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2,810 Public Reviews Given
3,480 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
True algorithm ia in response from the reviewed. Honed craft over 17 years. I see the good, with an eye to potential. Will never be/play authority of someone else’s words. That’s left to the master of the work. The artist has the vision; I just react/review, illuminate a fuller perspective to overcome challenges faced with those words. I see responses my reviews as affirming. *has references*
 
To see how I review, my feedback is public. Reviews can be set up through email. This page is limiting. *Smile* I accept review credits if I deserve rank. I accept merit badges as recognition, to be earned not bought…my opinion. I buy to support friends to maintain my shadowed equivalency, not pad. I have low vision, ADHD. it’s tripped me up. I dust off, get back in the game.
I'm good at...
Poetry, psychoanalysis. Ideas and notions on publishing process. I encourage writers with my reviews, look for strengths and give direction on how to make something better. I continue to correspond those who approach, when more to offer. I see what drives, use experience and the overarching mind, connect where each individual’s art derives. Hope to opine where it could take them with their craft. Like to believe, sometimes, before the writer knows themself.
Favorite Genres
nature, love, psychological, spiritual, inspirational, epiphany, emotional, drama, human interest, science, conspiracy, dystopian, fatalistic, speculative. Not cookie cutter fantasy realms or choose your adventure. Action/adventure. Unique, surprise.
Least Favorite Genres
Horror, fan fiction, some fantasy and sci-fi, or anything Lord of the Rings/Game of Thrones-ish.
Favorite Item Types
poetry, short story, essay/opinion/blog
I will not review...
I’m happy receive an email to discuss first. I set this to receive 9k. WDC gets the rest. No page here I know of to collectively or categorically see, compare reviewers for hire. That might be a worthy tool.
Public Reviews
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726
726
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
There is a beautifully depicted moment shared in your story poem that shares revelations that caused one to wonder about life and how the order of things is orchestrated by something unknowing, believing in God to understand its reasons.

We can't truly know how animals get their innate instincts...something we're not really born with. This gives reason to pause when spying on these birds in flight/formation and to feel they know your presence gives you a connection. It's like they have allowed you into their secret society to observe. Oh, that we could get close like Jane Goodall with her "Gorillas in the Mist." Fondness for being near God's creations feels like being connected through higher understanding.

To the poem's structure: Wasn't sure about the line breaks. Some parts have need for grammar and punctuation improvement. But, as poetry, it is keenly insightful, sensitive to truth and beautiful, full of awe and appreciation. Big thumbs up for that!

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
727
727
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I like what you do with this poem about the pronunciation of Aspergers, by using a poetic device known as alliteration. Ultimately, this reads like making fun of those who mispronounce (intentially) the word, childishly. In fact, this poem might go over the head of those not realizing the abundance of P-words to push the agenda of respect for this condition.
Nice use of questions, pondering like a poet, addressing an audience. And you didn't push it too far, as all of the meandering thoughts cohesively conjoined with the theme. Intoning open of theme by repeating last line for punctuation was priceless!
You deserve a pat on the back,

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
728
728
Review of Church  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I've been revisiting the haiku form recently and wanted to give comment to this piece.

I found this to be humorous, not something I would typically expect for haiku. But, it worked. I cannot imagine a denomination, but reminds me of Catholic. The line to complete 'prayers sent like mail' makes me think of our modern era of internet. Maybe, more could have been done in set up for this zinger.

Still enjoyed,

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
729
729
Review of Home  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I've been revisiting the haiku form recently when I came across this offering. It meets the 5-7-5 syllable count for structure, but I wondered about the theme.

I got a feel for spring, sensed the return of rushing water. Wasn't sure how the hawk factored. I wonder if I miss a connection to nature's movement and that of a hungry bird seeking prey. All well written images in short form.

Still a good, visual piece,
Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
730
730
Review of A truth  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
A poem with statement that holds true in our current socio-political life. Your poem reminds how vexing it is see 'the course of civilization' and feeling hopeless to do anything about it..."all we can do is watch." That's what it would seem. Activism is a lost ideal that is now resurfacing again. Our current leader (possibly unwittingly) is inspiring it.

