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446 Public Reviews Given
446 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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Review of The Shadow Hunter  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (5.0)
Extrememly well written. Every line shows thought and constant care at the placement of proper diction. I love the line, "A spectacular thought, a dubious fire," as well as the line, "The shadow hunters blithely enter.". Amazing. This poem has blown me away. I have no criticism for it at all despite the dark subject matter.
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: 18+ | N/A (Review only item.)
This story is well-written and moves at a fast pace. The reader is drawn in almost immediately. I can feel the emotion in the writer's words. However, I have two criticisms. One is that you don't have paragraph indentations. The other is that it needs more description. What does Oliver look like? Does he have auburn hair and a winning smile. Did his brow furrow as he explained what was going on to his friend? Just some things to consider. This is a great start.
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.0)
Raw, emotional and honest poem about a failed relationship, this piece tells the story of a broken heart. Picking up the shattered pieces can be tough. The line, "Before I completely unravel" struck my soul to the core. Well written. Write on!
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Review of Where He Left Me  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
This poem is a haunting, beautiful look at Miss Havisham's jilted state from Dicken's 'Great Expectations'. I love the lines, "Beseeching, lamenting sounds so keen
breaking my barren window pane.
Tear soaked years wear rust that plea." The only thing that I would change is I would make 'plea' pleas, turning it plural. I think it flows better that way. Other than that, this poet has touched the heart of Dickens and spun a web of thought-provoking images. A pleasure to read! Keep writing!
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Review of The End  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This short story moves quickly and keeps the readers interest. The twist at the end adds a nice touch. Well done. The dialogue works well, keeping the story moving. The appearance of the typical break up changes dramatically when the reader discovers that one of the parties is dead, "The death certificate fell out onto the floor. That's where I had put it. I didn't know what else to do. I had been driving around with it for days after the funeral. I couldn't stand it anymore, so I had shoved it into the glove compartment. I had and forgotten all about it. Until now. The memories of that night came flooding back to me. The phone call, the hospital, the doctors telling me Andrew hadn't survived the car accident." This story is composed quite efficiently. Keep writing!
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Review of Life  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem has a great theme in that 'Life' is not always easy, but it is profitable. 'Life' is something which I cannot divorce myself from. The poet seems to speak from a wealth of personal experience. Written in couplets, this piece applauds perseverance, laughter, love, pain, birth, death, trials, happiness, fun...the list could go on. Solomon said that, "there is a time for everything..." The final couplet drives the poet's point home, Life will stay like this, even if you want or not
Its up to you to ask for more or live with what you have got." I only found a couple of errors here, both 'its' should be 'it's' because of the usage in each place. "It's up to you..." Keep writing such inspirational pieces!
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Review of Beauty Is  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem in essence reveals the mind of a thinker, one who questions, wonders and longs to see what 'beauty' is. What is beauty? Can it be captured in a sunset? I love the line, "They pain across the faces of we." The use of we, here goes against the grain of 'typical' writing. In today's society, it would be known as subversive writing. The poet goes on to muse about finding beauty in the Alaskan wilderness, "when the sun does not rise" and "does not set" for months on end. "Could you find it?" the poet asks. Personally, I believe that a person can still find beauty in the darkest night. There is a void in every heart. God - the God of the Bible is able to fill that void, if only the seeking heart allows Him. He will not 'mess' with our free will. Keep searching and writing such beautiful poetry.
