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Review of Starlit Sky  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This one hit me in a quiet way, the kind that sneaks up instead of knocking. At first it feels like a simple memory poem, almost gentle and familiar, but by the time it closes, the weight of time really settles in. I like how it starts with innocence and ends with endurance. That arc feels honest. Childhood vows under the stars turning into a lifetime is a powerful idea, and you let it unfold naturally without forcing emotion.

What really works here is the sense of time passing without you having to explain it too much. The jump from kids at the shore to fifty years together is clean and effective. It mirrors how life actually feels when you look back. One moment you are ten years old under a sky full of stars, the next you are alone beneath the same sky wondering how decades slipped by. That last image is strong and quietly devastating.

The voice feels sincere throughout, which matters a lot for a poem like this. If it ever leaned too hard into sentiment, it could have tipped into something overly sweet, but it never does. The line about the mothers calling them in to pray is a great grounding moment. It anchors the poem in real life and reminds the reader these were just kids, not mythical lovers. That detail makes the later loss feel more real.

I also appreciate that the poem does not rage against fate. There is sadness, but there is also acceptance. The speaker grieves, but he is not bitter. That choice gives the poem maturity. The closing lines, waiting to reunite when time ends, feel earned because you showed us the full life they shared.

If I had one small opinion to offer, it would be to trust your strongest moments even more. Some lines explain feelings that are already clear through imagery. Let the stars, the ocean, and the silence do a little more of the work. You already set the stage beautifully.

Overall, this feels like a true remembering, not a performance of grief. It lingers, which is exactly what a poem like this should do.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece lands with a quiet force that sneaks up on you. It feels calm on the surface but underneath there is real frustration and resolve working together. What stands out first is the confidence of the speaker. There is no begging to be believed and no over explaining. The voice knows who it is and that certainty carries the poem forward even when the world inside the poem shuts its doors.

The opening lines do a smart thing by focusing on absence instead of attack. No one asks. No one listens. That choice immediately puts the reader on the outside with the speaker. It feels familiar in a way that goes beyond writing. Anyone who has ever been judged without being heard can step into this space easily. That makes the poem bigger than its subject without losing its edge.

The middle section is where the poem really sharpens. The language around breath, words, machines, and craft is clean and deliberate. Nothing feels thrown in for effect. I especially like how you refuse to defend the work in technical terms. You do not argue process. You argue humanity. That is a strong move because it shifts the conversation away from tools and back to intent, which is where real art lives.

The irony you point out does not feel smug or clever for its own sake. It feels tired. That weariness adds weight. The idea of rules being rewritten behind closed doors is one of the most effective images here. It captures how power works quietly while pretending to be neutral.

The ending is steady and grounded. There is no dramatic exit, just a firm decision about what to keep. Truth. Knowledge. Work that is still warm. That warmth matters. It reminds us that writing is a living act, not a verdict handed down by a room full of fear.

Overall, this poem feels honest, timely, and self possessed. It does not shout. It does not flinch. It trusts that real writing lasts longer than suspicion, and that trust is earned on the page.


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Review of Remembering  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece lands with quiet strength, and that is what makes it work so well. It does not shout its message. It carries it the way the speaker carries duty, steadily, without asking for applause. From the opening lines, the image of the hats does a lot of heavy lifting. Those hats are not costumes or symbols worn for attention. They are borrowed weight. They tell us right away that this poem is about shared service, shared memory, and shared responsibility. I like that the speaker does not center personal glory. Instead, the focus stays on connection and obligation.

The repeated idea of brotherhood feels earned here. It is not sentimental or forced. When the poem talks about shaking a veteran’s hand or buying a meal, those moments feel lived in. They sound like habits formed over time, not gestures meant to impress. The line about eating less at times is especially effective. It is small, honest, and human. That single detail says more about sacrifice than a long explanation ever could.

The oath section is where the poem really settles into its core. The mention of the DD 214 is sharp and grounding. It draws a clear line between paperwork and responsibility. The idea that duty does not expire is powerful, and you deliver it without preaching. It feels like something the speaker believes deeply, not something they are trying to convince the reader to accept.

The closing lines are strong and respectful. There is no attempt to wrap things up neatly or soften the weight of loss. The final statement about owing those who did not make it home lands with gravity. It feels final in the right way.

If there is one thing to consider moving forward, it might be tightening a few lines to sharpen the rhythm, but even as it stands, the pacing feels intentional and reflective. Overall, this is a grounded, sincere poem that understands its subject and treats it with care. It honors without glorifying and remembers without drifting into nostalgia. That balance is hard to pull off, and you did it well.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece feels less like a traditional essay and more like a faith scrapbook, and I mean that in a good way. It brings together scripture, testimony, and conviction in a way that clearly matters to the writer. What stands out most is the sheer breadth of references. You are not dipping a toe into either book. You are fully immersed in both, and that commitment shows on every page.