Hard to know what fate holds for us, so we keep setting pen to paper, hoping to change the world a little at a time.

I'll bet you could expand on this theme, give examples and bring social issues to light in poem.

B


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
731
731
Review of Lonely People  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
This was a unique take on the Beatles song, taking it forward. I would wonder about the Eleanor Rigbys of the world, but with social media they wouldn't have to feel alone. However, Eleanor here isn't given much hope, because she is witnessing what smart technology is doing to the world around us. We're all alone, not actually interacting.

I guess Father McKenzie is just happy to have people in church even if they aren't making a personal connection to God...depicted in your poem. But, He is the creator of all things, so sorry Al Gore, once again you do not get credit for creating the internet, a place where God can reach people.

It was a pleasure to read,

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
732
732
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem reminds me of how my parents reacted when I wanted to be my own man, didn't want parental interference in my life anymore. It's sad when sons or daughters go off and don't keep in touch. As a parent now, I worry my kids won't need me, that I won't have assurances that there life will be safeguarded. Hard to let go.

My own experience as a young man were their concerns I might be 'laying in a ditch somewhere,' which to me was an expression for I couldn't take care of myself. I was pretty certain their protests were unwarranted and intrusive. I rejected their concerns carelessly, didn't appreciate the offers of concern. Your poem reminds me of all this.

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
733
733
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Dear Joy,

"See beauty; create beauty" I'm going to use that mantra.

I really looked forward to reading this and it did not disappoint. It gave me some time to assess my approach to writing poetry. Your article inspired thoughts about the poetic process and how to encourage poets who get stuck like this.

While I was reading, I was scanning. I was hoping for a reference to John Keats and his notions about Negative Capability. You likely know, it was a process that gave him pause to wonder about the world around him. His odes on things like Grecian urns were full of surprise for one inanimate object. We can be inspired by anything: art, what you know, anything outside or inside your window can suffice.

True poet's don't lie. They wonder about things -- write about their wonderment, maybe naively, adoring. We can be certain about some things, but write to try to fill in the blanks for the rest.

Poet's like me can be confused by life, the order of things, things unrevealed and how we can get at the truth -- reveal it for others to see. Some things we are not meant to know. Being spurned by life can create passion in our words. We poets rise to the challenge, passionately pleading our case for life in an otherwise oft lonely, ordinary world. But, then we look at something uniquely. We employ the poetic devices, and...voila! You have it -- poetry.

As a reviewer, I like to see unfinished work with potential. I see writers grasping but not quite taking hold. I marvel how others see the world. Through their eyes, I imagine and suggest an end to their scheme of things -- all the while, not tramping over their vision. I comment to aid their sight.

So, what you present here is great fodder for a lonely, self-obsessed poet like myself. I aim to get a greater feel for the world we share.

You offered some great and inspiring examples for poets -- speak in a language that all can understand. While negative capability seems a simple concept to me, scholars interpretation of philosophical differences between Keats and Samuel Colerage make it appear complex:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negative_capabilit...

Thanks for inspiring me to revisit poetic concepts and approach. I try not to limit my view, for fear of appearing ignorant, which I am...the whole point! Now, I've been illuminated -- unfortunately, briefly, because we all forget and have to retune. I say two steps forward, one step back. Though, I delude myself about what I'm walking toward.

Brian
*StarBl*



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
734
734
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)

Dear Jane,

I saw another reviewer give you feedback on this poem (which I had read once before) and noticed the same confusion over the use of 'Min-a-mins.' I decided to learn what they are and it revealed a whole new poem to me with some great flavor!

I try not to get discouraged when someone decides to be confused by my words, rather than explore a little further. Google is a great tool to unlocking meaning in words. It was fun reading and learning about this Australian plant.

When I read your poem, it was visually appealing, imagining that baby bird beneath the Min-a-mins for shelter. I now think, you could do more to explore this setting, assuming Australian. That's if you are still working with this poem.

