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Review Requests: OFF
2,871 Public Reviews Given
3,544 Total Reviews Given
Review Style
Read my reviews. Look at any other review. I see the good, with an eye toward potential. Will never be/play authority of someone else’s words, leave to the master of the work. I just reflect/react/review, a fuller perspective. Responses of my reviews are affirming. Do not credit me. Pay it forward.
I'm good at...
Poetry, shorter stuff. I'm mostly blind. I react and encourage with my reviews, suggest direction to make something better. I can be a friend. Trust went out the window. I break the conventional fourth wall. Not sure what it means? Ask.
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
Least Favorite Item Types
fantasy, horror
Public Reviews
Previous ... 44 45 46 47 -48- 49 50 51 52 53 ... Next
1176
1176
Review of My Gift to You  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
This is a superb gift of words to thank the hospitality of those who accept you in their heart and home.

Great use of sensory devices and visuals to put me there in that home. The open hooked me and could imagine myself in the narrator's shoes. I was struck by the yellow light on the snow and as with quick video editing, or even dreamlike, we are flashed forward and put in front of that fire to take in the homey atmosphere that welcomes this soul that seems to have been wandering in search of a place to rest such as this. This could also serves as flashbacks of the memory to recount the warmth of these receptive hosts.

A great holiday, seasonal piece that is a pleasure to have read at a time like this. Thank you for sharing this gift with this reader.

Brian

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Review of Rainy Night  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
"Rainy Night"  could be like an allegory for the relationship between this couple. Visually, a nicely drawn picture of this scene and could get a feel for this stealing away in the night from her lover.

What made it more intriguing, and why it seemed like an allegory, was the narrator is supposedly asleep. And from the account, actually is. But there is this ability to imagine what is happening and that is why I believe he sees her slipping away from the relationship in this way.

Got a great feeling for the sensory devices in play that helped bring this piece to life.

Well done.
1178
1178
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Man's indirect connection with the wolves, as an observer of their grisly nature, is depicted quite vividly in "The Wolves of Winter" . Reads fluidly and complimented by rhyme.

Had a thought about what the wolves were stalking. The way it reads is they are stalking the lake and not animals, though I understood the intent.

One thing I spotted spelling/grammatical...

who's(whose) time is all but gone...

I enjoyed the depiction of the Grisly Bear, too.

The activeness of those last two lines stayed with me well after the poem was finished. Almost gave me the feel as the reader of being the one who envisioned this scene. I thought it was a nice touch.

Brian
1179
1179
Review of Joy To the World  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
That part about the mother and child was extremely compelling. I am moved by this relation of a dream story that could grasp me around the shoulders and give me the warmest hug.

You put me in that moment and I loved how you relate yourself to what I could assume was a snowflake adrift before being trapped in that tree. You use personification within the dream to be a sort of angelic part of nature.

I wanted to explore this on a deeper level to interpret the dream. But its beauty on the surface is enough to capture and hold this reader's attention.

If I were to take a deeper look at "Joy To the World" , the dream seems to be a reflection on the narrator, viewing themself. But because of the angelic capacity wanting to restore health and happiness to the child, it would seem to transcend the dreamer -- To be as something as wondrous as snow, grabbing that child's attention and seeming to pull the child out of that spell.

Thank You, Jaycee for this beautiful offering!

Brian KC
1180
1180
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Love is like a sunny beach. I could picture myself getting settled in, nestled in that spot you describe that depicts the way you feel for another.

In a way, the beach is a representation of the invitation that is the narrator. But in the third stanza it moves, the setting in the place where one can absorb the sun's rays like love.

I started reading that last stanza almost like an ode to the sun, but it is also comparative of the other who's warmth is like our radiant star. The last line that threw in a description of thinning hair seemed out of place. It did personal the poem for the one intended, but sort of broke up the visual imagery already being conjured up in my own mind. But that's just my personal take.

I enjoyed this connection to nature as a metaphor for love. Well done.

Brian

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1181
1181
Review of I'D Love To  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
"I'D Love To"  gave me plenty to contemplate as to the intent of the message behind the poem.

'I'd love to slowly die to lie awake with you...'

...seemed like a contradiction in terms, but I read it to mean this dying is something else, like being next to one who kills the soul, perhaps?

The next line gnaws at me more...

'Can you see your life reflect a world of shame on summers rainy days...'

