*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/profile/reviews/ripglaedr3/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/54
Review Requests: OFF
2,873 Public Reviews Given
3,546 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 ... 50 51 52 53 -54- 55 56 57 ... Next
1326
1326
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
You do well to deliver a message within this sonnet and I can relate.

Our society seems to pull us in two directions and shame us for either choice -- to speak out and be heard or just be one of the crowd.

We are left numb by these choices. And you aptly depict the fallout. You do this all and stay true to the form and make for an easy read.

Well done.
Brian
1327
1327
Review of I Remember  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
Very romantic tale and enjoyed the use of listing remembrances to paint a picture.

This is what a poem is supposed to do -- show people what is going on to put them in that moment with you. And then in the end to convey the emotions and feelings was a fitting finish.

Nicely done.

Brian
1328
1328
Review of War Today  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Profoundly insightful for someone of just 15. I had to check this out to see why so many people have reviewed this work and can understand now.

You reveal well the process of introspect, and of one so young. And to conclude that you are your own worst enemy is a very mature commentary.

Well done.

Brian
1329
1329
Review of Dream Traveling  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
Wow, Susan!

I really enjoyed the descriptive passages in this poem and that opening stanza really set the mood literally. You give the Moon personification just by letting it stand alone on that one line. I love the concept of blue daylight and window pane patterns fell cool... giving such air to this piece.

That second stanza could stand out even more if I could suggest two options for 'blinking' and 'dancing.' I think these words become more powerful with either removing 'ing,' or the preceding 'still' and 'now' to give more action.

You tantalized the senses further with that third stanza and put me in that room. The only thing that threw me was 'hooted' and wondered if there was another way to express the owl's presence.

Those visions before falling asleep do stir, and I think you nailed it with this one. A pleasure to read this finely crafted poem!

Brian
1330
1330
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
You build quite a few effective scenes of imagery to describe the emotions stirred up inside by another.

You take us everywhere with this one, Susan. It's like you could create five different poems in one with the varying devices used. I get called out on the carpet from time to time for trying to use so many metaphorical devices, as they claim it doesn't make for a unified poem.

I can't really fault it here, as it goes to this person getting caught up in all the excitement and the various venues it takes the spirit and mind.

I think in that first stanza you could go with reposed to give the proper tense.

Well done again,
Brian
1331
1331
Review of Grey Sins.  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 18+ | (4.5)
I thought at first I wouldn't understand the use of 'grey' in this poem and its repetition, until I consulted the dictionary.

Considering where this is taking place and the lighting, the skin can appear grey but also it denotes the mood of this depressing relationship that is nothing more than a need to be filled with something, anything.

The repetition drives home the internal thoughts of this person trying to make sense, rationalize their feelings and defend their sins and lies or promises.

You aptly convey a very dark part of relationship, but it may go even further than the reader knows because of the whispers, the mention of sin and suggetions of keeping secrets.

But we don't need to know, we can imagine or just stay in that cloud of mystery that makes for a stronger finish.

Thanks for sharing this,
Brian
1332
1332
Review of Idle hands  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Hi Pascale,

I like the feel of this poem. You have done an excellent job of put the reader in the moment with you.

"With my other hand I brush a strand of hair from my eyes
And reach for my water bottle.
Outside it is raining..."

That part puts me right there with you. Such patience and calm in that moment.

Excellent job ending the poem, too. You bring everything full circle and let the reader share in that moment with you.

Brian
1333
1333
Review of Lorilady  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (4.0)
Hello Lorilady,

Since coming to WDC a few months ago, I have come to understand more about this acrostic style. In handling a few of my own, I find it difficult to construct and still have my poem convey what I want to express.

Having said that, your poem works very well. Effortless to read, although the very end seemed a bit forced to get that 'Y' in there.

I like the way the poem opens with the awe of a child and how the poem comes full circle to show a person who lived a full life. It's like we got a mini story within your acrostic.

Very well done!
Brian
1334
1334
Review of Dreams of Evasion  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
Powerfully emotive piece that expresses well the anxiety and frustration of having the world left at your door and just wanting to stay inside and runaway from it all.

I felt this part of this poem was the line..."I evaporate in an empty home." Could get that feeling of atrophy, just shrinking away into another place, finding refuge somewhere in the mind.

One thing that I stumbled over was the fourth line 'vever'? Could only imagine this might be ever?

I could especially connect with the line, "hoping I don't have to solve all this." Get the truest feeling of a burdensome life.

I find the emotions are aptly depicted in this poem.

Brian
1335
1335
Review of Big Brother  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
I love 1984 and George Orwell and believe that the powers that be figured out a way to make it appear this prophecy never came true, but its out there.

I must say, your poem does justice to Mr. Orwell and encapsulates the novel well. However, it's ironic that I would find this poem in your port.

Even more ironic the line you use...
By Thought Police who monitor every word.