The strongest part of this work is its consistency of message. Love, service, obedience, faith, and endurance keep resurfacing, not as repeated filler, but as anchors. Even when verses repeat, they feel intentional, almost like a refrain in a song. Psalms 136:1 appearing more than once reinforces the idea that gratitude and enduring love are central, not optional. That repetition mirrors how scripture itself works in real life. People return to the same verses again and again because truth often needs reminding.

I appreciate how the Bible and the Book of Mormon are not treated as competitors here, but as companions. The Ezekiel passage about the two sticks is a smart inclusion, especially since it gives a clear biblical framework for unity rather than division. Your tone is confident without being aggressive, which matters when dealing with belief based material. You are inviting readers in, not trying to corner them.

One place this could grow even stronger is flow. Right now it reads like a powerful collection of evidence. Adding more short reflections between clusters of verses could help guide the reader emotionally, not just spiritually. A sentence or two explaining why a verse matters to you personally would deepen the connection.

Overall, this is heartfelt, scripture rich, and sincere. It reads like someone who has spent time living with these words, not just quoting them. With a bit more personal voice woven between the verses, this could move from a solid testimony to a deeply memorable one. The foundation is already strong.


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Review of WHAT YOU SCATTER  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece still works because it is simple, grounded, and patient. It does not rush to prove its point. It lets kindness show up in small actions and trusts the reader to feel the weight of them later. The opening scene at the grocery store feels lived in. The details about the potatoes, peas, and the boy watching without asking do a lot of quiet work. You can see the space. You can hear the tone. Nothing feels forced. Mr. Miller does not give charity in a way that shames the boy. He gives dignity. That choice is the heart of the story, and it lands because it feels natural, not staged.

What really strengthens this piece is restraint. The dialogue stays plain. The boy is not turned into a symbol right away. He is just a kid who wants peas and has a marble. That restraint makes the later reveal hit harder. By the time the funeral scene arrives, the reader already knows something meaningful is coming, but it still manages to land with quiet power instead of sentiment overload. The image of the three grown men, especially one in uniform, connects past kindness to present character without spelling it out too much.

The final moment with the red marbles works because it is visual and specific. It is not abstract goodness. It is something you can hold in your hand. That is why it sticks. The moral is clearly stated, maybe even a little too clearly, but in a story like this, that almost feels earned. It reads like something passed along, shared, and reread, which fits its purpose.

If there is any weakness, it is that the ending leans heavily into instruction rather than reflection. The list of ordinary miracles shifts the tone from story to message. Some readers will love that. Others might prefer the story to end right at the marbles and let the meaning sit in silence. Still, the heart is solid. This is the kind of piece people remember because it reminds them that small kindness done consistently outlives wealth, words, and even time.


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Review of Sunrise Buffet  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece is warm and playful in a way that feels earned, not forced. Right away, the tone settles into something familiar and comforting, like a quiet morning ritual that has become part of your identity. The opening stanza does a nice job of grounding the reader in routine. The pond, the daily presence, the shared expectation. It feels lived in. That sense of habit gives the poem its backbone.

I especially like how you handled the taboo words. You never feel like you are dodging them. Instead, you sidestep them so naturally that the restriction becomes invisible. That takes skill. The line about a yeast buffet is clever without being cute, and the imagined warning from the birds adds personality without tipping into cartoonish territory. Giving them a voice works because it mirrors how people actually think when they interact with animals. We project, we negotiate, we joke with them. You captured that instinct well.

The middle stanza shines because of the sound work. Words like cacophony and beckoning bring noise and motion into what could have stayed a quiet scene. It makes the moment feel alive and slightly chaotic, which balances the calm setting. The garden hedge is a nice visual divider too, suggesting this world exists just beyond the home, close but still wild.

The final stanza lands softly, and that is a good choice. Ending on the shared joy instead of the action itself gives the poem a reflective close. The question about who enjoys it more feels honest. It opens the door emotionally without leaving the poem unresolved. It feels complete.

If I had one small suggestion, it would be to trust your simplest lines even more. Your strength here is clarity and sincerity. You do not need to decorate those moments. Overall, this poem feels genuine, observant, and quietly joyful. It is the kind of piece that lingers because it reminds readers of their own small daily rituals and why they matter.


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Review of Funny things  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece feels honest in a way that is hard to fake, and that is its biggest strength. It reads like someone talking across a table, telling a story that matters to them, not polishing it for effect. That works here. The opening at the graduation party pulls me in right away. The mix of chlorine, heat, and family noise sets the scene without trying too hard. The aside about it being a mouthful actually helps because it signals your voice. It lets the reader know they are in good hands with a narrator who is self aware and a little amused by himself.

The heart surgery section is strong because it stays human instead of medical. You do not drown the reader in terms you do not understand. You lean into that confusion and turn it into humor, which feels true. The electrician nickname is a great detail. It sticks. That small observation about titles and nicknames says a lot about how people process fear. You could even lean into that idea more later if you wanted, because it ties nicely into how people see Jonah too.

