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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 of Art  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.5)
This is a much simpler poem than what I thought it was when I first read it. But after pouring through the text several times, I gather that the conclusion is that Art can consume the artist.

My first notions were that this was some rant against commercialism and how it has infiltrated and degraded various forms of art. For example, movies are considered art forms yet do nothing more than use cheap exploitation to gross large sums in box office. Yet after rereading what you penned, I then noted you state art "rebukes the tepid reality" and is "contemptuous of compromise."

So in essence, when pop culture and all the trappings of reality surround, the artist thrives with his or her craft -- doesn't give in to commercialism and in fact hates the thought of compromise. It took me longer to figure out the second stanza.

The phrase "consume itself" was the most troubling for me. But as I reread the last lines over and over and looked up the meanings of the remaining words, it became apparent that the author intends to say that the artist is consumed by the craft, the artform. This last stanza, though quite illuminating, was confusing because of the use of punctuation after the first line which should've ended with a period. The following lines require a verb to conjugate what the author intends.

I was further intrigued with the final two lines in which you postulate, "to come to the final resting place of definitive union with being." It is uniquely profound. Words I am sure that have never been uttered like this before, as I could not Google anything like "union of being." The only result I got was for the actress Gabrielle Union.

I wanted to read volumes into that statement, but this is where the simplicity catches me. I find that is very simple and understood that all artists who commit to a craft may lead a pennyless, unheralded existence. You either love what you do without adulation, or be forced to consider a life of commercialism. It may also consume you because capturing the two beauty or essence of something that you create could take great deal of work and time and in the end you may still have only yourself to appreciate it.

This was more than a delight to read and appreciate. And I concur with the author, though that may mean very little from one who also toils in the shadows of his craft.

Glaedr
A Byways of Ink & Paper review


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
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Review of Obsession  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
I am always intrigued but an expression for love with so much potential in an otherwise ordinary poem. That is not to say what you have written here is not special, in fact, it is because there's so much room for growth and improvement that I could see something really, truly good coming out of this.

This metaphorical device that caught me was, "You are still my shining sun/shining bright, but now in eclipse/from your heart, where it slips." I had to include the full three lines from that first verse to show what I became enamored with. I'm trying to wrap my mind around this eclipse metaphor and how it could be polished and brought to light.

My first thought of an eclipse is something being shadowed so you cannot see it. That assumes that the love is still there. This is where the metaphor goes wrong for me. But I can see how an eclipse could be used to show how the object of affection is feeling, and gives the narrator a chance to be empathetic.

There's tragedy here for someone, but it is not for the poet. Yet, for the object of his affection. I would take that eclipse metaphor and use it to illuminate for the reader how his love interest is tragically affected and can no longer shine before you to give you the joy that you need. Otherwise, the poet sounds selfish and just needs a love fix.

The rhyme scheme functioned and the voice was effective, but the poem had no end. Has the poet lost direction with this ode to another? Perhaps, the poem could effectively tail off like this when there is no solution to what plagues the poet. Something to consider, as well.


Glaedr
A Byways of Ink and Paper reviewer


*Gold* My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .
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Review of Love's Embrace  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (4.0)
I considered your poem with great interest. You have a flair for words that give me pause to consider the deepest meaning, sometimes hidden in the text. It's like I get to figure out the puzzle that is you when you introduce something you label as philosophical, as you have with this dissertation on love.

I gather it is not a romantic type love but more about a kinship borne out of admiration for one's diligence and steadfastness. The comparative you offer is that of a seed, perhaps nurtured by heaven's love. It is about earning one's place there, as one grows closer to the greatest 'friendship' of all. But more than that, I get a sense that it starts here on earth. Maybe, respect of fellow man. And ultimately, knowing a common bond can be shared by all in striving toward that greater good.

I connected with the passion of the author's words while feeling there was an opportunity to paint greater imagery to help a reader see and fully appreciate the message of the philosopher's statements.

This review is offered as an extension of the "Byways of Ink & Paper" review group,
Glaedr
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Review of Monument Builders  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
I'm struck by the stark images drawn by the words you chose in 'Monument Builders.'

