SoccerBee&#39;s (sgcardin) Reviews

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#1565040 by Allez les Bleus

178

#4855525

Review of DnD Bestiary Word Search

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

This is a word search about mythical beings.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the variety of mythical beings from pixies to werewolves, these are all creatures that fuel our imaginations.

ENGAGING

It's time to go creature hunting. This puzzle offered a little bit of everything and it proved to be very fun.

THEME

The poem had 3 four line stanzas and a nice, rythmic beat when read outloud. As I read the poem I envisioned a dream where the creatures in the puzzles come in and out. Very well done connecting both.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The poem did a good, solid job setting the stage for the word search. The author meshed the two concepts well. If you're looking for a good creature hunt this word search is the place to land. Adding a giphy or a graphic would further "sink" the mood or tone of the poem. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest.

Glowing Steph

179

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#4855515

Review of Butter and Eggs

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: 13+ | (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

The poem reflects on the painting Butter and Eggs, and how it is reflective of the poet's life - as they stand in front of the stove cooking butter and eggs.

WHAT I LIKED

I loved how the story came full circle from reflecting on butter eggs, letting the imagination go, and then bringing it back to the present day. I especially liked the receptive nature of how each stanza starts with "I" and then followed with "saw, wake, cook, etc..."

STRUCTURE

This is a free form poem with no apparent rythme scheme and a couplet ending. The beat of the poem was rhythmic and compelling, similar to the beats of life.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "I saw my future in a painting. Butter and Eggs, or so the artist said," These are the opening lines of the poem and I was hooked instantly. The verbiage intrigued me - what kind of painting was butter and eggs? I was curious to find out. As the poem goes on, the reader learns the meaning and how it how comes to the poet's life.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engaged me. The title was a good fit for the poem. I enjoyed reflections the poem offered through the journey of life.

Glowing Steph

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#1565040 by Allez les Bleus

180

#4855383

Review of The Caterella Ball Word Search

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

This is a word search about a Caterella Ball.

WHAT I LIKED

I loved the whimsical imagination used to put together this item. The poem described the magic of the ball and the word search used words from the poem.

ENGAGING

This was a lighthearted, fun and engaging puzzle. One still had the ball in mind when they were searching for the words.

THEME

The poem and word search provided a nice compliment to each other and stayed on theme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The opening of the poem makes the reader feel like a fly on the wall as they watch the cats enjoying the ball. Very creative and original. A fun search that makes hunting words fun. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest.

Glowing Steph

181

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#4855382

Review of Dear Me 2026

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: E | (4.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE ESSAY

This essay that sets the tone for author's writing and personal goals in 2026.

WHAT I LIKED

The essay had a no-nonsense tone to it, like this is what I have to do and I'm determined to do it. I also appreciated the ending with a quiet appeal to a higher power. It was a good way to end the letter on an upbeat note.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is written in the first person. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

GOAL SETTING

The author states personal goals to achieve such as renovating and upgrading the bedroom, as well as working on finances. Writing goals are also established, such as working on the Bradbury which requires 52 short stories in 52 weeks.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. If anything, I might suggest increasing the font on WDC so as to make it easier to read.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening clearly defines the difference between goal setting and resolutions. An honest account of items the writer wants to achieve that sound realistic and do-able. Love yourself, Push yourself, Be yourself. Good luck in the contest.

An Anniversary Review

Another signature - Terrace Gardens

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#1565040 by Allez les Bleus

182

#4855269

Review of VHS Tape

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E | (3.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

Katie found an old VHS that holds a lot of memories.

WHAT I LIKED

There's a lot of sentimentality in the story, but it's Alfie the cat that makes it real.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 3rd person limited from Katie's perspective. Past tense is used in the story.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue accents the narration.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph piques the reader's curiosity. What did she find? What's that special event that the VHS tapes implies?

CHARACTERS

Katie comes across as nostalgic as she prepares to the watch the old tape, and in that regard, makes that connection with the reader - haven't we all be nostalgic over something at one point? Alfie brings home the realism, cementing Katie in real life.

FLOW & PACING

The opening intrigued the reader, the middle played on the heartstrings and the ending left the reader on a sad, yet uplifting moment.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes. My only suggestion here, and it's minor and a matter of style - maybe increase the font a little to make it easier on the eyes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story and the VHS tapes are a central part to tapping into the reader's emotional investment. If anything, I might suggest setting the wedding in the early 1980's as VHS and recording equipment for VHS had introduced at that time. In the 1960's there 8mm cameras such as Bell and Howard and you would need an actual project and screen to play them.