It's short and sweet in nature, but if you gave some hints in your poem about the type of bird? Sometimes, birds shelter or habitate in specific locales. Just looking for more from that ending. The bird was described nestled neath the Min-a-mins, but couldn't visualize the bird to realize the ending.

What I liked were those first four lines. I imagine rocking a babe to sleep in my arms and sweetly whispering a story about a baby bird the child can appreciate, relate. It's just the beginning of the bird's saga. Even if just to spread wing and take its first flight. When my kids had me make up stories, it was a challenge at the start. The more I did it, the easier it became. Takes a little encouragement inspiration to get the task done, sometimes.

It's dreamy and nicely told. I love the idea of crafting this as a children's poem to be illustrated and read to children, because the plant alone creates a unique setting. The storytelling aspect is what can make this a strong write.

I wish I could give encouragement to more writers like you. This community needs more writing with potential like this.

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*

Reviewers: It's work, but it's rewarding to Google something you don't understand:

Min-a-min

https://www.somemagneticislandplants.com.au/index....


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
735
735
Review of Liars  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Poetry Flashback Highlight at Circumpolar Stars:
Older poetry by former members you may have missed, still available to our community.

A poem as rich as this deserves keen observation, notice underlying themes, statements about obsession with boys and why someone could be tragically trapped in bad romance because of shame/guilt.

Relationships start off innocently, like this poem. A girl is fickle, experiences, changes her mind. It teaches about the education in love for this person who becomes abused. The free form nature of this poem flows from one relationship to the next, educating us with bright expressions, such as:

"...his very being was composed/of hair products in different scented body soaps/that were made to give you/things he lacked--/he wore the essence of 'confidence.'"

The fickle girl moves on to her next relationship, which is even worse…

"...I left him for a boy all marked up with ink and blood. With a mind full of demons. And a hard covered in dust."

It gets ugly and she's aware people can see it, but no one does anything to help. She's trapped in a world noticeably looking the other way, convincing herself "love is supposed to be painful" and "sometimes lieing is necessary."

But, the most inspired lines are about the perfect boy, who she deserves, who could love her right, if she had only known the concept of this kind of love existed:

"...No one told me
about the boy with eyes filled with
stardust
and a voice to end all wars.
No one reassured me
that there would be a boy who would
hold me as if I were
made of glass.
Who smiled like he just discovered
the secret to life
every time
he leaned in
for a kiss.
Who took his time
to breathe
and spoke softly and slowly
so I understood.
A boy who whispered in bed when he says
'I love you,'
but proclaims it loudly in public.
Why could no one tell me
someone like you
could exist?"

Spoken most powerfully at the end, when she turns, speaks directly to this boy that exists! (My feeling) I want to shed a tear for this soul who secretly lives a life, or partly open, as victim. It must Pain her to know him, trapped inside her glass world, sequestered from something she cannot touch...either by conditioning (unable to break the cycle) or because she is shamed into maintaining appearances in an abusive relationship.

I'm rooting, begging for her to be free, recover, realize her potential. But, she is focused on the "liars" in her life...blame game? However, realization is setting in. Cycle to be broken? I think giving voice to these feelings in poem is like breaking the surface. It's been dark. It has been sad. There is potential, at least for hope.

So eloquently portrayed, experienced expressions. So thoughtfully laid out, going over the most poignant details to tell enough, but not too much. The reader discovers feelings in words. It was a long and unfortunate journey to realization. I like to believe the walls come down and she empowers herself to fully self-actualize as woman.

It was a pleasure to consume and will share and revisit.

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*




*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
736
736
Review of Scars  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)

I've read a couple of your poems now, read a little about you, to see what drives you as a writer, as a poet. I was interested in this poem because of some expressions that drive this piece of writing. I see potential in what you offer.

For me, what worked best in this poem was visual words/expressions that spoke best to theme. "Blade tempting," "See them bleeding," and "Stitch me shut" -- exceptional word choices that let my mind go to work on what the writer expresses. While "Seal the wounds" was unnecessary because it says basically the same thing as previous line. The same could be said of "Every silent night engulfs me/Desolete nights..."

