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2,854 Public Reviews Given
3,526 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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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
I enjoyed the tone of your poem and was interested in the structure of the first three verses. I could see myself trying to pen something like this, trying to get that spiritual vibe that you so naturally create.

When I got to the fourth stanza, it read like a recall the first three verses. If structure is important here, you could recall the second verse with forests and clouds, as well. But, you are staying true to the three line format. If you squeeze it all in, you could also reverse order from recall in third stanza to first, like you are moving away from the midpoint of thought bringing all four stanzas full circle. You could also consider fourth stanza for the end, if you do ever rewrite.

The last two stanzas do seperate from the pack, especially last. I liked it from a romantic aspect, like wanting a do over, or going back in time. It seems by summoning nature and the North Star, we begin to believe greater forces could mystically realign souls.

Pleading poetry has long been my thing. I have always wanted to be that romantic guy with boom box over head imploring my love to Say Something. Poetry is a great outlet to play with the language and persuade another, beg eyes to pry, read my words. You have done well here.

Always a pleasure to read your work,

Brian


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877
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Beautiful depiction of an autumn tree! I love the imagery and how it can all relate to growing older. I loved the personification of the tree with hands releasing the leaves. I imagined the tree could speak whispers from wind buffeting its branches. Nice touch with the ending transformation to snow.


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Review of Lonely Crossroads  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Very nicely put. We all would like forgiveness, but it is important to cherish the journey of life, be thankful. Sounds like a survivor talking who is ready to face the remainder of life.

Did find one grammatical question ...

"In each corner they'll be challenges..."

Did you mean there'll? It was a pleasure to read and hear a poem with a message of seeking harmony.

Brian
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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi Dave,

Excellent, thoughtfully written article to help reviewers like me to step back and get a little perspective before critiquing another's writing. What has always made it difficult here is that you can't pin down what kind of feedback will best suit the writer. Identities and bios can be sketchy to non-existent and I try to 'grade' some on a curve because there are different levels of writing here. A lot of stress is on encouragement, but I prefer the ones worth thicker skin who want to improve. I know it is important to keep everyone participating and keeping this site viable and active.

I'll be rereading this again. Thanks for the knowledge.

Brian


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Review of Patience  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
This poem I can see what direction these statements are going, are cohesive and the final verse possesses the counter and conclusion.
It reads like the voice is omniscient (all knowing) on the subject of impatience. We are not given examples of what situations cause these types of conditions to occur.
John Keats once wrote, "We hate poetry that has a palpable design upon us—and if we do not agree, seems to put its hand in its breeches pocket. Poetry should be great & unobtrusive, a thing which enters into one’s soul, and does not startle it or amaze it with itself but with its subject."
Try to look at your subjects/topics with more awe, allow discovery. Ease up on the reigns when you write. Keats was talking about negative capability, a very important tool for poets.
Your structure functioned in this piece.
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Review of Positivity  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I see where you're going with this. I like a poem that encourages positivity. After all, we poets write because of inspiration. Why not inspire others? You are looking for 'creative criticism.' Let's start from line one and a minor spelling gaffe, add an 'e' to breath.

Now, the poem could be tighter and think about the expressions like 'kiss the clouds that rain on your face.' That's good, but what can you really do with something you can't reach? Wink? Smile? Wave? Salute? Keeping with this theme where you let the bad stuff know it can't get to you. Also, it is like affirmation. If we do these things, we give ourselves reinforcement. If you grumble, you stay grumpy. So, do the opposite. That is a proper function within your purposeful poem.

The third line gets too vague. We need more tangible stuff. It might be that 'darkness' is figurative and too general. The clouds were dark, so are we talking about her mood? That is the tone of the poem. Perhaps, revisit that and give some explanation, examples, more images.

Starting with line four, you get into your summation early. Perhaps, save for end? Later on, you talk about a bird befouling the car and someone taking a parking space. Now, these seem minor, but if you keep listing like the open, you could have more stuff about this darkness that affects her.

It could be mom deals with troubles unspoken. We get a sense of darkness, frustration from the little things. Something deeper is beneath that surface. The cheer and sentiment are touching. Mom should be proud and that will make it all worthwhile.

Good work!


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Review of A Bird's Eye View  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Dear Ann,

You paint some very deft images in this short form. Given the introduction to the poem, I was able to use these pictures as symbols or metaphors. It reminds me of something I wrote in a similar fashion about impending depression...

