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495 Total Reviews Given
Public Reviews
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76
76
Review of "It Is Finished!"  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
The title and picture say it all. The title is appropriate because of the repetition in the poem. The first line establishes the tone kept throughout.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. I had no problem with the scansion of flow or rhythm. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closing lines seemed right for ending the poem. The line breaks seem right.

Suggestions and general observations:
I found some unneeded words and thought it could be tightened a little.
You have a keeper - I loved it.
I may have mentioned this before, but I think you have a knack for prose poetry. Give it a try.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
77
77
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
I think the title is both appropriate and adds to your poem. The opening line hints as to what the poem is about and establishes the tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. I had no problem with the scansion of flow and rhythm with one exception. I thought the second stanza could have been crafted with end rhymes. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last lines seem right for the poem. It was not overwritten or artificial. The line breaks seem right. I also think punctuation would work well in this poem.

Suggestions and general observations:
I suggest using more active verbs. EX: Setting, giving, recording, rewarding, pleading, crying, spending, gaining, knowing, and hearkening. To me it not only makes it come alive, but creates internal rhymes. It's just a thought. I don't think your poem can be tightened, but I do think parts could be developed more.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
78
78
Review of Amputee World  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (3.5)
Disclaimer:
I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Where poem was read:
I read your poem on the Request Reviews page.

Subject:
Your poem is personal, but rises above the individual and becomes more widely relevant.

Opening:
The title seems appropriate, however, it does not add anything different and steals the thunder from the closing.

Sight Devices:
I thought a simile would work well in the opening line - "like the setting sun..." There are enough specific image details.

Sound Devices:
The rhyme scheme allowed the poem to work well without punctuation. I had no problem with the scansion of flow and rhythm.

Sense Devices:
The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The totality of tone is consistent.

Closure:
The last lines seem right for closing the poem. They weren't artificial or overwritten. Also, it was a strong finish.

Placement On Page:
The line breaks seem right. The line placements are fine. Couplets require metered lines, so the use of two line stanzas may confuse things.

General Observations:
Suggestions: Try using more active verbs. Ex: walking, feeling (omitting "until i"), seeing, replace "see" with "do" so it doesn't sound redundant. This is only a suggestion, but I thought it worked well when I did it. Also it gives you some internal rhymes.

Thank you for allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
79
79
Review of A HUMBLE CRY  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
The title s both appropriate and adds to the poem. The first lines establish the tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. I had no problem with the scansion of flow.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closing lines seem right for ending the poem.

Suggestions and general observations:
I wanted to make comments and/or suggestions last instead of as I go this time. First, I think the content is great. I also think more poetic devices are needed. You can find some listed on the link "Judging The Lighthouse Poetry Contest" on the contest page. I also suggest you use prose poetry or iambic meter (five feet). In poetry the reader needs to discover things for him/herself. It's the poet's job to use imagery and other devices to convey it.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi




*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
80
80
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.


First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
The title both adds to your poem and is appropriate. The opening line establishes the tone kept throughout. The poem is personal, but rises above the individual and becomes more widely relevant.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
The imagery puts the reader on the scene. The scansion of flow and rhythm are very good. The rhyme scheme worked well for you. The diction is consistent. I find no odd word choices.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last lines seem right for ending the poem. They are not overwritten or artificial. The line breaks seem right.

Suggestions and general observations:
I thought there was an overuse of commas. I stopped considering anything that does not "hurt" the poem for the contest, but it's worth mentioning. The use of action verbs and the present tense makes this a much stronger poem.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

God Bless,
Quihadi



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
81
81
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
The title seems appropriate and hints to what the poem is about. The first lines establish an appropriate tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. I had no problem with the scansion of flow. The diction is consistent. The syntax is appropriate. I found no odd word choices.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closing lines were a good way to end the poem. It was not artificial or overwritten.

Suggestions and general observations:
I thought your poem could have been expanded more. It doesn't leave much for the reader to discover for him/herself. EX: Instead if baldly stating "suffering teaches us," bring the readers emotions in with a real life example. Let them discover it for themselves. We do this with poetry devices. My favorite are listed on my link "Judging The Lighthouse Poetry Contests" on the contest page.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
82
82
Review of bloodless  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
I like thin poems without the use of punctuation. I also enjoyed the perspective. The title is appropriate and hints to what the poem is about. The title should be capitalized unless using it in a book.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. The repetition worked well. I had no problem with the flow or rhythm. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. he syntax is appropriate.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last lines seemed right for ending the poem. The line breaks seem right. he stanzas worked well.

