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1,259 Public Reviews Given
1,301 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
Conversational - I don't have a formal template. Comment to my perception of the work, both substance and technique; highlights & misses. My reviews are public by default, but I will gladly make private upon request.
I'm good at...
Poetry - I read aloud; respond to both art and craft; Short Story - I listen for the voice(s) and respond with how I perceive both the creative voice and technique; and effective use of writer's tools; Articles/Essays - I'll let you know how you keep it real and hold my interest. Comment to substance & technique, fact-checking, depth of research, logical flow.
Favorite Genres
I love to read ^_^
Favorite Item Types
Poetry, Short Stories, Articles / Essays
Public Reviews
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26
26
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Greetings! I am delighted to read your work, and offer here my comments to a fellow Rising Star*Thumbsup*

As I swat at a knucklehead that found it's way in, I can relate to the images in each quatrain.

Reading aloud, the rhyming couplets each describe one of the many bugs that arrive in the warm weather. Personalization of the critters and vivid imagery also engages the senses, i.e., "Striders on water, that gracefully cruise." And I can hear the "Dragonflies purr..." *evil*

Thank you for sharing this harbinger of warm insectitute *Bigsmile* I look forward to reading more of your work ^_^

Write On!
Kate
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27
27
Review of My Poet Tree  
In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings! I am delighted to read your work, and offer here my comments to a fellow Rising Star*Thumbsup*

The Title and tag intrigue, I'm curious to open and read to discover whether it's a tree or a 'branching' play on words that speaks to 'poetic justice'. Reading the poem answers my question fully and with poetic justice *Wink*

The shape poem works for this verse, I see here a tree that's vibrant and full, disproving the writer's contention *Smile*

Reading aloud, the words selected for shaping the tree paint images of a tree and poem becoming. Effective use of enjambment not just to fit the tree image, but to weave the lyric stories. I also see some end-rhyme and near-rhyme to pull together the images. Alliteration and assonance engage the ear, and vivid word usage which, in a short poem, I believe is necessary to engage the listener/reader. *Thumbsup*

Altogether an enjoyable poem, with both wry wit and whimsy.

Write On
Kate
Wonderful sig created by Terryjroo


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28
28
Review of Fated Humming  
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Greetings, I was looking to read some poetry and was drawn to your words in verse *Smile*. The title intrigues with some ambiguity as to what the tag line may reveal. My comments and thoughts I share with you, to use as you will if you choose so to do*Smile*

I see here a fun poem for both child and adult, with a twist of dark humor. From the title and tag line, I imagine a bee sting coming with a buzzing song.

Technical notes: The Saraband poetic form is well met in the end-rhyming, per the examples I found in The Poet's Garrett. I see you chose here to use end-rhymed tercet, and rhyming couplets in each quatrain, maintaining balance and aiding the lyric flow of the verse*Thumbsup*

Reading aloud: I find lyric balance in the opening tercet to each septet. The iambic meter with the opening spondees in lines 1 of each tercet rachets up the tension and the spondees and dactyls in the third lines finish the image, slowing down the listener just a bit for the vivid detail that follows. *Star* Effective use of enjambment in first tercet immediately puts the listener on high alert, draws them into the story and intrigues. Likewise in the final couplet, enjambment brings a longer final breath of the story in verse. *Star*

Reading aloud the story behind the verse, the third line in the first quatrain, goes back to past tense after the second line brings forward with immediacy. Consider holding to the present, i.e. The stinging begins quickly then. to maintain the immediacy and urgency ??

I enjoyed this lyric rendition of a bumblebee's dance, and recommend it as a fun read for young and young-minded both. By the way, a fun picture you've added.*ouch*

I look forward to reading more of your work ^_^
Write On *Paw**Paw*
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non-ordinary way.
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29
29
Review of Somewhere She  
In affiliation with Blog City ~ Every Blogger'...  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Greetings, while seeking lyric verse to read, I came upon "Somewhere She." I offer here my thoughts and comments upon reading aloud this wistful poem.

The first three stanzas focus on she who waits, wistful, wondering when her suitor will come for her. The fourth answers with the voice of he who waits, dreaming of when he will go to her. I find it poignant that each waits and wonders when the other will arrive. A Victorian romance perchance?

Reading aloud, I do not sense a metered rhythm, but the end rhymes and near-rhymes to each couplet within a stanza add a cadence to the verse. The opening stanza is vital and intense.