Overall, a nice story that tugs a little on the heartstrings.

A Bee Hive Review

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JUNE2026 - hang out with the Bees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUN 2026 is OUT!

#1474097 by SoccerBee

A Queen Bee signature for the Bees at the Bee Hive

183

#4855262

Review of And I Did It.

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: E | (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

A mosquito is torturing a person's ear.

WHAT I LIKED

It's not easy to tell a story in 55 words, yet this one nails it. Well done.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person. Past tense is used in the story.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph really grabs the reader's attention by showing them the dilemma using a great hook and active verbs.

CHARACTERS

Our main character is the one tortured by the mosquito. We've all been there. That little bug has it coming.

FLOW & PACING

The opening set up the problem, the middle amp'd up the anxiety and the ending was rewarding. Well done.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story in that its reflective of the action the narrator takes to get rid of the mosquito. This small vinyette connects on a raw emotional level because who hasn't tried to get rid of a mosquito that just won't go away. First you're annoyed, then you're determined and then there's the final smackdown. A gritty short that reader's will connect with.

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#4855123

Review of Good Again

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

Who was sleeping where last night?! Yikes!

WHAT I LIKED

Talk about confusion! But the confusion played nicely into the storytelling and the ending a good one for the boys and the dads.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 3rd person omnisicent. Past tense is used in the story.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue drives the narration.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph sets up the drama - Where was the best friend at, because sleeping seems a bit suss. And if you think about it, it's kinda of a molehill that was blown up into a mountain.

CHARACTERS

Ted and Jeff. I picture them to be about 13 and 14 and the dads. Ted and Jeff reminded me of who's on first.

They're quirky, a bit loud and fun in their own way. A lot of personality comes across in the dialogue.

FLOW & PACING

The opening set up the drama, the middle blew up the drama and the end solved it with ice cream.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes. My only suggestion here, and it's minor and a matter of style - maybe increase the font a little to make it easier on the eyes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story as it comes full circle. It's a light hearted read with comedic overtones, which gets a little annoying before the characters work out their issues. At the end I was wiping my brow with relief. I don't really have any editorial suggestions for improvement, as I think the confusion was meant to be part of the driving force of the story. Overall, an entertaining short.

An Angel Army Review

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#1188311 by iKïyå§ama Muses on Things

Reviewer of the Month for August 2025 at the Angel Army

185

#4855115

Review of Flowers For Our Favorite Witch

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

This word search was about what flowers a witch might use.

WHAT I LIKED

I loved the lightheartedness of the introduction. The poem is quirky and cute and the comics add to creativity of the introduction.

ENGAGING

Mind you, the word search is a challenging one! Honestly, I had never heard of half these flowers so trying to find them was a bit of slog and it was somewhat of a damper on my engagement.

THEME

The poem and puzzle stayed on theme with flowers a witch might use.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

My only suggestion would be to maybe add some more flowers in the puzzle that searchers might recognize. This puzzle is a great one if you love the scent. Good luck in the Bard's Hall contest.

Glowing Steph

186

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#4855110

Review of Tried and True Spaghetti and Meatballs

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: E | (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE RECIPE

This is a classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe.

WHAT I LIKED

There's nothing like a classic recipe. Spaghetti and meatballs is a recipe that you can take creative license with, but sometimes the classics just work. I liked how you put onion in your meatball mix. I do everything but that.

THE MIX

This is a good mix for meatballs and I like the addition of chopped onion to the meatball. I also like the long simmer as it helps to infuse ingredients.

CAN I MAKE IT?

I sure can! The ingredients were simple and easily listed. The directions are easy to follow.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

There's a nice introduction to the recipe and I liked the picture of the meal once it was prepared. It gives the cook something to look forward to! I highly recommend this recipe!

Thanks for Sharing!

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#1565040 by Allez les Bleus

187

#4854987

Review of An Early Morning

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: E | (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

This poem was based on a picture prompt of a cold winter morning overlooking a house across the street.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the poet did a good job interpreting the image and telling a story. The poem had a beginning, middle and end and touched on the heartstrings.