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Review of Content  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem seems to reflect a verse in 1 Timothy 6. How beautiful to stay rooted on Christ and His Love so that out of this, the Holy Spirit generates godliness with contentment. Truly this is great gain. The first verse, "Happy
pleased with my life
enjoying what I have
not focused on what is not mine
content" says everything in terms of contentment. Verse two discusses how God's peace can be ripped away from a believer with, "jealousy and envious thoughts". How true. Verse three starts with knowing the fruit of the Spirit, which is joy and promising to "never wonder" "what if?". It would be perfect if no-one struggled with the 'what if's' in life, yet life is far from perfect. I myself have longed to change the past yet my Lord gently or firmly reminds me to look upon Him and what He has done and is doing! The fourth verse speaks of an emotion, 'happiness'. Happiness and contentment are very different. Although, on the surface they appear similar, they are far from it. However, as we, "work out (our) salvation with fear and trembling", "bitterness will fall away as will "strife". This might not occur in the snap of one's fingers. Life is complex. The Lord Most High is too complex to figure out. However, we have His manual for life, The Holy Bible. Not one person, including myself, but excluding our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has lived a sinless life. Christ, the Word was sent to "heal the brokenhearted" and to break the bonds of sin. His perfect, spotless Blood is the only covering which gives anyone access to the God the Father. Jesus (Yeshua) the Messiah is our High Priest who presented His Blood as payment for the sin of all humanity. He is the firm foundation, the "rock that is higher than I". The Father covers me with His hand as I remain in the cleft of the rock. Only through His shed Blood have my sins been paid for. He is an amazing Savior and nothing that I say, write or do can capture His Father-Love nor His Righteous Judgment nor His pursuit as the Groom of the redeemed Church. He is utterly indescribable. The final verse sets an idyllic scene which almost shows me a piece of heaven. I love the lines, "People
smiling brightly
i can understand why
out of experience and joy" When the body of Christ works as it should, each member hurts or rejoices in turn with the other. This is especially true if there is corporate suffering such as poverty or persecution. In these times, most followers of Christ join together in unity, praising the Lord. This is as it should be. The body of Christ is interconnected. Christ Jesus is the head and the Saved Church (in the process of sanctification) makes up the body. Without the Head, all are lost. However, the last word of the final verse presents a caution, 'knowledge'. Understanding of the ways of the Lord leads into wisdom and a desire to truly follow after Him. Knowledge of both evil and good can be dangerous. This was the fruit of which Eve ate in the garden of Eden. After the serpent (Satan) beguiled her, she partook of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Then, she gave it to her husband, Adam. Their first realization was their nakedness. They were utterly ashamed of it and what they had done. The Lord was merciful from the beginning. He slayed a lamb and provided clothing for them. They received just punishment but also received the promise of the Messiah - Jesus Christ. The Lord Most High set an angel to guard the garden so that it was forbidden for anyone to enter it ever again. What wisdom! I cannot fathom His mercy. After all of this, the Lord Most High - Adonai - the only I AM chose to seek out humanity because He yearns as a Father for a broken relationship! He gave His only begotten Son to die in order to shore up this breach! It all points back to the cross where the Blood of our Savior was shed for everyone. He opens His arms, beckoning all that are willing to come! Thank you for boldly posting this poem. With some tweaking, it will shine as I'm sure you are shining for your Savior and mine. In His Grace, Candi/Melissa
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Review of Hope  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This piece entitled, 'Hope' is beautiful in its message. Written in couplets (with the exception of the final line), this poem describes different instances where hope is seen i.e., "Hope is the glimmer in a sick man's eye. Hope is the sound of a newborn's cry." The second couplet is a wonderful picture of hope found in "water" discovered "in the middle of a desert", while the second line compares hope to a "hand reached out to comfort." The third verse imbues even more hope in that it personifies hope as a "rain drop after a drought," as well as "the friend in the moment of doubt." Once more, in the final couplet, hope is depicted as "sunshine seen through the clouds." and as "a familiar face seen through the crowds." The final verse which is one line declares, "Hope is a flash of peace from God." Overall, I truly love this poem. It inspires and encourages me! This, I believe, was the poet's intent. I realizing that rhyming is difficult, however, "desert" and "comfort" do not rhyme. Writing is re-writing. The image of a hand outstretched in "comfort" is very uplifting. Perhaps the line can be re-worked like, "Hope is the comfort He longs to assert." I hope that this helps. Keep writing. This poem holds much promise! In His Grace, Melissa.
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Review of Earthquake  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Wow... What a personification of Japan, who, in the same league as China, are more technologically advanced than the U.S.A. This piece hold deep philosophical ideas as well as the idea of empathy or stepping into another person's shoes. This writer raised the bar and personified the country as a whole, "He was finally sinking into the darkness when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and an all-too-familiar voice; '"Dudes, come on, we gotta help him!"
He felt bile rise in his throat but still managed to croak, "America...?" His ears began to hear again, and when they did he realized there were many people around him.
"It's alright, Japan. We're here to help."' Once more, this depicts the writer's perspective on how Japan views the U.S. or other foreign countries, for that matter. Without warning, Italy is brought in with the exclamation, '""Pasta~!"' Here, there tilde after the word pasta emphasizes the change in countries. This is a fresh way of approaching matters. As America rejoins, '"Shut up, Italy! Can't you see he's hurt?"
