*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/gobbledock/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/5
Review Requests: OFF
635 Public Reviews Given
655 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
I give constructive criticism, but always in a positive and encouraging manner. I'm honest and give advice for improvement where warranted, but I don't have any interest in shredding another writer's work. I will always do my best to focus on the areas that need attention. I like to give my interpretation of a piece (when applying to poetry) and enjoy giving a review that is both helpful and leaves the reader feeling positive about his or her work. On occasion, I will suggest rewording -- particularly in poetry -- and if you don't prefer this, you should advise me when submitting a request. I will always give the best quality review that I'm capable of, in content and presentation.
I'm good at...
My first passion is poetry, but I like all types and genres of writing and dabble in them all. I like poetry with depth and enjoy interpreting it and recognising artful use of convention. I'm good at finding the weak points in a poem and suggesting alternatives to strengthen them.
Favorite Genres
Fantasy, Romance/Love, Dark, and Comedy. These are my favourite, but I enjoy anything that makes me want to read on. Therefore, no genre is out of bounds.
Least Favorite Genres
Okay, if my arm is being twisted and I have to choose ... War and Spiritual. Both genres I find the least interesting, but I'm still open to reviewing them and will critique them fairly.
Favorite Item Types
Poetry and Short Stories
Least Favorite Item Types
Blogs and chapters. I don't hate them, they are just my least favourite.
I will not review...
I will review any genre or type with any content rating, providing it has a word count that doesn't exceed 3,000 words. Honestly, I prefer to review poetry. *Bigsmile*
Public Reviews
Previous ... 1 2 3 4 -5- 6 7 8 ... Next
101
101
Review of Allegiance  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*

*VinylB* Greetings, 🌕 HuntersMoon *VinylB*

NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

I'm reviewing your entry to:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1708390 by Not Available.


Please remember: editing you entry is prohibited prior to judging and awarding of the contest!

GENERAL:
*VinylB* This poem pays tribute to an important symbol for your country: the flag. The pride you have for your country and its accomplishments shines through. You make the point that despite acts of war and terrorism these symbols still prevail; if not physically, in the heart. There is an eerie tone to this poem, but it really emanates within the stanza detailing the events at Prospect Hill. The poem speaks of war, death, achievement and allegiance, but the dominating theme is that of freedom, only provided because of the sacrifices made.

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*VinylB* "The tower twins lay side by side,
felled by hate's cruel stroke
and yet our banner flew with pride
above the dust and smoke."

This is a tribute to perseverance in the face of tragedy. The flag is a constant symbol that cannot be destroyed, just as the human spirit cannot be crushed from the outside. Great job, Ken! *Quill*

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* As ever, these areas seem to be faultless. Your use of enjambment powers a smooth flow and adds to an uninterrupted read.

*VinylB* Thanks for sharing another great poem with me, Ken. Your pride for your country shines through and is expressed with passion and love. *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
102
102
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings Whitemorn
NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


I'm reviewing your entry to:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1708390 by Not Available.

Please remember: editing your entry is prohibited prior to judging and awarding of the contest!

*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
Hi there! First of all, congratulations on your win in the Traditional Poetry Contest! I can see you've put a lot of effort into constructing this poem dedicated to a horse named Sierra. You're obviously a horse-lover, and your appreciation of these beautiful animals shines through. This poem is structured and revolves around the use of rhythm and rhyme, the two dominating conventions employed. Both things work well, but I did notice a few lines that weren't rhythmically sound. This is the only thing that broke the flow. Your end-rhymes worked well and you have written a story in verse. I could see the scenes you created, and the narrator's compassion is the heart of this poem. Great job!

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
"I talked with her owner weeks after,
and spoke of the deed, and my day.
She smiled and responded with laughter,
"She's always escaping some way".


*Quill* This stanza has the best rhythm within your poem; it flowed perfectly. Also, I like the sense of completion that these lines give your story.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
I saw no fault in these areas, and your use of spelling and grammar add to the quality of a poem that flows and pauses precisely where it should.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank your for sharing this poem with me! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy
Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
103
103
Review of Anguish  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings rjsimonson

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
Hi! I'm here to review your poem for the:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1708390 by Not Available.

Please remember: editing your entry is prohibited prior to judging and awarding of the contest! *Smirk*


It is my pleasure to read and review your work, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts and comments. This free-verse poem is told mainly in a literal sense, and it describes the depth of misery that comes with any form of sorrow, mental torment, or form of depression. The narrator describes how every waking moment is spent in agony. Your use of hyperbole to exaggerate the waking nightmare is a great use of convention.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
"Haunted by mistakes,
and yet no one sees the imperfection on the surface,
only the soul is torn asunder."

*Quill*I like the way you describe a person who is a mess on the inside but is managing to hide her feelings on the outside. This is another instance where you employ the convention of hyperbole to intensify the portrayal of internalised pain.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
I noticed a couple of minor things. In the following:
*Umbrellap* "while the soul, screams in silent agony. "
*Quill* I would suggest removing the comma in the above line. It tends to break the flow.
*Umbrellap* "Life is a never-ending nightmare"
*Quill* 'never-ending should be 'neverending.'

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing a great poem with me. My thoughts and suggestions are just my opinions, so feel free to do with them as you wish! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy
Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
104
104
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings ShiShad
*UmbrellaP* As a judge for "Invalid Item I am reviewing your entry. *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
Hi! I'm here to review you poem for the:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1708390 by Not Available.

Please remember: editing you entry is prohibited prior to judging and awarding of the contest!

I think this is a beautiful, heartfelt poem about a lifetime romance between lovers. The poem revolves around the gift of a dandelion, and I enjoyed the repeating line that highlights the importance of this simple flower. I think the simplicity of the flower shows the kind of love that is shared by the couple. The narrator talks about a relationship that blooms in childhood and continues into adulthood. She only laments the fact that the object of her affection is stolen by another at one point in their union. In this piece, love conquers all, and the soul mates are reunited. The rhythm and rhyme in this poem are consistently good, and there were only a couple of places where I found an awkward word. Sometimes you have to substitute these conventions for emotional impact, and I don't think these little quirks lessen the quality of your poem.


*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
*Umbrellap* " My heart withered like a flower on the vine.
Until, today, when I opened to find-
You picked for me a "dandeline."
I was yours and you were mine."
This final stanza is my favourite within the poem. The simile you use to describe the heart as "dying" is a good one, and it shows how deep the narrator's love is for her beloved.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
The only thing I would suggest is that you consider using capitals and punctuation where grammatically correct. These areas are subjective and come down to preference.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing your poem with me! I enjoyed this romantic interlude between lifetime partners.

Regards,
Mandy
Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
105
105
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings VictoriaMcCullough
*Devil* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *Devil*
NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


GENERAL:
*Devil* Hi Vicki! I'd never heard of an Indian summer before reading this poem, but I now know what it is. Lucky for me, I have an American citizen on hand, and I only had to ask him about the weather anomaly in order to receive the essay version. *Laugh* Basically, it's what I'd call a cold snap, only in reverse. If I didn't have a basic understanding of an Indian summer, I wouldn't have been able to grasp the true meaning of this wonderful poem. The tone shifts dramatically in this piece, and I think that's what makes it so good. You describe the beauty of this natural magic show at the beginning of the poem, but the mood changes when the narrator flashes back to unsettling memories, sentimental recollections of a grandmother, and everything that is associated with the deceased relative. This is the best part. Just like the Indian summer is an unexpected flashback of how things were in nature, so are the memories of childhood and a happier time. The Indian summer returns during a bleaker season; the sweet memories return in a bleaker stage of life.

CONVENTIONS:
*Devil* You have excelled in this area, and your metaphor works throughout the poem. It isn't an obvious use of the convention, but herein lies the reward. This is one of the rare poems that can be interpreted in different ways by a reader, and layer upon layer of meaning adds weight to your skill as a poet. I mentioned the use of metaphor above, and I was really impressed with the way you implemented your idea. You have a great vocabulary, and your use of descriptive language adds to the imagery. You have also incorporated some well-placed similes and keywords into this flowing free verse.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING/SUGGESTIONS:
*Devil* "Alive, in the crisp breeze
in Indian Summer,"

*Quill* The narrator expresses a simple truth in the above lines. She likes to return to better days, physically and mentally. There is one hitch in the above lines. 'In' and 'Indian' are awkward together, and you lose the benefit of alliteration with the following consonant that repeats with 'n'. It was the only stumbling block for me, and I would suggest the following: "of an Indian Summer." Of course this is just my opinion -- discard it if you wish!

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*Devil* "the weeping willow tree
under which I sat through so many
precious days of play, finding
lady bugs crawling up the bark."

