Comments & Compliments

Faulted her, for wandering the streets alone?

(Even in broad daylight!)

Above everything else in your story THIS says so much. I only point that out because everything else says a lot. Well done.

I really enjoyed this piece, well written, thought provoking, and deep layered. It surprises (and horrifies) me that even today people often wonder what the victim did to “deserve it.”

What a horrible event and such a callous view from tourists. So many people see it from such a small point of view.

“Mostly Mexicans,” and

“Afterwards, a dozen ships’ hulls shaded the whispering beach.

As if haphazardly parked, by some drunken valet.”

really pack an extra punch. Very powerful!

What a lovely story Andrea. So visually appealing and emotionally poignant.

Intriguing start then the story unfolds really well. I want her to be safe for obvious reasons but also because I can imagine the homecoming and I hope you write it!

Wow, I love this piece. It seriously gave me goosebumps. Read it three times! The simplicity of the language belies the power in each line. I could see and hear and feel it all.

 I’ve had the exact same thought as you with all of the furor over children “falling behind” if they’re not in school being a false premise. In many instances, children learn in spite of school, not because of it.

 Wonderful language to paint a picture of a disturbed mind. Well told. Disturbing.

 Beautifully written and left a real shudder – which I think was your intention!

 Very well-written story, Andrea. I love this line: “To watch humanity steam and froth, warmed by the neon’s indulgent glow.”

Yikes – nice job with this respectful Veteran’s piece. Made me sad – and grateful for what our servicemen have done and still do.

Andrea, I love this poem. It scratches for attention despite the poet in me trying to look away from its truths.

The rose photo is superb

I haven’t seen a pair of pinking shears (as we call them) in years. Good story, enjoyed it.

Not sure I understand the numerology bit but I too envisaged a male, overly obsessed and paranoid monkish figure who took to numbers because of his failure to interact with others. Funny how a few words portray a character

“Definitely not fruit punch!”

Nice!

“King of the Masquerade” is a great line! This poem makes me think of the song “Hotel California.”

We humans are pretty good at sword fighting and not so good at dealing with invisible threats. Great poem!

That last line is achingly beautiful, Andrea. It’s sad to envisage her plight, but hey who are we to comment?

I loved your photo of “Butterfly pea plant blooming blue…”

I very much like the fact that non-human nature has gotten a little break during our COVID-related slow-downs — although I am also aware that millions of families cannot pay their rent/mortgage/food bills.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

How whisky can create perspective for things we dislike. Nicely done

Your lovely poem is a beautiful tribute to your parent’s love for each other. Very nicely done! I’m sure they are together, enjoying year 61.

I do like this reflection on homeschooling an autistic child, it so chimes in with our own philosophy and experience.

I thought it was cool the way you added the art deco theme. That added a whole new dimension to the poem!

Boom! Direct hit!!!

I really enjoyed your two characters. So different, yet drawn to the same field. And who knows? Maybe, somewhere, a Pascal will arise to cap the pump 🙂

Ah, the student beats the master! Great Story!

A foretelling, farsighted well- constructed piece of poetry. A good rhythmic feel.

Brilliant – even better read out loud!

For some reason, I’m seeing this poem in the Childcraft book of poems for children, illustrated with a big, fat orange-faced bully in various postures of temper-tantruming.

I love this. So sweet and passionate and illicit. And that description of frozen snow – just perfect. Well done indeed, Andrea

setting sun weaves threads through the turquoise sky…nice line. Lovely story

I don’t think she needs to choke back the smile. We will see the rainbow again, and we’ll smile.

This was a joy to read. I loved the lines, Dune sunflowers smiled on either side and Waves occasionally lapping her toes, like a friendly puppy. Makes you want to get away and be somewhere peaceful too.

This is one of the best statements/laments on climate change I’ve read. Stunning.

I loved the water giggling through gentrified neighborhoods. Beautifully written and evocative piece.

I loved the name Filcher’s Row. The appearance by the heretofor “silent” partner made this a great cliff hanger.

I absolutely love these two lines: ‘white candles on a layer cake’ and ‘the last man to ever upstage her.’ I am SO CURIOUS – how does he upstage her?! Why?! Does he mean to?! Please continue this story!

I would LOVE to know what happens next so when you do, please send it my way!

Ouch, what a punch in that final line. You set us up with nostalgic memories and then reveal the darkness beneath them. Nicely done

Oh goodness this so scary. Hope your husband heals as quickly as possible and that the rest of your family remains healthy.

Very tenderly told. You sound like a very loving and devoted mother, and your children are blessed to have you.

He sounds creepy to me – don’t go with him Magda !

A homely romantic tale. Good to know that romance is not dead.

I think indeed the last stage of cars is getting close… the hood ornament is a great metaphor of the first decline.

Loved the rhythm of this, and the inherent truth.

There are always those who feel they are indestructible. Nothing like a roof ripping off to show them what’s what!!

Loved this.

Such a tragedy indeed, Andrea; I can’t imagine who was not moved by the sight of that beautiful and historic place burning. I loved it there, and can’t even fathom it. Your story really captures the emotional impact.

That’s a pretty ominous last line! I hope she’s not planning on walking home alone…

Really excellent. We all have to examine our response to recent events. I hope she will open up her view of the world and find a way to make a contribution. We are all learning we can do that without necessarily having to take to the streets.

The rhythm here really adds to the anxiety level, well done! It reminded me of Poe’s the Raven, It doesn’t hurt that I’m not so great about highway driving as it is, and I absolutely hate winding twisting roads and cliffs. SHIVER!

Love this. She is such a character. Wily. What a driver!! Haha

Extremely violent symbolism – an interesting take.

Great poem. I love how you captured the elements and her relationship with them and that arrival of a sibling at the end – welcome or not? Well done. Andrea

Great last line delivered perfectly suddenly.

I never knew about Josephine’s ancestry, or her connection with roses. I once learned from an opera program booklet that in several languages (including English, of course) ‘rose’ is an anagram of ‘eros’.

There’s some delightful writing in this. “The falling mercury, snow’s harbinger,” Good grief, when was the last time I read the word harbinger? Lovely choice of words, exquisite. And “The pompous, popish napkins folded their arms in disapproval. Or disbelief.” Some discreet alliteration, and such an original and vivid description.

And, of course, your last line. But you already know that’s a cracker. “Sparkling opacity” – wow!

I’m so impressed you can remember what you were doing 15 years ago. I’m lucky if I remember what I had for lunch! Thanks for the list of Word Camps — I didn’t know such existed. Ditto for the Wapuu page. You write really well and no typos — hooray!!!

I didn’t think the lights on the water was a Christmas tradition; now I do. Nicely done.

I could hear the noise in my skull! Well done.

Oh no, no tequila ?!

“All your questions shall be answered, then,

Though your knuckles rap no more.”

Love the macabre humor.

What a challenge you’ve had. And how lucky your boys are to have someone as strong, sensible and resilient as you.

That is such an inspiring intro.

Beautiful word smithy!