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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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1001
1001
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army  
Rated: E | (3.5)
This poem has potential because of its form and use of the repeated title line. However, it lacks in other poetic devices to help the reader connect with what the poet conveys about this nostalgic reverie for a lost love.

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

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

Glaedr
1002
1002
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
This poem is satirical in nature and mocks people who only give the bare minimum or who overlook what the season is about? It's not unusual for us to all get wrapped up in our own lives and forget others. The grand gesture of helping the needy and feeling charitable is noble, yet the poem intones the message maybe we could be doing more.

The guy who drives his Cadillac to the store and buy toys for the needy could be despised for being rich and for showing wealth. He is not above our scrutiny in this poem. This poem also takes a stab at people who leave their parents in the nursing home and don't visit them even at the holidays.

When the poet is done poking fun at us for being so self-involved he asks why don't we open our hearts and returns to lampoon himself because he bought toys for the needy in his big, American car. And maybe, this poem is written as a reminder to himself. This poem reveals that we are becoming desensitized to large social issues and lack the necessary compassion, even during the most important times. Or, maybe he's poking fun at sentimental saps for being soft in the head with a bit of sarcasm.

Anyway, The poem doesn't stumble and rhymes well. Message received here.

Glaedr
1003
1003
Review of I'll Get a Candle  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
This poem intrigues me, as I'm trying to understand what the candle or the flame represents. The sacred man I assume is the religious character. I don't want to assume too much about this walk but it could be used as a euphemism.

In the end the knowledge that the voice of the poem seeks seems to be nothing more than don't stub your toe. I had to look very closely at the lines ...

"out of the flames,
I began to learn.
That wanting to understand,
makes the candle burn."

So, basically a simple analogy for life. That quest for knowledge.

The poem, however, confuses me as to this walk with the reverential one. Like, they're drinking alcohol, right? It made me think of a Catholic priest, because I think they are the typically the ones we assume indulge in wine. And yet, all he can tell her is grab a candle or you'll stub your toe on the way. On the way where? On the way through life?

Just felt the poem could have offered more in the way of the author's enlightenment. The opening felt like the poet was naïve and yet conflicted about their own personal feelings. I just never felt what it was that they overcame in order to grasp at this knowledge that never fully comes to light.

The poem uses of rhyme scheme that from the opening stanza felt forced but still functional throughout and helped the flow of the read. I'm left me scratching my head but still interested enough to want to learn more.
1004
1004
Review of Reach  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
This is a poem that can be quite touching. The author is reaching out to someone trying to find a connection. The poem is raw and needs some work but it has potential.

The first line "Out stretches my arm" was awkward and it probably should read 'My arm out stretches' or 'My arm reaches out,' which is metaphorical because he is trying to connect with another.

The palm is also lacking punctuation which could help in some lines where interrogatories are issued. I also felt there should've been a break between stanzas as this reads as one long stanza. The Poem transitions from reaching out and finding no one and feeling cold alone to finally finding that connection.

The poet finds more than a warm hand to hold but a kindred, loving soul to connect with in the end. This could work as a romantic poem but needs a lot of work. There is little imagery or other devices to help the reader envision fully what the poet intends for us to consume.

Glaedr
1005
1005
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
What a pleasure I teas to read "In the Fields of Clover"  [E], a traditional rhyming poem that reminds of the night time tales my mother could spin at my bedside.

The depiction of the leprechaun is seamlessly woven into a tale that takes us along with these children to do the elf's bidding in the fields before they return to class. Don't know if it is a part of lore that they would trick us into helping them find gold treasure in this way, but it is clever.

Liked the use do bumptious. Truly a poem worthy of an illustrated children's book.

Glaedr
1006
1006
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
So, the idea is this was written awhile ago before your life changed to what it is now, as I can assume you don't feel this way now. You could even remove the present tense and put some distance between then and now, because the poem begins with "time and time," which might not be the most effective words to show elapsed time.