*Quill* The above lines are rich with imagery! I could see the soft, green foliage drooping and swaying over a small child's head as he or she inspected the tiny, red insects scurrying about. You even offer the sense of touch to your reader with the use of the word 'bark.' I could almost feel the rough texture beneath my fingers.
*Devil*"Her comfort was as good as gold.
I roll back to the
evenings of stories she would
tell me of unique proportion,

*Quill* This is another instance where you make reference to rolling back, just like the Indian Summer is a rolling back of time. I like the way you describe the value of her stories as unique in proportion. It describes how special they are, and how only a grandparent can tell a story in such a way.

*Devil* Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem with me. Good luck with your writing pursuits!

Regards,
Mandy
Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, The Paper Doll Gang
and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
106
106
Review of Just Build It Up  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings fyn
*Devil* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *Devil*
NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


GENERAL:
*Devil* Hi! This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item I hope you enjoy my comments! On perusing your portfolio, I found an unbelievable amount of poetry to choose from. The list just goes on and on, and the quality of what I found there is a tribute to your skill as a writer. "Just Build It Up" isn't what I expected after reading the subject line. I was expecting an element of melodrama and cheesiness, for lack of a better word, but I found something entirely different. I don't know what your intention was when you wrote these lyrics, but as a reader, I found them to be emotive and relatable. There wasn't a hint of an old Beagle dying -- nothing about a lover doing another lover wrong -- and I think Kenny, Patsy, and Loretta would be proud nonetheless. *Bigsmile* Instead, you describe the trials and tribulations of life, the way we all live with regrets about past mistakes and choices, and how we need to build on those experiences to make our lives better. I've never written song lyrics, but I think you've done a superb job with these. How's your singing voice? *Bigsmile*

CONVENTIONS:
*Devil* Each verse within this piece is conversational, and you ask your reader questions that force reflection. The answer to most of the questions you ask is a resounding yes! The experiences you describe are relatable, and though this piece is literal, it still makes use of metaphoric language. You use the bridge as a metaphor for damaged relationships or misused opportunities, and describe the act of making amends as repairing the 'bridge.' Yes, this is a little bit of country. No doubt about it! It's still poetic in its own right, and I enjoyed the sentimental touch.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*Devil* I found no faults in these areas. We have verses and a chorus -- stanzas and a refrain. Whatever way you look at it, this is free verse, and the lack of punctuation works.

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*Devil* "Have you ever wished you could go back
and try it all again?
But now the bridge is broken,
just shattered timbers on the ground."

*Quill* This is an example of how you weave the metaphor throughout your poem.

*Devil* Thank you for sharing this piece with me! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, The Paper Doll Gang
and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
107
107
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings hbar

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* PREMISE:
You did a great job of pulling me into a story about a social event between the narrator, his wife, and their friends. You have a flair for humour, and there isn't a doubt in my mind that it is effortless for you. John is enjoying an evening with friends -- oblivious to the fact that he is the butt of the joke -- and becomes somewhat perturbed when he realises that the muffled laughter is at his expense. He is clueless about exactly why he is so funny, but is determined to find out! He is a man on a mission, and the target is his wife, a loving and sympathetic lady who shows her compassion, but isn't afraid to tell her beloved hubby when he has been a major bore. What makes this piece so funny is the relatable humour. We've all been through situations like this, and when you talk about signals between partners, I could envision those 'don't you do it' eyes across a room, or a well-placed heel to the shin beneath a table. Great job! He may not be all that self-aware, but John is more than willing to admit the truth when that truth can no longer be denied. This is an extremely entertaining story.

*UmbrellaP* SCENE/SETTING:
The scene of John's debacle is his own quarters, and you did a good job of creating the social layout. You did this not with descriptions of bookcases and blue-coloured carpeting, but rather, with dialogue and interaction. This story is all about the tale itself, the dialogue, and the relationship shared by John and his wife. This is completely off topic, but I have to mention it. Your love and respect for your wife shines through, not just in this story, but everywhere that you mention her. *Smile*

*UmbrellaP* DIALOGUE AND CHARACTERISATION:
Aha! The crowning jewel, the icing on the cake, the part of the story that makes it something special. This was funny. I kid you not! Some of the dialogue is going in my favourite lines. Dialogue seems to be a strength of yours, and I really enjoyed how you showed mood and expression with some of the comments that John makes to his wife. I could see the passing emotions sweep over him as he came to a realisation about the form of torture he inflicted upon his friend, Tom. Funnier still, John reflects on some of the 'compliments' given to him by his mum. I guess it's true, there is no love like that of a mother! *Bigsmile* Characters: I like John and I like his wife. Both of them are unique individuals whose love seems to lie within the other.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
Throughout this piece there are quite a few instances of grammar and punctuation problems. I've pulled out a few examples below, but I would be happy to give you a private line-by-line if you wish. I found that the main problems were in comma placement and run-on sentences. The editing in this piece is quite good, but it does need a little tweaking. The following are just a few examples of the kind of errors that I found.
*Umbrellap* "I am a quiet, reserved, extremely well[-]mannered gentleman at all times"
*Umbrellap*" Later in the evening I cornered my wife and inquired [about] what everyone was finding so humorous with that particular photographic document?"
*Quill* I shouldn't be doing this in spelling and grammar, but ... another favourite line. This is very 'F.B.I' of John.

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
I don't think you could improve upon the content of this piece, but I would suggest looking at the editing. Other than that, excellent job!

*UmbrellaP* AREAS OF EXCELLENCE:
The following are just a couple of my favourites.
*Umbrellap* I lifted my head; everyone was looking somewhere else, except my wife. She had a kind of ‘sorry honey’ look on her face as she gazed at me with no small measure of pity mixed in, although in retrospect it could have been sorrow.
*Quill* This is a great description that told me a lot about John's wife, the kind of relationship they have, and exactly why John loves her. She knows how to deal the blows gently and understands what he needs. This excerpt of dialogue created a picture for me of John, red-faced and disbelieving.
*Umbrellap* Well, actually I know she did stretch the truth at times. She also told my brothers that they were intelligent and they’re a couple of walking fence posts.
*Quill*Hehe ... this is humour at its finest. What more can I say? *Laugh*
*Umbrellap* “I think we were talking about electron tunneling.”
*Quill* Another instance of your great skill with creating a humourous punch. This is a short, succinct comment that says so much more. With this one small explanation, a reader can feel the depth of Tom's pain!

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story, John. You definitely know how to weave humour into your writing, and that isn't an easy thing to do convincingly. Thank you for sharing your craft with me. I wish you all the best with your writing endeavours. *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group,
The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars,
and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
108
108
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings ♥Hooves♥
*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi there! I decided to visit your portfolio for a couple of reasons. Not only have you been gifted a shower from "Invalid Item, but I'm a fan of parodies such as this. Also, I recently received a lovely review from the Zombie Thing! I thought I should return the favour in case I incur his wrath. He seems jittery and unpredictable to me, and I wouldn't want to start anything. Not to mention ... the Eagles are an awesome band! That was more than a couple of reasons, I know. *Bigsmile*

*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
This poem is highly entertaining and well thought out. I particularly like the song you chose to parody, and your absolute passion for those four-legged creatures that moo shows in this piece. As I see it, we have a lusty bull that's eyeing off the cow of his dreams. She seems somewhat flighty and resistant, but she lures him with enticing possibilities. Just like the song, this poem trails to the edge of insanity. If the bull can't ignore the assault of flies, I do believe it will push him over the edge! *Shock* As I read this poem, I could hear the music in my head, and it really added to the humour of the piece. In a poem of rhyming couplets (variations to match the song), the end-rhymes are excellent, and I think the rhythm does justice to the song. Your great use of vocabulary creates strong images, and I could see the poor cow begging the milkman for reprieve. By the way, who is this milkman you speak of ... ?

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
*Quill* There are a few places that I wasn't sure about at first, but after reading "Hotel COWlifornia" a couple of times, I can see how these areas flow along with the song.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
*Glassesp* On a damp cloudy pasture, swatting flies on my ass,
Warm smell of manure, wafting up through the grass
Up ahead in the barnyard, heard a distant cowbell,
Tail was tired from swatting flies, had to stop for a spell."

*Quill* The above stanza has great rhythm, and it matches the lyrics to the song perfectly. I like the way you engage the senses with the smell of manure ... *Sick* and the cowbell clanging. It gave me a good sense of this lovely place/space. *Bigsmile*

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing this unique and entertaining poem with me.