The second follows with inner reflection. Consider adding a stop (comma?) after the second line, second stanza, to focus the image. I am halted momentarily in the third line, second stanza, "... glistening wonder" ?? Consider alternative for 'glistening' ??

In keeping balance with the first stanza, consider in the third stanza, marking pauses, and a period at the end to focus the senses to the individual images. The fourth stanza, I'd only suggest a period at the end.

The images in poem are somewhat sad, each dreaming of what may be. She awaits his arrival, and he dreams of finding her as he waits

Thank you for sharing this poignant image in verse. I look forward to reading more of your work.*Smile*

Write On *Paw*
Kate - Writing & Reading
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non-ordinary way.
** Image ID #1920908 Unavailable **



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30
30
Review of Insomnia  
In affiliation with Blog City ~ Every Blogger'...  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Greetings, in response to your invitation, I offer here my comments to your poem, Insomnia, on behalf of House Florent.

I see the dark humor in the conversational tone with which the author addresses the God of Sleep, not quite disrespectful, but sardonic.

Reading aloud: The rhythmic cadence, the end-rhymed scheme and effective use of natural enjambment offer a lyric, vivid image (no spoiler)*Wink*

The poem tells a story, with an opening, a middle and a conclusion. The first stanza addresses Morpheus and asks for aid, with an attempt at humor*Rolleyes*
The second a bit more respectful, and the third offers a gift in return.

I sense a poetic form in the rhyme scheme, but can't place it. There are eight iambs per line in each stanza, excepting the refrain to conclude stanza 2 and 3. In the first stanza, fourth and fifth lines, I'm also hearing an additional beat - but being the last two lines they balance each other, so it works for me.

In the reading, I see a couple grammatical questions - hear an extra beat (perhaps the pronounciation of 'aren't' with one as opposed to two syllables ?).

In the reading, I see a grammatical question, third stanza, 5th line, 'death like' would be one word, or if you prefer, it could be hyphenated. Also, in the third stanza, second line, suggest hyphenating 'ovation-filled'. The use of stops, in addition to the end rhyming is effective and aids the visual, sensory images. Also helps maintain the dark humor of the work.

Thank you for offering this sardonic look into the art of sleep *Bigsmile*

Write On !!
Kate
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31
31
In affiliation with Blog City ~ Every Blogger'...  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Greetings, fellow Blog City Resident. I'm inviting myself over for a read and I'm bringing along a neighborly review *Smile*

I saw your poem in the Blog City Library, and I'm glad to have read it. The verse does not preach, but offers hope through faith and prayer. *Star*

Reading aloud, I have a sense I'm reading a psalm. The opening draws me in to see how one will "know." I would suggest a stop (comma) at the end of second line to pause before offering the answers. The repetition opening the third and fourth lines "but the people who" makes the listener/reader focus on the answer given in each line, then moving forward to the summation.*Thumbsup*

A couple of questions regarding the statement ~ "...the people who confirm it shall be done"? I am unclear as to the meaning of 'confirm [it]' and what 'shall be done' ??

I also suggest capitalizing the reference to the Lord in second-last line:
"...the heavens with Him" and I believe you intend to state in the last line: "...and worked through in place of though. I think I understand the final statement, but for clarity would suggest that you state "...worked through by Him." ??

Thank you for sharing this powerful and inspired call to faith which message echoes after heaving read it. *Heart* I look forward to reading more of your work ^_^

Write On *Writing*
Kate - Writing & Reading
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non-ordinary way.
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32
32
In affiliation with Blog City ~ Every Blogger'...  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Greetings, fellow Blog City resident. I'm inviting myself over for a read and I'm bringing along a review *Smile*

In "Why I Became Sister of Mercy," the title and tag invite the reader to open and read. The lyrics are beautiful and describe your presence in our Writing.Com Community to a 'T' *Heart*.

When I think of a "Sister of Mercy" I see one who's altruistic, who gives of herself without thought of repayment, and who honestly cares about others. I believe your interpretation of the song is accurate, and well plotted writing. From my encounters and what I've seen from others you encourage fellow writers and offer honest feedback and care; you are a Sister of Mercy.