Jonah is the emotional center, and you handle him with care without turning him into a symbol. He is just a kid who wants to be close, who laughs, who needs protection but also needs life. The pool scene works because it holds tension without drama. A mother panicking, a narrator choosing joy anyway, and a child laughing in the middle of it all. That moment lands. It says something real about risk, love, and choosing experience over fear.

Stylistically, there are a few long sentences that could be trimmed for smoother flow, but they also match the conversational rhythm, so I would be careful not to over clean it. This feels like a memory you trust. My opinion is that this piece succeeds because it does not try to teach a lesson. It just shows one. With a little tightening, this could be a standout personal essay that lingers after the last line.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This collection of moments reads like a long, steady heartbeat running through Scripture. Each story stands on its own, yet together they form a clear message about mercy, restoration, and the reach of faith. What strikes me most is how often these moments begin with desperation. A woman kneeling at Jesus’ feet, a man lowered through a roof, a thief gasping for breath, parents begging for their child. None of them come with polished faith or perfect timing. They come broken, afraid, or out of options. That feels honest. It feels human.

The woman who washed Jesus’ feet sets the tone. Her forgiveness is not earned through words or status but through faith expressed in action. She risks judgment, and Jesus meets her with grace instead of condemnation. That same pattern carries through the paralytic man, whose healing is as much about forgiveness as it is about walking again. Jesus keeps reminding everyone that restoration starts inside before it shows up on the surface.

The resurrection stories deepen that idea. Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son at Nain, Lazarus, and the children revived through Elijah and Elisha all point to a God who refuses to let death have the final word. I find it powerful that these miracles often happen in quiet spaces, homes, tombs, roadsides. Not stages. Not temples. Just real life interrupted by divine authority.

Elisha’s bones bringing a man back to life is especially haunting. Even in death, God’s power lingers. It feels like a whisper of what is coming later through Christ, when the grave itself becomes temporary. That thread ties directly into Jesus’ resurrection, which does not just restore one life but shakes the ground for many.

The later accounts in Acts show that this power does not stop with Jesus’ physical presence. Peter and Paul step into that same stream of faith, not as heroes, but as servants pointing back to the source. These stories leave me with a sense of forward motion. Faith is not passive here. It reaches, risks, believes, and sometimes waits through grief before hope breaks through. That makes the message timeless, grounded, and deeply reassuring.


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Review of Mission Calendar  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (4.5)
This piece has a quiet charm that really works in its favor. The idea of letting the calendar speak for itself is simple, but you handle it with warmth instead of gimmicks. Right away, the opening draws me in because it feels personal, almost intimate. Being chosen off the wall is such an ordinary moment, yet you turn it into something meaningful. That choice sets the tone for the whole piece. It frames the calendar not as an object, but as a witness.

What I like most is the gentle emotional arc. The calendar starts hopeful, a little unsure, then settles into acceptance and purpose. That mirrors how people approach a new year without you ever needing to say that outright. Lines about watching appointments, goals, celebrations, and missed dreams hit especially well. They feel honest. Life is not polished, and this calendar understands that. It does not judge. It just stays.

The voice is consistent, which is not easy when writing from an inanimate perspective. You avoid sounding cartoonish or overly cute. Instead, the calendar feels steady and observant, almost like a quiet friend who never interrupts. The line about being a silent member of the relationship stands out to me. That is where the story deepens. It is not just about time passing. It is about trust.

If I had one suggestion, it would be to tighten a few phrases so they land with more punch. There are moments where trimming a word or two could sharpen the emotion without losing softness. But that is a polish note, not a structural issue.

Overall, this works because it respects the reader. It does not explain itself or chase a big ending. It knows exactly what it is. A small story about time, presence, and being there for someone in ways that matter. Pieces like this remind me that strong writing does not need volume. It just needs clarity and heart. This one has both.


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Review of Silently Forever  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This poem hits a soft nerve and keeps pressing it in a quiet way that feels honest rather than dramatic. What works best here is the restraint. You are not begging the reader to feel something. You are letting the images do the heavy lifting, and that choice pays off. The opening line immediately sets the tone. Standing where shadows kiss the ground feels like an emotional borderland, not fully in darkness, not in light either. That image alone tells us this speaker lives in the in between.

The sound work is solid throughout, especially the way you use gentle rhythm instead of sharp beats. Lines like your laughter drifts like summer sound feel natural and unforced. It reads like a thought that surfaced on its own, not one that was engineered. I also like how often you return to distance without naming it directly. A distant sky, a fading light, a sun that never stays. Those choices keep the poem cohesive without feeling repetitive.

The second stanza is probably the emotional center for me. My heart a quiet hollow room is a familiar idea, but pairing it with echoes dance alone at night gives it movement and loneliness at the same time. It avoids cliché by letting the image breathe instead of explaining it.
The third stanza subtly shifts power. The other person becomes almost mythic, all color and warmth, while the speaker becomes unfinished, a story left untold. That contrast feels earned. It shows how unbalanced the relationship is without spelling it out.