There's no punctuation to put this in the form of a question. I wonder if this person is laying next to themself having inner dialogue at this point. There is the lower case reference to self, demoting one's position.

But by the end, I'm turning back to this notion of someone who wants another, like an addiction, in their life to be happy, yet slowiy die. This could be like a recovering alcoholic or drug addict.

It presents some interesting insight into the thought behind this poem. The author does not describe a subject, perhaps to be coy, or not able to directly confront.

Whether deliberate or unintentional, I think this is a very intriguing piece of writing.

Brian

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1182
1182
Review of Let me  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
This seems passionate and honest about one's need to reveal their intentions to another.

I wanted more, though. Descriptively, I can sense these types of feelings for another. But I wonder if it could be visualized more.

What I saw that was working was lines like 'Beatings of your heart, through skin and through sweater.'

That is showing me something. You add more layers to this, then peel away those layers like clothing, you could really capture the reader's attention and imagination.

What didn't work for me was the open -- needed a stronger hook.

'Let me have those eyes of yours focused on me.'

It is clearly stated by does not grab me. 'focused' could be stronger. I can imagine someone squinting, or adjusting their glasses. But where is the passion that is desired? The use of eyes is good. I would try to imagine what those eyes might seem like. An animal's, with craving, with adoration, how?

I think you have a good start with this one. Put it on the easel again and eye it up; use your imagination, before you take some more swipes at it with your brilliant brush.

All The Best,

Brian
1183
1183
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
*Snow1* I want to thank you and those who support this forum. Thanks to your efforts, Writing.Com has been a welcoming home for this wandering soul. Even before I got my upgrade via Anonymous, I was received with open arms. I was only two weeks old then, still learning my way around the site. I didn’t know who to thank for all the generous help back then. But I realize now this community has a foundation, built of forums like this one. I want you to know that your efforts are indeed appreciated and do make a difference. Thanks to all who have helped create such a great supporting cast here at WDC!

*Snow2* Thanks to your generosity, I have been inspired to pay it forward, gifting an upgrade myself, reviewing over 11-hundred times in the last five months, took part in auctions, charities, contests and forums that recognize the efforts of others. But I’m afraid I fall far short of matching the efforts of forums like this! Thank YOU!!!


*Snow3* Happy Holidays to One And All!

Brian K.C.
1184
1184
Review of Distracted  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
I loved this Gabriella!

There was so much to consume and you may have to fill me in on the design of the poem and how you mean to lay out these two parts.

But from the start you got my attention with the listing. Each of these events when read together started compiling in my brain leading me down different roads as to what their commonality was.

At first, they seemed unassociated with one another -- just sort of like metaphors to describe lonliness. With the clues I had gathered by the end, I needed to reread and put all of this in a different light.

It's like life stops. All of these moments appeared to me as snapshots. Maybe the last memories of when this husband, I assume, was still alive. That poker hand made me really think. Could he have been holding those cards when he died.

In the second part, all of these listed images seem to be suggesting this lonely woman is driven to the brink of suicide. That sudden burst of children in the room was a surprise. That I wasn't sure how to interpret.

Was she a Mom or Grandma? Assuming she's Grandma, this was like a moment that prevented her from taking her own life. Those pills and the way they scatter also pry, begging me to figure out if they signify something more.

Such a thought provoking piece. This is the kind of stuff I like to pour over and try to mentally piece together. Thanks for this!

Brian
1185
1185
Review of Crossing Over  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
I'm moved by "Crossing Over" , Gabriella. To find these words to so eloquently express the memory of your father is incredible. There are some wonderful moments in that third stanza. I could imagine how he could be reliving that sweet life with that smile.

But to meet face to face with death and watch it steal away life from a once robust man, takes great courage and strength. I can see now why you connected with my works about my Mom.

This reminded me of my own Dad, who I could never imagine dying. Even at 83, he was a force to be reckoned with before cancer and life without Mom caught up with him.

Thank you for sharing a part of your life and giving me yet another glimpse into reality, helping me put things in the proper perspective.

Brian

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1186
1186
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
"Here Again We'll Never Meet"  gave me a feeling of a connection with love and nature. And imaging how nature, along with the narrator, will miss this love. This place that will never seem the same again with only the memory.

You really conjure up some visuals that helped me get a sense of the rememberance, this moment. I know you say you did this for fun, but I wonder if it could be developed fuller to get a fuller appreciation through the senses.