Brightest Blessings ~

Write On *Writing*
Kate - Writing & Reading
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non-ordinary way.
** Image ID #1987862 Unavailable **



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33
33
In affiliation with The Coffee Shop for the Fantas...  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Greetings! I am delighted to read your work, and offer here my comments to a fellow Rising Star*Thumbsup*

"And thus does the wind cry," not just as the title but the image carried through the poem. *Heart*

First, I agree with the author's note re the slant rhyme ~ it does not diminish the form's pattern. I hear no forced end-rhyme, but a natural lyrical progressionl And the form stated is maintained. The rhyming and stops effectivey hold together the images, from one season/stanza to the next.

Reading aloud, the wind's cry of joy, of poignant sadness, of renewal as it flows through each season, alive to mark the passage of the cycle of time.

I hear a note of discord final stanza - where "blooms burst free" and next line's "brings winter's time..." I believe the blooms bring winter's time to an end? if so then consider "bring winter's time..." ??

The finale is vivid and poignant, remaining with me after the reading,
"Another ring upon each tree,
And thus does the wind cry." *Happycry*

Thank you again for sharing this vivid poem of nature's renewal. I look forward to reading more of your work ^_^

Write On *Pencil*
Kate
Wonderful sig created by Terryjroo


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34
34
Review of Could This Be All  
In affiliation with The Coffee Shop for the Fantas...  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Greetings! I am delighted to read your work, and offer here my comments to a fellow Rising Star*Thumbsup*

The title and tag line intrigue, with an image of reality v possibilities.

Reading aloud:
*Bullet* The end-rhyming of alternate lines within each stanza amplify the rhythm of the image - of the strain of the mundane and how the writer is forced to set aside past dreams; then in the next stanza questions the merit of having done so; then how the writer resolves the quandry *Thumbsup*
*Bullet* The rhyming is rather natural, rarely forced (first line second stanza??)
*Bullet* I note a few occurrences where there are no stops and I found myself re-reading to follow the thread. The second line, first stanza, consider a period to end the image and allow the next to begin.

The poem built in intensity, each stanza moving forward from the next to the powerful conclusion where the question "Where are my days of wild and sass?" *Star* is answered *Thumbsup*

Once again, thank you for offering this powerful and vivid poem. I look forward to reading more of your work *Smile*

Write On!
Kate
Wonderful sig created by Terryjroo


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35
35
Review of EARTH  
In affiliation with Earth Day Challengers  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Greetings, I am one of the Earth Day Review Challengers and offer here my comments to your poem.

The senryu form is well met, personifying Earth ("nomad") with human characteristics *Smile*

Reading aloud, the images are consistent with the senryu form, where two of the lines flow together to make a statement; the third line here stands as a powerful image of its own. After first questioning the third line, upon reading agsin I sense the question in third line refers to Earth herself and as the individual life forms to which she is 'home.' *Thumbsup*

My thoughts upon reading aloud - consider separating the title from poem itself by a blank line; also consider deleting the comma after "Round" to hold it with the rest of the image in the first line. ??

Thank you once agaom for offering this powerful and provocative work, which image remaims with me after reading *Earth*

Write On *Earth*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
Everyday is Earth Day!


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36
Review of Cleansing Tears  
In affiliation with Earth Day Challengers  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings, I am one of the Earth Day Review Challengers and offer here my comments to your poem, "Cleansing Tears."

Both the title and image complement the poem, as does the selected form. Reading aloud, the words flow naturally and evoke both joy as "the earth is reborn as a colored bouquet." *Flower2* and deep sadness for "the unthinking harm that we [mortals] perpetrate." *Cry*

The flow of the poem tells a story, showing rain as cleansing and healing tears, renewing Earth and healing over and again the damage done by mortal hands. First stanza opens to describe the beauty of Earth renewed at Springtime yet bearing a sense of decay due to mortal disdain. The second stanza continues with Earth's tearful struggle to heal the continuous damage, to end with a call to mortals, one by one, to step forward and do something to help Earth heal the damage. *Earth*

Reading aloud, the form complements the images, the words resonate with both subtle and overt action, engaging the senses with images, sounds, action. The end-rhymes are natural, not forced. Very little repetition of words, but for 4th line, "I feel a sadness..." and fifth line "a subtle feeling...." Consider for a moment instead of close repetition, something like "a subtle sense of death and decay" ??

Once again, thank you for offering this provocative and beautiful poem, which remains with me after readingk, and good luck in the contest *Smile*

Write On *Earth*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading

Everyday is Earth Day!


