Comment from thonnigford09

Exceptional

Dean, I really liked this. One of these days I'm going to find enough fault in your work to give you a lesser star. Can't today though. Anyway, I liked this work of yours, because it was more like a story, which I love. Instead of a commentary?? This has definitely replaced my favorite of yours. Thanks and I would recommend this!!!!! Theresa.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Thank you very much for taking the time required to read and review this piece, Theresa, and for the generous six stars as well.
I am very pleased that you enjoyed the read, and I enjoyed your enthusiastic response.
Thanks so much again!
With gratitude,

reply by thonnigford09 on 09-Oct-2016

Thanks Dean!!! Theresa

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

When one chooses to go against the tide, he takes his life in his hands. Fanstory's master of horror strikes again. This is very well written with a spooky read.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Thank you for reading, Charlie. As always, it is appreciated.
~Dean

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Exceptional

Hello, Master Poe, ahem ... I mean, hello, Dean,

Appearances are deceiving ... jasmine, whiffs of clover, verdant hills so green ... a pastoral scene hiding something so unclean... unclean as in leprosy or any other unwanted malady of the body, spirit, or soul.

The people that are banished from the mainstream of society because we live in a society that believes that if you can't see it, it doesn't exist. Like the starving children in Africa. People will send money but they don't want to see the ugliness.

Scary things ,,, eyes white as dead, skin as black as aigremore, blistered and sore.

deadly danger, roving ranger ... I love the sound the alliteration of your poems, you are a master at it.

This is a true masterpiece. It's one of your best ones, although those are many so I guess that is a contradiction in term.

Well done, honey, I am proud of you.

Gypsy

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Once again, my dear co-author, Gypsy Blue Rose, you've managed to key on each and every single aspect of the message I'd wished to convey in writing this poem.
Many have seen it as being quite morbid. However, that was far, far from my being my true intention.
It's meant as an admonishment--a cautionary tale, if you will, to those who belittle, embarrass and gawk at those who may seem a bit different from the rest of us. People with physical afflictions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and yes,--dare I say it?--even cancer.
They are human beings too, with a soul, a beating heart and emotions which can be easily crushed by such cold and brutal callousness many display with their behavior and mannerisms towards them. It appalls and disgusts me.

Thank you for being one of the very few who actually "get this."
I know I can always count on your insight and wisdom.
Huge hugs!!!

Comment from WalkerMan

Excellent

With your usual intricate and flawless verse you once again deliver a ghastly tale in rhyme, with suitably creepy sounds plus most unusual art accompaniment from a simply amazing artist I had not been aware of. I always like the many devices you use, such as frequent alliteration and multiple internal rhymes. The protagonist paid the ultimate price for his attitude; yet, if he had survived, he'd probably have had nightmares for the rest of his life.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Most probably, Mike, but at least he'd be alive to tell about them.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment on this.
I appreciate it.
~Dean

reply by WalkerMan on 09-Oct-2016

You're welcome, Dean, and this post certainly fits the season. For that matter, so do recent world events that get scarier every day. -- Mike

Comment from damommy

Exceptional

For any remarks from me, see previous reviews I've written you.

Kidding! I meant I say the same thing over and over, because your poetry is great over and over. This smacks of The Raven with the internal rhyme and rhythm.

I like the message you've sent out. Sometimes, people aren't very understanding of anything different from themselves. You're right, they're blinded by their sin.

Excellent! 8-)

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Oh, you're far too kind, Yvonne.
Still, I thank you very much for taking the time required to read and review this piece, and for the generous six stars as well.
I am very pleased that you enjoyed the poem.
Thanks again!
With gratitude,

Comment from judester

Excellent

I like this one Dean and I appreciate the author's notes to expand and elaborate your little tale. I like the way you rhyme midway then at the end of the line, makes for a pleasant flow. Reading your poems is like a full dinner compared to a n unsatisfying snack, burp..Cheers, judester

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Hahaha, thanks, Judester...I think?
Much obliged for the read and review.
~Dean :}

Comment from Ric Myworld

Exceptional

I enjoy everything you write, poems or prose. But poems like this one keep me waiting anxiously to see what you might come up with next. Thanks for another outstanding poem that leaves me standing, stranded in peculiar place that prickles at my senses. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Thank you very much, Ric. I always try to convey some sort of moral message in these dark poems. Not always, but as often as possible.
In this instance, people with physical maladies are often treated like lepers, and that should never occur. At least that's how I believe.
Thank you for your complimentary comments and exceptional six star rating.
As always, I appreciate you dropping by.

reply by Ric Myworld on 09-Oct-2016

I couldn't agree with you more, my friend. Even youth, so innocent and unknowing, have our tendency to shun or avoid anyone different than those they already know. It starts so early in life, and without answers and teaching, the fear, antipathy, and animosity will continue to grow and separate. :-)

reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

I couldn't agree with you more, Ric. It's up to us as loving people to try and break that vicious cycle of intolerance and fear.
~Dean

Comment from royowen

Excellent

Excellent presentation Dean, I must say, your skill is unparalleled, particularly in the area of these beautifully written rhymed works, a high syllable count bears witness of this. Our hero definitely sounds as if he is a character of concern was definitely a "bad boy" and will pay for his sins. Suggestion : "on my skin these boils fester,"
Well done, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Thanks so much for reading, Roy, and for the thoughtful suggestion as well. I did make a slight adjustment of that particular line.
Be blessed, my friend.
~Dean

reply by royowen on 09-Oct-2016

Most welcome Dean

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

There was a paperback, Sick Jokes, with a short chapter on lepers. Kipling's Mark of The Beast is a classic tale ...fine internal rhymes, Dean.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Thanks so much, Red.
I appreciate the R&R.
Take care,
~Dean

Comment from DR DIP

Exceptional

I love the internal rhyme scheme in this poem Dean. The background music is perfect as usual. Your authors notes answers every question one could possibly ask about this horror poem. A great read if you want to shit yourself lol

dip

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2016

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2016

Hahaha, I try not to do that, Dip, but at my advanced age...well... I won't get gross.
Thanks as lways for checking this out and letting me know what you enjoyed about the poem. The story just came to me, and my notes appear just as I wrote them. I the composed this poem around those notes.
Much obliged for the exceptional read and rating, cobber.
~Deano :)