My Comments

Lonely Swan On The Lake by Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You've certainly chosen the most appropriate image possible for this "Amanda's Pinch" poem, Sandra. Just as the form of the poem reflects around a horizontal centre, so does the image. Nice job. Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 10-Nov-2020

Contented by Sugarray77

Exceptional

This work has reached the exceptional level

Absolutely excellent advice, Melissa. People who think they'll find happiness through a multitude of material possessions rarely do. It seems our nature is to want more, the more we have. That also goes for non-material things, too. We are better off setting our sights low as far as desires go, then we are less likely to be disappointed.

Love the simple directness of your words, and the feeling is enhanced by the excellent choice of image.

Great job, best of luck in the contest.

Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 10-Nov-2020

Do Not Talk To Me Of Glory by Dorothy Farrell

Excellent

Firstly, congratulations, Dorothy, on saying what few these days appear to have the courage to say -- that war is futile, stupid and not worth dying for.

I'm very sorry you lost your father in WWII. My father participated, but survived. He was shot more than once. Like so many of his comrades, he rarely spoke of his experiences.

A couple of tiny glitches:

I think you need a single closing quote after WHY AREN'T YOU?

Also, I think it should be "war's going fine" (missing apostrophe).

An excellent, and I expect, unique Remembrance Day piece. Well done.

Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 10-Nov-2020

All things excellent by catch22

Exceptional

I'm reminded of the somewhat dark tale of a young woman who is pondering the subject of death with a friend:

"When I go, I hope it's peacefully, in my sleep, just like Grandpa did...

not screaming and crying like his passengers!"

Anyway...

I think my ideal way to die would be with as little pain as possible, and I also believe I'd prefer unexpectedly. "Your clock will freeze and gears will stop." I know for some, there is more to it than that (or so they believe), but for me, that's a most satisfactory description.

Well done, Pam. I enjoyed very much.

Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 09-Nov-2020

Connecting Circles by lyenochka

Excellent

An interesting analogy you've drawn here, Helen. I'm not fussed one way or the other about the form, but I think you've implemented it well. The single capital in "But" stands out when it's the only time you've used a capital in the whole piece. Not sure if that's intentional or not -- naybe it's there for emphasis? Ducks are great, we should be more like them :)

Best of luck in the contest!
Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 09-Nov-2020

As Leaves Let Go by Debbie Pope

Exceptional

Just wow, Debbie. I think I can safely say this is the best thing I've read from your pen... or perhaps that should be keyboard.

I absolutely love the sentiment expressed. You certainly had me wondering about whether there was a particular interpretation we should place on it, but I'm taking your footnote at face value. As much as I think that would be a worthwhile lesson, I think the non-political interpretation is much more profound.

A worthy winner. If you don't win, well, I guess my suspicions will be confirmed, but I wish you all the best with this gem.

Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 09-Nov-2020

Re-discovered by catch22

Exceptional

I'm at a bit of a loss to find appropriate words to comment on this. Your poem speaks of a longing, an affinity, a desire to be free we can experience when we observe nature's untamed beauty. And it does so in language that compliments those feelings beautifully.

I love your reference to 'lands untouched by ambition'. That, of course, explains their pristine condition, but it also is, I think, an acknowledgement of how much each of us personally can lose when we don't take time to savour what is, rather than what could be.

A lovely piece of free-verse. Well done, and thanks for sharing.

Comment Written by CD Richards on 26-Oct-2020

Is The Antichrist Among Us? by Ideasaregems-Dawn

Exceptional

Well said, Dawn. All of your arguments against this mind-numbingly ludicrous nonsense are sound. Covid-19 is the second most deadly malady threatening the human species in this decade. The most serious, by far, is a global pandemic of stupidity.

I'm firmly convinced that in spite of the superstition and nonsense that has pervaded civilisations for millennia, there has never before been a time when people in such numbers were so keen to swallow the most appalling drivel. Why? Got me beat. We are in a time when scientific advances are coming at breakneck speed, and people worldwide are falling over themselves to be idiots.

Keep up the good fight, it's worth it.

Comment Written by CD Richards on 26-Oct-2020

25 and going by Turtle... who?
Chapter 61 of the book Simon says

Exceptional

I feel a bit useless trying to comment on this. I didn't spot a single grammatical or typographic error of any kind, so can't be of any help there. As far as the writing style goes, it's every bit as good as I expect from you. You go the extra mile in building reality into scenes. It's these little touches, such as the orange stain on the phone handset, that make even your most improbable stories seem plausible and natural.

There seems to be very genuine affection between Simon and Vicky, even though one of them at least, and most likely both, are non-monogamous, and both are what night be called "troubled souls".

The usual perfect balance between dialogue and narrative is present, and makes for most enjoyable reading.

Good job, and I'm so glad to see you posting again.

Comment Written by CD Richards on 24-Oct-2020

Thoughts on Autumn by rosehill (Wendy)

Excellent

I'm trying to think if I have seen a sestet before, and can't recall having done so. I don't know if it is a requirement to use the same word at the end of each alternating line (I suspect not) but it certainly does focus attention on the subject very strongly when used that way, as you have above. I suspect no one will be asking, "What was this poem about?"

This is a lovely write about my favourite season (along with spring). If I were in charge of the climate we would have 5 months each of autumn and spring, and one each of summer and winter each year. And, of course, it plays host to the very best holiday, which you have also mentioned.

A fine job, Wendy. I very much enjoyed this. Best of luck in the contest :)

Cheers,
Craig

Comment Written by CD Richards on 21-Oct-2020