The final stanza lands cleanly. Loving silently forever could have felt heavy handed, but by the time we reach it, it feels inevitable. My only small critique is that the last line is very definitive. It works emotionally, but you might experiment someday with ending on an image rather than a declaration, just to see how it changes the echo.

Overall, this is thoughtful, controlled, and emotionally clear. It trusts the reader, which is a strength. You are writing from a place that feels lived in, and that is hard to fake. Keep leaning into that quiet confidence.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
This is a strong, absorbing piece, and it kept pulling me forward in a quiet but persistent way. What works best here is atmosphere. The Florida setting feels lived in, not postcard pretty. The heat, the river, the wildlife, the empty rooms of the house all press in on Lynn and mirror where she is emotionally. That connection between place and inner life is the backbone of the story, and you handle it with confidence. The river especially feels like a character, not just scenery. It watches, waits, and reflects Lynn’s unease and awakening in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
Lynn herself is well drawn. She feels real, flawed, and self aware without sounding self pitying. Her thoughts about age, identity, and the way she allowed others to define her land cleanly. The choice to focus so closely on her inner world works in your favor. The divorce, the daughter, the sister, and even Darren are handled with restraint. You give just enough detail to understand the emotional weight without drowning the reader in backstory. The sister in particular comes across as sharp and believable, and the contrast between them is clear without being spelled out.
The alligator is an excellent symbol, but it is also effective as a literal presence. That first encounter by the river is genuinely unsettling and beautifully described. It walks a fine line between awe and fear, and you stay on the right side of it. Gerald adds another layer of tension. His charm mixed with obsession feels dangerous, and his certainty about the gator hints at deeper conflict ahead. I like that Lynn lies to him. That small choice says a lot about her instincts waking up.
If there is one area to watch, it is length and repetition. Some conversations could be tightened slightly, especially explanations that restate what the reader already understands. Trust your reader a bit more in those moments. Also, be careful not to soften the danger too much. When you let things stay uncomfortable, the story is at its strongest.
Overall, this feels grounded, eerie, and emotionally honest. It has a steady pull rather than flashy hooks, and that suits the story you are telling. You have something quietly powerful here, and it feels like it knows where it is going.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece does a lot of things right, and honestly, it shows the voice of someone who has actually been on the editor side of the desk. That alone gives it weight. It does not feel theoretical or recycled. It feels lived in. The biggest strength here is clarity. You take a process that scares new writers and break it down in plain language without talking down to them. That matters more than people realize.

I like that you separate advice for articles and books. Too many guides blur those together and confuse beginners. Your examples are concrete, especially when you show how vague pitches fail and specific ones succeed. The Jungle Gym Jimmy comparison works well because it is memorable and easy to picture. New writers need examples like that more than abstract rules.

The DO and DONT sections are long, but they earn their space. This reads less like a blog post and more like a reference guide someone could come back to again and again. The repeated emphasis on research, professionalism, and respect for guidelines is spot on. That is where most beginners lose editors before the writing is even considered. You do a good job of explaining not just what to do, but why it matters, especially with things like SASEs and not pestering editors.

The bad and good letter examples are one of the strongest parts. Seeing mistakes laid out so clearly helps writers recognize their own habits without feeling attacked. The bad letter is exaggerated, but that works. It makes the errors obvious without shaming real people. The good letter feels realistic, grounded, and calm. That calm tone is something you quietly teach throughout the piece, and I think that lesson lands.

If I had one suggestion, it would be tightening a few sections where similar points repeat, mainly around guidelines and contact info. Not because they are wrong, but because trimming would sharpen the impact. Still, as a teaching piece, this is solid, practical, and generous. It feels like advice from someone who wants writers to succeed, not just follow rules. That makes it worth reading and trusting.
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Review of Dear Me 2025  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece feels like a friendly journal entry that wandered into a story and decided to stay. I like that. It is playful without being silly, reflective without turning heavy, and personal without oversharing. The Writing Jungle works as a steady metaphor all the way through, which is harder to pull off than it looks. You did not abandon it halfway. The dust bunnies, snakes, hippos, and Baby Fufu give the goals personality, which keeps what could have been a dry list feeling alive.

What really stands out to me is the honesty. You do not pretend 2024 was perfect. You mark checks and half checks and sighs, and that sigh is doing real work here. It feels human. The promises, especially the double pinky promise about Shana Galen, add warmth and humor. I also like that you allow yourself pride without bragging, especially in the Bee Hive section and the House Targaryen mention. That part reads like someone looking back and realizing they actually showed up when it mattered.

The structure is loose, but it fits the tone. This is not meant to be polished goal setting content. It is meant to feel like someone sitting at a watering hole, taking stock, and deciding to keep walking. The imagery helps smooth the transitions between lists, which can be tricky. You avoided making it feel like bullet points dumped into a story.

If I had one opinionated nudge, it would be to trust your quieter moments a bit more. The strongest parts are when you pause, sip water, or notice what is not there. Those reflective beats are where the emotional weight lives. You might even linger there longer next time.