Heavy must be the hearts of those who leave their crosses at the scene of tragic accidents. But, unlike a gravesite, these markers like tombstones become neglected and age. It is somewhat even more saddening to see through your eyes how desolate these reminders are. I know it is important to send these messages to drivers, the cautionary aspect. But it feels like the more these monuments become weathered and fade, the more neglected these memories of loss feel.

A worthwhile write to help enlighten this reader. I appreciated the use of the vigilant light, too. Helped give us a feeling that god still watches over the child lost in this particular roadside accident.

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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
You have an effective structure with the repeating title line of the poem, in fact that is what drew me in. Odes to loneliness strike a chord with this reader.

I was troubled by the imagery, especially with the third verse. It's as if this voice seeking comfort is either a god who can hold the sun and moon in his hands (exhibiting great sadness) or someone oblivious to what he has. When you have the world in your hand, you have everything. The sun offers light by day and the moon glows at night. What do you have there, then? The metaphor fails, because the love metaphor asks for light, too.

To make the title line's request effective you could show the irony of possessing so much, and yet lacking in the one true thing that will mend this lonely, pining soul. Also caught a misspell in the final stanza. Huge should lose the e, i see.

A pleasure to read,
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Review of Time Amorphous  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (5.0)
So many effective metaphors in this poem, but one that stood out and caught my attention...

"Time is the camera; my life in the lens,
Its focus determines my fate.
It filters the light of my memories,
And records the choices I make."

I just want to sit here and reread these lines over and over and marvel at what you have done. This one verse stands alone on it's own and could be it's own poem. It's perfect form and function and it's just dazzling to the eye.

I had the good fortune to read many of your poems today but this one stands out above all the rest. Over and over you bombard me with rich metaphor after exquisite metaphor and it makes me jealous. There is so much for the reader to consume with this poem. Bravo! No more needs to be said.

This will be my last angel army review for now,
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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Words as snowflakes that fall and melt away is a very effective metaphor for one who is trying to be heard. Also effective as a metaphor are words in a darkened room that flicker and go out. This poem is troubling because the narrator is trying to be understood and heard by another. This ode could work on even greater level when we are trying to reach out with words to connect with an audience, as a writer. But, very troubling because you cannot get the desired response.

Over and over you come up with such effective metaphors, "words that break like ice against your heart." This poem is so compelling, because as readers we can relate and we are pulling for you. We all want our words to be heard and understood, and what is so ironic is this poem full of so many references that grab a hold of you and get your attention that it's surprising that you cannot reach the one person in your audience that you need to understand you.

Such a strong and effective voice in this poem with a rhyme scheme that carries these thoughts perfectly through. Excellent crafting of word that were a delight to read.

Another angel army review,

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Review of Doubt  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Don't let the poet ever fade away! I can relate to this poem and how we can become disconnected from the craft of writing and find it is difficult to return and rekindle that fire. It is not unusual for life and family to get in the way. Sometimes, we have to steal away and have a little time to ourselves for reflection and to get back that connection. You don't ever want it to fade away. I'm sure you know that, as we all become conflicted at times.

This poem speaks to other writers and readers of poetry who get lost in what course to take. There are other times when we cannot get a pen in hand to scribble down our thoughts. I only hope that those moments crystallize in the mind so that they will become more intense and better to share as we are seasoned with time.

This had a very effective rhyme scheme with use of personification to help a reader connect with the poet who is trying to find answers for the questions that plague.

Congratulations on being a spotlight author In The Angel Army review form.
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Review of a confession  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
I like a good puzzle when I read a poem and this one presented some effective, emotional images to help me connect to this scene that I feel is playing out in a place like a bar, Where people meet to hook up.

The adjectives you choose help paint a picture of a woman who is anxious and uncertain about meeting men in the bar. And she has one man in particular who is watching her with his pleading eyes, just before she decides to give up the scene and hurries away.

I found it effective when you show motion through the things around you to echo what the narrator feels inside... Like the "nervous cubes." Also, feeling engulfed in that big oversized chair. The descriptions of the bar almost put the reader in her shoes.