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37
37
In affiliation with Noticing Newbies Committee  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Greetings! Welcome to Writing.Com. Thank you for sharing your work. I offer here my comments and notes for your consideration as you choose *Smile*

First Impressions: I can see, hear, and touch the changing of seasons, as Summer releases its hold on Earth, "with a haunting loon's cry." *Star* I see a snapshot of Summer morphing to Autumn, as though I were looking about me with my eyes, ears, and sense of smell and otuch. The title set at the end of the poem both interesting and fitting; it made me want to re-read and seek out sights and sounds I had missed the first time 'round and engage more fully the experience.

Reading aloud: there's a cadence to each couplet, the end rhymes inciting a brief stop to hold the image or sensation before moving to the next. The poem tells a story, beginning with the ending of Summer and how Nature morphs to Autumn, and the reactions of humans and other creatures (i.e., 'geese'); and the 'haunting loon's cry' a finale to the metamorphosis*Star*).

Reading aloud, I note, however passivity in some of the images. Consider the opening line, in place of 'are starting' try the sound of 'leaves start to turn' or an alternate vivid hook to grab the listener's attention. The second couplet I can feelthe chill and the soil on my hands as I pick a pumpkin*Thumbsup*.

The third couplet, 'Fireplaces crackle and dance...' takes me out of the seasonal encounter and introduces an element of fantasy. Consider rewording to return to your vivid seasonal metamorphosis. The next line of this couplet also changes voice; consider for rhythm and flow '...the geese in flight.' (eliminating 'are') The next line, 'leaves' instead of 'leafs' = a nit that doesn't detract from the image. The final couplet, consider again more active to complete the metamorphosis, i.e., 'As bonfires burn, their smoke...' Also, repeating changing of seasons within two lines, consider modifying the final line perhaps introducing Autumn via the 'loon's cry'.

My experience with the poem: I read the poem aloud several times, and each time found additional images to engage my eyes, ears, sense of touch and imagination. A vivid image of the metamorphosis of Summer to Autumn.*Thumbsup*

Once again, thank you for opening your portfolio and sharing your vivid world of words.*Smile*

Write On*Paw*

Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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38
38
In affiliation with The Poet's Place  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Greetings, after reading aloud your lyric words; I offer my thoughts on the images I see, the vision I perceive, and the voice I've heard.

Overall: I enjoyed the story of a magical land where a Dragon used the tools of science to convey a fantastical idea to a broad audience. Magic and science seamlessly woven together *Thumbsup* Each numbered 'chapter' of the story moves the 'story' forward in lyric fashion; each 'chapter' (using chapter in my comment, as that's my impression of the buildup) a progression from the inception of the idea that is the subject of the poem to the result. *Cool*

Reading aloud: The rhyming couplets within each stanza, and two stanzas for each segment of the poem, move the tale forward, building each visual and tactile image on the one before; telling a story in verse.

Reading aloud, I hear an eclectic rhythm pattern, with each line 10 beats or 11 beats, most ending in an iamb or anapest (an upbeat/strong); however, with a 'chapter' or two slowing the pace with trochee endings to slow the tempo and envision the techie terms (as in second stanza of 'chapter' 3).

A couple of spots where the rhythm falters to my ear and I go back to re-read. The final couplet in 'chapter' 2, feels like a bit of forcing rhyme ('to go to' with 'do' where the end rhyme pattern shifts from the iamb in the final line; also use of 'where' twice in the final line. Consider a descriptive word and perhaps some poetic license in the phrasing ??

Reading aloud, effective use of pauses (commas, exclamations, periods) and enjambment for the most part, so the reader/listener can focus and see one image/idea, then move to the next. Just a few places where I had to re-read; i.e., the first stanza, three lines run together made me a bit breathless. Consider a pause after either the second or third line? also the third line in the stanza, for the rhythm consider the sound of the following ("...to be properly unfurled").

Consider replacing some pronouns with images, i.e., the final stanza 'the analytics' change 'the' to something that describes the analytics and would add force to the ending of the poem, i.e., streaming?? (don't know if that's an accurate tech term)*Blush* but you see where I'm going??

***
I really enjoyed the read; a cool story in verse, combining fantasy with science and making it real; woven in lyric fashion, natural harmony and rhythm.*Star*

I wish you luck with your presentation, and congrats. I look forward to visiting your port for some more good reads ^_^

Write On *Pencil*
Kate
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39
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In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Thank you for hosting a new and challenging contest *Smile* Just as it says so effectively in the opening paragraphs; both free form and free verse poetry are forms of art when crafted with thought and care *Thumbsup*

The forum is inviiting; the image of a tree, with branches and roots weaving through sky and earth, evokes a sense of freedom with substance. Free form, free verse.