This person is in some kind of purgatory, and I find myself focusing on "this hazy, smoky place," which is redundant. But it seems to be emphasizing the conditions one is left in. Unfortunately, that's all there is for imagery and very few other poetic devices to help a reader relate to these restrictive emotions. But then again, being able to write out of these situations helps me feels that emotional confinement.

Hopefully, a cup of Joe remedies what the soul's been needing.

Glaedr
1007
1007
Review of Sand In My Pocket  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Circumpolar Black Light Reviewer  
Rated: E | (3.0)
Sand in my pocket is an excellent prompt for story or poem and I felt with more work this poem could provide the reader's senses with much more than was delivered.

The simple, tight lines are effective but beg me to slow and savor. The morsels I'm feed were more like imitation. "One with it" "I loved once" "I loved in vain" are not strong in this abbreviated context. What found unusual was "making me it's bride" which was difficult to visualize or conceptualizer but evoked the humorous when thinking of King Kong's affection for Fey Wray or Jessica Lange.

The ocean is full of wonder and excitement but this poem comes short on delivering any more than the title line.

Glaedr
1008
1008
Review of The Fall of Hope  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
There are some excellent uses of imagery in "The Fall of Hope" to heighten the senses in connecting with nature. This poem begins with childlike innocence and resorts to the dreary experience that winter is near.

I found the tone's opening exuberance akin to romantic poetry like Keats or Browning. And I was caught by the line "Leaves fall with urgency like grace," (the last three words would read better if hyphenated). In a few words this captures the opening spirit of the poem and the natural splendor that surrounds.

I was also struck by "to be caked in white," which is not as disturbing imagery as could be used to depict the brutality of winter, but rather how something white could make a mess of something the poet has become so enamored with. Great use of irony, too.

I would add that the poet shows how one could be in the moment, "I don't know why I feel such chill." It's obvious that falling leaves remind us of childhood and the freedom of responsibility. The exclamations and begging the reader to experience such joy help us momentarily escape reality before realization inevitably steps in. Yes, this too must end.

But on a happier note, it is about renewal and nature can do something we cannot...reanimation after being frozen.

Glaedr
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1009
1009
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
I was fascinated with this poem when I first stumbled across it a few days ago and wanted to revisit with a review today. Science in poetry gets me to salivate because there are some many illuminating theories and stimulating images to entice a reader and you hit some homeruns within these stanzas.

Before I go to a few of my favorites I must say you tie it all in and go from bishops to astronauts in a blink of an eye. Though the rhyme was not perfect throughout and you seemed to struggle a little between the third and fourth stanzas and wasn't sure how Galileo has been debunked over time.

What wowed me was when you started rolling with...

"For we have always been 100% sure,
in the myths which we have rest assured.
From the gods to God to the godless theory,
we’ve argued their veracity, with a certain fury."

The poem hits its stride and setting us up for...

"Them bees, they know their q's and p's.
And they know them without religious beliefs.
They just follow their hearts and always do--
well, they do what the hive wants them to."

Again, not perfect rhyming but what you say really strikes a cord. There is something ironic in how something simple can cut through all the complex crap and get to the heart of it.

You got a lot into this piece and roughly made some astounding statement. Maybe there's some polish that can make this piece shine even more. Good luck!

It also made me think of Bee Movie.
1010
1010
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
I appreciate the background and biography that went with this poem so I can have a better understanding of what the poet has been through. You seldom get to know a writer before you pry to read their words and it helps.

The poem builds and builds with all of these questions, ponderings. It is so ponderous that it may be overwhelming to some. Could actually reduce the number of question marks because unfinished thoughts that continue on the next line are already flagged with doubt.

Might want to tackle fewer questions in form and find a way to savor the more interesting thoughts with needed introspect. We want to go on that journey of the mind, but if it grows long and wearisome readers might check out before the final destination.

It's understandable that one might still be plagued by the same thoughts many years later. That speaks volumes unto itself and perhaps could also be addressed within the poem.

Thank you for sharing and giving insight into your work.

Glaedr
1011
1011
Review of The Eulogy  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Death is very strongly felt in this compelling and succinct poem full of imagery to put you in the shoes of the cemetery caretaker. Right from the opening line, "The dead don't feel cold," I was hooked.