STATIC
Are You Safe In Your Houses?  (ASR)
My commentary on misunderstandings with depression and the denial.
#1292664 by Brian K Compton


I wonder if it's necessary to address what the dove represents...a reader will know. I didn't see that ending coming. Great job!

Brian KC


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883
883
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
This was a fun little ditty parody of White Christmas, taking the opposite approach to what we dislike most about the holidays - Cold.

I did catch a typo in second verse where it said 'warn' instead of warm. I wondered if you could have gone with green Christmas as the opposite of white. Though, repetition of wanting warmth makes me chuckle.

I can imagination someone singing the tune and inflecting their voice on all the warm changes/references. You could consider lengthening this, because you could substitute sleigh bells ringing and children singing among other stanzas.

Your poem makes me want to take a run at this song or something similar. Must have been for a prompt? Fun.

Brian


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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
First, I Love, Love the graphic! It is perfect for the tone of this poem. You capture the voice of a middle-schooler, especially with the last two lines of the first stanza.

The reference to those she burned smell strongly of bacon suggests that they were pigs. The connotation might be apt, but maybe not what you want readers to take away? We are looking at someone who has a truncated and somewhat crude sense of language. Clearly, not someone who is rising above the suggested level of this witch-like judge.

It makes me think a Hansel/Gretel vs. witch story is befitting here. It seems like the last stanza wants to gives clues to who this judge is with 'masked face' and 'smiling tattoo'. Some good imagery, but thematically poem is uneven.

Some other imagery like 'swimming in blood' doesn't make sense and 'deaf ears' is cliche. I wouldn't be discouraged. The passion behind these words is felt. It's like watching someone so flustered say, 'Oh, yeah, well you're...you're...a big dum-dum.' It captures that restrained ability to get back at someone.

Keep writing and reaching because there is always hope that your words will find ears that hear you.
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Review of Music  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Dear Koyel,

Found your acrostic poem in random review and thought I might share my reaction to your poem.

Music is a great source of passion and a great instrument for writers, especially poets. In acrostic form you express how music compels this voice to sing of its magic to soothe pain. I find myself reaching out to google to find the meanings of some of your choice words to help drive home this theme, starting with mellifluous. So, I got to learn something there.

Having such a short word as a prompt, you were able to keep your word choices precise, putting all the emphasis on the words you chose. It's a very relatable theme, too. Music is a great healer for melancholy. In fact, we can attune ourselves in mood with music choices.

I find the acrostic form too confining for me when I write. You managed to do an admirable job.

Congrats!

Brian


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886
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Review of An Autumnal Sun  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Bittersweet moment detected in this prose piece that made me feel you have the opening to some story with setting and the beginning of character development. You use the setting sun as comparison to the man's waning life. Almost seems unnecessary to say he'd never see another spring.

You tell us he feels bitterness, felt a chill, wondering about how life has passed him by. Any way of showing, like was he pulling up a collar on coat (what kind...fleece, suede, wool?) and sipping on hot tea? What about how his smile formed when he saw the child and other mannerisms to show envy. Looking away, crossing arms or legs?

What cues can you give that he has no one in his life? I bet you can google signs to know someone is alone or lonely.

This item is very provocative and teases us to use our imagination in the scene. Besides fall leaves and sun in the park, what kind of fauna, is their water, women with babies, statues and more? You could literally take a painting and describe everything you see and what you imagine is happening. Is this painting in your mind? Flesh it all so we can see what the writer brings to life on the page.

This is a very solid piece, like the framework to a yet finished building. You could create a brilliant monument with this excellent start.

Write On!
Brian


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887
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Deb!

I really enjoyed reading this, knowing what you are trying to convey to a reader about this uncomfortable silence with another. Using just a few words to describe what seems like a long silence interrupted by thoughts really sets the scene.

Now as a reader, I was left with questions and feelings that you could explore more in those moments in your poem, really flesh out the experience to put us there. This poem is a great opportunity to expand your poetic gift.

To set the scene, I would like more visual. During this silence, if you think back, what were you looking at? The radio, the floor, out the window, at a mannerism or tick that someone had. You could imply what the silence was about. And, were they dressed up, carrying anything, liquor smell, maybe?

When you describe quiet, we think of the proverbial pin drop. Was it the flutter of leaves, creaking breaches or moaning trees? Could the fan have made an air freshener flip or twirl? Did car have leather seats that scrunched or cloth that crushed? Clothes rustle, people clear their throats or did someone smoke?