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
109
109
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*


*VinylB* Greetings, Isola Bertolucci *VinylB*

NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
*Vinylb* Hi Izzie! Okay, while I was over on the beach filleting a nice piece of fish ... the boat drifted away! I turned around and noticed it in the distance, and you can imagine my shock. I tugged at my hair and danced around like a crazy woman. I thought to myself, chase it! So I jumped in the water, swam after it, and jumped in. I'm still out of breath so give me a minute. Better late than never! *Bigsmile*

GENERAL:
*Vinylb* The age-old story of wishing away one's youth. I think everyone is in a hurry to mature when they're still young, and it isn't until they have crow's feet and greying hair that they pine for the vitality and freedom of youth. The narrator is trying to explain this to the young man in question, and his or her advice is excellent. Probably wasted, the advice given will surely fall on deaf ears. Unfortunately, wisdom is the only thing that gives us an appreciation for youth, and wisdom comes with age. Imagine that! *Bigsmile*

CONVENTIONS:
*VinylB* A poem consisting of rhyming couplets, this poem is well formatted, has great rhythm and end-rhyme, and is a pleasure to read. This is a relatable topic that most can understand, and the subtle use of figurative language that likens a man to a tree enriches this piece greatly. Words like 'nourished' 'grow' and 'flourished' all create wonderful imagery of a tree sprouting new shoots of wisdom.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* These areas look great.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
As I mentioned above, the rhythm in this piece is excellent. I think there are a couple of words that could be altered to make it perfect My suggestions are in the following:
*VinylB* "As you fret over life passing you by,
Accept it with pride: Keep your head held high."
*Quill* If you omit the above word the rhythm is maintained.
*VinylB* "Allow yourself time to flourish, you'll see,
The more you learn, the better [more] life will be.
*Quill* Again, by changing the above line slightly, you improve the rhythm of this couplet. These are just my suggestions, and it is always up to you if you agree.

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*VinylB* "Although worried life is moving too slow,
It begins when it's nourished, let it grow."
*Quill* I like the subtle similarity between the second line of this couplet and a tree. The imagery is there in 'nourished' and 'grow.' Life being nourished makes me think of all the things that happen to make us stronger, relationships we have, and things we achieve. The act of growing stems from these things, hence the fruit that we get to reap. Great job here!


*VinylB* Thank you for sharing another great poem with me, Issie. This poem is evidence of your growth in your poetry writing. Keep creating!

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
110
110
Review of send me back  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings Nada Philippe (a.k.a: R.H.N)
*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
Hi! While wondering through the garden, I saw that your portfolio had some flowers on offer. I was compelled to pick one and came up with "send me back This is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item. I hope you enjoy my thoughts. *Smile* Your poem details the narrator's regrets at a past that she wishes she could change. She longs to reverse the events that have resulted from the path chosen, and I could feel the narrator's angst at the resulting life she finds herself living.

*UmbrellaP* CONVENTION:
You have crafted a fine free-verse poem that flows well and works on its level of drama. Your poem has good rhythm and an absence of rhyme, fitting for the form written. Figurative language is an important aspect of poetry, and I think your poem could use a well-placed metaphor or simile to enrich it. The most important convention is rhythm. This is probably the most important element in a quality poem, and even free-verse should have it. It isn't just a set syllable count that creates good rhythm, and there will be times when a poem flows better when the syllable count isn't in sync. It depends where the accent falls, so it's not hard and fast. Set meter applies to form poetry, but other than that there is no law that says you must have one, as long as the flow is easy and doesn't create pause. Mostly literal, this poem works on an emotional level.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
It seems that you've opted to omit punctuation completely from your poem. That is always a matter of style, and I think it is a good choice in this case. The lack of punctuation doesn't affect the flow or readability in any way.

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
My suggestion would be to revisit your poetry to see how you can improve upon it. Whatever it is: form or free-verse; rhythm is always a consideration. Your word choices make a big difference to the delivery, and rereading your poetry can shine a light on awkward words that can be easily changed.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
*Umbrellap* "Send me back in time
To change the hearts
To reveal the love inside"

*Quill* These lines detail the strength behind the narrator's desires. Many would be able to relate to the feeling of wanting to change the past, or would understand the urge to reclaim a lost love.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thanks for sharing your poetry with me. Best of luck in your writing pursuits!

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Paper Doll Group, The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
111
111
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: E | (4.0)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*


*VinylB* Greetings, Isola Bertolucci *VinylB*


NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

GENERAL:
*VinylB* Hi Izzie! Thank you for requesting this review!. I hope that you enjoy my comments. You have written a true account of an experience you had with the family pet, Henry. He takes a good photo ... *Bigsmile* Your unfortunate chain of events offers light humour mixed with lots of pain! The images you provide are a comedy of errors; I think you've expressed the unharnessed energy of a dog that has freedom and an excuse to take advantage of it. Writing a good humorous poem is challenging, and I think you've risen to the occasion. There are a few elements that make a funny poem a bit better than average. Personally, I like to write humourous poetry that is relatable to the reader -- as yours is -- and something that they may have experienced themselves. An example of a topic that has poetential to tickle the funny bone is marriage or relationship. The possibilities are endless, but when a poet pokes fun at how a husband hides in the tool shed while the wife nags about the height of the grass, an internal trigger is flipped. Making an ordinary situation extroadinary is another way to bring humour to a poem. A favourite of mine is the art of exaggeration. This convention is called hyperbole. It's when you exaggerate something to the point of being ridiculous. You know it is, your reader knows it is, but it exemplifies the narrator's depth of need, dislike, hunger, etc. 'Her scarlet nails were a mile long.' Naturally, her nails can't possibly be a mile long, but it demonstrates a point -- don't get onery with the nail-lady. A great way to complete a humorous poem is to have a crazy ending. Take a situation that seemed normal, and twist it with a surprise. The following is a link to one of my 'humorous' poems. It is an example of the kinds of elements that I've detailed above. "Besting David This poem demonstrates irony, the following: "The Wife is what I'd call more of a humorous poem.

CONVENTIONS:
*VinylB* A free-verse poem that is written in rhyming couplets. You do well with your end-rhymes, Isola. It can be difficult to match end-rhymes without them sounding forced or corny, for lack of a better word. The hardest convention to master -- and I don't really think it's ever mastered -- is rhythm. The rhythm in your poem is good, but it does need some tweaking to make it flow without pause. I don't normally suggest rewords in poetry because it's a personal thing, but I'm going to assume that you would want me to. I will give you an example below using one of your stanzas. What I like best about this piece is your descriptions to create imagery. I could see the entire debacle in fine detail: a bounding dog, an unfortunate Izzie struggling to right herself amidst army exercises, and the inquisitive meanderings of Henry. I see you're weaving more figurative language into your poetry, and it always adds another layer to the ordinary. I enjoyed the simile of the old lumberjack. Creating smooth similes and metaphors is a skill in itself, and you have a flair in this department. You can enrich a simile by simply rearranging a word, and I will give you an example of how this would apply to your poem below.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* These areas look great! You've used punctuation and capitals where necessary, and it makes your poem a much smoother read.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
*VinylB* The areas I would suggest you work on is your rhythm. An example is in the following. Please feel free to take it or leave it; I'm merely suggesting an alternative. Only you know what is best for your poem.
*Vinylb* "I placed my dog Henry on a leash for a run,
and thought it would be so tremendously fun.
We live out in the boonies, with no leash required,
so the leash law of town, it quickly backfired."

*Quill* "I placed my dog Henry on his leash for a run;
I thought it would be so tremendously fun.
We live in the boonies; no leash is required,
but the leash-law of town, it quickly backfired!


*Quill*I have made a couple of minor tweaks to your stanza, but I think it improves the flow. The italics adds a little sarcasm to your illusions of a peaceful experience, and the exclamation point adds drama to what transpired with Henry. Adding a little inflection or punctuation for empahasis adds drama to humour.

*Quill* The following is an example of a simple way to enrich your simile.
*Vinylb* "It met the ground hard with a crack!
Like wood in the hands of an old lumberjack."

*Quill* "It met the ground hard with a crack!
Like wood on the axe of an old lumberjack."


*Quill* I think the second version of your simile works better, and it makes more sense. When I think of wood cracking in the hands of an old lumberjack, I try to imagine him breaking the wood. This doesn't work as an example of hyperbole because the simile is meant to be literal. The crack of wood on an axe is a familiar sound that most have heard, and it gives itself to the reader easily. There's no need to pause and question the meaning.

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*VinylB* "I didn't notice, flew over him, and smacked the ground hard!
As I tumbled and "ducked, tucked and rolled",

*Quill* This is an example of where the humour shines. I'm assuming that the ducking, tucking, and rolling is an exaggeration of what really happened, and if it is, that's perfect. You take an ordinary situation and make it extroadinary. Suddenly, the narrator is stuck in a bush with a leaf hanging out of her mouth. Great job!