Overall, this reads like a writer who understands that progress is uneven and still worth documenting. It ends with forward motion instead of a neat bow, which fits the jungle idea perfectly. It feels earned, grounded, and encouraging without trying too hard.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece is ambitious in a way most writers never even attempt, and that alone deserves credit. You are clearly reaching for something massive, ancient, and philosophical, not just telling a story but trying to build a belief system. That kind of scope takes confidence, and it shows on every page.

What works best here is the sense of weight. Every concept feels heavy with consequence. The One, the Dyad, the planes, the Anantam fruit, all of it carries a mythic seriousness that feels intentional. You are not rushing to entertain. You are asking the reader to slow down and absorb, almost the way sacred texts demand patience. I like that you do not apologize for the density. It makes the work feel bold rather than timid.

That said, the biggest challenge is accessibility. Right now, the language often stacks abstraction on top of abstraction. For readers who love lore and cosmology, that is a feast. For others, it may feel like standing in front of a cathedral without knowing where the door is. You might consider grounding some sections with a touch more sensory or emotional framing. Even gods benefit from moments that feel personal. The conflict between Primus and Unicron is compelling, but it could hit harder if their internal states were just a bit clearer earlier on, especially Unicron’s frustration before it explodes into action.

The philosophical backbone is strong. The obsession with Gnosis, limitation, and the cruelty of creation feels thoughtful rather than edgy. I especially like the idea that the material plane is not a gift but a consequence. That choice gives the entire myth a darker, more honest tone. It feels less like fantasy wish fulfillment and more like a serious meditation on existence and suffering.

By the end, the creation of Cybertron and the All spark feels earned. It works as a turning point rather than just another lore drop. My opinion is that this is the kind of mythos that would shine even brighter once characters inside the system begin questioning it, breaking it, or misunderstanding it. You have built a powerful foundation. The next step is letting lived experience collide with cosmic truth.

Overall, this feels daring, intelligent, and unapologetically big. With a bit more emotional anchoring, it could move from impressive to unforgettable.


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Review of Surrender  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This poem feels raw in a way that is hard to ignore. It leans fully into desperation, and that commitment works in its favor. From the first line, the speaker is not flirting with longing or hinting at need. They are already past the breaking point. That immediacy pulls the reader in fast and keeps the emotional pressure steady all the way through.

What stands out most is how physical the craving feels. Hunger, thirst, weakness, crawling, hallucinating. These are not abstract emotions. They are bodily experiences, and that choice grounds the poem. It makes the addiction to love feel dangerous rather than romantic. I like that you did not soften it. Calling the beloved both heaven and hell is familiar territory, but here it lands with weight because everything before it earns that line. The speaker has already shown us the cost.

The middle section, especially the searching in the dark and following the light, is simple but effective. It reads like someone clinging to the last thread of hope, even while knowing it might not be enough. That tension carries forward into the later lines, where the speaker notices the pause in the other person’s stride. That moment is strong. It is quiet, observant, and human. It suggests awareness on both sides without spelling everything out.

If I had one critique, it would be repetition. The threat of death is clear early on, and repeating it again at the end risks dulling the impact slightly. That said, the repetition also mirrors obsession, so it still fits the theme. I see it more as a stylistic choice than a flaw.

Overall, this poem succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be. It is not subtle, and it should not be. It is a plea, almost a confession, and it feels honest. With a bit of tightening, this could hit even harder, but the emotional core is already solid and convincing.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece feels like a locker room speech mixed with a personal promise, and that works in its favor. The voice is confident without being loud, and it speaks to shared human habits first laughing, crying, trusting others before turning inward. That opening pulls the reader in because it starts with things everyone recognizes. It does not try to impress right away. It tries to connect, and that is the right move.

The rhyme scheme is steady and clean, which gives the poem a strong forward motion. It reads like it wants to be spoken out loud, maybe even repeated. That rhythm helps the message stick. I especially like how belief is treated as something active, not just a feeling. Calling belief a promise that cannot be measured is a smart line. It suggests faith in oneself is quiet work done over time, not something flashy or easy to prove.

The middle section does something important. It does not pretend talent is painless. Admitting that belief does not remove grief keeps the poem honest. A lot of motivational writing skips that part, but here it is acknowledged directly. That makes the encouragement feel earned instead of forced. The reminder to be patient and work harder than ever sounds simple, but within this context it feels grounded, not preachy.

The final stanza ties luck and hard work together in a realistic way. I like the idea that people talk about breaks after the work is already done. It mirrors how success is often misunderstood from the outside. Ending on the idea of rare blessings feels hopeful without claiming they are guaranteed.

If I had one suggestion, it would be to push a little deeper emotionally in one spot. You are strong on principle and resolve. One brief, specific image could raise the impact even more. Overall, this is encouraging, steady, and sincere. It knows what it wants to say and says it without apology.