To me, your poem is personal and very important to you the way it stands. I draw from the personal to create fictional 'what if' scenarios, because I want to capture a reader's imagination. Or, if you think of creating another piece, on similar scenario, you could have fun playing with our imagination with teasing the senses a bit more.

Just wanted to thank you again for the attention to my blog and peruse your stuff. Was trying to peek at your free form stuff but found none of the 12 items the folder advertised. I will try not to be a stranger and stop in again.

Thanks, Brian


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888
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (2.5)
This sounds less like a poem and more like cautionary information from Triple-A or some travel bureau. To generalize in poetry like this does not help a reader get into the scene. It would help to pick a particular setting like a road or area/region to describe. I'd like to suggest some scenarios but this is poetry 101. Need to work the readers senses a little bit.

A "dog whose bark may worse than its bite" is not only cliche but a poor choice to describe action. 'Sloshy,' 'barreling,' and 'deluge' were some good word choices that needed some things or actions to describe.

I would say start over and decide what event on a commute would make for an interesting poem under these conditions and how it might personally relate to a reader or the writer.


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Dear Tim,

I think you are working on a functioning metaphor of merit comparing a hug from a lovely to a snug jacket. I felt the poem was strongest...

"...luxurious, lasting comfort
Of the jacket sleeves,
And your upper body is snuggly fitted
To the jacket’s buttoned up
Or zipped up shell and lining.
One’s legs are left free and unwrapped
By the comfy winter coat..."

But there was too much uncertainty of what type of coat this is or exactly what particular sensations to attribute to the coat's exact functions. I could not visualize or feel because it seems the hug is in theory, imagined and unreal. Or distant memory?

I would love to see this poem rewrit with the description opening the poem with a distinct coat, style so we can imagine the coat and what kind of woman can make a man feel like this.

This poem needs to hit on key elements like advertising does to garner our attention. This is not a rewrite, but an example of what modern poetry might go after in describing the elements offered in your poem...

Luxury
Tender arms embrace
Lasting comfort
Sleeves caressing
Silky
Upper body wrapped
Buttoned
In the shell and lining
Legs alive
Brushed by beauty
At the bottom edges
Cozy, exuberant
Her embrace is style

I wasn't going for syntax there. It's your poem, idea to do with what you want. Merely another way of looking at it. I prefer your style but with less verbiage.

Either way, fascinated by the potential for this piece.


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890
890
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Love is a many splendor end things, but I would stick with the flowers in this poem. I imagine Sam the Butcher, Alice the maid's boyfriend from The Brady Bunch TV show, when you mention meat department.
If it's a grocery store you love, so be it. It comes with a price. The store provides, but the people who offer a smile with their customer service make everything operational and should be more worthy of love. But, let's just call it respect or admiration and shake on it.
Interesting topic for an ode of love.


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891
891
Review of True Perseverance  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
This poem is confusing on the whole. It does speak somewhat darkly of a world going to seed.

I was struck by the opening lines, "I see the shallow waters dividing apart and all of the things that once existed in my heart." Unfortunately, that is where the poem ends for me because it takes an unusual turn. This poem starts to speak of world domination. There is awkward sentences and fragmented sentences and it doesn't really sound like a poem.

And in the end it says we all have a serial killer inside of us. So this really could be absurd rantings of someone who's probably left this website a long time ago. So take it for what it's worth.

The palm just seems to be grasping and meandering and really doesn't say anything.

Just a few thoughts I had while reading.

Brian


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892
892
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
This poem has potential because of its form and use of the repeated title line. However, it lacks in other poetic devices to help the reader connect with what the poet conveys about this nostalgic reverie for a lost love.

I was confused by 'a day turns to a year'. Only the poet knows what that means and shines as an example of how we are not illuminated in the text. "So many reminders of you/Songs, movies, even rain to(o)." There are opportunities to dig beneath the surface, even pick just one moment when the poet ached with a reminder and play with that moment in words. Looking for powerful impactful moments, rather than meandering thought with words to arrive at no discernible conclusion.

What I like is that this reader could feel the pining, especially with the repeated verse-ending lines. When we intone a feeling, especially by coming back to it after each reverie, that pain can echo in a reader's soul. You write for you, that's okay. You write for us, too, and your misery finds company.