*VinylB* Izzie, I appreciate the opportunity to review your poetry. I think your determination to improve your craft is admirable, and I don't have any doubts that you will improve with each poem that you create. Thank you so much for sharing! My regards to Henry and your pinkie ... *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
112
112
Review of Sophie's Father  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: E | (4.0)
An Official Paper Doll Gang Newbie Short Story Contest Review
by Mandy

Entrants were charged with using the following award-winning photographs to prompt their stories.
You may view these incredible photographs by searching "2013 National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest."
*Camera*

Hello Osirantinous :
I'm here today to judge your entry in
 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1948649 by Not Available.

Thank you for submitting your story "Sophie's Father.
I will be offering comments and a rating for your story based on (5) criteria put forth by the contest's instructions.
My rating along with the rating of PatrickB will be added together to select a winner.


Creative/Stylistic Interpretation of Photo: *Star**Star**Star**Star*
It is obvious that you've taken this prompt and used it to guide the premise behind your story. I don't know that the way you've used it is especially creative, but I do like how you've used it in this sweet story. But then again, you have taken the somewhat wistful mood of the little girl in the photo and translated that into a situation where a child is fatherless. All in all, you did well using the photo. You have used it in a literal sense, even down to the location as stated beneath the photo. For stylistic interpretation, there aren't any layers in the way you've used the prompt.

Narrative Voice: *Star**Star**Star**Star**Halfstar*
The narrative voice in this story is a strong point. The pace was fast, and I was pulled along by the descriptions and dialogue, without pause. I like the emotional tone and the interactions described between Sophie and her mum, and I didn't stop to wonder about any issues within the story. It was easy to be swept along by your great story-telling ability and to feel immersed in the chain of events.

Characters: *Star**Star**Star**Star**Star*
This is another area where I think this story excels. Sophie's mum is a really likeable character that I could empathise with. Sophie is a typical teenager who, with quirks and all, is still loveable if a little annoying; she is a successful representation of a fifteen-year-old girl. I also like Drew as the "knight in shining armour." He sweeps in at the end to restore a long-remembered love, and I enjoyed the simple, sentimental tone that you've given to this piece. The most memorable character is Anabel. I felt like I was inside her head, experiencing her feelings and sensing the depth of her desires.

Plot: *Star**Star**Star**Star**Halfstar*
A short story should have a beginning, a middle, and an ending, no different to that of a larger work of fiction. You introduce Anabel and straight away the reader discovers her conflict. She is a single mum who has finally revealed a deep, dark secret to her teenage daughter. After realising Anabel's problem, I was absorbed in how things would progress between mother and daughter and also between Anabel and her lost lover. You answered my questions with a satisfying ending that tied up your story in a neat bow. I'm not sure that the story was especially original, but any story can be effective if it's well written, no matter how many times it's been reworked. Yet another area where your story shines. The pivotal, goose-bump moment is when Anabel is reunited with Drew. Perhaps I'd eaten too much chocolate when I read this line but it was more than emotive.

Grammar/Spelling: *Star**Star**Halfstar*
Grammar and spelling is a trying area for us all. I did notice quite a few comma issues throughout the piece and some sentences that seemed incomplete -- more so in the beginning of the piece -- due to what seemed to be an omitted word. The grammar is an area that you might pay some attention to when next editing this excellent story.

Overall:
What I like most about this story was the fact that I loved your P.O.V character, and I wanted to see things turn out for her in a favourable way. I cared about your characters; managing to create that feeling in a short story is a credit to you.

Total *Star*'s: 20.5 out of 25


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **




*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
113
113
Review of Foundation  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings 🌕 HuntersMoon
*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your package from "WDC Birthday Ice Cream Social 2018! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Ken! This is the third and final review from your package win in "WDC Birthday Ice Cream Social 2018. On entering your poetry folder, I felt like I was in an alternate universe of poetic verse! *Bigsmile* I don't know if I've seen another portfolio on WDC that boasts the quantity of poetry that yours does. Not only do you have a huge array and variety, but you have quality poetry. This free-verse made me feel quite nostalgic, and it's also a great example of the style. It's always a privilege to review your writing, Ken, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts and comments.

*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
I could relate to the narrator as he discovers memories of long-forgotten faces and things. You describe the feelings that come when one reconnects with their history. It is often an experience that tugs at the heartstrings and creates a feeling of sadness and longing. You label all of these hidden treasures in a way that makes the attic seem like a living, breathing lost world where inanimate objects come to life to share their secrets. The descriptive language is so rich that my senses were treated to a host of sights and scents. I could see the dim room with it's eclectic mix of objects, and I could smell the musky contents of boxes that have been hiding memorabilia and trinkets, keeping them safe for their owner. It's always interesting when one delves into old possessions that have been stored for safe-keeping, and your poem describes the mix of feelings that come swirling back with the discovery of things treasured but forgotten. Inside the attic and beyond the mottled window pane each tiny detail crystallises. It's the kiss of winter on the window that makes the scene inside the attic that much warmer. Great job!

*UmbrellaP* CONVENTION:
This free-verse is a delightful example of the style, and I found myself walking down memory lane when reading your descriptions of a treasure-filled attic. This poem works on many levels, but the most dominant facet of this piece is the figurative language that you layer in each line. I think where most people go wrong with free-verse poetry is in the rhythm. You understand that a free-verse needs to have rhythm, the same as any structured form, and your sense for patterns and pause are what makes this poem flow flawlessly. I always like to focus on the conventions in a poem that really make it special, and the ones that make this poem flourish are metaphor, personification and imagery. Your flair for descriptive language is what elevates this poem to first-rate one.

*UmbrellaP* AREAS OF EXCELLENCE:
*Umbrellap* Pulling on a pin-wheeled top,
a box reluctantly blossoms,
opening its brittle petals and
releasing its musty perfume of age,
of lost memories, of discarded life.

*Quill* "The above lines would have to be my favourite within the poem. The box becomes a flower, and the way you describe it brings to mind the image of a lotus flower. It does for me anyway! *Bigsmile* The musky smell of age becomes the perfume of this crisp flower, and I had to marvel at the way such a simple metaphor as this can transform a plain cardboard box into a delicate thing of beauty. There is a craft to good figurative language, and not all of it works. This does without a doubt."
*Umbrellap* "Smiling sepia faces return
my stare, puncturing time's veil
and releasing a warm flow of memories."

*Quill* And yet another awesome description that I can really relate to as a reader. Everyone knows the feeling of finding an old photo that sparks a memory. It's a unique feeling when it happens, and it can bring back such vivid memories of things that happened years ago. I like the idea of 'puncturing time's veil.' That's exactly how I would describe the sensation of returning to childhood for that brief moment and wishing you could stay there. *Smile*

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
I could find no faults in these areas, Ken. Your use of enjambment in this piece adds to that easy flow you've created.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
I particularly enjoyed this poem, Ken. Thank you for sharing another of your babies with me. I've enjoyed reviewing your work, and I hope you've enjoyed my reviews!

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
114
114
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*


*VinylB* Greetings, Simple Dykie *VinylB*


NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

PLOT:
*VinylB* Hi there! I happened across this short story on the public review page and even though I've never been a huge fan of science-fiction, I enjoyed your characterisation and descriptions. More to the point, I felt compelled to keep reading and found this to be an enjoyable story. This is a tale about a race of brutal and cruel intergalactic creatures whose sole mission is to enslave lesser races that aren't strong enough to stand against them. These intergalactic oddities are a large, strong, and seemingly emotionless race that you describe well, and they are travelling the galaxy in search of potential slaves. It seems to me that the latest mission undertaken becomes a case of the hunter becoming the hunted, and who could really sympathise with Pern. As a protagonist, Prell isn't likeable, and I didn't feel a whole lot of sympathy for his ultimate demise. Generally speaking, I think a story should have a protagonist who has some redeeming feature, but this is a short story, and I think it's more about the plot than the characters.

SETTING/SCENE:
*VinylB* I like the scene you've set on the spacecraft, and thereafter, on the violated planet. These scenes were well-described and created vivid images, and I could picture the Pern and what they were seeing as they planned to plunder.