The more you condense these thoughts, boil down to essence, the richer the expression. A lot of the poem felt disconnected from actual feeling, like the writer has experienced but doesn't want to stand too close to that fire...like some form of PTSD. That says a lot, by not saying. The more visual imagery you could lend to these feelings, even use similes or metaphors to maintain that disconnect/indirectness to subject...the more a reader can feel what your emoting.

It's beautiful prose. You are on a good path as a writer. It was a pleasure,

Brian

CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*





*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
737
737
Review of Arrogance  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Dear l'sea ,

I read this with great admiration, because I can see where you are going with this. There are some powerful expressions and poetic devices at work. It needs some editing and sharper focus to fully express these thoughts.

When I started seeing shallow, narrow, blind, cruel and blunt, I was distracted by 'your,' realizing by poem's end you mean 'you're' or 'you are.' I could make a classification of people for four of the five, but not narrow. Now that I believe I understand, taking a cue from title and description, she thinks highly of herself, putting others down in the process.

You use irony well, showing contrast. You use sarcasm...should be more her thing. You repeat 'she's' makes a point about the self-centered nature, flip to 'her' mid-poem, giving the poem symmetry (another writing device). This all helps thematically and structurally. I'm impressed.

When I read 'Her joys are greater than your sorrows' I thought, 'her joys are your sorrows' if she's that kind of person. But, that might not be what you are attempting to demonstrate. Just a thought I have as a reader connecting to your poem. And, when you have people responding to your thoughts, you know you are reaching an audience. Whether they feel the same as you, or not, your job succeeds as writer when you can get someone to feel, think.

Weaknesses...maybe, "Her sad is sadder than your laughter." You were riffing off another contrast line about her joys, but did not exactly mirror it. Sadder is equal to sorrow but laughter can only be a byproduct of joy. Joy equals happy, etc.
And then, you switch back to 'laugh' in the next line and repeated the line about 'joy' like you were running out of things to list. Oh, and listing...another poetry device you have used!

I think you could reduce redundancy and still come up with more of her arrogant traits to list and contrast to show how she thinks she's queen bee, if you wanted to give this more attention. It's not that the poem needs a fix. All poems are perfect. Working with it more can give the appreciation of mentally flexing your writer's muscle to achieve ultimate symmetry with structure, contrast, irony, listing and best word usage. A poem is a Sunday crossword, a sudoku, a rebuilt carburetor. We fine tune and perfect the process to keep our skills sharp.

I look forward to reading more,

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*



*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
738
738
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
I found this contest and was very intrigued by its uniquity and use of writing partners in a poetry challenge. Exciting prizes and made me wonder if I missed how the entries are submitted...static or blog entry? Does one person create item in their port and allow the other edit access? I should reread rules again. A lot of information for such a unique challenge.

I'm really excited about seeking a writing partner, it's like wondering who I should take to the big dance. Need to partner up before all the best ones are committed. Have someone in mind, if she gets this notification. I'm calling on you, Warped Sanity ! Will you be my dance partner for this thing?

*Laugh* Getting into the spirit of this. Hope someone will want to join me. Going back to rereading contest information again. I screw these things up nearly every time. *RollEyes*

Brian

*Hopes poem subject isn't about Halloween*
739
739
Review of Baptism of Rain  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
This was a nicely metered poem with good use of couplets between four line stanzas. I will not speak to content/message, as I was listening to Rick James' "Ghetto Life" and on Vicodin when I read. I had a special feeling about those couplets that washed over me. I was hearing the rhythm of the song accentuating the syllables and rhyme. My cup of wine.

Just know that it was pleasing to read. Sad combination on my end, but it worked.

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
740
740
Review of Stay  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
There is so much potential with this story that left me grasping to know more.

I troubled with past and present when I read this, confused by the open and what it had to do with the story. Reference to song, "House of the Rising Sun," I assume; but, characters hard to follow and focus of the story and surprise revelation at end didn't seem to tie this up. Go back to that vase and explain. Seemed we needed more detail.