This person obviously wants to meet a man but won't meet the eyes of the people who are looking directly at her. And uses alcohol as a device to desensitize emotion and get between her and anybody else who might be seeking attention.

What is really intriguing is the title, "the confession." To me, the confession would be that she wants to hook up with someone, but she is not brave enough to seek out another. Excellent use of imagery throughout, it resonated with this reader. Definitely an emotional piece that is worthy of reading over and over again.

Recommended reading for anyone who needs to work on their imagery and show emotion in their poetry.

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Review of Darkness Invades  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
It sounds like someone who needs to break from the downward spiral of despair. Each stanza lead me on a path with this voice to a deeper, darker state of mind, spinning out of control to the phathoms of depressions. As a reader you want to see this self-employed mental abuse stop.

The poem starts out on this metaphorical road, where verses are short. But, as the related feelings become more complex, lines are added to each stanza. It's like you show the increasing burden of this person's drama as they lament more and more. I found that an effective device to help the reader share these emotions.

You turn on phrases like lament, useless and soul to repeat the verse ending lines in the next line of the poem to further drive home these feelings. This device wasn't consistently used and needs to help as part of the structure and tone, if it is to be used at all.

I felt this poem hinted at personification and needed that more to connect us with this sad state of being. It begs to connect with someone to speak to, though it might be effective as a poem loaded with so much emotion and no release for what is bottled up inside.

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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (4.5)
I read this in the Rising To The Challenge contest page and had to track down your item and add my Amen!

Let me first say as a former editorialist you did an excellent and straight forward job that was clear and concise to this reader. You stayed on topic and provided key facts in presenting your case. This is a subject that has been around for some time and still confuses people like me.

You are also speaking to the subject of accountability that has been eroding over time. So many in Washington with too much control who fail everyday to truly represent the electorate are letting us down. Can we not imagine our forefathers turning over in their collective graves at how the legislative processes are being circumvented daily. I can't even be sure that the judicial system isn't nothing more than a puppet show. So, to remove some of the power from Capitol Hill and put it in the hands of the people might be a significant gesture to helping us on a road to restoring the faith of the people. I often worry they put us on a path to scrap the constitution because corruption will get out of hand.

And now, I'm straying off topic. But, I wonder. Does the electorate have to cast their ballot with the consensus of their constituents? It seems one or the other election process could be eliminated. And, wouldn't we save a lot of money eliminating one of these elections? Just more stuff off the top of my head.

Best of luck in the contest,
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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: ASR | (5.0)
You have here an impactful depiction of the voice of one victimized by bullying. It sounds dire because to one so young and insecure, there seems no escape. Tragically, the voice of this piece is destined to be on a daily path to mental and emotional trauma that could take a lifetime to overcome.

The most telling moment in your poem, "Why me?/Am I targeted/That easily?" Victims usually beg the villain to explain, can we talk about this, to understand. I'm reminded bullies can show no compassion, because they have been shown none in a repeating cycle of abuse. It feels hopeless and as usual the victim does not have an authority to step in, perhaps fearing they cannot be protected all the time and will provoke a more intense ire from the terrorized.

It was also reflective of the bullied that we feel friendless, just lonely. It makes it easier for bullies to weed out the herd in this way to pick on someone. Making friends and keeping in close contact with others help the isolated survive.

Such a haunting and effective voice inside of this poem. Be brave and believe in yourself throughout life. Seek friendship whenever you are haunted by the past and never feel alone.

All the best!
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Review of Looking  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
The structure and form of this poem begged to be filled with more that could tempt a reader's eye. This reads so quick, it translates as a fleeting moment. The poet is getting signals the longer time is spent looking into another's eyes. It begs for action rather than stilt phrases like 'I knew you,' 'I saw you,' 'I felt you,' 'I loved you.' The poet is stirred, turn those short lines into verses that burst at the seams so we can bust with emotion, too.

The form of this poem can deliver if filled right. The structure appeals to the eyes with the repeated phrase, which tires after each revelation that fails to deliver.

'I looked -
And I saw you
Gazing into my eyes...'

Gazing and eyes deliver something, make me think these two already know each other and are a short distance apart. Could it be more like...