DIALOGUE:
*VinylB* I really enjoyed the flow of your dialogue. I think this is a strength in this story, and it's obvious that you have a flair for natural speech between characters. I particularly liked this: ”Okay,” growled Captain Prell. “Let’s get us some glory, a few more scars, and some strong and healthy slaves.” This is a great excerpt that highlights your great use of dialogue; it also gives a reader a greater sense of Prell's character. He's a 'take no prisoners' kind of guy.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING(S):
*VinylB* "and weighing in at over four hundred kilograms, he was an averaged sized male."
*Quill* "and weighing in at over four hundred kilograms, he was an average-sized male."
*Vinylb* "growled Prell in his usual, deep, guttural voice."
*Quill* 'usual' seems unnecessary in the above line.
*Vinylb* "higher oxygen,[remove comma] and carbon dioxide percentage than we’re used to,"
*Vinylb* " but massive trees with root systems growing mostly exposed along the ground.
*Quill* "Suggested reword: but massive trees, their root systems growing exposed along the ground."
*Quill* "The planets predators must have evolved to utilize gliding to snare prey."
*Quill* Suggested reword for clarity: The planets predators must have evolved to a point where they could use gliding to snare prey."
*Vinylb* "barely audible, high[-] pitched"
*Vinylb* "climb twenty[-] meter poles interspersed"
*Vinylb* "Every once in a[space here]while it would bark out"
*Vinylb* "day[space here]care center for toddlers and small children."
*Vinylb* "The last thing Captain Prell saw,[remove comma] was a sight capable"


FAVOURITE EXCERPT:
*VinylB* "Brid was a massive Pern male, almost as large as a female. His thick leathery, gray skin was marked with the many scars typical of Pern males in their never ending battle for mating rights and proving themselves in battle. His strength was legendary among up-and-coming young warriors. Prell had witnessed him break the neck of a charging Grizzly Bear on a planet called Earth, during a recent slaving expedition."
*Quill* This excerpt shows off your great use of descriptive language, and it really built on the characters that you have already formed. Great job


*VinylB* Thanks so much for sharing this story with me. Best of luck with your writing! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
115
115
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings 🌕 HuntersMoon

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Ken! Either my eyes are deceiving me, or this story is a recent addition to your highlighted items. Whatever the case, I am partial to an entertaining short story; this one qualifies. This review is a part of your package win in "WDC Birthday Ice Cream Social 2018 I hope you enjoy my thoughts and comments.

*UmbrellaP* PLOT:
Here we have a bored housewife who finds herself seduced by the allure of her online interactions. It seems to me that William is far from providing the thing that JoAnne wants the most, and her sigh of frustration is resonating throughout this piece. This is a cute story with a clever ending that is both humourus and catchy, and I liked the fast pace and natural dialogue. Will JoAnne give in to her desires? This is the question that is left unanswered and for the reader to decide. The reference to JoAnne's so-called boyfriend says a lot about this. For the most part, I think she's playing with the idea of making her fantasies a reality, and her 'boyfriends' are just a way for her to get the attention that she's not getting from William. In fairness, William is a big grump! *Bigsmile* JoAnne has a problem that her husband is unable or unwilling to solve, and the only question left is whether or not she will solve the problem by underhanded means. This is a neat story that is both well-rounded and amusing.

*UmbrellaP* DIALOGUE:
Your use of dialogue is definitely advanced, Ken. It has a natural and real flow, particularly in JoAnne's online conversations with her mystery man, Bob. There was only a couple of instances where JoAnne's thoughts followed the online comments from Bob, and I paused a bit here. It still works because she's reading the comments and not conversing with a person who's right there beside her, but it does tend to seem like she's tagging someone else's comments, at first. I wondered if you might italicise the online comments from Bob. I think this would remove any initial confusion and keep that flow going. There were only two instances of this.

*UmbrellaP* AREAS OF EXCELLENCE:
*Umbrellap*" "Tonight?" she asked hopefully.
"Nope. Got a busy day tomorrow and I rekon I’ll be needing my wits about me."

*Quill* This is a great exchange that says a little with a lot. JoAnne is so hopeful and I could tell that question is a ritualistic part of bedtime. Then we have William; he is not letting any misconceptions get through his shield of 'not gonna happen.' I would suggest that you italicise 'Tonight?' I heard the inflection in her comment, but I missed the visual queue.
*Umbrellap* "It was a wrong number. Some idiot named Bob wanted to know if the coast was clear."
*Quill* The pinnacle of the story is this funny punch. Great job on the ending!

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
*Quill* I noticed one typo, but I have no other suggestions for improvement in these areas, Ken. *Smile*
*Umbrellap*"Nope. Got a busy day tomorrow and I re[c]kon I’ll be needing my wits about me."

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
*Quill* Apart from the minor suggestions above, I have one other. When I read your story, I felt like the climactic point was in your punch-line. That was the moment of revelation, and in a sense, completion. I think the following thoughts from JoAnne are unnecessary and weaken that great ending. This is just my opinion, so please feel free to disregard it.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thanks for providing another great piece of writing, Ken. I enjoyed this short story and can see that you have a flair for poetry and prose.

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
116
116
Review of Black Rain  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings 🌕 HuntersMoon
*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your package from "WDC Birthday Ice Cream Social 2018! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Ken! This review is a part of your package win from "WDC Birthday Ice Cream Social 2018 Thank you for your support of a great fundraiser. I am particularly fond of form poetry, and I decided to choose this sparkling gem. *Smile* I hope you enjoy my thoughts and comments.

*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
I think the two most dominant emotions that writers express in their poetry are sadness and love. This Trijan Refrain is a dark reminder of just how all-consuming depression can be, and the way you detail the narrator’s sense of loneliness and despair is appropriate for how one feels beneath the shroud of depression or mental anguish. This poem is all about the tone, and I could truly feel the narrator’s mood as the beauty outside the window becomes just a collage of colour and activity, not a part of the narrator’s being. I could feel the separation and sense of distance between this person and integration with society. The rain is described as a dark and sinister tirade of soul-staining paint, rather than a refreshing gift of nature. The narrator is exhaling despair, and the result is blocking out any beauty that nature might be able to provide. The mood of this poem had an effect on me as a reader, and I think that’s what poetry is all about. It’s a deeper meaning that resonates with the reader, something that is memorable and relatable.

*UmbrellaP* CONVENTIONS:
This is a lovely form of poetry that is both sonorous and repetitious, without becoming mundane. Many forms of poetry that have set rhythm and rhyme patterns tend to feel forced or awkward. This poem is anything but awkward, and you have adhered to the form perfectly. I think the mark of a good repeating poem is an uninterrupted flow. You have this, and I didn’t even notice the refrains and patterns as I read through. There is a lot going on in this piece, but I will reign myself in and highlight the three things that stand out. Your rhythm and rhyme are flawless, smooth, and a credit to you. This is the area where all poets struggle, but you’ve perfected both things in this piece. The third glowing convention is your use of descriptive language to create lasting images and tone. These are the areas that make this poem above average.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
"I apologise for copying this complete stanza, but I couldn’t separate any of these lines as favourites. Although the whole poem is excellent, the first stanza takes first place, for me."
*UmbrellaP* "Water runlets paint my windows;
the rain tattooing down.
“Passing cars casting lambent glows
bejeweling nature's crown.
A gift of life lies in the gale;
the glass obscures as I exhale.
A gift of life.
A gift of life
that calls the heart to no avail.”

*Quill* As I mentioned above, this first stanza set a mood from the very first lines with description that cast a glow of its own. I could see the amber spots of colour muted against a misty sky, intermingling with a host of sights and sounds. Also, I like the way you describe ‘the gift of life’ or happiness, as ‘lying in the gale’ or within the beauty of nature, and then describe how the ‘breath’(sadness) blocks the happiness as it clouds the window and beauty outside. In these two lines you have combines literal and figurative language, and it can be read either way. Great job!

*UmbrellaP* GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
You always use spelling and grammar to your advantage, Ken. Both things work with your poem to add to the flow and meaning.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
There’s isn't really anything negative to say about this piece. You are a gifted poet, and your passion is always evident in your creations. I enjoyed reading and reviewing ‘Black Rain,’ and I’ll be returning soon to review another of your wonderful poems. Thank you for sharing your craft with me!

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
117
117
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*


*VinylB* Greetings, Isola Bertolucci *VinylB*


NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
*VinylB* Hi Izzie! I'm reviewing 'Is There Light Out There' in response to your review request. You mentioned that you were exploring your feelings and were compelled to write this poem. I think you've done a great job, and I'd be happy to give you my thoughts and suggestions.

GENERAL:
*VinylB* In this poem you have given a good sense of just how deep the void of depression goes. You cover all the emotions that are chewed up and spat out in the depths of depression, and I can see that you have tried to incorporate touches of figurative language into this piece. If you are striving to connect with your reader, I think you have done that. There is always room to strengthen the emotional pull, and this is achieved with a mixture of experience and the ability to portray those feelings in a relatable way. You describe the progression of hopelessness, sadness, anger, and doubt, and when you liken depression to being in a hole, a little more flesh goes onto the bones of this piece. That one simile is relatable and it creates an important image. So many people have suffered depression or anxiety and most would understand the desperation that the narrator is describing.