I'm given a chance to get inside the mind of a person who can experience death on a daily basis and it seems somewhat daunting and inevitable with this mortal existence. I perceived a bit of personification at work. Giving marble life.

"What blanket is a soul?" is the most provocative statement in this whole piece. It questions the validity of life. Or at least suggests that a soul cannot prevent us from dying. It is ponderous and well stated.

Relating death to cold, the chill he must get from feeling these experiences almost gives me a chill. I really appreciate the introspect I'm provided with this piece.

Glaedr
1012
1012
Review of A Shadow of Guilt  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
Great description, storytelling and suspense. You had me full of anticipation until the end. I was expecting some ironic moment that didn't come. The whole time, I felt that the reader was supposed to think of something supernatural and be discover something more earthly.

I loved the read and the passages are so descriptive that it put me in that story and kept me riveted to the end. We discover the flawed character and learn about his destiny with death. I enjoyed consuming this piece of writing.

Brian
1013
1013
Review of Master  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Rising Stars of WdC  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi April,

I read your poem and was impressed with some of the word choices like 'virgin heart' that helped this reader connect with the voice of this poem. Many broken heart poems tread over the same trite phrases, but yours attempts to rise above it while keeping a perfect rhyme. Especially liked 'lips' and 'eclipse'.

I thought the wording got awkward with phases like 'innocent was i' and the final line...'you touch never the same.' It sounds more like the classic romantic poetry and doesn't mesh with the tone you set.

I liked the directness and could feel the sadness. But 'eyes leaked tears' gives me visuals of faucets rather than illuminating or resonating with the feelings of heartbreak. Describing the tears as salty could be spiced up with expressions like bitter or acid, words that echo the poet's feelings.

I use a thesaurus to help me reach for better analogies/metaphors in moments where I want more vibrant feelings to grab the heart of a reader.

Hopes this helps and keep on writing!

Brian
1014
1014
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
’m intrigued by ths poem. It’s raw with some powerful images.

I imagine people gathering to play chess and all the posturing going on. I’m put in that room and can imagine the expression, especially of those who are defeated.

I’m troubled a little by the way the words are crafted, as if the poet is employing a strategy literally defeat the reader. I took issue with the phrase ‘their argue’s sense’. If using ‘argument’ is too clumbsy, perhaps employ another word or expression to help here.

Even the title seems a little wordy with reverberatings. Could another word like echos be used? Or here, you could shorten the word to ‘reverbs’, perhaps, ‘crystal reverbs’. I don’t mean to retitle the poem, but just want to point out the advantages of different word choices.

Overall, I’m impressed with how well the words paint a picture of a scene with emotions to help connect a reader.

Brian

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1015
1015
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Rising Stars of WdC  
Rated: E | (4.5)
You have some powerful metaphors at work in this poem that really gave this reader a feeling of hopelessness.

What I read into this poem from a psychological standpoint is what every parent feels when they see themselves in their offspring. A parent can be so horribly and viscerally affected by the hardships we must watch them endure.

"If I can bring back just a fraction of that sun-drenched smile" speaks to how parents they must be omnipotent over their children's woes. We want the best for them and would do anything to help them, help ourselves from these feelings we experience watching what they go through.

The image of a light bulb was stark and s very effective metaphor. The second stanza goes on a bit much, like a parent would, so perhaps apropo. Too fanciful or stale for me when it gets to 'gossamer' wings, almost polar opposite of the first stanza's imagery. And a case could be made for contrast between the stanzas and the two personalities (happy and sad).

I think 'o daughter of my youth' was the most telling. It reflects the narrator's own feelings, perhaps more emotionally invested/connected to this hardship than the daughter.

This poem is insightful and honestly reflects a parent's weakness, something that we secretly confide to others but not our children. For them, we just want to protect, put those rainbows back in the sky.

I owed you a review after receiving your visit to one of my works. Thanks again.