Suggestions and general observations:
The title steals the thunder from the first line. I'm a believer the title should add something to the poem, and not be a direct quote. You have a keeper.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!Open in new Window..
83
83
Review of Resurrected Life  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (3.5)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
The title is appropriate. The first line establishes the tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
I thought the specific image details were good. When reading it aloud, I did have a problem with the scansion of flow and rhythm. Without meter and rhyme, punctuation and line breaks become more important to guide the reader. I found no odd word choices.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closing line was a good way to end the poem. I thought the lack of line breaks hurt your poem.

Suggestions and general observations:
This poem has the makings of a keeper. My suggestion is to use meter to make it flow better.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work. Hopefully, you will keep entering the contests. I apologize for taking so long judging this time.

Quihadi



84
84
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
I thought the picture added to the poem. The title is appropriate, but steals the thunder of the first line. I'm a believer the title should add to the poem.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
I thought the specific image details were good. I had no problem with the scansion of rhythm and flow. The rhyme scheme worked well. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate. The totality of tone is good - celebration.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last line was a great way to end your poem. We need reminded we have a place (our home) in Heaven. The line breaks seem right.

Suggestions and general observations:
With the exception of a few unneeded words and a few end stops vs commas, I doubt your poem could be tightened in any way. The only other suggestion I have is to use a dash before the last line instead of a comma. This will put emphasis on what follows.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi

85
85
Review of The Hallway  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Disclaimer:
I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. You will find a link on the site that will tell you how I try to judge the poems, and my thoughts. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
Welcome aboard Elise. The title seems appropriate. The opening lines establish an appropriate tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
I thought the specific image details were good. I found no sections weak in visual images. I had no problem with the scansion of flow. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last lines seem right for ending the poem. A strong finish and not overwritten or artificial. I did have a little problem with the punctuation and a few unneeded words.

Suggestions and general observations:
I suggest you use a dash vs a comma in one line. "I chase it - losing grip." The dash puts an emphasis on what follows. I think if you tighten your poem a little, you have a keeper.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi




86
86
Review of Beginning to End  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
Disclaimer:
I updated my template. I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
I liked the perspective you used. The title is both appropriate and adds to the poem.The opening lines establish an appropriate tone.

Poetry Devices - sight, sound, and sense:
There were enough specific image details. I have no problem with the scansion of flow and rhythm. The diction is consistent. The I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate. The totality of tone is consistent.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The last lines were a perfect way to end the poem. Not artificial or overwritten. The line breaks seem right. I was happy to see you didn't overuse commas. I see no punctuation that needs to be stripped away.

Suggestions and general observations:

I do have a few suggestions. First, I would replace "to" with a dash before "destroy" in the last line. It puts an emphases on what follows - "destroy." Second, There are a few unneeded words, such as "they" in the first line second stanza. Omit "they" and you can also omit the comma. Third, I would like to see more action verbs beginning with the second stanza. I think you would have an even stronger poem. It would also give you internal rhymes. Simply use present tense. EX: "Protecting this," He charged one special pair. Also, pronouns referring to God are capitalized (like he).

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.
I really like this poem. A few tweeks and you have a keeper. Keep writing - and I hope you come back for this month's contest. I apologize for taking so long reviewing.

Quihadi
87
87
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Disclaimer:
I updated my template. I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
My first impression was wondering what the perspective would be from a donkey. I doubt you could have used a better picture - perfect. Sympathy from a donkey -a great opening line that draws curiousity.

Poetry Divices - sight, sound, and sense:
This form is much harder to write than it looks. I find no sections weak in visable images. I found no problem with the scansion of rhythm and flow. The personification of the donkey was very well done. The diction consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate. The totality of tone is consistent.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closure was a great way to end the poem. Not overwritten or artificial. The line breaks seem right. The second and fifth lines need an end stop. However, it isn't hurting your poem. For the contest, if I don't think it is hurting your poem, I only mention it.