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Review of I Bleed in Ink  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This poem hits hard in a quiet way. It feels heavy without feeling forced, which is not easy to pull off. The opening image of the bruised sky and violet flame sets the mood right away and carries it all the way through. There is a strong sense of standing inside a broken world while still being aware enough to describe it. That awareness is what makes the piece feel alive instead of purely despairing.

The recurring idea of bleeding in ink works really well. It feels honest, like writing itself is the wound and the bandage at the same time. Repetition can be risky, but here it becomes an anchor. Each time the line comes back, it carries a little more weight because the reader understands more about what is being endured and why staying matters. By the end, it feels earned rather than repeated for style.

The tree made of ink and pages is one of the strongest images in the poem. It blends creativity, memory, and pain in a way that feels natural. Climbing the branch that knows your weight is especially powerful. That line suggests history, trust, and survival without spelling it out. It says a lot with very little.

The emotional core lands hardest when the son is introduced. It shifts the poem from internal struggle to purpose. That tether to light grounds everything that comes before it. It also keeps the poem from drifting into abstraction. The stakes become clear. This is not just about pain or escape. It is about staying, choosing, and holding on.

The astral sky and distant soul add a sense of longing that feels unresolved in a good way. It mirrors real grief, where closure never fully arrives. The final lines are strong because they do not overpromise healing. They simply claim presence. Not today is enough.

Overall, this poem feels raw, visual, and sincere. It trusts the reader and does not explain itself too much. That confidence shows growth. If anything, the piece proves you are not just writing emotion. You are shaping it into something that holds.


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Review of CREATION  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
ChatGPT said:

This piece carries a warm, lived-in honesty that pulls you in right away. It reads like someone looking back on a moment that shaped them, not because of fame or glory, but because of love, family, and the drive to give something meaningful when money was tight. That heart, more than anything else, gives the story its charm.

What stands out first is how clearly your affection for your family comes through. The simple detail of your brothers asking you to play the song, the way your mom traveled to the city, the small hope of buying Christmas gifts—these moments come across gently, and they make the reader feel like they’re sharing the memory with you. There’s nothing forced about it. It feels like someone sitting at a kitchen table, telling a story they still hold close.

The part about deciding to audition has a nice spark of courage in it. You don’t try to inflate it. You just show how a young woman with limited means made a bold choice because she wanted to help her family. That choice feels real, and it gives the rest of the story weight. When the announcer comments on your height and asks whether you want to be a singer or Miss Philippines, it adds a sweet bit of humor and warmth to the moment.

The way you describe singing “Creation” feels personal enough that even readers who’ve never heard the song can still feel how much it meant to you. Including the lyrics gives the performance a little spotlight, like we’re hearing the echoes of that moment.

Your reaction after winning—the tears, the hug, giving the cash and groceries to your mother—lands beautifully. It doesn’t read as dramatic. It reads as a moment when love and effort come together and pay off in the simplest, most meaningful way. The fact that you kept winning for weeks adds a sense of pride and accomplishment without bragging.

The ending, where you explain missing the Grand Finals because of pneumonia, could have leaned into disappointment, but instead you let it settle into acceptance. That choice keeps the tone hopeful, like someone who understands that life doesn’t always follow a straight line, but still gives blessings in its own way.

Overall, this story shines because it’s personal, humble, and filled with genuine feeling. You don’t try to dress it up. You let the memory speak for itself, and that makes it easy to connect with. It’s the kind of piece that leaves the reader thinking about their own childhood, their own parents, and the small acts of courage that shape who we become. Keep writing pieces like this—they carry a rare kind of sincerity.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece has a strange, dreamlike pull that actually works in its favor. It reads like someone trying to process something heavy by turning it into a symbolic journey, and that gives the whole thing a personal charge. You build this odd mix of humor, mysticism, and emotional weight, and the shifts between them feel intentional. It’s a little wild, but in a way that invites the reader to keep going just to see what comes next.

The Dante comparison sets a bold tone right from the start, and the way you twist it into a modern, almost casual moment—going to the shop to buy a robe to walk through hell—adds a playful layer. It keeps the piece accessible instead of overly dramatic. The red velvet robe and silver sashes have a striking visual. It makes the narrator feel like someone stepping into their own myth, trying to armor up before facing whatever their personal inferno really is.

Each “stage” feels like a moment of self-reflection disguised as a scene. The burning tree, the mantra, the strange rain, the vision of Virgil—they all act like emotional checkpoints rather than literal events. That helps give the story a deeper meaning, even if it leans into surreal territory. You don’t explain too much, which is good. Letting the reader feel a little lost mirrors the narrator’s own haze inside this inner hell.

The ending hits in a grounded way. Waking up on Main Street with the temperature still above normal feels like a gentle reminder that our personal battles don’t end with some grand victory—they just shift back into everyday life. That quiet landing gives the whole journey a human touch.

If anything, I’d say the piece shines most when you balance the symbolic moments with simple, honest emotion. You’ve got a voice here that leans into imagination without losing its grip on the real feelings underneath. Keep leaning into that mix. It gives your writing a unique flavor and helps the meaning settle in naturally for the reader.


