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2,868 Public Reviews Given
3,540 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: 13+ | (4.5)
You have a eye-opening poem at work her with your word choices and depictions of nature in an emotional scene. I wanted to appreciate the vivid imagery in your unfinished work, but caught myself asking if I should be wondering why in flight, and from what? Life?

I caught myself thinking your beautiful depictions on line three would have opened poem beautifully. I know the way the poem opens is best because it is a scene from an act in a play. The character enters the stage and events transpire.

That first line had me thinking 'amongst a railing' didn't seem possible. You're parallel to it but not within it? So, just an awkward word choice from the start that I troubled with.

Loved how you worked in the sounds of waves, nature, conducting an auditorial symphony for this dramatic scene. As a reader I'm caught wondering about these emotions set in such a calming backdrop. Irony is strong with that.

It is important to give us that drama, maybe tease with depictions of the narrator to show what these emotions unfolding, rather than telling too much about the plight. I could not imagine this person at all.

Now, my mind went to contemplations of suicide. Without the obvious dagger, poison, revolver in hand, I couldn't be sure of flight...from life? Ominous ending would suggest so. Another thing I imagined is a person who broke away from another in a fit of rejection...from that word 'flight.' I saw this person running from something, if not life.

If this voice is describing their death scene, how is this transmission being relayed in poem. It's melodrama. A plea for attention by being so dramatic? Either way, bravo for working in such a gorgeous scene while implying something horrible is going on within it.

Your poem intrigued, gave me a lot to consider, having read through several times to form what may be my fallible conclusions. This poem is a very good piece.

Brian


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Review of Ugly Like Rain  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
The imagery and word choices in this poem take a reader on a dark but safe journey through a troubled soul. Some of the depictions are unusual and come from a mind seeking to purge troubles with metaphor changing from darkness to sun.

I found this poem following a somewhat logical conclusion, though getting there I tripped on a few thoughts or expressions:
"Obscuring a free mind/and doors to the sights beyond..."

If you want to show and not tell, stay true to your use of imagery here, maybe remove 'mind'? Then you could say, 'obscuring doors to the sights beyond...' After "covering all that is good," you could end with a period and start a new sentence. The reader needs natural pauses, give them time to consume your thoughts. Otherwise, we're racking up all these expressions to form an opinion of how they all relate. Causes extra processing.

It, from what I can figure out, is life. It 'cleanses a body's filth...bringing back the living from the dead/creating a new world/and a new life..." It, logically, can't do all that. There might be a supernatural power at work, if it can do all that. Or, maybe the expressions are too broad.

The poem had a nice shape and melancholy feel. You set a nice mood. You could really develop that imagery, too. That could give even more power to this poem. I liked where you were going with this.

Brian


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I get that s feeling from your poem about how observing someone experience life helps you. You set up a strange world in your poem. It seems this observant one is in peril, crisis. But, the image of the girl hanging her legs off the edge of the world (good image).seems brave in the face of reality. And, she has the strength to help this troubled soul through it.

It reminds me as a parent that our children can be more courageous, give us strength and courage. I don't know if that is the aim of what could be an allegory, though not a story, so metaphor, but it intrigued me to read and consider.

Thank you for sharing.

B


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
The House On The Bend is a nice title but your poem really went in another direction. It seems to be a story about one who is dealing with social conformity. I can't tell if it's from peer pressure or from people who want her in drug or treatment therapy. The use of the mask symbolizes living a lie. What needs covering up? Wasn't sure.

I found the reference to the house at the end. Two places came to mind: a place for school girls or juvies, or some institution. Of course, it reads like a place of seclusion where cults or gangs form, but could be a place to escape to.

I liked the use of quotes within. It gave it a good feel for narration's growing paranoia. It was fun to read and consider your poem.

B


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I really enjoyed the way your logic about sports unfolded. Wasn't sure if you were describing as a participant or as some observing players of the game.

I can tell you having a mental advantage over an opponent can diminish their game, take away their spirit to compete. This happens when your game over matches theirs.

"Wind in our sax" was very descriptive, made me think when it caught my eye. I thought immediately of pep band that supports a team with uplifting music. That was good. It worked.

"Time your stacks" may have missed the mark. Needed to keep that perfect rhyme. You could try something like 'load your racks'? It's not a sport specific poem. You've written about basketball in the past. I get that you are an avid fan of athletic game.

Glad I discovered to lend feedback.


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
You started out with a visual scene that gave me the impression a lawyer was smoking in a courtroom, there was a gavel, a woman sweeping floors and then a car starting, maybe in a parking garage? A phone ringing.

