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2,807 Public Reviews Given
3,476 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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751
751
Review of Groundhog Day  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
I really enjoyed this with the musing about groundhogs day. I had my confusion, because the animal seemed human like at the start. Then, it seemed funny to believe a person would emerge into the world the same way.

The open felt like fiction. I enjoy your prose like this. It's better as storytelling rather than poetry until you start spinning the following verses with a poet's eye. It's like you can't decide which direction to go. Do both. Just iron out those lines and rhyme the rest. Who cares?

Keep having fun with it,

B

Okay, how many readers thought it was an actual groundhog?


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
752
752
Review of God's dark day  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
This was some pretty intense imagery with such an intriguing open. As I read, I kept feeling this shouldn't be a poem. This is some worthy prose. I couldn't get a feel for setting, though I could imagine scenarios. I could feel the presence of the stories, but with a detached view from the poet.

I get emotional depictions, but so keenly observant. Does war do this to people? Life in general, just takes our soul? I'm left with questions about the inspired narrative.

I enjoyed these forming verses, because it paid more attention to poetry rules. Then, I would write the rest as fiction, develop more. Give places so we know immediately where we are, after the poem opens before the fiction begins. As a reader, that is what I would want. It's your baby. My intervention.

B


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753
753
Review of Castle  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I enjoyed the aspect of this poem. The idea that a woman trapped is comparable to self-sequestered in a cold, dark castle...it's an unfeeling world. But, when the beauty of nature sings, it lights and warms her dark world. The mortar cracks. Her smile returns.

This could be developed with less telling and more showing with sensory words. The bird could be more developed as a character, reveal its true nature. Otherwise, I would condense...first two stanzas boiled to one, etc.

It has a good feel. Needs the hands of the word sculptor to shape it on that spinning plane.

Muse on!

B


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754
754
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
More musings from the poet about the angel who has arrived and given inspiration to words and pondering, maybe for an opening with this beauty?

This is part two and an introspective approach, imposing supposed fiction on the woman gracing the writer with her presence at the beach. Perhaps, this is akin to Romantic poetry, an 'ode upon' style gaze into something by looking at its surface, hoping negative capability could reveal truth in this beauty?

It feels, sadly, we come up short. It reads more like fantasy. A hopeless bard has not the instrument to move this angel to reveal her true nature. In fact, she was more alive and real in Part One "Angel of the beach" .

Despite, I like the attempt. Questions like these speak to narrative and not the vision. We get an insight into the desperate need for more. From life? Running out of hope, we scribe to something, the gods, begging to open those gates of imagination -- that something real out of a life less ordinary could be savored. Drink from that cup!

Why does a painter give life to canvas with paint? Just as we write, we want to capture a moment, a feeling, satiate a tiring soul bunkered in sand next to a serendipitous offering...here called angel. Your eyes, a camera, more sharply focus. But, we must move on to the next moment. More fish in the sea. Capture as much beauty (uniquity) as you can, dear poet!

Alas, my review must end,

Peace out,

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
755
755
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
So many vivid depictions of a woman enjoying a day at the beach, appreciated more fondly by the attentive poet who comments on her restorative commune within a charmed world.

There's nice meter to a carefree read. I read what seems serendipitous to find this beauty, adored in words like a live piece of art. She simply is at one with herself but seen more lovingly as she graces the beachgoer with her presence. She seems unaware, gazed upon like a denizen of nature.

The ending is awakening. The dream woman briefly comes to life, does not seem to affect composure. All is taken in stride with this nicely worded poem.

Job well done,

B


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756
756
Review of Loathe  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Dear Average.Chris ,

Your poem "Loathe"  is a justified response to the world we live in today. We must take stock in who we are, defend ourselves against the judgmental, who clearly have no right to be pious.

What impressed me is your tone -- not backing down, on the attack. I read so much from your statements that lacked question marks, because they are rhetorical. Because, the poet is saying we are forced to judge to keep pace. Hence, the title 'Loathe.' We detest even ourselves, having been caught up in this hypocritical back and forth.

Your poem causes me to consider why this exists. The world today is built on status, who gives the appearance of living right. My mind comes back to capitalism, advertisers and our government that allows these conditions to exist. Social conformity breeds in every part of our existence. Can't hear yourself think sometimes -- have time to process thought, make proper judgment. Mob mentality = group think? Similar to something I've dealt with for some time. I can empathize, if this is what you deal with, too.

Proper application of common sense and a dose of gospel could dispell, but whoever speaks loudest speaks best these days. Small, meek voices can't be heard.

Preach!

