Comment from GE Parson

Excellent

I give you 5 stars stud for an excellent poem, which as I read I kept hearing the song about the Devil and the banjo player contest.

I watch a lot of western movies and there is always a scene or two of card games. I have never learned how to play cards, but it always fascinates me. Now hat you explained it I will be able to enjoy the card playing scene better.

Watch but don't play.

Your Friend,
Jerry

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 20-Jun-2014

Thanks a bunch, Jerry!

Comment from missjosi

Exceptional

Well Dean, it is fair to say you are a master storyteller... I love reading your writing... always well done!!! I am not sure if you are already a published author... If not you should be!!! Very marketable. Excellent!

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2014

Thanks a bunch for the compliments, missjosi. You are too kind.

I have been published, but on a very limited basis. Magazines, mostly. However, I am currently working on a manuscript for a horror anthology, and hope to have it ready soon.

Thanks for such a fantastic review. I greatly appreciate it!

Comment from Mike Battaglia

Exceptional

Ahhhh... My muse has finally unlocked my shackles, put away her whip (for the moment) and granted me a weekend pass. The first place I came was here, sir.

You know, I saw this prompt a while ago, and I distinctly remember having a fleeting thought of 'I wonder what Mr. Kuch would come up with for this...?' I immediately disregarded my thought because for some odd reason (perhaps to be thrown off the scent) I thought flowers and butterflies. Why, I have no idea. Perhaps because I've seen your potential for beauty in other poems (as well as your usual cobwebbed crypt-dirt rhymes) and my habitual image of you rubbing your hands together with a Jack Nicholson grin spread wide across your face just didn't flash through my head.

So much the better :)

Sir, I must protest. You have a knack for draining my thesaurus in my attempt to find suitable adjectives and adverbs to describe what I think of your work. I am going to have to start making up my own words. Having said that, this was epicgendary (see what I did there? epic/legendary lol!)

This prompt was almost catered to you specifically, for all your poems that I have read are stories, and all the more credible/creepy for the extensive author's note you always leave. This, sir, was a benchmark for you.

Your talent lies in creating such visual imagery without having to resort to abundant detail. Your imagery comes from the tone and the mood you set through your words and style. Your voice on the page. It's you narrating, but narrating from off screen, and so subtly that we don't even know you're there. I love that.

The tension you created here was like a cauldron building up to a boil--true edge of your seat dread anticipation. The fact that your hero, Mr. Dandy Dan, was so calm built it up even more. What does he know that we don't? He's playing the devil for God's sake (see what I did there ;) ) And because you lead us to believe that he's got an ace up his sleeve, it builds the tension yet again because, well, who doesn't like to see the devil get his come-uppance?

masterfully told, in a cadence of rhymes that is wonderfully you and you alone. An epic tale, and more than successful in creating a western flavour:

"Bathed in silv'ry heat waves ghostly shimmer,

in a wild western town of yesteryear,"

You, through and through, sir. In these two lines you not only painted the entire setting, but set the tone of the narrator's voice as well. From that point on, it was just ice cream on a hot summer day. In other words, deliciously satisfying.

As much as I love writing, I am happy to be free to read again. I missed you, sir.

Gorgeous poem. One of your best ever.

--Mike

 Comment Written 17-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2014

Wow, Mike. Coming from a master story-teller such as you are, (and make NO mistakes about it, you are!) I take a glowing review such as this with the highest humility and regard. I know you don't do "fluff" reviews, Mike, and that makes this all the better to me.

I am blown out of the water by this reply, and you have rendered me speechless. That's no easy task, as anyone who truly knows me would attest.

Thanks so much again, Mike. I'm printing this review out, framing it, and placing it on the wall above my desk. It will always remind me why I chose to do what I do.

I am deeply humbled, my talented friend...

Thank you!

~DK~

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

I admit, I was scared for a few that Old Dan was gonna lose. I like the style of this. It was easy to imagine an old cowboy reading this. Nice rhyming and rhythm. Great job on this.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

Comment from TAB_that's me

Exceptional

I love the story and I love the poem so I guess it makes it a great story poem for the contest. It's a great poker story. I've been thinking about a poker poem too. Maybe this will get me to writing it:)
teresa

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

Many years ago I sat at poker tables around the country and watched as many gamblers gave their lives away to the thrill of gambling. It wasn't about winning or losing everything they had, but the excitement of being in the game. It's nice to read about poker with a happy ending, there aren't many. Thanks for another enjoyable read. :-)

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

Comment from Louise Michelle

Excellent

Hi Dean,

A riveting tale told through a poem. What a great angle using the devil at a card game. I must say I think Satan is slipping, however. He just walked out with no revenge?

Hugs,
Lou

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2014

Yep, he just got up without saying a single word, and rode off into the sunset, Lou. Poor sportsmanship, I'd wager...

Whoa! I'd better watch about using the word 'wager'. I'm a terrible poker player!

Thanks for the fantastic review, my friend. I appreciate it.

Comment from Treischel

Excellent

A rousing story told in a poetic format. Betting with the devil , this time in a stud poker hand rather than a fiddle. Carried on excellent verse with your professionally composed touches that add depth and visual reinforcement of the theme. Very well done within your genre and style elements.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2014

Thank you, Mr. 'T'. I appreciate you takin' the time to read, review, and give me your expert opinions on this poem. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

Thanks again!

~DK~

Comment from DALLAS01

Excellent

You had me going there for while. thought for sure the devil had him. glad I didn't cave in and read ahead to the end. You found some crazy art work for this production.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2014

Thanks, DALLAS. And when have I ever had an unhappy ending that would make you "cave in" an skip ahead? The good guys always win in my poems, especially where God is involved.

Thanks for taking the time to read & review my poetic efforts.

Much obliged, pardner.

~DK~

reply by DALLAS01 on 16-Jun-2014

You're welcome.

Comment from Jackarrie

Exceptional

Well dean your talent know's no bounds. a terrific story in you poem, I was with Dan all the way through. A clever way to separate the text in red for the Devil. A brilliant write, and not to mention the artistry of the presentation. I loved it. Well done. Mary

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2014