STRUCTURE

This is a poem with 10 four line stanzas and a _A_A rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and understand. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Pushed away uneasy, Thoughts of alarm would fade" This verse stood out to me because of the emotional description. There's a sense of nervousness and unease at what the storyteller's senses tell them and it allows the reader to share that sense of unease. Well done.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening starts slowly just lying in bed and taking in the world through just the poet's senses. The title fits the poem well and doesn't give away too much. Nice storytelling.

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#4854807

Review of Distasteful

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E | (4.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

This is a word search about someone who believes their views are the only ones.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the words used in the word search were right on point with the theme of the puzzle.

ENGAGING

The word search kept my interest.

THEME

The word search and poem stayed on theme centered around the concept of "political disagreement."

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title was a good fit for the poem/puzzle. Overall, a poem & puzzle that will get the blood flowing. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest.

Glowing Steph

189

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#4854805

Review of Dreams

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

The theme of the word search is centered around dreams.

WHAT I LIKED

A dream can go in any direction and I thought the poem in the introduction captured the essence of that wonderfully.

ENGAGING

There were a lot of eclectic words in the poem that make me stop and think how the word I was hunting for was related to a dream.

THEME

I think the poem and puzzle stayed on theme with the word dream. The poem had an ABAB rythme scheme and really painted the nonsensical nature of dreams well.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title was a good match for the poem and puzzle. Overall, a fun word search that will leave you wondering about your own dreams. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest.

Glowing Steph

190

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#4854804

Review of Family

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: 13+ | (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A poem about welcoming.

WHAT I LIKED

A poem about welcoming sounds rather vague, but truly, this poem is about welcoming all kinds of people, friends, family, acquaintances, for a thanksgiving dinner. In that regard, I appreciated that I felt welcome as well.

STRUCTURE

This is Shadorma. There's a dropnote explantation, but basically, it's a Spanish poem with a set syllable scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a heartwarming message.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Family is what you make, When it’s said and done," The sentiment is honest is sincere and speaks to the open heart of the poet.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening intrigues the reader as we don't know who comes to dinner. Sometimes we have in-law that gets on your nerves from the first moment and sometimes, that in-law can be amazing personable and helpful. We have to take take family were we find them on Thanksgiving day. The title fits the poem well. The heartfelt tone captures the essence of thanks.

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#4854676

Review of "Query" Query

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POLL

It's all about pronunciation when it comes to the word "Query."

WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was a great little poll. I had never heard of query rhyming with "very" or "carry."

ENGAGING

The poll kept it simple and only offered two choices, which is fine for the question involved. I think of the simplicity of the poll appealed to a lot of poll takers as it appears to have gotten a lot of responses. Well done.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

You could really dress up the introduction - put a giphy or a graphic and have with it to establish a mood - such as the question is playful/lighthearted or a very serious one. Overall, it's a poll that finds fun in keeping it simple.

A Bee Hive Review

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JUNE2026 - hang out with the Bees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUN 2026 is OUT!

#1474097 by SoccerBee

192

#4854675

Review of Every Day is Valentine's

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

THE POEM

The poem about the being in love.

WHAT I LIKED

There's nothing like Valentines Day to bring back that feeling of falling in love for the first time. I appreciate the poet's passion, desire, and heartfelt yearning.

STRUCTURE

This is a poem with 7 quatrains and an _A_A rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Dazzled by your sparkling eyes, Swept away by your sensual voice" These are vivid visuals of one's attractiveness that touches our heartstrings. When we're falling in love, the eyes and voice hold the lover's attention ransom. It's a great description using a good economy of words in active voice.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening lures the reader, curious to find out what has made the heart swell. The title is a strong fit for the poem. An honest and true dedication to falling in love.

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#4854430

Review of Blindsided

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Anniversary Reviews Group

Rated: 13+ | (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

This was a poem that used a prompt word: Mirage. It took the idea of love and turned it on its head.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the poem did a good job with the prompt. Sometimes when you think you've found "the one," you haven't.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem with 11 lines.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Sapphire-blue eyes clouded over charcoal black," I think the eyes are one of the first things we gaze into when when we're looking into a potential lover. This description is riveting because it further reveals our "lover" is not who he appears to be.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader with a smile that warms the heart with sunlight. The title fits the poem well. The ending is not for the faint of heart. Excellent expression using a good economy of words. I have no suggestions for improvement.

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#4854427

Review of Service to the End

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E | (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A poem about the service of those in the Armed Forces.

WHAT I LIKED

I enjoyed the reverent tone of the poem.