I got to hand it to you, you know how to write.

Brian
1336
1336
Review of For Jimmy  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: ASR | (3.5)
This poem finishes off wonderfully and wondered if the child should have been introduced in the onset of the poem to give the reader something to which to relate these thoughts.

Reads like a monologue and very honest and personal in nature and something I am sure many who've been through can understand.

Perhaps, need to explore a little more to relate these feelings to the specific reasons these words need to be spoken. The child and the memory is a great place to start. You could show us that child up front and the things related to the person you speak to that evoke these thoughts. Is it in the eyes, the mannerisms, other physical or relatable characteristics.

I wish you the best,
Brian
1337
1337
Review of Sky Melody  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (3.5)
Some beautiful and evocative images are contained within this raw gem of a poem.

Aside from the punctuation issues, there seemed a pretty solid message here. The theme seemed to be about appreciation of our environment and highlights its value to all living inhabitants.

Some places were a bit confusing. I'll point out to see if there can be some clarification.

Stanza four...hook seemed like a forced rhyme with no apparent relation to anything...or too ambiguous to figure out.

Last stanza...as long as my confides in you...looked like an error there and wasn't sure what it meant.

Overall, I would keep working on this one. I'm not a punctuation specialist, but it could use improvement.

Good Luck,
Brian
1338
1338
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
This is a beautiful and graceful vignette of a moment that could serve as the opening to a longer poem. I would like to see this developed further. It shows promise.

You have introduced a character and location and the time for action has arrived. I woud pursue this one. Consult your muses to see what plan of action you can lay out and attack!

I think this opening would be enough to spur any writer to move forward and discover the unlimited possibilities.

The last two lines could act as a springboard into action. "Discerned" and "untamed" are setting the reader up for much more.

Good Luck!

Brian
1339
1339
Review of The Lady Scorpion  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)
The Lady Scorpion revealed in poetic form. This is edgy and eerie, this loathsome woman who could kill without any regard for another.

And yet, you are compelled to feel for her because this is her nature and this is how she is designed to protect herself and survive.

I especially liked third stanza and that is compelling enough to comprehend the nature of Lady Scorpion and what this poem is all about.

Figured it was time to stop in and give you another review. I know we discussed your latest poem that you were troubling over but did not get back to revisiting that. Have you given any more thought to that?

Love to hear from you. Stop by to say hi or drop a line.

Brian
1340
1340
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.5)
This is some compelling stuff Nancy. I read it from beginning to end and was rapt every step of the way. The story unfolds and keeps me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next. And the ending was something I had not expected and is actually quite charming, despite the chilling demise they both had.

It's rough in it's meter but I wouldn't cut anything in this tale, as it makes for a read that could easily be mistaken for folklore.

I really don't have much to suggest, but thank for something that enjoyed reading tonight. If you should happen to revise it and find you need to share it once more, please let me know. I would love to read it again. I won't spoil it for myself, as I read it just once to preserve the memory of this fulfilling tale.

Excellent Job!!
1341
1341
Review of The Promise  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
HI Susan,

I like how this poem starts, this flitting, perhaps like a bird or even hummingbird, with rapid or sudden movement. I feel like this sound/action is like an expression of a feeling of those brief moments.

I also enjoy the story telling perspective and the voice through the third stanza. One word seemed out of place there, Shkboom? Sounds like a magic act or something like Presto. It doesn't dazzle like the rest of the story.

The description of the baby brings life and meaning to this unfolding drama. Then in the fourth stanza, the profundity kicks in and the relation to time as a speck and this is winding up for the big finish.

And stanza five, I could not grasp the summation of this poem and what to take away. From what I gather, they had a fling that resulted in the birth of a child and flew the coop and then returned to be part of the family? Then I wondered if that third stanza is actually just describing the child arriving into the family.

So, if I could assume, this is the mother and child that are destined to be together at the end? I get the impression the guy does not come back. And that the woman finds this child heaven sent, something that has provided her with purpose or true calling, to raise the child.

Going back to the third stanza is where I get lost, I guess. If you can show more clearly who you talk about in that third stanza it might be clearer to the reader what the result of this story is supposed to be.

The last stanza is plainly cliche. And while true and to the point, does not give the reader a more profound feeling of this story's conclusion.

Hope I'm understanding the poem correctly and didn't screw up and miss something. I actually did that a couple of times in the last few days. One woman did a story talking about her Son. I missed the capital S and assumed it was about her son moving out of the house. Boy, did I miss the religious message in that one.

Okay, enough about me. Hope we can talk some more about this one and you can straighten me out.

Brian
1342
1342
Review of The Demonic Door.  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
No!

Just kidding. But really, I wouldn't want to go prying into that. It's like one of those horror movies where you wonder 'what the heck are they thinking?' I'd be half way down the block already.