Brian


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893
893
Review of Do you Wonder?  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I wonder about a lot of things, too. It is difficult to perceive the world through someone else's eyes. We just accept a general perception of reality. Painters come to mind as those who were able to paint green skies and blue grass and get us to buy into it. Expressionism. But what you are talking about is, what if things were different? Wouldn't we just dream about blue skies and green grass? I think trying to imagine life on another planet might be more of a challenge.

We all want to break from the norm, find fresh and invigorating words to express new ideas all the time, avoid stale and uneducated notions that reveal our lack of experience. We keep writing and challenge ourselves hopefully till our dying day in this quest.

Thought evoking stuff! Thanks!

Brian


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894
894
Review of The Mocking Laugh  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
This is an exceptional metaphor for trying to evade either the past or a life for one who is cast in darkness and cannot escape or find the light. What the voice in this poem is running from is unknown and what it is running towards is also unknown. However, it was an effective use of personification to give the darkness this evil entity.

The poem moved and flowed fluidly and was a joy to read.


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Review of Leaves Of Autumn  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
What a beautiful metaphor to describe a change of heart after the birth of the child. The water reference in the first stanza struck me in a way that gave me a feeling of renewal. Meanwhile the ending stanza was about a change as with the leaves on the tree. Unlike some metaphors it's not about death but again about renewal. So Doubly it has a meeting of how one's life can change.

Beautiful expressions and I could feel the warmth of this poem. Very impressed.

Brian


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Review of Perverse Mind  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Great poem about compartmentalizing thoughts with vivid imagery of a wasteland full creatures that remain as haunting memories or gluttonous feelings that are forced in a corner. I get the feeling they get to come out and play and psychologically I found this fully coherent, unless that is the voice you are going for. Because then, I could imagine someone lecherous clutching their hands salivating with thoughts.

Write On!


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897
897
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.0)
What can happen when one is left too long to their own imagination. This poem leans heavily on the 'he' though not religious. So, it can sound more than a bit melodramatic.

It's not unusual to have inner conflict like this, while personifying one's shadow comes off sounding like grown up child's play by repeating 'his shadow'. Perhaps, if referred to as 'the shadow' it might sound more ethereal than one afraid of their own silhouette. Plus, the old radio program, 'the shadow' comes to mind. 'Only the shadow knows...'

This is spirited and depicts emotional torment. It's a step in the process as a great writer to see how your words deliver an experience to the reader before you move on to write even greater poems.


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898
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I like the idea of this undiscovered and enchanting place. It serves like a fortress either real or figurative. Colorful depictions put this reader in the story, beneath the canopy. While all light is supposedly blocked out, we can't have twilight beneath. Either one or the other. I prefer the canopy to a filter, because it fits with the voice of the poem. Guarded, we want to still experience.

I appreciate the effort at work here. Understated metaphorically, at least to this writer's eye.


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
What can set a love poem apart from others is having a particular theme with emotion evoking images. I saw an opportunity with your poem to do something spiritual. God snuck in there at the end. I would make allusion or reference to the higher power at the start for your theme.

Structurally, the poem was good, except the rhyme had one flaw. You rhymed "majesty" with "ease". Using all caps at the start of each line for me limits the need for punctuation, especially semi colons. Reducing the clutter of commas and the like can help with the flow of the read, priding you have good rhyme and line breaks.

I noted some archaic language lacking real description that could not match the passion of the words you use. Where are the physical, with hands or limbs that touch or eyes that make connection. You need to build a scene, some place or environment. Careful of tense. "gaze" is present, while two lines of later "saw" is past.

Can't decide if this is new love as with youthful reference or from 'endurance." Also, sublimeness and youthfulness are forced for rhyme scheme. Love is simplicity and can be invoked by using fewer five-dollar words.

This is a very good effort and could sense a passionate voice at work.

B


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Review of Poetic Canvas  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
What does it feel like inside the "wooden barrel"? How does one get trapped in the barrel? I tried to answer these questions but could not.
I like your metaphysical world/imagery outside the barrel, that connection the voice in this poem seeks. I wonder if there is something I'm not seeing. What motivates to metaphorically get outside one's head.
We all get trapped by thoughts and cannot appreciate the beauty of nature more fully. That is a very understandable aspect of this poem and the central thesis. You have a very good theme to work with here.
You are a very capable author and have always enjoyed your pens.

Brian


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