STRUCTURE

This is a poem with 4 stanzas and an ABAB rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "The cold, the snow, the freezing rain
stops not one of these ones, who serve," This is a very vivid physical description that's easy to picture. Service members often stand watch in the cold, snow and rain. Knowing how they go the extra mile evokes the utmost respect.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening intrigues the reader and keeps them reading. The title is a nice tribute for the poem. I enjoyed the reverence for those that serve.

A Bee Hive Review

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JUNE2026 - hang out with the Bees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUN 2026 is OUT!

#1474097 by SoccerBee

195

#4854378

Review of Daily Cascade

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: 18+ | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE BLOG

The Daily Cascade is a reflection of the writer's thoughts using daily prompts.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the conversational style and honesty of the posts.

IS THE BLOGGING ENGAGING, INTERESTING, AND ENJOYABLE TO READ?

I found the writer's thoughts on various topics interesting. The writer's tone made reading the blog entries enjoyable and I thought the length of most posts were just right, as sometimes its hard to keep the reader's attention when posts get too long.

TONE/THEME

I found the writer to be consistent in the theme of the blogging prompts. The tone was also consistent.

EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read. Most posts had an honest quality to them which really appealed to me as a reader.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more forgiving.

PARTING THOUGHTS

I liked the graphic of the gentle cascading waterfall and quote. It set a nice welcoming tone/mood for the blog overall. I enjoyed visiting your blog.

This review was for the 2026 Quill Awards, Best Blog and affiliated with the Angel Army.

Reviewer of the Month ribbon for the Angel Army

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#4854332

Review of Where I was meant to be.

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

A young woman who doesn't shine around her siblings really grows into herself when she enters the Air Force.

WHAT I LIKED

I enjoyed seeing Marjorie come of age in this story and really find out what she's made of.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 1st person from Marjorie's perspective. Past tense is used in the story.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue accents the narration. Dialogue tags are used appropriately.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph starts off with a good, strong conversational voice and the reader gets a sense of what Marjorie is up against. It creates a "rooting for the underdog" emotional hold on the reader which makes them continue to read to find out what happens.

CHARACTERS

Marjorie wants to find her own way, but isn't quite sure where that is until she enters the Air Force and finds what she's looking for. I was in her corner all the way.

FLOW & PACING

The opening established the character, the middle allowed Marjorie to grow and the ending let Marjorie shine. It's a solid "feel good" story.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the presentation.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story which will have you cheering for Marjorie all the way. A well written coming of age character driven story.

A Bee Hive Review for a Veterans Group Jan 2026 entry

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JUNE2026 - hang out with the Bees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUN 2026 is OUT!

#1474097 by SoccerBee

197

#4854255

Review of The World between the Seconds

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

The poem takes a look at time and passing of our lives using the metaphor of a clock.

WHAT I LIKED

After the first stanza, the immediate visual of a clock came to mind. Once it did, I thought the theme and the metaphor just clicked into place.

WRITING STYLE

I found the writer's voice to be proper and rhythmic, which kept the reader's attention. The writer took us around the clock, and "the moments slip like silk through the mind." There's the passage of time and how that passage reflects upon our life.

LANGUAGE

The language captured the motions of a clock, as the gears swirl, the chime rings out, reminding us of "a lover's glance, a child's first cry, a tear that never learned to dry."

GRAMMAR/MECHANICS

I did not spot any grammar/spelling/punctuation issues.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

The poem is organized well, starting with the world that ticks and tock just like the clock of our lives. Where will take it us? There is an AABB rythme scheme.

OVERALL IMPACT/THEME

For me, I thought the poem looked at the circle of life and using a clock was truly an inspired choice. We begin in a world that "ticks and tocks, the in between," and discover "half formed dreams and broken trust." There's nice word play here to keep us attached to that clock and the circle of our life, touching upon a lover's glance, a child's first cry, and the name we spoke that never stayed. There's regrets, moments of pride and and the breath we held with the wish we made.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening piques the reader's curiosity and when I was done reading the poem the thought that came to mind was: "Time is what passes when you're busy with life's plans."

This is a review for the 2026 Quills Awards, Best Medium Length Poem, Structured and is affiliated with The Angel Army

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#1188311 by iKïyå§ama Muses on Things

198

#4854244

Review of Wishes on Shooting Stars

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A look up at the Stars/Heaven encourages the reader to reflect on their own wishes and desires.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the visual the poem painted - of being alone under the starlight, looking up, and contemplating the meaning of life upon the midnight air.