Suggestions and general observations:

I have no other suggestions for this fine poem. I've written enough of this form to know how hard it could be. You have a keeper.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.
I apologize for taking so long to review.

Quihadi
88
88
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Disclaimer:
I updated my template. I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
A new perspective is needed when writing about the big subjects. From 1 - 5 I'll give you a 6 with the perspective. Love it. The title is both appropriate and adds to your poem. The first line draws the reader into the poem.

Poetry Divices - sight, sound, and sense:There are enough specific image details. Familar ones take on a new look through the innkeeper's wife's eyes. I had no problem with the scansion of rhythm and flow. The combination of meter and rhyme worked well. The diction is consistent. The syntax appropriate.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
I loved the strong finish. It isn't overwritten or artificial. The line breaks seem right. The only problem I have is the overuse of commas. We get that off of the classic writers. For the contests, if it isn't hurting your poem I only mention it. Without meter and rhyme it would hurt your poem.

Suggestions and general observations:
I have no other suggestions for this fine poem.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.
I apologize for the late review and judging. Keep Writing.

Quihadi

89
89
Review of Star's Song  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Disclaimer:
I updated my template. I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
When I read the title, I was distracted (life got in the way), and couldn't wait until I finished reading it, and I wasn't disappointed. A subject that has been written about a lot needs a different perspective. Your poem gives that. The title is both appropriate and adds to the poem. The first line immediately shows personification and draws the reader in.

Poetry Divices - sight, sound, and sense:
There were enough specific image details. I felt like I was sitting on the star watching. I had no problem with the scansion of rhythm and flow. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate. It's refreshng not to see all commas.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closing seems like a good way to end the poem. Not overwrittwn or artificial. The line breaks seem right. The first enjambment I thought you needed an end stop, but re-reading it a few times changed my mind.

Suggestions and general observations:

I doubt this poem could be tightened. I have no suggestions for this fine poem - and you will find that's rare with me. Keep writing.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work. My health is coming back so (Lord willing) I will be more punctual in this month's contest.

Quihadi
90
90
Review of CHRISTMAS!  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Disclaimer:
I updated my template. I like using a template in contests so everyone is judged the same way. Remember, I'm only an author like you, so only use what is helpful.

First Impressions, subject, and opening of the poem:
I read this when you posted it, and it got me excited for Christmas. The title is appropriate and goes well with the opening line.

Poetry Divices - sight, sound, and sense:
There are enough specific image details. I had no problem with the scansion of flow. The diction is consistent. The syntax appropriate. The totality of tone is consistent. It brought out the expectation and excitement, getting the reader involved.

Closure of the poem and placement on the page:
The closure was a good way to end the poem. Not overwritten or artificial.
I did have a problem with the fifth stanza. Question marks are needed (last four lines). "But," is not needed and eliminates the comma in the next line after "or." I suggest a question mark after LORD - end stop - and one at the end of the stanza.

Suggestions and general observations:

I don't have any other suggestions for this fine poem. It's a keeper. I wish you a blessed 2013 and keep writing.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work. My health is finally coming back, so Lord willing, I'll be more punctual and get caught up here.

Quihadi
91
91
Review of Thanks God!  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
         
Disclaimer: I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Opening:
The title is appropriate. I love the opening line. It creates curiosity and draws the reader into reading more. I like the perspective on something that's been written about a lot.

Sight Devices:
There are enough specific image details.

Sound Devices:
I had no problem with the scansion of flow.

Sense Devices:
The diction is consistent. The syntax is appropriate. I find no odd word choices. The totality of tone is consistent.

Closure:
The closing lines seemed right for ending the poem. Not artificial or overwitten. I do have a suggestion for the last line. Use a dash instead of a comma and it puts emphasis on what follows.

Placement On Page:
The line breaks seem right. I doubt you could tighten it without hurting your poem.

General Observations:
One thing that bothered me was it leaves little for the reader to discover for him/herself. This is done by using poetry devices to do more showing than telling. Having said that, I really loved it. It's a keeper.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi
92
92
Review of Savior Our Lord  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.5)
         
Disclaimer: I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Opening:
The title is appropriate and hints to what the poem is about. I love the opening line. The question draws the reader in makes it personal. When subjects that have been written about a lot,like November's prompt,there is a need for a different perspective. Your dialog filled that need.