"Don't yell at my brother, you potato-loving bastard."' The previous line, leaves me wondering who is now speaking. Is it a fellow Japanese citizen or a Christian who is trying to help the country and tear down the man-made barriers? Once more, the perspective changes with Japan becoming the focus. Another voice enters wanting to soothe and mother Japan because, '"he probably has a big enough headache!~"'. The writer utilizes the tilde again to show a perspective shift. Although this goes against the average grain of writing, it works in getting the attention of the reader. If the writer can tweak this piece, it will come out shining as polished jewelry. In the end, there's a sense of foreboding for the west in that Japan, although weakened, has not been destroyed. "Sure, he may be at his knees now, but he'd bounce back strong as ever one day.
All he wanted now was to sleep." Well written. This shows the perspective that Japan is in recovery mode or even hibernation mode until the day that they will arise, stronger than before. Keep editing this piece and don't forget to remember that Japanese survivors must have also been united through this devastating blow. Thanks for sharing such a heart felt piece. In His Grace, Candi/Melissa.
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (5.0)
Wow... What a poem fused with utter grief and loss. A father laments the loss of his daughter, his heartfelt desires showed through his love and prayers on her behalf. He allows her to fly free yet, "She soared with sweet delight, Only to find her dreams a lie. Her wings were torn in flight." Sadder still, her earthly father is left clutching his daughter's lifeless form close to his chest, yet still accepting the Father's will. What faith mingled grief. This poem touched me on a personal level in that my dad died five years ago in this past May. Also, Father's Day just occurred. Grief is a hard road to travel. Most on this earth have been touched by it, yet the Lord Most High is the believer's true Father. I know that I fail in the way I handle grief, yet the Lord is my strong tower. In this piece, I loved the opening lines, "They placed her in my arms that day. She met me with a smile." This sets an atmosphere of warmth, while the following verses allude to an unknown and even a tragic future. The verse where the father wonders if he's only kept her c.loser, despite her desire "to be free, Would she, then, all her dreams forgo, To spend more time with me?" This question is deep and a painful one as well. Sadly, as much as we long for answers, sometimes we only understand fully once we, as believers enter Heaven.
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Review of The Yearning  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This piece recalls a somber air, even one of yearning for a relationship now broken. What deep pain the poet relates as he ponders his past, wondering if he is remembered fondly, "As I hang up the phone
Thoughts come to my mind
Do you miss me as much
As I miss you?" This first verse sets an honest, loving sorrowful and longing tone. What follows is reflection on, "the times" that "we were happy together". Yet, the poet keeps his "feelings bottle up, Never letting" on what he really thinks and desires. Still, a question burns in the back of his mind "That just maybe, somehow" he is missed by his loved one because of the time that they do, "spend together". How vast the ocean of regret often spans. Sometimes it's like a placid bay but beneath the surface churns the untapped emotion of hidden depths. Keep writing! In His Grace, Candi/Melissa
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
Starting strong, the piece exclaims, "I am a soldier in God's army, I will not give up; I will not give in," The person speaks of "rough" patches and "time" not yet being "up,". The person proclaims, "Devil you have no hold on me,"! This is True when we, as believers stay focused on the LORD. The following line proclaims, :God is my captain, my leader, my commander, and He is with me." Amen! The succeeding line describes how God is for us, therefore who can stand against us. Once more, the poet proclaims his confidence in fighting as a soldier in "Gods army". By the way, the punctuation here should be "God's army". Also, the poet recalls God's Love! However, the poet describes taking "the dark narrow path". This shows a shift in focus from "praising the LORD, Most High as well as mixing Truth with the lie. Christ said, "broad is the way that leads to destruction" while He also said, "narrow is the way that leads to the Father." God the Son also said, "In my Father's House are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you." The Messiah, Jesus - Yeshua described how He was going ahead "to prepare a place for you." This calls us to hope in Him. As Paul said, He is "the author and finisher of our faith.". Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt piece which shows deep struggle in a dark world. Remember, that Christ is the door, the Way the Truth and the Life! He is also the only Light! Once more, you've laid your heart bare with this poem. I applaud you for that. Remember that the Lord is in control. In His Grace, Candi/Melissa.
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
While witty - even slap-stick, this poem lightens life in a time of uncertainty and swirling dismay. In my opinion, this piece could be re-written and tightened just a bit. Despite the giddy nature of the poem, it steadily reminds the reader that a life without laughter, is wasted. The repetition of the phrase, "I found a new way" adds to this poem. Also, the final words in the first and second verses rhyme as well as those in the third and fourth verse. This piece is well crafted. Also, it is candid about the seemingly 'normal' problems in life. However, if allowed to pile, these problems can mound until they seem like and impassible Everest. Thank you for adding humor to this piece, and hence to life, Andrew. In His Grace, Melissa
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
"Hello.
I am, who I AM!