CONVENTIONS:
*VinylB* After reading your last poem, I mentioned that you could strengthen your poetry with the use of figurative language. I can see that you have done just that in this poem! Again, this is partly literal, but a lot of poetry is and not every line has to drip with metaphors. However, a well-placed description can graduate an ordinary poem to a special poem. You have included some drama into these free-verse, and I enjoyed the conversational tone that requires the reader to involve themselves in the conclusion. You have used simile, hyperbole, and touches of alliteration and assonance that create internal patterns. Great job, Izzie! I will list some of these instances in my favourite lines.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* These areas are quite subjective in poetry, but my personal preference is to use capitals when grammatically correct. For instance, if you end a line with a comma, the next line wouldn't be capitalised. I think it makes the poem flow better. A capital tends to command attention like it would in an acrostic poem, and it can pull the reader away from what they're absorbing. This is a matter of style and completely up to you.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
*VinylB* I would only suggest that you revise your poetry and look for ways to make it stronger and richer in meaning. Not just for this poem, but for any that you've written or will write in the future. I'm currently going over some of my older poetry -- sometimes it scares me! *Smile* Even if you have a poem that is 'finished', you may find something that could be described better. Other than that, I don't have any suggestions for improvement. Poetry is the possession of it's creator and only you know if you've arrived at exactly what you want to say.

FAVORITE LINE(S):
*VinylB* "Feelings of hopelessness and doubt:
Like being in a hole so deep,
Not a forgiving light shall be seen."
*Quill*The simile you've used to describe depression is perfect. You give an image of a person trapped in an inescapable void that they can't climb out of.
*VinylB* "Frustration turns to sadness;
then sadness to self-doubt.
Where is the light?
Has it burned out?"
*Quill* These last lines have a nice splash of rhyme and they show the narrator's doubts in ever feeling normal again. Will there ever be happiness and joy again? Unfortunately, your poem speaks a undeniable truth: happiness is a gift in the face of depression. Great job in the portrayal of this monster.

*VinylB* Thank you for sharing another poem with me, Izzie. *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
118
118
Review of The Angels  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings very thankful

*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi there! I'm here to review your poem 'The Angels' as a part of your shower. I chose to review this item because I think it has a universal underlying meaning about human nature, and I think angels are depicted as one of the most beautiful supernatural beings. I hope you enjoy your review and can take something from my thoughts and suggestions.

*UmbrellaP* GENERAL:
A free-verse poem that is told in a literal sense. This poem gives a sense of the strong belief that the narrator has in these ethereal messengers of God. Popular belief is that angels are there as our protectors, watching over us and protecting us from harm. You detail how they are an ever-present factor, at birth, at death, and on a daily basis. However, you also make valid points about the deceptiveness of demons, how beauty can be an illusion, and that the inside can be dark while the outside appears to be light. Your reference is to Lucifer and how he was cast from heaven because he wasn't truly good, but the same thing can be said of human beings. Beauty is often a superficial thing; it is the inner beauty that really compels us to love. External beauty is fleeting, but the kind that dictates a person's actions is eternal. I think angels are portrayed as neutral or passive entities and I think on some level that is what your poem describes. Angels are more of a feeling or a sense of security that comes over a person when they are at their weakest. Perhaps they are the strength that we find in times of hardship.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
*Quill* I think this piece is well-punctuated and grammatically sound. Good job in this department.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
*Umbrellap* "Do not trust all angels, some are devilish demons."
*Quill* I like these lines because they speak an undeniable truth. People are two-dimensional -- some have greater extremes than others -- but all have a lesser side to their personality. The real extremes that some people hide are what you describe as demons.

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
*Quill* I would only suggest that you try to weave more figurative language into your poem. There are a lot of opportunities to do this with a well-placed simile or a greater metaphor. As I mentioned above, this is all literal, and I think more use of convention would enrich this poem. Also, if you revisit your poetry you will often find ways to tweak it and make it better. I think of it like taking a painting that you consider complete out into the sunlight. That's where you can see what you've missed! Revisitng your poetry is much the same, and I do this with my poetry regularly.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing your poem with me. Best of luck with your writing! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
119
119
Review of Fleeting  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings Happy Adore♥

*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi! I took a stroll around your port and found this short story. I found myself compelled to discover the fate of Zuri.

*UmbrellaP* PREMISE:
This story is sad but real, and situations like these are all too common. I really felt for the narrator and the relationship that she seems to be trapped in. She's surrounded by her family throughout the story, but as it turns out she’s completely alone. I found that Zuri was kind and considerate to her buffoon of a boyfriend, and I couldn’t help wishing that grandma would pick up a piece of woodwork and plant it on the head of our charming leading man. *Bigsmile* Zuri’s family is obviously a close-knit one, and her experience, surreal and dreamlike, is a testament to her desires to feel love. You portray another case of love turned sour, and I think the tone is hopelessness, unfortunately. It seems to me that Zuri doesn’t have the confidence to leave her abusive partner, and I was hoping for a happy ending in this regard. Oh well, life isn’t a bed of roses. I enjoyed this story. There are some instances of humour that I loved, some great descriptions that made me somewhat nostalgic, and a few areas that I have suggestions for. Great job on this one!

*UmbrellaP* AREAS OF EXCELLENCE:
*UmbrellaP* “circle like he was looking for a trap door to appear and take it away. “
*Quill* This simile that describes Butchs’ desperation to be done with his meal is a good one. I could sense his unease, and it’s descriptions like these that strengthen a story.
*UmbrellaP* “The tan linoleum with red speckles adorned the kitchen floor and contained the original room guard which let out creaks whenever you headed for the cookie or candy jar;”
*Quill* I think Grandma has set a trap … *Smirk* Another example of using great description to describe the setting of your family get together. This and the following descriptions made me nostalgic, little things that reminded me of my own nana and her house.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
Suggestions in the following:
*UmbrellaP* “Isn’t this good food, Butch?” she asked with enthusiasm.
*Quill* This is the beginning of your story. You use ‘she ‘ in the first few sentences, and I think you might use ‘Zuri’ in the above line. It personalises your character right off the bat.
*UmbrellaP* “They would never know what it took to get there. “
*Quill* For clarity: “They would never know what it took her to get there.
*UmbrellaP* “Butch stopped speaking and planted his eyes steadily on Zuri’s mother, moving his lips around thoughtfully.”
*Quill*The description of how Butch moves his lips creates a strange image. A suggestion: ‘ forming his words thoughtfully.’
*UmbrellaP* “if you gonna help take care of your family!”
*Quill* Typo in the above? Should ‘you’ be ‘you’re.’
*UmbrellaP* “She started away from the table and he grandma reached for her hand.”
*Quill* Typo in the above: ‘he’ should be ‘her’
*UmbrellaP*” I never see him, except for a short time and he is always mad, like I am doing something more than working when I leave for the day.”
*Quill*This sentence is a little awkward. A suggestion: ‘ I only see him for short periods of time and he ‘s always mad. It’s like he thinks I’m doing more than working when I leave for the day.’

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Only the above mentioned suggestions. I would suggest to you the same things that I do with my writing, whether it be poetry or prose. Revisit your work and look at the flow of your story and the believability of your dialogue. If your characters speak in certain way or use slang as habit, make sure you are consistent with it.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing your story with me! I wish you the best of luck with your writing. *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
120
120
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*VinylR* A review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylR*


*VinylB* Greetings, Tim Chiu *VinylB*


NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

GENERAL:
*VinylB* Hi Tim! I enjoy reading poetry that relates to our planet, and I think your concerns are expressed well in this poem. No doubt, your concerns mirror those of every other logical-minded person. This poem is a tribute to the beauty of nature, a thing that we get to experience every day, but rarely appreciate in all of its glory. You highlight the attempts our governments make to slow the affects that humans have had on the planet, but this seems to be a losing battle. All the concerns that you detail in your poem are serious, but none more so than overpopulation. The natural disasters will continue to plague mankind, just as mankind plagues the earth, and there is no doubt that Mother Nature will use her power to exert control. It is the extremity of that control that is yet to be discovered. I think that you end the poem with a measure of optimism, and there is a tone of positivity for future generations, depending on what changes we make.

CONVENTIONS:
*VinylB* This is a fine example of a free-verse poem. Told in the literal sense, this poem isn't overflowing with metaphors, but its strengths are in other areas. You provide nice imagery and instances of alliteration that compensate for a lack of rhyme that can be found in more traditional forms of poetry. There are many instances of alliteration throughout this piece that create repetition.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* Just one instance in the following:

*VinylB* "And lopping waves along hot sandy beaches"
*Quill* I think there is a typo in 'lopping.' Did you mean lapping? Lopping generally refers to shearing or pruning shrubs. In this sense I don't think of the waves as 'cutting' the beach.