I looked -
You gazed in my eyes
Before our noses briefly touched

Perhaps, this heightens the sense of anticipation, then you could say! I looked deeper/your hair brushed my face/the heat drawing me close...

The introductory I looked line could be abandoned to show progression better, otherwise you'll never get to first base. When you say she is 'stepping into my soul,' it sounds like being possessed. You want to avoid sounding unintentionally comical.

For me, the poem would be more effective feeling the building tension, if there is to be no action. Really liked the form, though.
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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
What a beautiful backdrop this snow storm plays with emotion in your poem. I felt as connected and stirred by the visions you portrayed with musical references that were propelled by White Wind.

I was especially caught by the phrase "my personal staged tundra." What do we have a work here? Such beauty and melody amid desolation. Does the voice of this poem feel dead inside or is it just a desolate, lonely place? Maybe, comforted and moved by this rare occuracne.

This poem reminds me that we poets write sometimes to have a connection, perhaps feel grounded to nature. There are so many beautiful things that can surprise us.

Apt use of personification in a tightly constructed piece. Your poem plays with the senses and is a delightful conveyance of a unique weather phenomenon.
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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
This poem reveals one that is fond of sweet, nostalgic memories of a love from the past. To me this read like someone who was looking upon two young lovers just starting out and remembering what that feels like to feel like two who feel they are one against the world. There are wistful remembrances of a love that the writer would like to reconnect with.

There is effective use in the imagery with words like mist, haze and twilight. This works in two ways, either feeling misty eyed about these feelings or the foggy recollections of the past. We are treated to the poets unique understanding of love and seeing it through the eyes of the young, an effective poetic device.

The part about the parting of the ways is bittersweet and one cannot help but feel moved by the voice of this poem.

Glaedr
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Review of Olympic Moment  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
I'm intrigued by the short story forms and how someone is able to make a story out of 55 words or less. This story struggles as it comes out of the gate to do anymore than tease me, wanting to know what happens next. I think the conflict and resolution that are needed in stories cannot function in a short form like this. But I think this story was off to a good start and can hook the reader and keep them interested long enough to want to read more. I just wonder what makes a writer want to stop and not continue on.

What would be effective in a short form like this is to have a surprise ending. I kind of wondered if when the race started if there would be some kind of failure shown with a collective moan of the crowd as she fell to the ground. This also sounded like it was written from experience, so the writer probably wanted to show that the athlete succeeds. I just think in the short form that is difficult to do.
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Review of My eyes  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
Words and all, you offer and on edited home if it's blemishes to help the reader see the process that you go through to get out what is inside of you. It doesn't effectively work as a poem, but as a fellow writer I can see and understand the process. It's unfortunate that this can't become some elegant and beautiful flow or stream of consciousness from the mind that would translate into a revered work. So you get credit for offering up something that is otherwise unworthy of publication. You could probably call it a form of expressionism.

There are opportunities within this poem to use more description to describe the situation. This is full of feeling without using metaphor or effective imagery, something that is lacking. It should be known during the process that there are poetic devices to use to help the structure, form or flow? Otherwise, this just ends up looking like a blog or journal entry.

Thank you for this insight into your own writing process.

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Review of The Wish  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
I like where you were going with the short story but I kind of felt like maybe being only 82 words long, you had room to do more with that butterfly. Maybe the winged creature would turn around and come back and possibly land on her nose or her finger to show that it loves her. It would be like almost immediately getting the message back from heaven. Plus, for a child, there is that strengthen believing that you are the master of something like nature that would also resonate within the story.

The message was sweet and simple and understood. It must be really difficult with the short form like this to set up some kind of conflict resolution.

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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
Even though this poem illuminates us about the plight of the honeybee it is an indirect metaphor for our own stupidity. As you put it, man is "messing up our domicile". In this bit of satire you speak directly to a bee that has entered your garden with a heavy-handed rhyme scheme to send home your point.

As a gardener myself I know how it feels to have that moment when you finally see a bee and you don't want to do anything to scare him away, lest your plants will not be pollinated. they could build a nest in my shed and I probably wouldn't mind because I would rather have them close to my garden then go somewhere else being so scarce these days.