The animals play a key role and would have liked a greater connection with nature through personification to lift out more of the feeling of this moment. It is so fleeting for the reader. We can only imagine how great it might have been.

Just some thoughts. I really enjoy reading works dealing with nature. You seem to have a deep connection with mother earth's creatures.

Brian
1187
1187
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Gabriella!

This is a wonderful rendition of ye olde English poetry. You captured the flavor and spun a wonderful story within the traditional style.

You aptly showed the allure of love's glorious stain, unable to let go of love's challenging game. You illuminate the feelings the passion, the cold winter's edge.

I'm no master of the romantic lit style, but would it be 'doth' rather than 'does' here?

Still there remains only one who does enthrall...

Great symbolism to reveal the inner workings of this mind enwrapped by the addictive love.

Brian
1188
1188
Review of Missing a Lover  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
The hopelessness is felt as I read this to the end, realizing there could be no answers to the questions sounded.

Poem has sound structure and good rhyme scheme and had some moments with some relatable imagery. Wooden hands did seem the proper depiction, because I get rigid and possibly lifeless from that.

It's sad that the poem has to end on a question, without resolution. It echoes that feeling by having been left this way.

Brian KC
1189
1189
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hello Again, Meg!

Philosophical, insightful stuff and a well delivered message in rhyme.

This is one of the best in your port that I've read so far (and this has unexpectedly turned into a port raid, as I'm enjoying reading your work today).

I guess this could be interpreted by the reader as a tribute to Jesus. It depends on one's beliefs, I suppose. But it's another great message to keep that focus on hope and happiness.

Well Done!

Brian
1190
1190
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
Hi Meg,

This is touching and a great rememberance of what parents can inspire in family unity. It reminds me how they are present even after they leave this world.

Thank you for sharing this, I've got goosebumps even now thinking of my own family and how we bonded, more so after the death of my Mom.

I'd like to share with you something I wrote to remember her. It helped my brothers and I grow closer after her parting.

Thanks Again!

 
STATIC
Mother's Last Assignment, a eulogy  (E)
Eulogy I wrote and read for Mom's funeral in 2000.
#1171943 by Brian K Compton
1191
1191
Review of BUTTERFLY.  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
This is a beautiful, nostalgic piece of writing that helps remind me of the importance of family treasures and tradition.

The words flowed perfectly and made for an enjoyable read and the storytelling captured this reader. I especially liked the repeated line...

Six hand spans wide and she's made of wood

Such a concrete image this heirloom that unifies and brings stability like a torch being handed down.

Brian

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1192
1192
Review of Soaring  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
This definitely does not stink and you've shown your ability to slip into someone else's skin and think from the inside out.

In that first stanza you refer to 'they,' do you mean the wings or something else? That slowed my entry into the rest of the text as I thought about that. Perhaps, it might coincide with the second stanza where you tried to show them your 'eagle's call' but they could not hear?

This reminds me of the way I felt when I reached a plateau of maturity and wanted to share it with someone, but nobody was left to give me an atta-boy. Unlike when I was a child, and the elders were there to give you those pats on the head and back.

The ending made me feel the lonliness of having finally learned the lessons of life and no teachers to give you that passing grade, or acknowledgment. Thus, left to enter a lonely journey to teach the child who will grow up the same way and will want to don their showy wings before an audience that will have also faded away.

Very nicely done. I enjoyed this.

Brian
1193
1193
Review of Forgotten  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.5)
I had a visceral connection with this piece, reminding me how difficult friendship can be. I was drawn in by the imagery and one line in particular caught my attention...

Thrown against the back wall of memory...

This feeling of being powerless and submissive to the wait in the wings of lonliness, taunted.

I think the progression, or order of events could more effectively push across the message. This is only a suggestion; and I hope you don't mind, below I reorganize with some suggested paranthetical revisions. See what you think...

Stifled.
Thrown against the back wall of memory-
A dream of what once was.
Secluded.
Trapped by the (imposed) bonds of loyalty so seemingly fragile, (yet) I will not give way to you.
Forgotten.
Tossed into the winds of change and posterity, I stand (here) before you...
Lost...
Drowned within the ebbs and flows
Of another's fickle dreams and loves.
Shouting...
(I stare at you, longing to be heard.) You look right back, but cannot even remember my name.