This was difficult to follow including the 'much buffon' line that was awkward, fragmented. I couldn't grasp much except that there might have been a suggestion of a lack of confidence.

The thoughts didn't connect. It was like a recounting of a dream, maybe?

B


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Are you composing new chants for the cheerleaders, because this gave me a giggle? I did not see a specific sport mention, but could be read like motivational words.

Not sure about the shake that booty type references. I've heard get your ass moving. You kept your rhyme scheme going. The message and aim seemed a little cloudy.

I think this is a worthy effort. Support your team and stuff like that.


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
When I got to the third verse, I was on board with the theme of your poem. Certainly, there are ways to make this better. Wanted to visually connect to what is addressed.

There's team first and accountability mentioned. This goes to coach speak where everyone has everyone's back. I'd like to see examples. On a playing field, court? Where?

"Posthumous brain" was difficult to wrap my head around. Dead brain? What occurs after death? Might want to rethink that one.

You are clearly inspired by sports. Keep writing!


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Review of God Send  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
This is an interesting piece of psychology that I am reading. I am a self-professed vain person who seeks attention but doesn't always reciprocate. I was looking for something along the lines of narcissism and saw some pretty good monologuing here.
I think if you can work in some examples of behavior that readers can relate to, you could really get their attention with this poem. You use some good words like treacherous, superfluous and malicious.
The narration has a feel of what I am familiar with. It seems like an inner dialogue that I have where I struggle to not put myself above others when I look at their writing to compare to mine. So, maybe it's based on insecurity and that is what I see with people who struggle with vanity.
Your poem captured a perfect feel and was interesting to read. I did spot some typos with the commas not having spaces behind them and I missed seeing an apostrophe. I would imagine you're still in the early stages of developing this piece.

Brian


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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
I read your poem with great anticipation intrigued by the title and expression 'winter wings' hoping for some illumination. I wonder if these two do make it.

You have built up a story with lines and expressions that suggest the love of two hearts is at stake. I felt you made a good effort but lacked a story or imagery that could suggest what happens.

With a reference to 'dart' I wondered if Cupid was at work. The dream suggestion did not equate. But, your words do have a certain lyrical nature. I didn't know if repeating the last line of verse one at the start of verse two was intended.

Sorry, if I got lost figuring out this one. I wanted to unravel the mystery of the poem's meaning.

B


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Review of My home; My love  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
This surprised me with its form and poetic device describing home. You create a visual feeling with your expressions and imagery.

Poetry looks nice when lines are broken into form. What you have here is beautiful prose could be actuated by free verse style that came emphasize some of your glowing points.

If I may...I want to attempt:

Sometimes
home isn't four walls and carpet or hardwood floors that stretch for miles.
Sometimes the best kind of home has:
two sea blue eyes
a slow beating heart --
home has curly hair
and freckles all over.
This kind of home has lots and lots of skin.
Some patches are rough and scaley and don't hardly move in the sun.
While other patches are soft and silky
and glide over my skin with ease.
The clean pink finger nails of home dig
into the rough patches of me
and make them soft. They tear open a world of love I never knew
and would never know again.
My home has a name that rolls off my tongue at 2am
when even the neighbors know his name, too.
My home knows no bounds
and never takes no for an answer.

And that is just the beginning. Removing a few words like 'the' and 'and' can highlight the important words more.

You have great expressions but I feel this poem is unfinished. You never pitched a name. This is a great start. You could work it up more. The process of editing is very beneficial to writers like us.

Good show!

BK

Another newbie review at the behest of my mentor, GabriellaR45 Four and counting...


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Review of Shattered  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Great masquerade! The use of masks in your poem is a great device to convey the poem's voice and the people who come into the life of this person.

My original notion was this person was hard and could see right through people, leaving them feel vulnerable. Powerful. Their masks break is a great expression and how this is similar to a mask slipping. It's like true self is exposed once they can't cover their faces.

What I didn't realize was the narrator was suffering and wanted to find this perfect mate. The one who would let their mask break and not feel shame but offer the pieces as a gesture of will you fix me? This poem/voice sounds like someone who needs another to be more of a slave, which gives the reader a deeper understanding of psyche. What goes to motivation is we want control in a relationship when we've been hurt before, unable to trust.

Your poem has a few grammatical errors, but I don't see any edits since it's creation five years ago. A stand alone piece that stands on its storytelling merit.

Intriguing poem with good poetic device.

B


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Review of Full Moon Travels  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem is great fantasy and escapism that gives me pause to wonder about the person who fanticizes like this. It reads like a coping mechanism to finding peace in oneself, away from hate and abuse.