B

CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*


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757
757
Review of Crickets  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Dear Musings ,

In a land that time forgot lie poems with "Crickets"  that harmoniously come to life. I never imagined the chorus of little peepers like this -- just that their song comes from rubbing wings. You inspire visual imagery for this reader:

"A ragtime band harmonizes in alto and bass/The chorus keeps rhythm with fiddlers/...produce sharp whole notes that hang on grass tip..."

Wow!

"They sing their blues and jive,
In high pitched timbre until it becomes a noisy chant..."

I'm entreated to such vision. There is a great play with how these sounds could be envisioned. The crickets and other wildlife please our senses late in the evening, induce peaceful slumber.

A nice invention! Thank you,

B


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758
758
Review of One Last Spring  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Dearest departed Phyllis ,

Inspired, defiant old crab apple tree, personified, comes to life in your poem "One Last Spring" . I read that last stanza with such glee, she's a dying tree but lives like she doesn't know it:

"against the backdrop of the bright blue sky
...costumed once again in fluffy snow-white blossoms
sway gracefully, joyfully
as they dance their final ballet."

Visual and so human-like. Perception makes me think life goes on. Autumn is cyclical. One tree dies, another will take its place.

The plan to rremove that beautiful, brittle creature is seen as heartless, but deemed necessary. We root for the tree! You go! Last hurrah.

That's why it's so inspired. It's that song they play as you go out. Mic drop. All of it. A beautiful poem to envision with knowing, we can live our life like we are dying...or we can just live like we are already dead. Make a statement, in the face of adversity. You did!

A worthy read,

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*


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759
759
Review of Ode to Coffee ...  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
Dear Bella Bunny ,

Reading and reacting to your poem "Ode to Coffee ..."  is such a treat. Went my whole life without the ritual of coffee and along comes the Keurig and I can see, connect with a poem of such reaction.

Your depiction, sequential and rhythmic with such humor provides a good scene. I said amens to many revelations including how coffee at home tastes best.

Such a natural poem with meter and rhyme unforced. Good word choices to give this reader a smile.

Well done,

Brian


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760
760
Review of I just wish...  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
For a rough draft, the rhyme, meter and emotion supporting this poem make an impression. It speaks from the heart, direct to one who can't seem to find the way back to your heart. It's unfair, feeling left out, as it's described.

Just to help a bit with meter in that last verse, you could move 'but' to end of first line to shorten the second to get a move even read.

Thanks for writing this,

B


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761
761
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
** Image ID #1940845 Unavailable **

Dear Christopher Roy Denton ,

I've read you love chocolate, and here it is, a sonnet "A Valentine's Day Tragedy"  about that true love. This was a treat! Okay, got that out of the way. Not going to promise I won't do that again. I've got hokey newscaster in my blood.

You know this is good, I don't have to tell you. Meets all the requirements that I'm aware a sonnet needs to meet. I enjoyed the clever ending, realizing what should be your favorite day is ironically not. Methinks someone doesn't like to share.

I've perused many of your poems with such attention to form and well awarded. I might be jealous. I'm the lazy poet who writes free verse. Yuck! My brain revolts if I try to rhyme. I like the sound of words, minus symmetrical meter. Maybe I'll pen a couplet here and there. But, I cannot do what you seem to easily produce. Kudos!

You'll likely be my vote for author of the month as a Spotlight Author for September at "Angel Review Forum" 

Brian


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762
762
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
What you have here is a character you want to follow and some intriguing storytelling within a detective novel genre. It's 1950s St. Louis and a former bombardier is the family disappointment with no money to his name, but living the single life and laughing at all the men married to his sisters.

I suspect romance will find him, but he won't take it seriously. Motivation for this character not revealed, he's a slob who gets followed and beaten by an angry woman denied his services. Reminds me of Jim Rockford. He's a bit of a loser that you love, because he still tries to do what's right, despite cynicism.

I'd love to read more chapters.

Brian


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763
763
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
More story set up in this chapter of "All God's Children, chapter 2" , giving the reader more of a glimpse into a sloppy, poorly managed detective business struggling to get off the ground.

Tight prose again. I feel a bit clostrophobic in that office with so little furnishings and no creamer or extra cup for coffee! But, finally a case. Not as intriguing as first chapter. But, need to establish things. There's no foreboding for a reader. Not that it's necessary. You want to settle in and read an easy piece of criminal drama, this suffices.

Not seeing any need for improvements, just to write on,

B


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764
764
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
This was an interesting bit of writing "All Gods' Children, chapter 1"  with intriguing characters and an opening that leaves a reader asking the kinds of questions that makes them want to read on to find the answers.

The main character surprises with his demeanor, the single guy who doesn't want trouble from the ladies. It felt a bit of a period piece, between 50s and 70s, mentioned being a bombardier. I like St. Louis as locale for the suspected era.