Brian

*Reading*Review submitted by a Proud Sunshine Reviewer for "Invalid Item" !!*Reading*
1016
1016
Review of Stanley Dooper  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Rising Stars of WdC  
Rated: E | (4.0)
Hi Tim

I found this on the request a review page and wanted to see if I could lend some comment.

I read through this several times. The narrative is odd. As comical as is, it seems third person, as if Stanley is outside of himself looking in and maybe trying to make light of the difficulties: job and family.

The poem tells us what Stanley wrestles with and doesn't give much imagery to get a feel for this character or drop any clues as to what this 'strife' specifically is. You've got a rhyme scheme at work here that doesn't play into the Super Dooper, so that kind of stuck out for me.

There is some value to this piece; because as someone who is a provider, I can feel for this guy. Selling insurance policies to provide for what might be termed an ungrateful family can get one to commiserate. But the narrative leads me astray to think this is him being sarcastic in some way. I can't get away from the third person type feel to this. And I'm likely reading too much into it.

If there were a way to show what's causing the stress in this marriage, you might have something more effective to drive the theme of this poem.

Best of luck,

Brian

"Old Log"  [E]
1017
1017
Review of Not so Sweet  
Review by Brian K Compton
In affiliation with Rising Stars of WdC  
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
As I read this, it seemed obvious that the sweets were intended for Delcine with the contrasting depictions of their personalities and descriptions. And each time she urged her to confront this guy, it become increasingly obvious the affection was not for a member of the opposite sex.

You didn't give away too much too soon, which compelled me to read on and learn how this would play out. It appears the writer put the pressure on Mae with each passing moment and the prodding from Delcine to out herself. What's believable is the way this played out, where friendship was the bittersweet ending to keeping this pair together.

There are some unanswered questions about Delcine, which make me think there could be more to this story.

Thanks for sharing this.

Brian
1018
1018
Review of 100 Times  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
Okay, I started to see something with this poem and wondered if you've ever considered what you started and where you could take this poem.

I can relate to the monatonous (sp.?) journey here on a Greyhound bus, forcing one to reflect on life. And it begins with the use of numbers in the first two stanzas. And this could work with a song, as well. You start with 20 hours and you have 100 times my life is over, which could be an effective hook or chorus for song.

You could assign numbers to other meaningless, tedious or frustrating aspects of life. Number of times rejected by another, a job or opportunity. Or simpler things, like the number of junk emails to erase on a computer. The number of times you've received envelopes in the mail telling you've won something, when you get nothing.

Trying to think of some other numbers and associations that this person could be having on the bus to pass the time similar to the 99 bottles of beer on the wall song. You could do it numerically for cohesiveness starting from one and moving up, or starting at five or ten and moving down. Sort of a 12 days of Christmas song, but more unique. Perhaps, the more random the numbers the more one could relate.

Now, you could be eyeballing street addresses outside of significant buildings, noting the Highway Route number, signs with numbers denoting something significant that the poet dotes about.

The theme here is loneliness and perhaps there are specific numbers that have been themed with this malaise...a movie, a song, a book.

Just some thoughts about this. I saw this little ditty at the bottom of your folder and went for it. I like to scrounge around for the stuff that gets left behind, neglected or put aside like this. It's probably a work you haven't thought about lately, or given little thought to because you thought it might go no where.
I could give you more input if you should decide to further this one along. It's a keeper in my eyes and inspires me as a writer to challenge myself to think of ways to use numbers in writing to compel someone to have feelings about how we are all connected in some way like this.

We're all lonely in one way or another. We all assign things like numbers, certain representations to our feelings, to help us rationalize what we struggle with, even if just a shrug of the shoulders.

Keep up the good works,

Brian
1019
1019
Review of My One and Only  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
Dear Brandi,

This is touching and can only imagine the tears it would bring to the eyes of the families who got to hear the words to this song come to life at their wedding.

It's simple and direct and has that working-class quality, the type of stuff that makes you root for a couple like this to succeed. It's all there from their values and their star-crossed fate to be together forever. This poem, the song, is like the bond that seals their destinies as one together.

