Comment from Louise Michelle

Excellent

You won't believe this, Dean, but about ten minutes ago I heard tapping coming from my walls. A few taps, then silence and then more taps. It's a good thing I hadn't yet read this piece. Another great spook! Hugs, Lou

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

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reply by the author on 13-Sep-2014

Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Lou. I really appreciate that! :}

Comment from J. Dark

Exceptional

I must be honest and tell you, Dean, that this is the best horror poem I have ever read. Your rhythm and rhyme are flawless and your word choices eloquently horrific. Your presentation, as always, is totally first class and I loved the old style black and white horror feel to the piece. The music is appropriately atmospheric and haunting. Well done - this was a superb work.

Kindest of regards,

Julie :-)

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

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reply by the author on 13-Sep-2014

Thanks for the kind comments, thoughtful review and all those stars, Julie. I realize we are given so few to pass out, and with all of the exceptional talent here on FS, I appreciate it all the more when my work has prompted someone to award me with one of them

I am very grateful, and thanks again. :}

Comment from Bryana

Excellent

Hi Dean,

I learned a lot reading about Rigor mortis in your authors notes. Your poem was fun to read, not so humorous but it placed a smile on my face. It's well written and the pictures are a wonderful, appropriate addition to the poem.

Have a wonderful week.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

Comment from livelylinda

Excellent

Dean: PLEASANT SCREAMS! I can only think of one which is pleasant . . .Well, this one made the hair on my neck stand up (gotta shave that). I've heard that death rattle from a dying man, friend of a friend's father. I'm currently developing one due to the CHF. So, this hit way too close to home. But, I continue to applaud your terror genius. Of course, this is six star worthy but I ran out. PLEASANT DREAMS! Linda

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

Comment from A Jesterstear

Exceptional

A true work of art Dean. Love the poem and the presentation is brilliant, not forgetting the music. I have witnessed a few 'Death rattles' during my career, they get you every time especially when they sit up. Another great write. AJ.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

Comment from duchessofdrumborg

Exceptional

'Death Rattle' is an exceptionally well-written and blood-chilling piece. The descriptive passages in this work are excellent. It was a pleasure to read and review this talented poet's work.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

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reply by the author on 13-Sep-2014

Thanks so very much for the exceptional rating and review, duchess. I so apologize for such a late response. I am so far behind it's scary!

Thanks so much again. :}

reply by duchessofdrumborg on 14-Sep-2014

Dean, you're very welcome. I spend most of my life being behind!

Best wishes, the Duchess

Comment from mikemagine

Excellent

Dean, I'm sure you've heard this before, but you're a genius! This blends classic horror with your individual style! I wish I had a six to give you..."Something smells of rotting meat" Guess we're not talking about the third shift at Burger King...

I could see Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr., garbed in black robes, spinning like tops, laughing their guts out - literally - clanging shovels on the way to bury some unfortunate...alive!

"Don't worry!" they tell the poor guy. "We'll back soon. Sleep tight!" Lorre adds "Don't mind the creepy, crawly thinnnnggggs..."

VERY eerie, fascinating, disturbing, and yet somehow, morbidly funny, imo.

Cheers!

Mike

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

Comment from brentman99

Excellent

I have a new idea for a contest - "A day inside Dark Dean's head." I'm not sure where you get all these ideas, but you have a very creative mind. You are the master of dark themes and I like the creativity of your work. Your horror is like a traffic accident - you don't want to look, but you just have to.

Thanks for sharing, Brent.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

Comment from Bryan G

Excellent

Beautiful artwork and powerful words make for a poem that rattles the soul. To think about the process of dying is unnerving to say the least. I am not afraid of dying but just afraid of the painful process. Going into the great beyond is exciting, but dying itself is terrifying. It would be nice to just fall asleep.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014

Thanks, Bryan. I hope I'll at least have the chance to say my goodbyes, but without pain, of course. I hate to be in pain.

Thanks for the awesome comments and fantastic review. Much appreciated. :}

Comment from pipersfancy

Excellent

Spooky and unnerving, Dean. Yes - it was good you decided against entering it into the 'humorous' contest!

Coughing/management of mucous, and swallowing reflexes... gosh, now you're talking my language! As a speech pathologist, I worked with dysphagia patients for years while employed in a sub-acute medical hospital... and, I've heard the 'death rattle' more than once...

Great poem!
PF

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2014

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reply by the author on 08-Sep-2014

Thanks, Pipe, I really appreciate your thoughtful review.

I've heard it too, up close, and very personal. Recently with my mother-in-law who passed away in hospice after a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer, and couple of time before with my grandmothers on both sides of our families, as well as my Aunt Dianne, who at 49 succumbed to sclerosis of the liver. A horrible thing to witness, especially in those you love.