That opening scene using a kid's wagon to protect himself was a funny visual. He's resourceful, he loses a fight to a woman, but comes out smiling like a cat with a rat's tail clenched between his teeth. He's actually laughing at the guys who are stuck being married to his sisters. He's certain to be a carousing bachelor.

Good descriptions of events to put reader in the most ordinary moments. We must keep reading to find out why he rejected Miss Charlotte for his detective skills, if she'll follow him again. Was a great scene how she imposed on the family gathering, get invited to stay and created all that tension.

It's not overworded prose. Tight graphs with good quotes to suit a few emerging characters here in chapter 1. I look forward to more.

A-okay,

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*


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765
765
Review of Dawn  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
I found this to be a raw poem with some hidden gems that could get more impact in your poem "Dawn" .

I like the repeating 'Husband have you gone?' and ''Husband, where art thou?' for their simplicity and directness, like speaking to someone who's off stage in your short soliloquy. The ending, 'Memories hurt from way back when" gives us something to wonder about. All of this pins on these three lines.

The imagery was not cohesive for me. The tree washing ashore after saying you stand alone did not tie up well. Now I'm pricked again was disconnected to the scene...wasn't sure from what or some expression. What also caught me off guard (but was good) was 'Now I fly solo/The wicked black crow.' That was probably what got pricked?

Wasn't sure of rhyme scheme. I would focus on story first, on something that can show what happened. Calling her a black crow is good. Maybe, pricked by the label he gave her? Just spitballing here. Now, I also like this as two black crows, like a children's poem. Imagining someone narrating watching one crow leaving the nest and she caws where does he get to?

One possible restructure, not including form, meter or full word adjustments; you could consider:

Husband, have you gone?
(Reference nest)
(Pricked by insult?)
Wicked Black crow, he said
Love lost, hope no more
Fear dawn

Husband, where art thou?
Regret seizes
Perched alone
Pricked again
I fly solo
Memories hurt from way back when

Of course, I'm throwing this all at you not certain if you need this kind of input. These are your words. I've thrown them into the tumbler in my head hoping it can help with story sequence and eventual symmetry. Like I said, some raw element really captured the essence of what you portray.

I was moved to comment, hoping this might lend In some way into crafting your gem of writing.

Brian
CIRCUMPOLAR *StarBl*


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766
766
Review of It Is It  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
"It Is It"  a poem about cancer? You have short verses driven by one short, opening word, "It." It is devouring the life of a being it seems. But, it could be something else. But, I wouldn't hazard a guess.

I would like you to give a reader a little more to go on to connect with this devouring scourge that is making one unsure of sanity. It switches mid-verse from eating to 'unsure,' 'entrapped' and 'wanting to complete it.' Could be a wish to die. Or be done with chemo? That would kill it. Might be hopelessness. Let's hope not.

Thank you for sharing,

B


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767
767
Review of My Angel  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 18+ | (5.0)
This was a powerful retelling (I assume) of actual combat, reliving the horror with imagery that felt real. I was surprised the title was not the echoed hook, "I sit on the edge of despair"

There is powerful imagery with the death of a fellow soldier in your arms. There is the angel of comfort, a loved one no doubt concerned by the relapse into the old memories of carnage.

It's gritty and real. You do well to depict a traumatic event that allows a casual reader a glimpse, a connection. Your depictions and clean lines really bring power to the poem, bring the theme alive.

An honor to to have read your work and thank you for your service,

B


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768
768
Review of God's Turn  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Judgment day for those who spin the purpose of war is covered in your poem "God's Turn" .

Now, I think warmongers have backed off on Christianity in the states. Can't speak to the Middle East. I would say if this poem were about that, it's too simplistic to convince Israelites, Iranies, Palestinians and the like.

Used a simple rhyme scheme in short form, asking pointed questions. It's valid. Might want to push for more discovery, describe instances. We know they exist. Move a reader to hear your plea. I think of these wars and stories of the countless, unnecessary casualties. The innocent.

Much to ponder for one who's not up on this stuff,

B


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769
769
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
This poem gets into it, a rambling discourse on how we prolong life rather than just live it. You are punctuating thoughts with a medevil theme (nice choice) to show the ignorance with drug (I assume pharmeceutical) use to, as you put it, "stretch time with chemical precision."

*Hides vast array of pills and ointments before continuing* I'm all for clean living and I think what you illuminate here is that our society is being steered away from healthy lifestyles. We cheat at life.

It's a very astute poem, and a pleasure to have reviewed,

Brian


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770
770
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem was brilliantly written, left me wondering what form is it? I like the alliteration consistently used in every other line and the rhyme scheme for the first couplet of each verse. But meter...impeccable. I would say this moved along nicely.

Your imagery and depictions starting with fall leaves had great word choices, punctuated by the poetic devices mentioned. It seemed effortless, but can't imagine the amount of work put in to get some high grade words to effectively conjoin in this effort.