Nice use of the word gray to describe the lawn. Speaking to the bee helps the reader get the message. It's understood too that the EPA is the culprit. In fact, this poem is like an apology to the bee. It's a call to awareness about how this important insect is endangered.

You have written another clever and intelligent poem that perfectly depicts a subject of social, cultural and economic importance tied to our very own survival.
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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Ever think of consulting a psychologist? Do you see dead people? Obviously, your ending intends this poem as tongue in cheek. But, to me it reads that you started a poem that you didn't know how to end but somehow apologetically, 'I'm strange.' You don't see that your voice makes sense to readers like me.

There was an opportunity with the second verse about meeting under the tree with the butterflies and lady bugs. That connection with nature and the rendezvous could be mysterious and unexplained. You could use that voice to speak to us. I feel you are, because this person is seeking a connection lost within the self because the child grew up.

I relate to having that place to go and hide and be alone with your thoughts, part of the maturation process that eventually causes you to lose that connection with that spot under the tree. Just like the end of Polar Express when everyone but the main character loses the spirit of Christmas because they can no longer here the bell ring.

You were on the right path with your voice in this poem. It's not strange, it's poetry.

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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
This was very impressive and informational. The writing was tight and followed a natural progression of the history of lighthouses to insights of how they were built and functioned. It showed you had a command of your subject.

I can't help but wonder if you planned to write more here, given the quick ending to this article. Lighthouses are a tourist favorite and very nostalgic beacons to our past with so many unique structures around this country alone to satisfy afficiando's interests.

It looks like some of your ML commands didn't take at the end of article. I would also drop the capitalization of ocean.

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Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
I had to read through this several times to make sure I have a grasp of what's going on and to reconcile the dream and action of the character, Samantha. You paint some very compelling images that gets me going back and forth between reality and this, possibly, foretelling dream.

I want to reconcile that she knows the future and that she will want to take her own life because of a military disaster. But, because it is a dream, could she be recalling events? It took me awhile to decide that she was not half-conscious lying under a plane among the casualties of war with her guilt.

Grappling with this story may mean that conflict is not firmly established for the reader. We are teased with this infatuation with Death or a person in real life who is under the guise of Death or just someone she knows will cause her to act against her better judgment. Purple eyes aren't natural, but we are envisioning this story from Sam's POV, so it is open to interpretation.

I feel it is significant that Life empowers her in this dream. When we feel that kind of immortality in a dream, we have control of things in our real life. But, because I believe you intend this to be something supernatural, we are treated to a struggle between good and evil.

The resolution hangs in the balance, though getting through the ordeal suffices here. I question why death is a teenager. Is someone that young in the military in the same quarters as a woman sleeping with a gun under her pillow? I didn't get a sense of where they were. Some kind of deployment? She is a strong woman, but get no sense of gender equality struggle.

This reads like a really dark love story, a romance with death because she struggles with something that has or hasn't yet happened. Couldn't fully appreciate story and the intent of the author. But, strongly written passages with this struggle were compelling and fascinating. I would say the moment Life took over didn't seem immediately apparent except for the feeling of warmth. To sense the contrast, perhaps some device to show a change from cold to warm or dark to light would illuminate this part of the story.


Glaedr
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Review of The Crimson Rose  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
"The Crimson Rose" was crisply written with characters that came to life inside a story that reminds me of the "Tales From The Darkside" TV series.

The story is narrated mostly through the eyes of Brad, who comes across as a bit confused and feeble-minded as he tries to cope with his wife's obsession with figurines. He watches her confusing transformation. Her outbursts and appearance change before a deal-with-the-devil type encounter seals her fate.

This genre is not particularly what I go for, but I could not stop reading to see what happens. With tales like this, we think we've seen or read every scenario that a story of this nature can take. But, Kiyasama surprises us with Mallory's downfall.

SPOILER ALERT!!!

Apparently, Mallory feels an old woman deceived her in the bargain for a particular figurine, because a shocked Brad watches her crack open and bleed out an explosion of crystals. It's ending could have been savored more, treated to an ending that transpires in one paragraph. Brad is offed in the next when her guarded collection is stolen and he's left with a mouth full of broken crystal. The figurine she bargained for wearing it's 'knowing smile upon her face' is the focal point at the end. Very effective image for this reader.