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Review of Quiet Confessions  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece hits with a soft but honest punch, and that’s what makes it work. It reads like someone finally letting themselves breathe after holding their chest tight for too long. The rhythm is steady and calm, and the way you move from quiet guilt to a slow acceptance feels natural. It carries that sense of someone sitting in a dim room, finally admitting what’s been echoing inside them for years. There’s a quiet bravery in that, and your poem leans into it well.

What stands out most is how relatable it feels. Almost everyone knows what it’s like to carry things that never get spoken aloud, and you capture that without leaning into melodrama. The imagery of weight, clouds tucked under ribs, fingerprints on the heart—those touches land nicely and give the feelings some shape. The writing stays grounded, and that makes it easier for readers to step into it.

If anything, the poem leaves a deeper impression because you don’t try to rush the shift toward strength. You let it build slowly. It feels like the narrator isn’t bragging about surviving but quietly acknowledging it to themselves. That tone keeps the piece honest and human. The ending lands well too. It doesn’t claim total healing or some perfect resolution. Instead, it settles into this idea that strength grows alongside pain, not instead of it. That gives it a realistic and forward-looking feel.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful, heartfelt reflection, and you keep it tight without stripping away emotion. It’s the kind of piece that someone could stop and reread on a heavy night because it makes them feel understood. Keep leaning into that mix of vulnerability and calm strength. It suits your voice.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece is beautifully atmospheric, with a lush, immersive quality that immediately draws the reader into the forest and the mystical world you’ve built. Your descriptions are vivid and sensual: the scent of rain, the rustle of unseen creatures, the shimmer of moonlight on water—all of these details make the scene come alive. You have a strong sense of pacing, moving the reader from the quiet intimacy of the forest to the rising tension of the trial and transformation, and finally to the reflective, almost sacred conclusion. The repeated references to Sister Moon and her guidance give the story a mythical, timeless quality, which pairs well with the framing as a tale told to grandchildren.

The emotional depth here is compelling. The narrator’s longing for the maiden, their vulnerability, and the intense physical and spiritual trial they endure are all vividly conveyed. The pain and transformation feel real, and you capture the mix of fear, devotion, and hope beautifully. The dialogue with Sister Moon is simple yet weighty, providing both guidance and forewarning, which heightens the stakes and adds gravitas to the story.

A few areas could benefit from subtle refinement. Some sentences are long and heavily punctuated, which occasionally slows the momentum during high-tension moments, like the transformation by the pool. Breaking these into shorter, punchier sentences could heighten the immediacy of the pain and struggle. There’s also a bit of repetition in phrasing around the maiden’s beauty and the wolf’s yearning; condensing or varying these descriptions slightly could make them hit harder. Finally, the transition from intense mythic drama to the gentle, instructive tone of the family tale is a bit abrupt; softening that bridge could make the ending feel more organic and emotionally resonant.

Overall, this is a rich, enchanting piece. It successfully blends myth, emotion, and magical realism into a story that feels both intimate and epic. The sensory details, the weight of the trials, and the cyclical legacy of the wolves create a narrative that lingers in the mind. With minor tweaks to sentence rhythm and repetition, it could feel even more immersive and emotionally powerful.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This poem has a heartfelt and respectful tone, and it’s clear you’re aiming to honor the sacrifices of service members and their families. The language is earnest and reverent, and lines like “Love's kingdom / Continues to honor the mightiest soldiers” and “Sow victory into a service / Of tradition and maximum grade” convey admiration and pride. There’s a ceremonial rhythm to the piece, which fits the theme of tribute and commemoration.

The imagery is noble but could be made more vivid by showing specific actions or moments rather than abstract qualities. Phrases like “strength and character are embodied through countless tests” and “attempt to colorfully bear the duties of freedom and sacrifice” are clear, but they could gain more emotional punch if paired with concrete examples—perhaps a brief glimpse into a soldier’s daily struggle or a family’s quiet endurance. That would help the reader feel the stakes and sacrifices more personally.

The poem sometimes leans heavily on formal phrasing, which can distance the reader slightly. Lines such as “of this extremely proud land” and “for all of God's creatures to admire” are sincere, but adjusting them with a touch of natural, human perspective could make the piece resonate more immediately. For instance, showing how families live, remember, or celebrate those sacrifices could create an emotional connection.

Overall, the poem succeeds in expressing deep respect and gratitude, and the dedication comes through strongly. With some trimming of abstract phrasing and the addition of a few tangible images or moments, it could feel more intimate and impactful while maintaining its ceremonial and celebratory tone. Right now, it reads like a formal tribute; adding small, human touches would make it a vivid, heartfelt homage.