You managed to get all four seasons in this, nicely depicted. Pleased to have discovered your writing.

Well done,

B


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771
771
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I discovered your haiku while reconsidering the art form and have been looking at the offerings here in this writing community. Was refreshing to see something written so well when you were in sixth grade.

While this doesn't match the 5-7-5 syllable count of traditional haiku, it does qualify as free form haiku. Because it's thought the Japanese form would be shorter before translation, there was a movement to condense the thought/syllables even more.

Loved the idea of 'sprouting leaves' from 'ancient wildlife.' And your last line sums it perfectly in reference to renewal. Nice job; it was worthy of the honor.

Pleasure to read,

B


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772
772
Review of City Life  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
*Star* My Spotlight Review for the month of September *Star*


Dear D. Thomas Quinn ,

I have been studying your poem for several days and have enjoyed your use of imagery and narrative in "City Life"  that hides so many nuggets -- the way good poetry should. So refreshing to see such intelligent writing.

To begin, I had to read and piece together the location mostly. It's not like gritty film noir but at times had a European type look as I began to envision. I was sent to the dictionary for balustrade. I had to consider the elderly shouting/cursing up at one another -- made me think Italy until I saw high rise and thought of New York. It's an older part of a city with mixed architecture in my mind.

You have such a visionary setting with the drunk confusing time of day with bright neon lights and comparing their vile habits to the businessman they cross paths with in this seedy area. Reminded of all the unseen machinations of greed that is the beating heart -- brings all this activity to life. I think you describe single mothers struggling to make ends meet. All of this made me wonder about the ethnicities involved. Didn't get a flavor for that...but could fill in my own blanks.

This was like a cameraman shooting a panarama with some scene relocations. When you aimed up and described the 'cop out havens of concrete' I felt ignorant and was left asking what do the people in this city community know about the construction going on that is invading their village? Are they being invaded or do they coexist somehow?

As I was leaving the "Paint with scent of spice" which seemed appealing, you switch direction to the "men with homes labeled fragile and this way up." Homeless. Of course, we're getting a full documentary now from the filmmaker poet, describing those fingerless gloves and the "wine stained chin speaks..." Here is where you settle in and get the true gritty backdrop of all that surrounds. They complete the script.

Maybe it wasn't intended, but all of these different groups that cohabitate this area are separated by race, culture, income, gender, etc. They don't seem to interact with one another. The wisdom of the homeless can best describe what's going on, have the most contact with all that breathes in your vision.

You could be looking at colonies of insects under glass. It's as disconnected and unified as nature. Businessman make their money off the weak. The wealthy park their high rises next to discovered primitive culture. And winos in cardboard boxes wherever they can camp out are beneath it all. It's visual storytelling.

And, while I may have missed some of the author's intent, I was fully engulfed in words that illuminated brightly as that neon. So much at work in your write to comment on. And, while reviewers here come along to give you hollow praises for this writing, or naively told you what they thought needed repair; you know you are a master, nay newbie, to prose.

Thank you for this construct which I will Award being an aficionado of the art we share. And thank you to GabriellaR45 for highlighting this poem for me to catch a glimpse in passing.

All the best,

Brian K Compton


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773
773
Review of A Poppy  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Now this is a very visual haiku with correct syllable count that reflects on beauty and peace (I would assume) after wartime. The red poppy really stands out in that final line. Visually it actual moves this reader, because lines are concise and subject is so poignant.

I think you nailed this one,

Brian


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774
774
Review of The Eagle  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
This seems to fit the haiku form to a T with the 5-7-5 syllable counted lines. You chose nature with focus on simple but intense elements. An eagle in a canyon is the perfect set up. But the end 'and deftly gets it' seemed weak and needed a stronger takeaway.

The eagle 'looks' for its prey was passive. Perhaps, spies or eyes and then finish with the kill. Like 'claws snare' or 'talons snatch' to give more action, show the fierce eagle.

Just some musing on a very choice haiku topic,

B


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775
775
Review of One  
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
In short order, the poet is rapt in thought that seems to break the mind, body and soul. That's the trifecta! But, no imagery, no relation to how it happened. Just not going to tell us what plagues the poet?

When we become consumed by something that defeats us, it's that thought taking center stage. The body and soul just cede to the suffering. So, canceling out line one and three, your poem is simple...

"Thought surrendered
All remembered."

Though, thoughts should be plural. Who has just one thought going round and round their head? And, if you surrender thought, nothing to remember! Your poem vanishes. Call your poem, "What Was I Thinking About?" and leave the body blank.

Just my musings on your 'thought' provoking poem,

B

You get 5 Stars for giving my Muse something to work with!


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