Sight Devices:
There are enough specific image details. I thought using the dialog and questions worked very well.

Sound Devices:
I had no problem with the scansion of rhythm and flow. Using punctuation when there is no rhyme scheme or meter is needed to guide the reader.*ThumbsUp*

Sense Devices:
The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate. The sentence structure is good. I love the totality of tone in your poem. I thought going back and forth (talking to both the Lord and another audience) hurt your poem. The reader has nothing to discover for him/herself. I suggest you say the same thing, but continue with the dialog.

Closure:
The last stanza seems right for ending the poem. Not artificial or overwritten.

Placement On Page:
Typo - end of third stanza - it's one of the things I do too often. Period instead of question mark. Suggestion - using a dash in the last line instead of a semicolon will put an emphasis on what follows.

General Observations:
I really enjoyed your poem. It's a keeper.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.
93
93
Review of The Final Battle  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Disclaimer:
I'm only an author like you, so only use what is useful.

First Impressions:
The title both adds to your poem and is appropriate. I found the poem peaceful.

What I Liked:
I liked both the title and the closing line. I liked the rhyme scheme.

Poetry Divices:
Caesura, imagery, and rhyme.

Suggestions:
I thought a few action verbs would give you a stronger poem. Ex: suffering, beginning, comparing and praising.

General Observations:
A problem I find is there is little for the reader to discover for him/herself. There should be more showing than telling. Having said that, it is well written and I am looking forward to reading more of your work.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi

94
94
Review of RAPTURE!  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
         
Disclaimer: I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Opening:
The title is appropriate and adds to the poem. I like the perspective and curiosity the opening line creates.

Sight Devices:
The simile "like a thief" worked well in the opening.

Sound Devices:
I had no problem with the scansion of flow.

Sense Devices:
I thought both the voice and point of view were very good. The diction is consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax is appropriate.

Closure:
I like closing with a question (question mark). The bold print gives it the exclamation point.

Placement On Page:
I didn't think the "and"(s) were needed. The line breaks seem right.

General Observations:
I loved the fourth stanza. As great as it will be for the Bride, it will be awful for those left behind.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi
95
95
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
         
Disclaimer: I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Opening:
The title seems appropriate and adds to the poem. The opening line is appropriate in establishing the tone. The totality of tone will depend on the devices used and how they are used throughout the poem.

Sight Devices:
I also thought the metaphors and similes were used well. There are enough specific image details.

Sound Devices:
I did have a problem in places with the flow. I find using double adjectives hurt it. The rhyme scheme worked well until the last stanza.

Sense Devices:
The line breaks seem right. The point of view is good. The diction consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax appropriate. I liked the totality of tone. I think He needs to set us all down at times to get our attention. At least He does me.

Closure:
I loved the closing. The perfect way to end the poem.

Placement On Page:
I thought not using punctuation hurt your poem. I thought it was needed to guide the reader, especially when read out loud. I'm one for stripping away anything not needed. It may be a typo, but the third stanza - third line is an example.

General Observations:
They say a poem is never finished - just abandoned. I hope you keep writing and re-visiting written poems. I'm finding it helpful with mine.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi
96
96
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (5.0)
Disclaimer:
I'm only an author like you, so only use what is useful.

First Impressions:
This one got my attention. I've needed to depend on His healing all of my adult life. The picture adds to the poem. The title also adds to the poem and is appropriate.

What I Liked:
The rhyme scheme. The picture. What I liked the most was the application used and closing lines.

Poetry Divices:
Meter, Rhyme and Caesura.

Suggestions:
I have no suggestions for your fine poem.

General Observations:
A good reminder that the power is in prayer and not people.
97
97
Review of My GOD!  Open in new Window.
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
         
Disclaimer: I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Opening:
The title seems appropriate and hints as to what the poem is about. I like the tone established in the first line, and continued throughout.

Sight Devices:
The specific image details are between the author and his God. Although it is personal, it rises above the individual and becomes more widely relevant.

Sound Devices:
Because of the way it's written and the flow, I kept thinking this would make a good thin poem (one to three words per line). It's hard to punctuate or not punctuate without enjambments (no end stops on a line).