As a forum, along with the image, the opening paragraph explains the hosts interpretation of free form and free verse poetry. The second challenges writers to 'conquer this form of poetic expression'; a challenge to craft such a poem. I can see some good reads in the entries to come.

The rules, timeframe, prizes are clear and easy to understand; effective use of white space, varied fonts, listing of judges, donors, and a space for winning poets makes the forum itself inviting.

I like the option of early entry for the opening month. Best of luck with the challenge; hope to see it around for awhile, and include here my GP Donation for this inviting and challenging contest *Smile*

Kate
Write On *Pencil*

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Kate's Reads
Kate - Writing & Reading








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In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
This event is a great incentive, encouraging writers to flex their pencils/pens to write a novel in a month.

As a forum, the bright orange 'Caution' sign and the comparison between supporting 'walkers' with 'writers' a fun idea; as is the scrabbled script writing introducing each of the sections of the forum, i.e., rules, prizes*Smile*

Each section is organized and set off with bullet points for ease of reading; also providing working links to related group items. Highlighting the groups to benefit (as well as writers) also invites the casual observer to check them out for some good reads. I see no errors or omissions.

Wishing success to each of the writers, I'm including here a GP contribution*Smile*

Kate - Writing & Reading
~~Image #6000 Sharing Restricted~~
Strive to live the ordinary life in a nonordinary way.
Book of Runes
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41
41
In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: 18+ | (4.0)
I enjoyed reading your 'party favor' for the Writer's Cramp 10th Birthday Party *Balloon6*

I like your take on the prompt ~ it's not your everyday 'poor/bad girl gone good' Wealthy/connected hubby knows her past; was part of creating her present; yet would be unforgiving of her were that past exposed to his political detriment. So Fancy, the created socialist, takes action to prevent exposition of her past, which has a twist within (e:thumbsup} of a love forsaken; a meeting not for larceny, but to punsh perceived abandonment.

The story flows well, characters both have their unique voice; neither is all bad nor all good, so each appears to me to be a flawed antagonist - a challenging interplay to pull off; and I think it's done well here.

Just a few suggestions I'd have for you to tighten the story - eliminate any redundant cliches. Consider the apparent incongruity in the following, for example, "The smile stayed 'plastered to her face,' it felt as if nothing could bring her back down to earth." If it's a false smile (as I'm reading it), then it's not her feeling but her appearance that's showing, so maybe "it appeared nothing could bring her 'back to earth.'" Consider the two cliches within one sentence (I've put in single quotes); also followed by another in short order 'Panic raced through her body' (maybe show how she reacts, i.e., shivered; hands fluttered, face flushed, how you actually see her react to her fear).

I note a few occurrences of passive voice, i.e., the use of 'had' twice in the following: "...had attended the fundraiser that her husband had insisted she put together..." consider eliminating the first or second occurrence to make it more immediate, in the present ??

The twist at the ending leads the reader to believe the story is not yet completed, that the two will meet again, and Fancy is not free of the past, nor her fear of what it will do to her present.

Altogether, a cool response to the challenge ~
Wishing you good luck and
Good Writing*Paw*

Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
~~Image #6000 Sharing Restricted~~
Strive to live the ordinary life in a nonordinary way.
Book of Runes
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In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Greetings, thank you for offering this creative story.

The title and tag line pose an intriguing question, and incite a closer look.

The opening sentence paints a picture of the event taking place, while introducing both characters in this vignette. I get an impression that it's all happening in slow motion, intense. Related from the viewpoint of the victim, the story engages the senses; one can hear paper money crinkle, see his fear mirrored in the furrowed brow, and feel the chill metal against his head.

Their exchange is believable and vivid, though it feels surreal, as if the speaker somehow is detatched, though present in the situation. The reader can picture what's going on and put himself in place of the speaker. The story has a beginning, middle and end; it feels complete.*Thumbsup*

One suggestion, to put the statements in quotes. Consider starting with the action of the victim, i.e., I slowly drew... as I watched... Opening with a more active voice ??

