Reviews from

The Wandering Queen

The Wandering Queen

22 total reviews 
Comment from nancyjam
Excellent
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Well she sounds fun! Great rhyme throughout as you follow this lady around. I enjoyed the humor and her escapades.
Good luck in the contest.
Nancy

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2025

Comment from jacquelyn popp
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I enjoyed reading this piece; it's a delightful whirlwind of adventure, spontaneity, and unrestrained joy. The poem captures the essence of a free spirit-a woman untethered by routine, dancing her way through the world with charm, wit, and a touch of mischief. The rhythm of the words is infectious, mimicking the lively pace of her journey, and the vivid imagery makes every scene feel like a postcard from a life well-lived. Well done!

The poem opens with a strong sense of momentum: "She packs her bag, she's on her way, / No plans to stop, no place to stay." Right from the start, the reader is swept into the traveler's carefree world, where destinations are unknown, and the only certainty is movement. The mention of a map and strong coffee paints her as a dreamer with just enough practicality to keep going-she may not know where she's heading, but she's ready for the ride.

Her journey unfolds like a series of charming vignettes. We see her dancing wild in Paris, disregarding social norms with a grin. She's not a passive observer but an active participant, engaging with the world in a way that is both rebellious and deeply joyous. Her interactions with locals-whether through twirls or flirtatious exchanges-add a playful, almost cinematic quality to the poem, making her feel like the heroine of a classic adventure film.

And then, of course, there's her culinary escapade-"She tries new foods with fearless grace, / Mistakes hot spice for mild embrace." The humor here is effortless, painting a vivid picture of an enthusiastic eater whose bravery sometimes outpaces her palate. The exclamation-"Mon dieu!"-is such a fun touch, grounding the scene in authenticity and making the reader feel like they're right there at the table, laughing along with her.

Her interaction with the Roman stranger is one of my favorite moments: "Lost in Rome, she asks for clues, / But flirts instead (well, what's to lose?)." This line is both cheeky and charming, perfectly encapsulating her devil-may-care attitude. She approaches the world with openness, curiosity, and just the right amount of mischief, making it impossible not to root for her.

And then there's the chaotic but endearing moment at customs: "At customs gates, her bags explode, / Too many trinkets overload." I love how this line conveys both the traveler's love for collecting memories and her tendency to embrace the unexpected. The revelation of a llama hat and loose currency in her purse is hilarious and perfectly fitting for someone who doesn't just visit places but absorbs them, taking pieces of each culture with her in the most literal (and disorganized) way.

The poem closes with a sentiment that lingers beautifully: "For home's not walls or city lights, / It's where she laughs on sleepless nights." This is the heart of the piece-the realization that home isn't a fixed place but a feeling, a collection of moments strung together like souvenirs. The traveler's spirit isn't tied to any one location; it thrives in the laughter, the mishaps, and the unexpected joys of the road.

This poem is an absolute delight-a perfect blend of humor, adventure, and heart. The playful rhythm and clever rhymes make it a joy to read aloud, while the vivid storytelling brings the traveler's escapades to life. It celebrates the thrill of the unknown, the beauty of human connection, and the sheer fun of embracing life without hesitation. Well done indeed!

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2025

Comment from Harry Craft
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Great poem about being a free adventurer. I truly enjoyed reading this poem because it reminded me of me. I have always loved to travel and this poem says just that! Great photo too! Keep up the great work!

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2025

Comment from pome lover
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well, I must say that is some woman. I'm trying to get the connection to your picture, but I'm lost.
Your poem has great tempo and rhyme and it certainly peaked my interest... but left this reader with many questions. She sounds, however, like a woman without a compass.
Katharine

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2025

Comment from mermaids
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This is a fun poem. There is a feel of freedom in your words. I like how this woman is secure being anywhere. You have a smooth rhyming of lines and words that adds to the vivid scenes you create. I feel like I was traveling with this lady.

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2025

Comment from Ric Myworld
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Twirling her umbrella, smoking her cigar, there was a resemblance between Bourrée and Gavotte, though it was visibly quicker. "The wandering Queen. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 22-Feb-2025


reply by the author on 24-Feb-2025
    I might be that Queen minus the cigar:)
Comment from DeboraDyess
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You had me worried for a moment there when her purse exploded! HA! What a great poem. I love your gal and her adventurous spirit. WELL DONE!
Best in the contest, Iza,
Deb

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2025


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
    Thank you so much Deb:
Comment from estory
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I thought this was wonderful. Here the rhyme scheme and regular meter of this rhymed quatrain format lends itself to and fleshes out the tone here of upbeat energy. I really enjoyed this frolic across the wonderful cities the world, with all the wonderful characters in them. Life is an open book, an unfolded map, and it is up to us to make the most of it. estory

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2025


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
    Thank you so much for your amazing review and so sorry for the delay
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Women need to be free to be themselves and this sounds as if this lady is. Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I enjoyed reading. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2025


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
    Sometimes I do feel like this lady, as travelling is my mantra
Comment from Begin Again
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Iza, this is wonderful and so lighthearted. what a joy to read. Do I recognize a touch of your spirit wrapped within the words of the poem?
Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2025


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2025
    Yup that's me:)