Sense Devices:
I found no odd word choices. The totality of tone is good.

Closure:
I loved the closing line. Strong finish. Not over written or artificial.

Placement On Page:
I think you would have a stronger poem if you used a different form. Line placements could eliminate the overuse of commas.
EX:
Raise me up
embrace me
love me
as only You can

Dashes and ellipses can also be used at times.

General Observations:
I really like this poem. I think only the mechanics need changed.

Thank you for entering the contest and allowing me to review your work.
Quihadi
98
98
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Disclaimer:
         I'm only an author like you, so only use what is useful.

First Impressions:
The title made me think of when I first came to the Lord. To bad we don't keep the fire going 24/7. It is both appropriate and adds to your poem.

What I Liked:
I thought the dashes worked well. I wasn't sure about the line breaks until I read it out loud. I liked the way it slowed down the flow in this one.

Poetry Divices:
Imagery, Caesure, metaphor, and simile.

Suggestions:
I would put the second stanza in the present tense. Eliminate "Will" and the comma. I think it gives you a stronger poem.

General Observations:
"But" in the second stanza is not needed. My favorite line is "If I am a fool - than I am."

Thank you for entering the contest, and for your patience.

Quihadi
99
99
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | (4.0)
Disclaimer:
Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

This template is based on ten devices that can "turn off" experienced editors, judges & haikuists:

A Title:
Most haiku are untitled; a successful haiku usually speaks for itself. Instead of using a title, try revision. Senryu (humans) are titled.

Too Much Punctuation:
Avoid periods. A haiku is one moment in a continuum; a period often destroys that illusion (so may beginning with a capital letter). Other punctuation-The average haiku has one break in thought or continuity, usually at the end of line 1 or 2 (sometimes, the middle of line 2). If punctuated at all, it is usually with a colon, dash or ellipsis. An occasional dash or ellipsis may provide emphasis either before of after the final word (or phrase). In general, shy away from punctuation unless you are sure of its benefit.

The Telegram Effect:
Compress your haiku, but be sure the omission of words (especially the articles a, an & the) doesn't chop it into ungainly pieces.

Lifeless Verbs:
The is & have families result in pictureless & actionless verses. Use action verbs instead.

Past or Future Tense:
Haiku usually happen now. Past & future tenses remove us from the action & often use more words - weak ones like has, have, will.

Adjectives and Adverbs:
Use sparingly. Look for ones made from noun or verb roots. Avoid very, much, any, many, few, & all-inclusive words like every, all, always, never, everyone.

"I": Overuse of 1st person pronouns - It's more risky in haiku than in senryu because senryu deals with humans. Put emphasis on the image, not the person.

Padding:
Don't throw in words just to conform to a 5-7-5 or other imagined pattern. Either revise to find 17 strong, useful syllables or go for a shorter verse.

Redundancy:
One season word is enough: "Spring blossoms" is redundant: both identify season. Let strong words do their job: "pavement wet with rain" is redundant.

Abstractions:
Not Supported by Concrete Imagery? Let imagery suggest the point; don't state it baldly. Proverbs masquerading as haiku are likely to run into trouble.

.Overall Impression:
Your poem speaks for itself. The title makes it sound redundant. Eliminate the title and Caps and you have a keeper.

Quihadi
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100
100
Review by Quihadi Author IconMail Icon
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Disclaimer:
I'm only an author like you. Hopefully, you will take only what is helpful and send the rest into cyberspace.

Subject:
I had a hard time connecting your poem with the prompt, but since it's not the only one, I'll assume it's just me.

Opening:
I love the pic and caption. They do enhance the opening and go good with the title. The opening line draws curiosity.

Sight Devices:
There are enough specific image details.

Sound Devices:
I had no problem with the flow.

Sense Devices:
The voice and point of view are good. The diction consistent. I found no odd word choices. The syntax appropriate. The totality of tone is good.

Closure:
I like the closing. A good way to end the poem.

Placement On Page:
The line breaks seem right. I don't think your poem could be tightened.

General Observations:
I thought your poem could have been developed more. Writing great poetry is writing about ordinary things in a way it's never been said before.

Thank you for entering the contest, and allowing me to review your work.

Quihadi

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