And I am GOD." is how this poem starts. It it written as if from the lips of the LORD Most High. It is painfully honest in that it tells that we have free will, "But, you must choose, To love ME or not." Indeed it is a choice. Sometimes, experiencing God's love comes hand in hand with deep sorrow and suffering. Often it is for our own sin. At times it is literal persecution. The Father waits for each one as He does for His long lost son, yearning for that sweet reunion, redemption, salvation and sanctification. His new covenant was sealed with His only Son's Blood. Wow, what a Savior! The last verse ends like a letter, "P.S. I hope to see you, When the time is right...Till then, all MY love - MY Love!" In my opinion, the final line is backwards in that the stress on the spelling of God's Love is incorrect. In both ways, His Love is boundless, not limited. Only the Lord of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as of all who believe and follow Him can make such a claim. His Love is unfailing and He wants us to continually seek Him and, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Thanks, Jaiam for sharing this piece. I appreciate your frankness. In His Grace, Candi-Melissa.
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Review of Hope  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
Well written. I applaud you for writing such a positive, God-fused piece. Indeed, "Hope is life," despite, "all pain and strife." The poet's personification of hope as "the sun's first light," which pierces, "the darkest night." lifts my heart. Indeed, hope "is a miracle", and a "dove" "It's God's gift, amidst all sorrow and rift." There are a few possible typos in this piece. Please remember that, "writing is re-writing". "which" could replace "'that' makes our life beautiful", "shackle" should be "shackles", and "storm should be "storms". Keep writing such positive poetry! This brightened my evening. In His Grace, Candi C.=Melissa
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (5.0)
Beautiful, Andrew. What a true picture of a lonely wanderer. The writer's use of imagery in verse one astounds me, as the reader. It's as if I'm gazing at a picture, or even a movie, "These shadows—these birds move like slow
bullets across the pavement. I look down
but they are up. And I am dragging
my shadow across town: over train tracks". Well composed. The sojourner, most likely homeless, feels like death is hovering, "and there is only shade and barely light," and he feels, "alone." because "It's colder than before, but not heavy;" and "the strain is gone." The personification of the moon as "no friendly woman," in which the man falls into, "her feigned light" works well with the tone of this piece. The mood is very depressing yet deep and troubled. The last two lines speak volumes, "The moon is not heavy on me. She is only cold." Once again, this piece is extremely well written. Utilizing vivid description while reflecting, the poet conveys his sentiments in a basically flawless piece. My only suggestion would be to provide a sliver of hope. However, that is my opinion.
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Very true. Humans are never real 'heroes'. We can look up to people. However, only God is worthy of our praise! What a way to show this, Andrew! In a store robbery, a man is faced with the choice to hand over the cash or resist. Resisting would most likely end in his death. There is vivid description in this piece, with the first sentence drawing the reader in, "As I slowly drew crisp bills from the cash register, I watched the sweat beads form on the robber's furrowed brow." Following this, the sales clerk is threatened that if he trips any alarms, he won't survive the incident. The clerk's response, which needs, punctuation, was, '"I'm not a hero," I said...' Keep writing Andrew. By the way, However, the name Andrew means "strong, valiant one". Have you ever considered why this name was given to you? There is always a reason. Note: I hold a pen name. In His Grace, Melissa.
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Review of The Falling  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.0)
The writer's poem, 'The Falling' describes the initial stages of love and how it may or may not progress. He introduces it with, the lines "The person you are looking, for: is falling...", and then, "She might,
pass-you-in-a-blur

or

Slowly. Pass. You. By". In the first few verses, the poet grasped life's flow in that earthly love is fallible and uncertain. I did find an error, possibly a typo, "once she has awaken". The word "awaken" should be "awakened". In the seventh verse he describes how love leaves him in a muddle, in that he is, "Deaf", "Dumb", "Blind", and "Numb". Following this, he imbues hope into this piece, promising that he "will See", "Feel", and "Hear", certain that he knows "all there is to be". The final two verses offer an uplifting attitude in that he speaks of "truth", "beauty", "honesty", and "Mercy!" understood. The final two lines, although not a proper couplet, mingle the spiritual with the ordinary, "Amazing is the Grace that will lead me home. Wonderful the Love that will bring me there." Overall, the writer has a solid foundation to work with. Keep writing and editing.