This reads so clear and so fluid, the lyrics apt to be set to music. By adapting the words of others like this, and make it satisfactory to third party readers like myself tells me this was a complete and udder success on every level. Way to knock it out of the park with this one.

Brian
1020
1020
Review of All These Things  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
I like it. Everyone should find definition in self like this. I did have to block out thoughts like "I am woman" by Helen Reddy or Popeye's "I am what I am," while I read. Not that this would be a distraction for others. But I like the message through the imagery about self, and I don't think that message gets lost in the "I am" driver that moves this poem.

Not a perfect rhyme but it does not slow the flow or the feel of the poem, as I read. I liked the second stanza best, it is the best themed with things related to seasons. Myself, I would focus on one theme like that to make an entire poem. It hones the vision of the piece. This poem is supposed to be all-encompassing, so I understand the need to show how versatile one is through various forms of imagery.

Thanks for sharing this with me and trusting me to comment. *Heart*

Brian
1021
1021
Review of My mind belongs  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
When I read this, all I can imagine is abortion followed by suicide. Not sure about the use of some of the words like 'desire', but when I move away from my initial thoughts about a man undressing before this woman, I realize this sense of 'unravel' might have a more sickening connotation.

Not a pretty poem to read and very dark. I can't find fault with the voice, as it seems true. I didn't understand 'the label fits the bill so tight'. Don't know what's being labeled. But the ending line makes me think, as this foetus is dead, then the woman shall die too.

This poem could really make a statement with better imagery. It's restrained but definitely not an E-rated piece, as it is currently labeled.

Brian KC
1022
1022
Review of Easier To Cry  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
There is a lyrical quality and some redeeming value in "Easier To Cry"  [E] that could really shine with some editing and more attention to detail.

I'm reminded of melancholy and how personal it is to the poet, how it could be shared and how one yearns for others to understand what it is inside of you. It's like the inspiration to write, knowing that a few penned words might reach another, to commiserate about feeling something in the 'very core of your soul.'

Some editing could help this piece, like adding a question mark at the end of line two and removing the '?' at the end of line three, so as not to interrupt the thought that flows into line four.

Per the second stanza, the first question poses a thought for me that is contrary to what the poet opines here. I would think that people would wish for rain in hopes that someone else might see your pain. Being unable to emote what is within, you hope for something from without to portray this, to cull the desired empathy to heal this soul.

The stanza does go on to talk about hiding, running away from these feelings. I think it is more encouraging and introspective to think about sharing this part of oneself. I think this poem could go further to explore what it is that either causes this one to hide true emotion in the rain, or offer up themselves in the midst of the storm so others can envision the flawed beauty of these moments.

Questions do stir the mind and something is brewing here. Yet, it is incomplete until the poet explores further, invoke more storm-like imagery to bring this one home.

Keep on Writing,

Brian
1023
1023
Review of My Mother's Hands  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Thank you for your entry in "The Red Wheelbarrow Activity Forum"  [13+]

Some imagery with hands that makes a reader appreciate how a mother gives and what it takes away from her life. There is a certain innocence to the voice of this piece. I wanted a more direct relation to how those hands were affected by the described events in her journey through life.

I think some more direct connection with those hands to some of the storyline would be most effective. This does show empathy and insight into the plight of women. I can really appreciate the writer's intent with this poem.

Thanks again for submitting,
Brian
1024
1024
Review of Mothers Day  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Thank you for entering your poem in "The Red Wheelbarrow Activity Forum"  [13+] and sharing with the rest of us.

This ode to Mom flows so well. I enjoyed reading such a fluid poetic work. I could imagine this is something many who read could relate with. I know if my Mom had read this, she would have enjoyed.

Just the right sentiment and a joy to read,

Brian
1025
1025
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
I have been a part of a mentor a newbie program in the past. It really helps get the fullest appreciation and experience of this site to have a guide of sorts.

I assume this is open to members outside the Angel Army network. Would it be alright if I link this on my page and encourage others to apply as either a newbie or mentor?

I'm considering lending my support in the future and will keep watching the forum for some like minded writers who might want a consult such as I.

Thanks for creating this and pointing it out to me.

Brian

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