Compulsory Hero (Once a Simple Man)
Hero: a badgethese simple men might not've wanted7 total reviews
Comment from findingmyroom
Dynamite. Your words are beautiful, descriptive without telling the reader what to think. I like that you don't take the "party" line but consider the possibility that the legendary figure was a regular guy in extraordinary circumstances.
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2010
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Dynamite. Your words are beautiful, descriptive without telling the reader what to think. I like that you don't take the "party" line but consider the possibility that the legendary figure was a regular guy in extraordinary circumstances.
Comment Written 26-Jan-2010
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2010
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Thank you so much fmr. It's been a whilebetween drinks, and gee it's good to hear your kind words again;bless you:)
Comment from BarnCat
Chris -- I read themboth and although I prefer the repetition of this one for its military band type of rhythm, the other works well to. Both have a lot to say and each says it well, but dofferently. I think you worte two excellent poems about the same subject. Good on you! Debb
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2008
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Chris -- I read themboth and although I prefer the repetition of this one for its military band type of rhythm, the other works well to. Both have a lot to say and each says it well, but dofferently. I think you worte two excellent poems about the same subject. Good on you! Debb
Comment Written 25-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2008
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Well, ain't that amazing? It's funny how you go back and read one of your own "oldies" and the initial reaction is "yech!". I felt in the original version, I'd missed the point I was trying to make entirely: to bring out the Aussie Digger's gritty spirit, and paint him as a man like any other without stripping him of the glory he deserved. In this new one, I felt I got there much more than the original. And here you are saying you like both! I'm always amazed at what appeals to any one person at any one time, and how that can differ still from day to day!
Again, I've received an excellent review from you, and I appreciate this greatly. Your continued support is what keeps a humble Aussie gal like me going, and the rest of us who receive glowing reviews like this xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Comment from bard owl
Your poem describes the Aussie Digger as I think he would want to be described - a regular guy who drew courage from within. You know, your description of his shaky hand pulling the trigger does more to make his experience our own than all the glorified statements you could have made. Excellent empathy in this writing, without sounding patronizing. You are such a natural at poetry. Exceptional writing. It deserves 6 stars and I wish I had them to give you. Most deserving. Blessings, Linda
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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Your poem describes the Aussie Digger as I think he would want to be described - a regular guy who drew courage from within. You know, your description of his shaky hand pulling the trigger does more to make his experience our own than all the glorified statements you could have made. Excellent empathy in this writing, without sounding patronizing. You are such a natural at poetry. Exceptional writing. It deserves 6 stars and I wish I had them to give you. Most deserving. Blessings, Linda
Comment Written 24-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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Your comments are worth a 6-star as always Linda. I greatly appreciate what you've said here. I am happy you enjoyed this one, and thank you so very much for such encouraging and warm-hearted words xoxoxoxoxo
Comment from RapturedHeart
This is awesome, Alpacalady. First off, though you wrote about a legend, this for me meant every Canadian hero in his right. I love the way you throw off the 'superhero' persona without stripping him of the honour he deserves.
Medals, commendations, he just couldn?t comprehend
For what they represented were the loss of many friends
This line should be cemented in every history book across our globe.
Yes, I was able to find your first one and, yes, I much prefer this re-write. It just has more of a poetic feel and seems even more profound in its depth of portraying a 'real' person behind the gun. You are right about the meter in it maybe structuring out some of the meaning, though you've done an artful job of meter just the same in this one.
But let us all consider, while we celebrate "honour and glory"
That every Aussie Digger had his memories and his own story
While true, reads a bit like a lecture. Whereas, that feeling does not come across this time around.
Bravo!
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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This is awesome, Alpacalady. First off, though you wrote about a legend, this for me meant every Canadian hero in his right. I love the way you throw off the 'superhero' persona without stripping him of the honour he deserves.
Medals, commendations, he just couldn?t comprehend
For what they represented were the loss of many friends
This line should be cemented in every history book across our globe.
Yes, I was able to find your first one and, yes, I much prefer this re-write. It just has more of a poetic feel and seems even more profound in its depth of portraying a 'real' person behind the gun. You are right about the meter in it maybe structuring out some of the meaning, though you've done an artful job of meter just the same in this one.
But let us all consider, while we celebrate "honour and glory"
That every Aussie Digger had his memories and his own story
While true, reads a bit like a lecture. Whereas, that feeling does not come across this time around.
Bravo!
Comment Written 24-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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Bravo to you RapturedHeart! Not only have you given a wonderful review here, you also took the time to look at the original version of this one. I'm glad to see you agree with me about that - it really did read like a "lecture", pretty well all the way through, eh? Thank you very much for your trouble and time, and for such an excellent review! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Teri7
This is a very good poem you have penned. You used very good descriptive wording and very good imagery. Your comments were great and explained so much. Hugs, Teri
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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This is a very good poem you have penned. You used very good descriptive wording and very good imagery. Your comments were great and explained so much. Hugs, Teri
Comment Written 24-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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That's great! Always I am a tad worried about posting anything that is specifically about me or Australia, or lacking in universal appeal to any degree. So it's excellent to receive your review and comments as you tell me that isn't an issue. Thank you my friend; I feel much encouraged! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Comment from Johnny Carwash
Learned a little something here. Very insightful and enjoyable poem. Can't see anything in need of reworking. Once again you've done a wonderful job, my dear.
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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Learned a little something here. Very insightful and enjoyable poem. Can't see anything in need of reworking. Once again you've done a wonderful job, my dear.
Comment Written 24-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 24-Jun-2008
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Once again, you've given a great review Sir Carwash. I'm glad you likedthis one, and that you learned something new through reading it. What would our lives be withot learning day by day? Bless you and have a great day xoxoxoxoxoxo
Comment from ThyLordDracula
Beautifully written- I can't imagine anyone reading this and feeling as though you had disparaged the Aussie Diggers or their Kiwi counterparts- great poem- a wonderful tribute to the Aussie Diggers and the Kiwi troops- this one I believe is better, for some reason it seems to get your message across better- respectfully ^V^
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2008
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Beautifully written- I can't imagine anyone reading this and feeling as though you had disparaged the Aussie Diggers or their Kiwi counterparts- great poem- a wonderful tribute to the Aussie Diggers and the Kiwi troops- this one I believe is better, for some reason it seems to get your message across better- respectfully ^V^
Comment Written 23-Jun-2008
reply by the author on 23-Jun-2008
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Thank you so very much my Lord Dracule. I appreciate your comments, and more so because you took the trouble to read the notes, and check my other version. Like you, I felt the original was too stilted and restricted in hoary rhyming. Again, I am so very glad you liked this current version, and as said, appreciate the trouble you've taken with this review. Bless yer bats'n'fangs xoxoxoxoxoxxo