I can see how sudden and quick ends like this heighten the shock value. But, you have a unique story that is juiciest at the end. A little more suspense and dialogue, including a scene where she barters with the old woman, would help the suspense so a reader appreciate motive and keep us speculating about what will happen as the story moves along. Seeing this story mainly through Brad's eyes keeps us as confused as he. When we get to know about what is going than he, we can get more involved with the characters. We are more invested as bystanders who would like to enter the story and point them to the clues they refuse to see.

Another interesting aspect is the narrative. It is conversational with lines like, "Thousands, no millions of them soon came gushing out of her throat." I get an 'aha' moment when I see something like that. It sounds like someone making up a story. But, you could also think the narrator is the old woman. I know that might not be intended, but think of the fun you could have relating this story through her, as the only person who knows what transpires.

Don't know if I could understand Brad's demise. I get that she was duped and figurines were stolen, but he doesn't strike me as a person who needed to be offed to get at Mallory's prized collection, unless you write a scene where he accidentally walks in on the theft and another colorful scene ensues that finishes him off.

I'm also reminded in literature, people with flaws are done in by their own doing, as with Mallory. Her obsession is well documented in the open, but wondered if her personality trait that invokes her fate could be more obvious. Brad could also be flawed as a henpecked husband, though that might be a stretch.

Those are the thoughts I had for this story. And it has taken me so long to analyze and review, it doesn't look like I'll be able to squeeze in four more reviews for you tonight. It was a pleasure to consume and share my thoughts.

Glaedr
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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
Ouch! Stinging criticism for our country's commander and chief.

You came swinging right out of the gates in this effort that sends home your points with a meted rhyme scheme that punctuates your scathing criticism. If you were speaking this out loud, you could just drop your mic and walk off stage after the first four lines.

The second verse doesn't nearly match the weight of the first. The name-calling wasn't effective after getting off to such a well-worded start. The second line of that stanza seemed to force a rhyme that didn't intone the poet's opening fire. Now the last line of that frame did strike a chord and wondered if you rewrite to add the fourth line as the first somehow and feed off the strength of that remark.

The kindness and compassion line that comes next is good, but perhaps could be used as an argument for the American people who are being force fed like children these days while our leaders circumvent the constitution. Or, about taking away benefits for our most cherished, the military. I'm more of a believer that our representatives in Washington are collectively worming their way through government and leaving slimy entrails in their wake.

The Jack and Jill reference is something I would have to give some thought to and what they represent as characters from a children's rhyme. There is so much at work here that sometimes a common theme can help strengthen a message, or find a common thread with all of the literary references you use in your arsenal to attack your subject.
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Review of See What It Is  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (5.0)
Bravo Tim!

This strikes a chord with me, as I can relate to having been irked by a review. From what I can assume, the poet is peeved because the critic is right and we feel we must get ahold of our emotions and eat any negative reaction for fear we'll look silly in reply.

I felt in tune with this because I have been intimidated in the past by the wisdom of others. It reminds me I have a long, uphill climb to growth as a writer. Sometimes, it makes me feel like laying my pen down and walking away for awhile. And not a bad thing to take a break and then reread these reviews when in a calmer state of mind. After all, criticism is meant to help.

Your poem effectively reminds me of the pent up feeling inside, like the days of rejection letters from publishers. To channel my frustration back then I would write satirical responses to their form letters to share with my writer's group, which gave everyone a laugh. So there is humor as an outlet to work through these times. And you've opined in verse to get through your struggle, which is a very good outlet because you get writers like me to read and react and find that you are in the same boat as the rest of us. And, maybe that helps take away some of the sting.

I have found that I can be gentlemanly in my rebuttal to a review I disagree with. It seems we learn more in follow up emails and make friends in this community with reviewers (who are also struggling writers), and further appreciate their views and perhaps get some validation for what we do in the process.

You inspire us by shedding light on this subject in a poem. And you are the boss! Even management needs suggestions now and then.

Glaedr
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