WRITING STYLE

I found the writer's voice to be elegant and rhythmic, lulling the reader into a dream like state. This is a poem that hooks the reader with a nice visual of looking up at falling stars and keeps them reading. When one looks at falling stars, there's a sense of wonder which the poem captures and continues throughout.

LANGUAGE

The language was dreamy making it's points in a light hypnotic manner.

GRAMMAR/MECHANICS

I did not spot any grammar/spelling/punctuation issues.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

The poem is organized well, starting with that initial look into the night sky, seeing those falling stars and tempting fate to wish upon one. There is an AABB rythme scheme.

OVERALL IMPACT/THEME

For me, I thought the poem looked at Fate versus Free Will. As the poem states:

"And though the stars can't choose our fate,
still we wish, because we wait--"

Implying that the reader has free will to make the wishes upon a star that we want - ah - but will stars grant us wish? Is that Star's Fate ? Food for thought.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening's voice and sense of wonderment lures the reader in. Haven't we all watched falling stars and just paused to contemplate what that means. Is it reflective of an inner message we need to listen to? This is a poem that leaves the reader on a positive, upbeat note. And, if it's not cloudy, they just might check out the night sky tonight.

This is a review for the 2026 Quills Awards, Best Medium Length Poem, Structured and is affiliated with The Bee Hive.

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#1188311 by iKïyå§ama Muses on Things

199

#4854241

Review of Observational Bias

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: ASR | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A contemplative look at life, nature, creation and the universe from a 50,000 foot view.

WHAT I LIKED

The poem's beat is an attractive lure for a potential reader and as it captures one, keeps them reading. The poem offers food thought about the empirical world and gives the reader pause to think.

WRITING STYLE

I found the writer's voice to be elegant in nature, and a tad formal. This is a poem where the first read will hook the reader, give them pause and compel them to give it a second read so they can savor the presentation, concepts and reflect how they fit into their life.

LANGUAGE

The language was lofty yet made its points in a precise manner.

GRAMMAR/MECHANICS

I did not spot any grammar/spelling/punctuation issues. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the font and make it easier on the eyes to read.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

The poem is well organized, starting with the Big Bang and then spirling down through our 5 senses to the spot we are now on the Earth, looking up in the sky. There is an _A_A rythme scheme.

OVERALL IMPACT/THEME

For me, I thought the poem looked at Faith vs Doubt. There is a universe created, and as the poem states:

"Creation demands a Creator,
but the seekers inform what they find."

Do they find that creator or determine there is no creator - just an universe?

Is reality something we make up (doubt)
or something we're made up to serve? (faith)

The answer might surprise you.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening is intriguing and keeps the reader reading. The title is reflective of the nature of the poem. Overall, a reflective poem that resonates with reader after they put it down.

This is a review for the 2026 Quills Awards, Best Medium Length Poem, Structured and is affiliated with The Bee Hive.

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#1188311 by iKïyå§ama Muses on Things

200

#4854109

Review of Separate Universe

Review by SoccerBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E | (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A contemplative look at what life might have been for one person.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the poem did a good job showing two different timelines. In that regard, I think people often wonder what might have been had they made different decision at some major junction in their lives.

STYLE

This is a poem with 5 quatrains and an AABB rythme scheme.

WRITING STYLE

I found the writer's voice to be honest, free from cliches, and conversational. The poem is one that can be understood on the first read, but a second read, one that takes it time, will resonate.

LANGUAGE

The language was succinct and to the point without being too wordy.

GRAMMAR/MECHANICS

I did not spot any grammar/spelling/punctuation issues. Good use of WDC ML to enhance the font and make it easier on the eyes to read.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

The poem is well organized, starting with the point of a significant life change and examining the divergence. There is an ABAB rythme scheme except with the first and last stanza.

OVERALL IMPACT/THEME

For me, I thought the poem looked at fate verses free will as it examined the divergence of a life choice. Do we have free will to choose our life path? Or it fate we follow the choice we do? I think the theme resonates with the reader. This poem is one that will make the reader pause and look at their own life.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening is intriguing and keeps the reader invested. The title is reflective of the nature of the poem. My only suggestion and honestly, it's a matter of style is to keep the ABAB scheme throughout. Overall, a reflective poem that lingers.

This is a review for the 2026 Quills Awards, Best Medium Length Poem, Structured and is affiliated with The Bee Hive.

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