This is creepy, if that's what you're going for. Could make my skin crawl a little. The part about decaying flesh is the least tasteful of the depictions in this poem, if that is a good thing, I don't know.

I did see your plea for a review at the newbie board and thought I'd give it a look see.

You have an effective device with the repetition of the line and using questions to invite the reader get involved. Not much of a storyline, just words really. It's edgy and it's dark, but I would think most people would want something more to chew on than the dead flesh line.

If you are trying to draw someone into the story, describe their frailties and bring that character to light. Describe yourself a little more, to make us fear you. References to a blackened God won't score many points with most readers either, unless you specifically name a deity of some kind. That would make the poem more appealing.

Well, I'm done blathered. Hope my input was at least a little helpful.

Brian
1343
1343
Review of Spidermouth  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (4.0)

This concise and impactful poetic offering deftly applies a metaphorical device to convey the chill of a doomed relationship.

The rhyme scheme and meter are solid within the construct of this emotive piece. The middle stanza really zings and delivers well crafted words that give the feel of that sting.

The ending is especially biting and ready with its vengeance. The malevolence of this hostile woman forebodes a demise the reader can only imagine unfolding.

After looking at the poem several times, trying to figure out what some letters are read, it finally dawned on me.
This is a black widow spider, isn't it? I believe they are marked by a red back, are they not?

Very subtle piece that gave me the creeps! I loved it.

Brian
1344
1344
Review of Poetry Forms  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | N/A (Unratable.)
I am very excited, having discovered this style of poetry today. I visited this page after reviewing a poem by Emerald Enchantress.

This form is a nice platform for me, since I aspire to write a sestina one day. This short form will help me work on the construct and get the mind set for this type of poetry.

I find the style compelling through its use of repetition driving a theme, as if reflective thought that finishes with a brief summation. Gives the opportunity to create something profound and insightful and look forward to honing my skills with this one.

thank you for posting this,
Brian
1345
1345
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Oh this is clever and funny. At first, reading those lines with the speech impediment, I was thinking is this kid slamming the door to pull out tooth out and wants to show everyone. But, that thought was brief.

I feel the energy of a child like this in this poem. The celebration of one of the simplest things, learning to turn a knob that opens and shuts a door.

The repetition of the lines, and the call to action to have the elders respond if they are watching, is all so relatable. I especially like Pawpo and Damaw, very endearing.

thanks for sharing this,
Brian
1346
1346
Review of At three  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
This is a very touching, sentimental look into childhood and stirs up memories for this reader.

I am a firm believer that listing items, events, etc. is a great tool for building an effective poem and this proves it. Going through all the experiences through a child's eyes thought to be lost at three is well remembered here. Of course, we probably couldn't go into any great deal. it's like those snapshots you see in a photo album, emblazoned in your mind.

I also had a dog named Brownie, which brought back special memories.

Very nicely dond!
Brian
1347
1347
Review of Brain Lock  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.0)
Unlock the door and let me in brain! It's cold out here!

I like this interpretation of writer's block. It's the sort of thing I doodle on a page that has been laid bare for too long.

This poem is kind of catchy with lines three and four...the 'creativity' and 'mediocrity' seem to be the lynch-pin for this entire piece.

Nicely Done!
1348
1348
Review of Fly Fishing  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | (4.5)
Sort of a prelude to the dream of catching that big one.

This poem is well crafted and gives great detail and insight into what goes into preparing for a fishing trip. This makes for a nice read, not forced, just the way a fisherman should.

You reeled me in with the pace of your lines and that first stanza was a great hook with the reference to 'pretend insects appear ready to fly.'

This poem progresses in the natural order from the night before to the visit to the water. Your poem has a nice careful spoken feel to it. Very fitting for the character of this poem.

Now I must cast off!
Brian
1349
1349
Review of Abyss  
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: 13+ | (3.5)
Very conversational tone with this poem making the narration enjoyable. The abyss is dark and mysterious, almost as elusive as the meaning to this poem.

I did find this to be comical and hope that was the intention. I saw the irony in thinking you're dead but you're not. I could imagine this person suggests that you cannot run away from your problems because they will always be with you, kind of like hell on earth or purgatory.

Yes darkly funny poem is my assumption here.
1350
1350
Review by Brian K Compton
Rated: E | N/A (Review only item.)
I'm really drawn to this one, Susan. I just can't put my finger on it yet. You have some excellent descriptive scenes here.

That first stanza and the first two lines really did hook me. And I got the contrast between the lines, which worked well. Winter vs. Summer. Morning vs. Night.

I'm not attuned to Native American culture, but there is such beauty and pride in this poem that I'm sure any reader can appreciate its value.

Nicely done, once again,
Brian
1,425 Reviews · *Magnify*
Page of 57 · 25 per page   < >
Printed from https://writing.com/main/profile/reviews/ripglaedr3/sort_by/r.review_creation_time DESC/page/54