Imagination is great when it can take us on a journey like this. We imagine visiting others' dreams. I did wonder who the companion was that has the power to communicate. Does this narrator of the poem not sleep alone? If the cohort is a pet, does the writer give it voice heard by its master...since it's fantasy?

"My soul flies as if pulled by a rope," is a great line! The spacing for this piece was odd and not as easy to read, but isn't so unusual -- just that a poem usually groups lines with its thoughts. But as one long passage, it reads fast and continuous to end.

You have a fun, light subject within a character who may be suffering which is sad. Touch of melancholy from this for me.

BK


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Review of The Echo  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
There is a good spiritual quality to the poem that romanticizes love using the senses like personified parts of the person(s) to search for love but only finding the undescribed echo.

I think the romantic tone of the poem lends to the emotional. I caught some sentence fragments that read like unfinished thoughts, especially the sixth verse.

What is tragic is that the search seems hopeless, and even if the love returns there is fear that it's dead. This poem has good structure and tone with its voice. The language could be fresher, since poetry is about wowing us with a new masterpiece of art, avoiding the cliche. Though, your words in most are strong and relatable to many readers here.

Thank you for sharing your sad but intriguing poem,

B


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Review of Beautiful Fall  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi there QPdoll !
I'm reviewing your poem as a member of...


** Image ID #1940845 Unavailable **

This is a poetry form that looks familiar to me but I have never put a name to it. You've done really well, staying true to form and throwing in an ominous moment that I did not see coming.

Fall is my favorite season to poeticize. Poeticise? No help from auto-correct. *Laugh* Your images are simple and straight forward. And thank you for 'loosestrife.' Never knew the name of that plant. Our village has it everywhere. And, with this poem, you do well to work in senses: smell, touch, sight, sound...

If I could be picky for a moment, you went one syllable too long in line two. (Or-ange) I'm guessing you counted as one. If you drop 'do' from that line it will sound very smooth. It's difficult to write perfect meter with rhyme and you do very well.

"As the trees sway, I hear them moan
While I stand at the gravestone."

Now, the gravestone got me. Very somber. Made me pause. Felt something. I almost wish a longer more somber ending because it skips right along after that. No foreboding and nothing to connect to that image. A reference or something would help a reader. It's real good. It jumped out at me like it came from another poem.

Structurally, one the better poems I've seen in a great while. You've really got a handle on your form on multiple levels!

Congratulations on being a featured author this month,

Brian



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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (3.0)
There are repeating hooks in this poem that create a lyrical sound and a taste of ye olde style poetry.

We are doing a dance with repeating words that for me sounded a cadence. I sensed a missing word in the first line, stumbled out of the blocks and started again. I also noted a lack of punctuation making this breathless, in a run-on style format. I think punctuation and line breaks could aid in not getting over-revved on these words.

I can imagine an old tyme sailor being manacled to a mast and uttering his verses in broken English. Even just a little action, like spit at her feet or snarl at her. He's definitely dirty, got tattoos and gnarled, black hair -- torn clothes maybe? He comes to life with his dialogue. Nothing about her, though.

The poem had a gritty, dirty feel to it without being naughty. Bawdry? But it needs shape, perhaps back story or something going forward, otherwise just monologuing. Even last stanza just punctuate with question mark. It's good but could be polished.

B



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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
"But whether you hold true to evolution or believe in intelligent design,
Can we not as one accept that our mere existence is divine?"

This poem evokes a message of thankfulness and peace. In traditional form, this poem is graceful and does not strain. Questions about existence could be debated forever, but shouldn't we live in awe of how this beautiful world functions rather than worry who gets credit.

It's a precious message that sets science aside and reminds this reader to just smell the roses, breathe. I couldn't suggest sticking to line lengths or meter when the message says it all.

B


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Review of Come September  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
Eyes can express a lot and give a reader a glimpse into how the narrative gives us unique insight into love's early questions.

I found this poem to quite simply tell of young love, how one could read doubt in another's eyes until love is secured at the end of the summer season. Green eyes is a good choice, implies young. The characters not too well developed and this poem is more like a Polaroid than an album of memories captured. No flower descriptions, no scents from a garden. We only touch upon the metaphor before it is over.

I want to feel his doubt. The narrator holds the key, but we don't know how love acquiesced. Using seasons, flowers, time related elements all structured a potential intriguing story. I wanted to see and feel more.

I think this piece does well to tempt a reader but leaves too many questions as to why he became the one.



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Review of Carnival Thrills  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Ah, you got me. I didn't see this coming. Though, I had my wonderment when you say,

"You wanted an angel,
tried your luck and then lost."

Foreboding perhaps. This poem was snappy, a quick read. It was set up well with just a bit of an awkward line, 'It didn't seem just right," trying to get right line length.