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Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This chapter is engaging and immersive, really pulling the reader into the tension of the meeting and the intricacies of your world. You’ve done an excellent job balancing character dynamics with worldbuilding. The interplay between Alenyah, Kaelen, and the other Stoneborn creates a rich sense of hierarchy and cultural texture, and the reader can feel the weight of the moment without needing long expository passages. I especially liked the way the Song is woven into Alenyah’s reactions—it gives her inner world a distinct, almost mystical rhythm that adds tension and stakes beyond the physical space.

Your descriptive writing is strong. The Stoneborn are vividly imagined, and small details like Kaelen’s amber eyes, the silver dust on his skin, and Foxran’s obsidian veins make the characters memorable. The sensory imagery—like the Ironwood beams, the candlelight glinting on Kaelen’s skin, and the smells of the roast—grounds the scene in realism even as the story flirts with high fantasy. The contrast between Alenyah’s impulsive emotions and the Stoneborn’s controlled presence keeps the scene dynamic and layered.

There are a few areas where tightening could heighten the impact. Some sentences are long and layered with multiple clauses, which occasionally slows the momentum at points of high tension, such as when Alenyah reacts to the map. Breaking these sentences up, or alternating between shorter, punchy lines and descriptive ones, could increase the sense of urgency. A few small redundancies appear, such as repeated focus on skin shimmering or Silver/amber descriptions, which could be trimmed without losing vividness.

The dialogue works well; each character has a distinct voice, and the interplay between Alenyah’s fiery temperament and Berin’s tentative explanations is convincing. Tavren and Seth add small but effective texture and relief to the tension, giving the scene a lived-in feel.

Overall, this chapter is gripping and well-paced. It balances character introduction, tension, and worldbuilding beautifully. With minor refinements to sentence rhythm and some repeated descriptive phrasing, it could feel even sharper and more immediate, but as it stands, it’s a strong, immersive chapter that sets the stakes high and makes the reader invested in Alenyah’s next move.


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Review of Wanderlust  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
In affiliation with WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group  Open in new Window.
Rated: E | (5.0)
This piece has a lot of charm and a vivid sense of place, and it really shows your enthusiasm for nature and the emotional resonance it can hold. I can see that you’re trying to capture how different landscapes and elements evoke distinct feelings, which is a strong foundation. Each line functions almost like a snapshot, giving the reader a direct emotional response to a sensory experience. There’s a nice rhythm to the list-like structure, and the imagery—tea gardens, fleecy snowflakes, dense forests—is tangible and easy to picture.

At the same time, some parts could benefit from subtle refinement to make the emotions hit harder. For instance, phrases like “make me feel energetic” or “make my heart filled with sheer delight” are clear but could be more evocative by showing the feeling through action or metaphor rather than directly stating it. You could, for example, describe how the tea-garden scents lift your spirits or make your steps lighter, which allows the reader to experience the sensation rather than just being told about it.

The ending is intriguing, with the speaker following “like a servant” wherever this force goes. It adds a sense of devotion and personal connection to the landscapes described. However, the phrasing “like a servant, I am at your beck and call” feels a bit abrupt compared to the earlier, more gentle imagery. You might explore a subtler metaphor of loyalty or attachment that blends with the natural imagery established earlier.

Overall, it’s a warm, sensory-rich poem with strong imagery and emotion. With slight tweaks to make the feelings more lived-in and the metaphors more fluid, it could feel even more immersive and memorable. You’re clearly drawn to the way nature moves the soul, and that enthusiasm is infectious.


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Review of Subject Zero  Open in new Window.
Review by WriterRick Author IconMail Icon
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Rated: E | (5.0)
Now this is cinematic. The writing grips right from the start and sustains tension all the way through. It reads like a prologue to a high stakes thriller or a dark sci fi film. The pacing is tight, the buildup gradual and satisfying, and the final moment hits like a gut punch.

The worldbuilding is particularly sharp. You establish the scope of Vault 13 and the Order of the Unbroken Seal in just a few lines, without drowning the reader in exposition. The mix of bureaucracy, myth, and decay gives it a believable realism. You can feel how time eroded both discipline and belief. That slow degradation makes the final awakening of Subject Zero ten times more chilling. It’s a perfect case of long tension paid off in a single, violent instant.

Elias Kane is a solid everyman character; relatable, weary, and out of his depth. His small details (the thermos of stale coffee, the phone scrolling, the disbelief) make him human before chaos hits. That’s good storytelling instinct: make the reader care about the guard, so the horror of Zero’s release actually lands.

Stylistically, your prose balances clarity and atmosphere well. Sentences flow cleanly; the rhythm of short and long lines mirrors the tension curve. You could strengthen the sensory layer just a touch, more on the smell of metal, the cold air, the sound of boots on concrete, to pull the reader even deeper into that bunker.

But as it stands, it’s a vivid, tightly written piece that would make an incredible opening to a longer story. The concept of an immortal imprisoned for centuries, forgotten by his jailers, is both tragic and terrifying. When the door blows open and the light flares, it feels like history itself waking up angry.

If this is a teaser for a series, you’re off to a fantastic start. It hooks, delivers, and leaves the reader staring at the aftermath, wondering not if the world will survive but how long it has left.


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