretty intuitive, and with your talent, it should be a snap.

Comment from JM daSilva

Excellent

It's funny that you write horror; I write sci-fi, but I get a lot of inspiration from your poems. That's another one that just inspired me. Thanks.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Hey, isn't that the primary reason we do this, to inspire others? I know it's my main goal. I could care less about the accolades, ribbons banners and ratings. For me, it's all about thinking outside the proverbial box, going that extra mile to inspire others to do the same. poet_wayne has adapted this 'pictapoem' format, and used it well. Dr. Dip now reads prose, when before, he'd only read poetry.

I'm on a mission, my friend, and you taught me never to rest on my laurels...

Thanks for letting me know that this gave you inspiration. That means a great deal to me.

reply by JM daSilva on 30-Sep-2013

You inspire me more than you know. You know you inspired me to use the language I use in the Vincent novel. Remember how I was trying to please everyone at first?

Comment from Cookie333

Excellent

So, per your notes, these ghosts ain't giving up the ghost...hehe. I enjoy your piece and I love your notes. I always learn a bit of history with your pieces and I thank you for that.
karen

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Nope, they just won't give in, Karen.

I'm glad that you enjoy these little historical pieces of legends, myths and lore. I do extensive research to find stories I feel are interesting enough to include on FS. This one really grabbed me, of course, because of all the ghastly, ghostly sightings involved...

Comment from Tomes Johnston

Excellent

This is another stellar poem from the author. The writer tells a story from Irish history that I was previously unaware of and I thank you for that. This is powerful stuff. I will have to take another look at Leap Castle.

 Comment Written 30-Sep-2013

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reply by the author on 30-Sep-2013

Thank you, Tomes, for giving this one a go, I appreciate it.

reply by Tomes Johnston on 30-Sep-2013

My pleasure.