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Review of The road.  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
Tim, this poem is well written but very morose. It speaks of a traveler who is utterly confused when he finds himself on, "a road, Surrounded by dirt whilst made of gold", he begins to wonder what "celestial being" made, "such a street?" Yet as the piece continues, the man discovers that he is in "limbo" and that he has been deceived.. The one that greeted him is no doubt Satan, who before he fell was in charge of God's music and the worship of the Holy One. In response to see the evil beast, he stumbles back, "suppressing a scream". In the eleventh verse, the poet paints a sorry sight of the traveler playing the violin which he was given by an, "unfortunate fiend". The poet says that he plays, "for the days that (he) acted in sin." However, in verse twelve, dim hope arises as he seeks, "redemption" he knows too well, "this new traveler's fate." There is much anger, resentment, sorrow and confusion here. Perhaps the writer once asked Christ to save him and now he realizes that life must be lived in Christ alone. Keep seeking the Man Who died at Calvary. He is able to forgive you and cleanse your every sin!
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Review of Africa  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.0)
This poem is heartfelt and inspirational, Harrison. Despite one typos, 'clime' which should be, 'climb', this piece shows promise. It looks toward the future of Africa with hope! Focusing on the children, who are, "the backbone of Africa" and, "the end of poverty", the poet shines a beacon of hope on these little ones. The poet even quotes Nelson Mandela, looking ahead in belief that the children "Will always succeed" When climbing each hill, "reaching the peak." Well done. I'd suggest to break the quote into three lines, instead of placing it all on one. Keep dreaming and believing, Harrison!
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Review of Imagine  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem is well composed, with lines like, "Imagine you and me embracing there, upon a bed of morning glory blooms." and "We balance work and play between these walls." showing the contrast of a real loving relationship and everyday life. The final couplet affirms this thought, "This love we share is not some fantasy.
It’s firmly grounded in reality." Although, in my opinion, this as well as the above image dampens it for me, the poet's description and care with which he writes quicken hope within my soul. Keep writing such inspiring poetry, Dave!
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Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
Overall, this Ghazal is well written. The message is one of a world which is loosed from violence, creating harmony instead of discord. Many on this earth desire this. However, some continue in the "error of their ways" seeking only to shed blood and prey upon the innocent. The only error that I found within this piece is in stanza four, line two. There are eight syllables instead of seven. The rhyme scheme is flawless, as is the imagery. For example, in the final line the simile that has been utilized is well placed, "Be like an electric wire." Also, the poet has crafted an ideal alliteration with the words, "Why wreck" in stanza two, line two. In my opinion, the three lines, "Why wreck the mental empire?", "Why shoot from the hip blindly?" and "Appeal to emotions higher?" All drive home the significance of this piece. I noted that the words, "ire", "fire", "empire", "dire", "higher" and "wire" are all in italics. Perhaps the poet's intent is to stress these words so that his point may be driven home as a hammer strikes a nail. Also, in stanza five and line one, I appreciate the use of the phrase, "soft and supple". Well placed. Keep writing, Dr. M C Gupta. I appreciate the honor of reviewing a poem written by such a skillful artist.
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Review of Remember  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
This poem has depth of a grim quality. The poet yearns for innocence once more in the final verse. Each verse seems to descend deeper into despair, bleak nothingness. Although I found a typo in the second verse, where, 'site' should be 'sight', this piece cannot be ignored. The first verse is phenomenal in its heartfelt openness and honesty as well as its depth,
"I remember what it is to lie bruised and broken on the floor.
I remember what it is to let the tears fall like rain. To let the
chaos of the shower drown the heaves of screaming pain.
I remember what it is to lie shivering in the night, afraid
and not knowing why. I remember what it is to hide the
bruises on my skin. I remember how it looks, and how it feels
to sin. I remember the blood, the tears, but most of all the shame". Well written, Elysia. Discouragement is evident in each verse. However, in the final line, longing for renewal begins to rise once more, "I want to be innocent again and enjoy life for life’s sake." Keep writing such honest poems. I appreciate it. Don't stop seeking after the Lord. He will meet you in your deepest need.
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Review of My Entry  
Review by Michaela Elliott
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hilarious poem, TK Waite. Whether this is based on real life or not, it made me laugh. Keep writing such comical pieces! The first verse set the tone. However, the second truly caught me off guard, "Her hair went up,
And promptly fell down.
It’s such a shame,
So did the gown!" I had to grin. Good rhyming in this verse, by the way. Also, the final verse clinches this piece as prior to this, the groom shows up drunk. At the altar, they're preparing, "to say their 'I Do's'.
But just before they tied the knot
The bride said, 'I refuse'!" Overall, this poem is well crafted, injecting humor in a potentially chaotic situation. I encourage you to keep that sense of humor throughout your life. Well done.
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