I enjoyed reading this vivid and complete story, related in so few words ~ I look forward to reading more of your work ^_^

Write On*Paw*
Kate
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43
43
In affiliation with RAOK Upgrade Brigade Group  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Thank for starting this Fun Snowball Fight*Bigsmile* It's a great way to end the old and start the New Year*Xmastree*

As a forum, the title and tag invite the casual visitor, and the opening banner draws one into a fun activity to benefit R.A.O.K. by challenging friends, and friends-to-be (Newbies, perchance*Smile*)

Working links to 2 sets of c-note selections offer a wide variety of themes, to invite and/or incite 'lucky' recipients to return the 'favor' with a link-back to the forum.

The forum comments and responses are fun and offer some more 'victims' to toss at*grin*.

Thanks for starting the 'ball' throwing ^_^ Here are some more gp's to stockpile the 'weaponry'*Cool*

*Xmastree**Star**Xmastree*
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Review of Zombie Acitvists  
In affiliation with  
Rated: 18+ | (1.0)
Greetings, I'm honored to be your server at your tea party today at the Elven Tea Garden. I offer here a review prepared by my hand and served with my opinion.

ROFL

Befitting the challenge, this is a properly 'bad' poem. The question posed, Zombie activism, is effectively answered with "The good cause was brains." The zombies exhort humans to eat brain food so their brains taste good when eaten*Wink* The imagery of zombie protesters carrying signs, protesting the 'bad' brains offered, then at the end of the day marching in protest, party time spent munching on the 'bad' brains (perhaps washed down with some fermented marrow?)*Wink*

The occasional rhyming, the eclectic variety of rhythm and repetition evoke a 'taste' of some nasty-tasting brains*Rolleyes* The challenge of creating a 'bad' zombie poem is well met, earning the dubious honor of one *Star*

Thank you for this fun read - ROFL ~ I think I'll forego the midnight snack *Smile*

Write On!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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45
In affiliation with  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Greetings, I'm honored to be your server today for your party at the Elven Tea Garden. I offer here a review prepared by my hand and served with my opinion.

The title and tag line invite the casual observer to visit with the proffer of good reads and to satisfy one's curiosity as to what other items will be discovered.

The opening image - drawing with Dr. Seuss reference is a friendly and inviting image.

The items (working links) are sorted and organized by type, i.e., poems, stories, c-notes, essays, travel, each with working links to the items cited. Newest items are listed up front, like in a bookstore with a friendly clerk (the girl quoting Dr. Seuss greeting visitors*Smile*).

The 'exit' from the Indie bookstore, after showcasing awards, offers an image of worlds to imagine and explore, inviting the visitor to return and seek further adventures. I find no omissions or locked doors or empty shelves in this 'bookstore'*Thumbsup*

Thank you for sharing your world of words in such a creative and inviting way. I look forward to a longer visit to browse and read and, yes, purchase some cool 'gift cards' (c-notes) ^_^

Write On!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
** Image ID #1738666 Unavailable **
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In affiliation with  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Greetings, I'm honored to be your server today for your gathering at the Elven Tea Garden. I offer here a review prepared by my hand and served with my humble opinion.

This forum offers a place for support and healing thoughts, both for the one who suffered the physical loss of a beloved kindred spirit and those who come to offer healing thoughts and prayers. We are each brought closer here to the essence of life, what is real and important and gives meaning to the mundane.

As a forum, the birds in flight, the simple honest invocation, and the invitation to leave comments, thoughts and prayers does not seek sympathy, but community. The picture is one of joy and what we recall after having visited. The comments and thoughts, the interaction, foster community and empathy.

Once again, my healing thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for offering this place of respite and community. *Heart*

Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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Review of Where Evil Dwells  
In affiliation with The Coffee Shop for the Fantas...  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Greetings! Thank you for weaving this otherworld in words. I offer here my thoughts on the journey, Raiding your port for CSFS.

First, the burning cauldron cooking the 'simmering brew' gives an idea of what evil we will explore*WitchHat* and the lyric verse relates a story of what will be if one enters the haunted house*witcheshat*

Reading aloud, the rhyme and near rhyme add to the lyrical tone of the poem, each couplet both an image in itself, and seamlessly woven into its stanza, which then is amplified in the next stanza, building in intensity*Shock* The stops (commas, and end stops (periods and exclamations) focus the senses on the individual images, building intensity, then transitioning to the next image*Star* The couplets and stanzas are also paced with use of the varied metric formats (i.e., troches to slow and focus, and iambs to build tension*Ghost*)

Reading again, I find but a couple spots where the rhythm misses for me. The first stanza, to balance the second image (third line start) with the first, consider keeping the troche-iamb pattern with a stop (comma) in place of 'are' i.e., "Haunted houses, not just pretentious tales."