FAVOURITE LINE(S):
*VinylB* "With its tranquil sunsets, brightly-lit cities,
And lopping waves along hot sandy beaches,"
*Quill* Images of orange horizons, rainbow-coloured cities, and tropical shores abound in these lines.
*VinylB* "This epic euphony and gala grandeur
Can be found nowhere else"
*Quill* Your use of convention shines here. 'Epic euphony' and 'gala grandeur' are pleasing instances of alliteration. More examples of this can be found throughout the piece. Nice job!

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT(S):
*VinylB* Punctuation and grammar are subjective areas in a poem, but I think your poem would work better if you used capitals where grammatically correct. Some prefer to captitlize the beginning of each line in poetry, but because you have such a nice flow with your use of enjambment, I think one line would move into the other easier without the capital. It can be distracting, and because this poem is literal, I think it should flow like a story. Of course this is just my suggestion.

*VinylB* I enjoyed your opinions on the state of our planet, Tim. Thank you for sharing your poetry with me! *Smile*

Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Poetry Contest Corner and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Traditional Poetry Group, The Paper Doll Gang, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.



** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
121
121
Review of The Divide  
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with The Rockin' Reviewers  
Rated: E | (4.5)
*VinylB* A newbie review from "The Rockin' Reviewers *VinylB*



Greetings, Koven Lanai


NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


OVERALL SENSE: Hi there! While reading this poem I found myself reminiscing about my own childhood. I enjoyed the poem and could relate to that feeling of mourning youth. Many times I’ve felt sentimental about my parents and a childhood that can’t be reclaimed. I think a lot of us would turn back the hands of time if we could, just so we could feel safe and protected again. The memories made in childhood are precious, but I think the best part of them is that our parents were still young and able-bodied. It’s a time when we didn’t have to worry about their mortality. You describe all those fun things that you did as a child, and how crossing the ‘divide’ into adulthood was a sobering experience. I particularly liked the image of licking the beaters. I’ll tell you a secret. You have to tell the children that the batter is bad for them—wait until they leave the room—and to the victor go the spoils! Overall this is a great, relatable poem that is tinged with sadness. Great job!

CONVENTIONS: This is a great free-verse poem that has a rhythmic quality to it that stands alone. I think it’s biggest strength is in the metaphor for maturity. You describe the divide, which brings to mind a daunting chasm that would intimidate a tightrope walker. You also describe the harsh responsibilities of adulthood with such great descriptive language that is concise but packed with imagery.

GRAMMAR/SPELLING:
*VinylB* “Goodbye to swinging on the swings set”
I think ‘swings’ should be singular in this instance: ‘swing set’
*VinylB* "to find a mound of pineneedles to sit and search the clouds”
pineneedles should be two words: ‘pine needles.’ Also, in the above line, I wondered if you meant to have two separate thoughts. Should there be a comma after pine needles?

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: I don’t see anything in this poem that is structurally unsound, and apart from the small errors, I see no room for improvement. Great job!

FAVORITE LINE(S): I have a lot in this piece, but chose the following:
*VinylB* ”I stepped across the impossible divide
and found that, except to somehow regain my innocence,
There was no reason to look back.”

Again you detail the transition from childhood to adulthood with your skillful use of the metaphor, and these are the most sentimental lines within the piece. It’s in these lines that the narrator details her regrets ; the lost childhood may be secondary to the loss of innocence, but neither one can be regained.

*VinylB* I really enjoyed this free verse poem, and thank you for sharing it with me. You definitely have a talent for poetry, and I would encourage you to keep writing. I would be happy to change my rating to a five-star if you fix the typos, etc. Don’t forget, the beaters are always within your grasp!

Regards,
Mandy
Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,
co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Paper Doll Gang, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.




** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **








*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
122
122
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

Greetings Isola Bertolucci

NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!

*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Isola! After receiving your review request, I visited your portfolio to read "To My Emily, With Love. I think this is a piece that must hold a lot of sentimental value for you, and it would be my pleasure to express my thoughts and suggestions. I hope you find them useful.

*UmbrellaP* OVERALL SENSE:
This poem is a sweet tribute to your daughter, born premature. Reading your words I could feel the depth of love in each line. Becoming pregnant and anticipating the birth of a healthy child is often taken for granted, but it’s not until problems arise that we realize how fragile the unborn are. Being a nurse, I’m sure you have seen every scenario imaginable, but I’m sure it doesn’t make the stress of complications any less. Am I right in assuming that your sixteen-year-old daughter is the baby you’re writing about? I saw the mention of your family in your bio-block and guessed that your baby is now a young woman! *Smile* My son was born a little early, but most of the concerns for his health were prior to the birth. I remember the feelings I had during this period, and nothing mattered more than my baby being born healthy and safe. The dominant sense I get from this poem is that you are a great mother who loves her family more than life itself.

*UmbrellaP* CONVENTION:
The most important thing in this poem is your need to express your feelings about your daughter and your experience, but secondary to that is your use of convention. The two dominant conventions are rhythm and rhyme, both of which you have woven into this piece. Both things could use a little tweaking, and I find that returning to my poetry helps me to see where the rhythm doesn’t flow right. Often it has to do with an awkward word or too many syllables in one line. It is easy to fix with a little rearranging. I will give one example in the following lines:
“I reflect on all the times,
We were up up for half the night.
I was singing nursery rhymes,
To help you feel all right.”

"Reflecting on the times,
We stayed up through the night.
I sang nursery rhymes,
To help you feel all right."


If you read the above reword in context of the complete quatrain, I think you will see how it flows better. It is only one less syllable(not including the typo 'up'), but it still makes a difference to the rhythm.

The pattern of your rhyme scheme is inconsistent; you might find that a regular pattern creates a nicer flow. For example: a, b, a, b, or 'night' 'care' 'light' 'share.' This isn't necessary, as poetry is subjective and there are many forms, but if you decide to use structure and pattern, I think it's best to continue it. You have added some figurative language, and I detailed this in my chosen favourite lines. This is a fine example and show yours natural tendency for writing poetry. There are many conventions you can use in your poetry that makes it much stronger and there are too many to mention here. If you are interested in learning more about these convention, you might consider joining "The Poet's Place . They have many resources available, including information on the mechanics of poetry, put clinically. *Smile*


*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
I found no faults with your spelling and grammar. I just have a couple of suggestions for improvement.
” To My Emily, with Love”
You might consider capitalizing ‘with.’
“We were up up for half the night. “
A typo in the above.

The only other thing I would comment on is your capitalization. My preference used to lean towards using capitals at the beginning of each line, now I think they’re best used for Acrostics, to create tone or meaning, or for another purpose required by the writer. This is a matter of style and entirely up to you. I think capitals demand too much attention when moving to the next line and tend to be distracting. I would suggest using them when grammatically correct. If you use a full stop at the end of one line, the next one would naturally require a capital letter to start, but otherwise usual grammar rules would apply. Again this is a matter of style, and I’m just giving you my thoughts. *Smile*

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
“Your car seat was my womb,
Your first six weeks of life.”

These lines are my favourite within your poem. Your use of convention enriches this description of just how close you were to your baby, the bond, and mother-hen approach you took to warming your brood. Your poem means a lot to you and when you wrote it you probably let the emotion pour into your words. You know how you feel about your child, but a reader needs a little help in feeling the depth of your emotion. Great job on providing that in these lines.
“ A burst of individuality,
One great big shining star!”

You describe your daughter well in these lines, giving an image of a larger-than-life personality who lights up the life of those around her.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
I enjoyed your poem and think you have a talent for writing poetry. You can only improve this by learning more about the art form. In your portfolio header you state that you want reviewers to tell you what you’re good at. I think you’re good at what you’re most passionate about, and you are the best judge. Like anything, practice is important. I find revisiting your poetry is the best way to improve upon it, and it’s by doing this that you’ll catch things that don’t quite work. Thank you for sharing your work with me Isola.

Regards,
Mandy

Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
123
123
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review
by Mandy

Greetings Fran 💜 💜 💜

*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Fran! I'm reviewing this item as a part of your shower from "Invalid Item I hope you find my thoughts and suggestions beneficial. I was browing your port, enjoying the swimming theme that you have created, when I came across this little story. It's cute and funny, and I enjoyed reading it. That's why I chose 'Is your mummy or daddy home.'