I guess the story was cryptic without scene or character depictions that took away from story. Wanted to be in moment, understand boss relationship. Are we getting a collection of recollections? I couldn't tell if we were in the narrator's head or was it the protagonist? I wondered briefly if there was a seven year gap in timeline.

There is enough to intrigue a reader. The story kind of got away from me. A few misspells like 'of' instead of 'off' and 'crane' be 'cranny,' or some kind of slang? And, tense with 'run' should have been 'ran.'

Pleasure to read and comment,

Brian


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
741
741
Review of Rock Bands  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
That's funny, I was filling out review and thought of answer to submit and lost my words

Good puzzle. Got more than half right, some on the tip of my tongue. Others I feel I should know. Test took on an odd shape with long and short answers. Wondered if chili peppers was misspelled, or just me?

Could not figure out three days grace answer. Lots of good old stuff I remember.

B
742
742
Review of Animals II  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Though most of the questions were easy, there were some I could not come up with the answers. Not enough intersecting letters to give me a hint. Scratching my head over Alice question. The one about Authur wasn't a question that could provide answer? Drew a blank on what is praying.

Nice little puzzle with one hiccup. Might want to expand.

B
743
743
Review of Trip Back In Time  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Well, I got four out of six right. Didn't see correct answers but can assume which ones I got wrong. I'm a big fan of 30s era movies. This was fun.
I would have liked more questions like these. I'm sure it's enough work just to create all the false answers to guess.

B
744
744
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
This was interesting and I learned some things. Was this good?

Non-E
Demons without an element are very advanced in culture. They have developed highly advanced technology to cope with the harsh world surrounding them. They are substantially weaker than all other demons, and rely solely on their advanced intelligence to protect them.

I see myself as a strong person but like to use my wits and rely on brute strength as a last resource. I want my greatest gift to be able to commune, live and learn among other cultures peaceably.

Not possible in real world?

B
745
745
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Hypothetical quiz with no option to answer. Is Schrödinger's cat inside? I was confused. Did you not correctly set up quiz or not want an answer?

Either way, if I'm told I chose A and am down to A or B, why change? Wait, did someone shuffle these after putting the money under?

Hard to say outcome.

B
746
746
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (2.0)
Hmm, this was odd and oddly had nothing to do with people in my country. Though, it sounds like your basic email that says you already won or claim your $50 gift card to some place you recently visited on internet thanks to tracking software on these computer devices.

Hope you didn't get scammed. If you are old and live alone you might answer...yesss??
747
747
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Wow, a lot of poetry fans! And, not one person voted they hate poetry in all the years this question has been out there.

I love poetry. I can't deny it, but I would prefer to write fiction. Maybe, if tailored differently, I would have had a different result. I'm not surprised so many flock to this website to read or pen in this genre.

The question makes me wonder if the author is not a fan. Hard to tell,

B
748
748
Review of In your portfolio  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
That was too easy. I can see static items predominates the field in this poll.

I wondered if this poll would get into more specifics like genre or category of writes. But, I can see it might be about the value of types of items created. Maybe, a question partly suited to an upgrade question? May never know

I write poetry mostly with those statics. Oh, well
749
749
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
It would seem the poll answer options are missing and we will never know our fate?

I was intrigued by the Swastika and four phases and how a new era would come about. It might be true that earth's matter cannot be destroyed, but could be made uninhabitable.

Some interested reading that I am going to share and hopefully learn more about,

B
750
750
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Only one vote? Hall monitor wins?

I can give you my thoughts to the answer I gave, with some wonderment if it might be too late for this project.

Hall monitors usually take their role more responsibly. The are usually on alert for any behavior that needs reporting. However, do all five of these people coexist at the scene? A farmer and a hall monitor? I would assume not, so you might be trying to assess generalized character quality.

We hear people's station in life and generally assume moral character. Hall monitor might be disinterested in role. Maybe, it's the farmer's daughter? The old ladies would be a close two and three, though janitors can also have a territorial instinct in that situation. Sorry, farmer, but unless you are a deeply religious man, you might be dead last when it comes to high moral conduct...and yet...

Good poll, good luck,

B
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