Amusing to me, but then maybe the slap to the evil face should be taken as a more serious tone. Great storytelling in short form, too.


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Review of The Stone  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.5)
A poem about rebounding from rejection of love. I read poems like this with keen interest. It is my milieu.

"My ink runs low." The first lines set the tone, the mood, and make for great expression and theme but the rest of the poem strays. It's a good start but then the heart as the stolen object arrives and we get off track.

I do appreciate the poet's passion here. Psychologically it reads like someone has been hurt and trying show themself (more than their ex-lover) that they are not hurt but stronger with this newer, less (un)breakable heart.

But if the heart is stolen, it is not replaceable, figuratively. I imagine we become callous, dark, heartless. I would go in that direction myself. The last stanza was about the soul leaving, too. A replacement heart without a soul? I guess that it pretty dark stuff. I don't advise anyone be a rebound partner.

Unfortunate to say, 'methinks thou doth protest too much.' We suspect there will be much longing for some time. That's what makes this poem priceless. We can read beyond the intent of the words.

Writing is a healing process. Get that heart back and mend it. The soul cannot be far, hiding out on a swing in some playground. It will return by dark, hungry and ready to be fed new love again. Sometimes, we get too caught up in what we can't have.

Keep writing and loving. Rejection will kick start our senses, make for greater writing to come.


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Review of Crypt of Flesh  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
A strongly worded anti-abortion poem that gives voice to the foetus that starkly depicts the process of removing the unborn child. The details are graphic and connect deeply and emotionally. This is a message meant to illuminate readers to the notion that no one is speaking on behalf of the unborn child.

"The face of my killer, never to pass my eyes," comes strong. I think the voice doesn't consider forgiveness. Calling the woman who opts to abort 'bitch' disconnects us from what the baby would say and shifts to the third party observer who empassion pleads. I would try to supplant any for agenda. So many possibilities to humanize child by gender, genetic predisposition, adoption, etc.

Give child option of nice home, a chance at a purposeful life. Becomes too much political leanings and we want to break down walls of resistance to informed choice.

B


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Review of Missing You  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
It is a poem about regret...a love lost. It reminds me that absence makes the heart grow fonder. But, is this poem about a love addiction? Does the poet tempt the reader to see the true weakness in the voice of this person wanting to go back to someone they left? My question is what caused the break up and why does the person they left need defending.

I think poetically some devices are lacking. But, there is a story here that intrigues. I think we only remember the good times when we are sequestered from love. It could be an untold tale of abuse, someone who was selfish, deceitful. I don't doubt that there is true sentiment in words longing for reconnection. That is tragic. That is why I am compelled as a reader to view this.



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Review of The payment  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I can imagine a man and woman at a bar on a date when he sees someone else of his liking. What's interesting is this women can use his eyes to envision that he seeks someone else, a different kind of conquest. She is ready to split because she knows he wants a woman who we might describe as easy. I wonder if the line, 'she will not come cheaply to you' is a veiled threat. There is so much pent up seething in this poem. All woman. Very strong! He is missing out.

This free form poem works well. I don't think the long, middle line is necessary and can be broken up. Solid voice. Well conveyed!

B


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Review of The Army Mother  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
What came across in this poem, maybe unintentionally and possibly ironically, is that mothers are the true soldiers. It was quite poignant to see this poem of a mother letting go her son for a year in military endeavor.

The traditional rhyme was uneven at times but the message was not lost...the lines piled up in those ending verses. Would suggest sticking with four lines. It's okay to continue a thought after a line break. I would work with the meter some more and find the right line lengths without altering a very relatable message.

A very emotional and personal message that touched this reader's heart.

Write On!

B


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Review of The princess  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I loved the repetition of she's only three. I feel as a reader I'm following this sweet little girl around as she cavorts in a princess costume and plays make believe.

The narration also helps as a parent who can imagine taking this tone when relaying these fictional events invented for poetic storytelling that could be shared with the child at play.

You had perfects quatrains at word until six lines were forced in one stanza. You can edit it down or create an extra verse from this. Because you use traditional rhyme you want to stick to a pattern or scheme. Free verse poets are the only rebels who get away with odd stanzas.

This verse stood out brilliantly:

"As night comes upon her and stars fill the sky
She will put down her scepter for bedtime is nigh.
Her ladies prepare her a place for her sleep
And guards watch her doorway ensuring her keep."

You have such a good subject, theme and style at work here that it would be worth the effort to polish this up and focus on boiling this poetic story down to essentials. It's hard to delete. But just think, you can get to display the longer, unedited version when this edited piece becomes famous.

B


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