I know many will relate to "Forgotten" . You've have done a fine job of expressing yourself in this way.

Brian KC

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1194
1194
Review of Glass Rain  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
As I read this, I think the rain might represent tears that reveal the end of a relationship that was supposed to last an eternity.

But I'm also given the impression the rain outside coincides with the acknowledgment of love's betrayal.

The open was a great hook to grab my attention like a sudden downpour taking me from a still moment to the crashing rain. Just as sudden as the realization of the lies and the outpouring of tears.

I have never heard 'polyrhythmic' before and found it to be a nice touch that gave depth to the representation of the rain/tears.

Somewhat poignant this part of the poem...

Let the rain replace the lies I've been told.
Each droplet represents a memory of you that I hold.

These lies seem to be purged in this way, as with tears that are shed to help one get over love's unfortunate end and to move on.

Apt use of imagery and sensory devices to capture this reader.

Brian
1195
1195
Review of Yearning  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Extremely heart felt yearning in eloquent prose. So much that draws on my senses to help me feel this passioned longing as the narrator feels.

I could have read this to assume there once was a taste of this love that is now elusive. For instance, 'My icy home in the shadows of your soul' suggests to me that something had been kindled there before. As does the 'absence of your glance' suggesting those eyes once drank in the available attraction. And why would this person look everywhere else but, unless aware of the narrator.

But I know love can be a one way street and trying to find that connection can feel like rejection before anything can be established.

Your imagery illuminates and resonates in this poem. A pleasure to have read.

Brian KC
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1196
Review of When I Die  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
I read "When I Die"  as an epiphany upon a death bed about regrets and a sealed fate for the course through life taken.

This can serve as a message for those who must know they will be trapped by such thoughts when their time has come should they have failed to live life to the fullest to get the best rewards -- at least for trying.

The only detraction from this poem was the outcome. 'nothing goes like planned' didn't seem an apt ending for such an insightful piece. Too cliche, I suppose and does not punctuate this regret but seems to absolve it by saying fate was the chooser of destiny. Truly, this hinged on the wrong decisions and not being able to go back and fix them at this later hour to atone before death comes.
1197
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Review of Locks of Gold  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (5.0)
I'm captured by the way you used these symbolic moments to steal looks at something or someone as a radiant essence too beautiful to covet.

I read this to suggest a person who is secretly being watched, not closely, but just enough to imagine their perfection. I think that this someone could also be a metaphor for something so precious, an ideal, that one dares to dream. And if one were to squint just right, hopes of capturing this virtual reality could bring it alive.

But with eyes fully open, reality has allowed the jaded one to see this visage for what it is.

The words flowed and allowed me to consume these glimpses with that same tempting delight before the sudden realization sets in. You take the reader through the same progression to that end.

Well written prose that was a pleasure to read.

Brian KC
1198
1198
Review of Night Healing  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
It is sort of a profound revelation for oneself to find the night as the fallback, the security to rescue one from lonely times.

The use of personification of nature aids the romantic vision of this poem where one can connect with nature to feel completed.

The night could also act as a metaphor to hide within oneself to escape the pain revealed by the light of day.

Well done, Mario!

Brian
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Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Nancy,

I saw this featured in this week's poetry newsletter. Congratulations on the recognition.

This was clever and visionary and wondered how you came up with the idea. It fills my mind with the imagination of a child envisioning this story and suddenly thought this could be illustrated as a book.

Your rhyme flows nicely and doesn't appear forced. The story is unique and opens the mind to so many possibilities about this. It's like you've created your own folklore.

Best of luck with this.

Brian
1200
1200
Review of Mary said...  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (5.0)
Pantoum befits these words. I don't know if it was from reading this while listening to Norah Jones, or what, but I connected with this sad reflection over a glass(es) of wine. Got the sense of a person who had to make sense of it all because of how they (you) were affected by what happened to Mary.

I liked the 'white wool' metaphor, what I think you can call it. And these lines:

It won't whistle with repetition
wandering past gravity and light

Just the feeling of the mental state Mary might have been in, but also are lines that repeat and are associated with the narrator, too. Seems to take on different meaning when they move between the stanzas.

And I took 'non-local' to mean something of a detached interest, not getting to close and personal, perhaps the role you played because of the job.

Considering the form and the word prompt with the subject matter as you encountered it, this is a well executed piece of work.

Brian

DUCK!!!!

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