Likewise the third stanza, where the intensity and images build to a climax, consider maintaining the iambic stress in the third line, removing perhaps 'their', i.e., consider the rhythm of "They wait to cast demonic spells,"

The final stanza wraps up the 'story' summarizing what will occur if one enters the haunted house "where evil dwells, you don't want to be." *Star*

Thank you once again for a 'delicious' offering for our Coffee Shop for the Fantasy Society Review Raid*Ghost*

Write On*WitchHat*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
** Image ID #1815934 Unavailable **

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Review of Summer Heat  
In affiliation with  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Greetings! Thank you for weaving this otherworld in words. I offer here my thoughts on the journey, as seen through my eyes.

The title intrigues, alluding to the hot temperature of summertime, which is then, in the poem, exemplified in its human mode*Star*

The link to examples of the form helps in confirming the pattern is well met.

Effective use of enjambment to keep the flow of vivid images going with the stanzas, each of which flows from the prior one to tell a vivid and enticing story in verse.

I find no error in form and no gaps in the flow of the poem*Thumbsup*

Thank you again for sharing this creative and enticing vision of a 'heated' summer romance that evolves (or alludes to) something deeper.

Write On*Paw*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
** Image ID #1085994 Unavailable **

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In affiliation with SIMPLY POSITIVE GROUP  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Thank you for your generous contribution to "New Year's Bash" . I am delighted to read and comment upon your lyric verse.

The title invokes an image of wind whispering and calling among trees and streams on a mountainside, as well as of those who call such un-tamed places home. The refrain I envision first a storyteller or balladier recalling or weaving a tale while others listen and add their bits of memory and lore.

Reading aloud, each stanza conveys a singular image while building on the previous ones, the song itself telling a story with a beginning and middle but continuing on "from mother to daughter" traditions carry on. Each stanza begins with a strong iambic stress and the final rhyming couplet within the stanza finishes that 'chapter' of the story being told.

Consider the first stanza, introducing the 'singers' and what their song will relate, not repeating 'love' in the finale, perhaps something like 'hope' in the first occurrence?

The second stanza gives further detail, or backstory, of the history behind the mountain folk and their song as they find joy in their daily tasks and encounters. Note the common spelling of 'hearken'

The slight shift in the refrain, from one singer to the group joining to sing together effectively transitions to the next two stanzas which now give a more visual and sensual image of the mountain folk gathered to share their tales in song and verse and tales real and imagined.

Consider again not repeating 'stories' in the opening line of the final stanza, perhaps 'tales' or 'legends' something like that would fit?? I'm hearing bluegrass in the enjambed opening lines to each of the two final stanzas, the next to last finishing with an iambic upbeat tempo, and the final slowing, more reflective in trochaic rhythm.*Thumbsup*

The final rendition of the refrain comes full circle with the relationship to the mountain as wielding the first note, the original voice, that reverberates over time among those who take part in the life it offers to those who choose to join in its 'community' and add their bits of memory and lore*Heart*

Thank you for sharing this heartwarming and poignant lyric vision.

Keep Writing*Paw*
Kate
wistful rune ~ …
Kate - Writing & Reading
~~Image #6000 Sharing Restricted~~
Strive to live the ordinary life in a nonordinary way.
Book of Runes
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Review of Writing II  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I thank you for your geneous bid in "New Year's Bash"  and for the opportunity to read and comment in return*Smile*

The title of this poem, whether by design of happenstance, aptly introduces what I perceive as an ars poetica that is immediate and relevant, asking and answering the question "Why I write:"

The senses of sight, sound, imagination and touch are engaged as the writer 'grasps' at the essence of these sensations to express her need by 'bleeding words.'

One image that I fail to grasp, "damp as hearing/kaleidoscopic ink" hearing the kaleidoscope I can sense, but consider an auditory image in place of 'damp' ?? if I understand the meaning correctly. Also, consider a shorter pause, a semicolon perhaps, before the final statement in order to make it the final statement responding to the opening premise.

With each reading, I am compelled to reflect on and envision each image and can feel the result. An ars poetica for sure.

Thank you for sharing this powerful vision.

Keep Writing*Paw*
Kate
wistful rune ~ …
Kate - Writing & Reading
~~Image #6000 Sharing Restricted~~
Strive to live the ordinary life in a nonordinary way.
Book of Runes
** Image ID #1085994 Unavailable **

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