*UmbrellaP* PREMISE:
This story is a biographical account of an experience that must have been quite amusing at the time. You relay the incident as it happened, complete with your thoughts and the reactions of your unexpected saleswoman. I get the sense that you weren't particularly flattered by the misinterpretation of your age, but were more irritated by the intrusion. I feel you, Fran! Although, if someone asked me if my mummy or daddy were home, I would be quite open to the compliment. *Bigsmile*The door-to-door salesperson has always been a creature that I avoid at all costs, and I could almost hear the tone in your voice when you opened the door and uttered a simple 'hey.' It's the tone that says I'm here but I'm not staying ... so don't try and make me! Overall, an interesting short story that is relatable. I have always found relatable humour to be the funniest.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE EXCERPT:
'Well, sadly that's me then' I said, 'mind you, I wish it wasn't - household bills cost a bomb'. I tried hard to settle her with my usual poor attempts at being funny. However, it was clearly lost in translation...
These lines show the reader a little more of your personality: humour and light-heartedness. I think she owed you a chuckle for that one. *Smile*

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
'Sigh, another sales person no doubt, I thought'
'Sigh ... another sales person no doubt, I thought'
I would suggest changing the comma for an ellipses because it creates a pause. It is less confusing for the reader.

'stood a middle aged lady donned with a clipboard'
'stood a middle-aged lady clutching a clipboard'
I just noticed the lack of a hyphen in this sentence, and I would suggest changing 'donned.' I found myself thinking of clothing; it brings to mind an image of wearing something.

'Hello, is your mummy or daddy home?' The lady said, genuinely'.
You might change 'said' to 'asked' in your speech tag.

'No, that's okay dear, I am just looking to talk to bill payers today'
'No, that's okay dear, I am just looking to talk to the bill-payers today'

'She was right, I probably didn’t have any need for whatever it was she was sell, but I felt that since she had disturbed me peace, I should at least have had even just a snippet of her sales pitch!'
'She was right, I probably didn't have any need for what she was selling, but I felt that since she'd disturbed my peace, I should have got at least a snippet of her sales pitch!'
The above is a suggested reword for clarity.

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
My only suggestions are the ones listed above. I think a little tweaking would make your story perfect. *Smile*

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing your work with me, Fran. I hope you take my suggestions in the spirit that they were given, and that you can find something of use. I think you have a natural flair for writing, and I wish you all the best with your writing in the future.

Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
124
124
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review
by Mandy
Greetings warriormom
*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*

NOTE:
Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!


*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Pat! This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item. I was in the mood for some quality poetry so I decided to visit your port. I recall reviewing some of your wonderful poems, and I'm particularly fond of your nature poetry. However, I decided on this little gem. I was enticed by the subject line which left me feeling sentimental about my own sister and the memories we created as kids.

*UmbrellaP* OVERALL SENSE:
It's easy to understand the feelings that are invoked by memories of childhood play, particularly the play shared with a sibling. The memories you describe are universal: fantasy and make-believe, playing warriors and heroes, good and evil. I have memories of building makeshift huts with my sister; we would then proceed to create strange little scenarios that would entertain us for hours. It would be dark before we'd come home from our make-believe world--at a time when video games didn't create it for us--and the memories of that time are vivid and precious. That is the sense that I get from this poem; you have fond memories of your childhood, and I'm sure they tug at the heartstrings.

*UmbrellaP* CONVENTION:
It's always a pleasure to peruse the figurative language in your poetry, Pat. Thank you for giving such care and attention to this important aspect of poetry. It is so obvious that you understand how much these conventions enrich a piece of writing. Not only do you understand it, you apply it skilfully. I have to admit, I'm more open to free verse than ever before, but I still like structure. This poem has structure, an easy flow and perfect rhyme. You have set the pace for the reader with smooth and lilting language, and I enjoyed the ride. What really popped was your use of the simile -- which is applied to my favourite lines --and the bounty of alliteration. I will detail these below.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
As always, these areas are flawless.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE LINES:
"Fair laughter flew like fireflies o'er the vale
and fluttered through the oaks above the dale."

I love this image of fireflies fluttering through the oaks. This is a beautiful example of simile usage and a clever way to describe laughter; it brings to mind an unharnessed freedom that comes with the innocence of children.

"Two sisters bound by blithe, unfettered play
roamed verdant hills and danced where valleys lay,"
Your skill as a poet is further enhanced by your use of alliteration. The 'b' and 'v' sounds create a pleasant pattern within these lines, not to mention your use of the 'f' sound in my other favourite lines. *Bigsmile*

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
I don't know if I've ever had any suggestions for improvements when I've reviewed your poetry, Pat, but I don't think I have. It is easy to see why when perusing your port. Thank you for sharing your work with me and the WDC community. You have a knack for poetry and write with a limitless supply of emotion.
Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest
and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle, co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes,
and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group, The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
125
125
Review by Mandy
In affiliation with Showering Acts of Joy Group  
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
A Showering Acts of Joy Review

by Mandy

Greetings Jeannie

*UmbrellaP* This review is a part of your shower from "Invalid Item! *UmbrellaP*



NOTE: Please remember that the following comments and observations are only one person's opinion. Take what you can use but never be shy about discarding what you cannot. Most important of all, keep writing, improving, and contributing to our wonderful community!



*UmbrellaP* WHY I CHOSE TO REVIEW THIS ITEM:
Hi Jeannie! I was taking a stroll in your port when I happened upon this personal narrative. I'm reviewing this piece as a part of your shower from "Invalid Item. I rarely read works of non-fiction, but I do enjoy learning more about who the person is behind the writing. I'm assuming that since this item had a prominent position in your port, you probably welcome feedback on it.

*UmbrellaP* OVERALL SENSE:
I enjoyed reading about your passion for writing, where the passion originated from, and how you came to be so devout about entertaining through writing. You gave a thorough explanation of how writing was an integral part of your childhood. I found it interesting, entertaining, and at times, humourus. *Smile* I got a good sense of who you are as a person, or at least, who you were as a person. I think the child in us is still very present as we mature, and even though we change, those origin points are vital to who we become.

*UmbrellaP* PERSONAL NARRATIVE:
This personal narrative describes a time in your life that was a turning point. Not only did you give your reader a glimpse into your life, but you did it with an honesty that is endearing. I think the point of a personal narrative is to deliver an important point, and I believe you've done this. Your essay is testament to the fact that life without passion is not a life at all. Just like we need people, a point you have detailed in your narrative, we also need to feel inspired and motivated about something. What I enjoyed the most about this item was the way you expressed yourself so honestly and managed to show your quality as a writer and a person.

*UmbrellaP* FAVOURITE EXCERPTS:
"My shyness prevented me from speaking up which, in turn, made me mumble a lot. When asked to speak up in a loud voice frightened me even more so I guess my writing became an everyday occurrence."
This information gives your reader insight into the kind of child you were (one much like myself),*Smile* and it also explains your means of self-expression. I think that quiet children are more inclined to find comfort in expressing themselves in writing because it's a place where they can get the thoughts out with no judgement. Mumbling from shyness or stuttering isn't cause for concern when writing -- the paper is the audience and the pen, a vigilant orator of the finest order!

"Our teacher, Mrs. Bredlow, would have to shoo us out the door saying, “I love your diligence, but you both need to get some fresh air.”
Funny image. I could just see two girls huddling over their creations, heads bowed, foreheads creased.

"When I entered my high school years, I was known to be a nerd and so were my friends.. Sorry Audrey, Delores, Patricia, and Carol, but that's exactly what we were!"
I found the above excerpt quite funny. It's great to have self-awareness, and it's your duty to make your friends aware. I doubt your friends had any misconceptions about their nerd-like form. We nerds just know ... big sigh.

*UmbrellaP* SPELLING/GRAMMAR:
I have just a couple of suggestions for clarity. In the following:

"When asked to speak up in a loud voice frightened me even more so I guess my writing became an everyday occurrence."
"When asked to speak up in a loud voice, it frightened me even more so. I guess my writing became an everyday occurrence."

"This was another scary experience for me, because you have grades one through eight all grouped together. Each grade takes their turn to go up in the front of the room where our teacher would go over the lesson for the day."
"This was another scary experience for me, because we had grades one through eight all grouped together. Each grade took their turn going up to the front of the room where our teacher would go over the lesson for the day."

I only suggest the above because you have given a first-person narrative that is told in past-tense throughout. The above section deviates from that format.

"We took plenty of field trips, and listening was the key on getting a good grade."
"We took plenty of field trips, and listening was the key to getting a good grade."

*UmbrellaP* SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Only the ones I have mentioned above. Your writing has a nice flow, and these little areas were the only ones that broke it. Other than that I think you've done a great job on an honest and interesting personal narrative.

*UmbrellaP* CONCLUSION:
Thank you for sharing a little about yourself with me. I enjoyed visiting your portfolio and wish you all the best with your writing pursuits. Keep up the great work!

Regards,
Mandy


Creator of The Enchanted Book of Poetry Contest and The Lucky Leprechaun Raffle,co-founder of Passionate Mindscapes, and proud member of The Art of Criticism Alumni Group,The Traditional Poetry Group, Rising Stars, and Showering Acts of Joy.


** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!.
190 Reviews · *Magnify*
Page of 8 · 25 per page   < >
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/profile/reviews/gobbledock/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/5