All four of my daughters were vets from the moment of birth. They were all born while I was on Active Duty, were born in Army hospitals, and bounced back and forth between the U.S. and West Germany with their mom and me (the eldest ones more than once).
Ouch. Too real for me today. I was homeless years ago and Montana has a high vet population struggling with personal issues. This literally could be today's headlines here.
My comment is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.
THE POEM
The poem is a nice tribute to a military mother.
WHAT I LIKED
I can totally relate to this poem having served in the military myself. There are often times one worries and finds things to pass the time, but their loved one is never far from their hearts.
STRUCTURE
This is a villanelle. A villanelle is a highly structured poem with 5 tercets and ends with a quatrain. There are 2 repeating rythmes and 2 repeating refrains. The poem followed the structure. I thought the repeating refrains were very respectful and reverent. There's a nice rythme and flow when spoken outloud.
MECHANICS
I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to increase font and make easier to read on the website.
DESCRIPTIONS
I liked: With steadfast devotion, she prays to relieve the anxiety" The description draws up a visual of a mother, prayerful, with a holy book, or a passage, heart on their sleeve, looking to find peace. It's a great description and taps into somber emotion well.
PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS
The opening engages the reader. The title is a nice fit for the poem. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest.
Grandpa Pete looked to sky and wondered when
the rain would come.
For years, he fought this dusty regimen
as mission's drum
kept driving him to work the arid field.
In fervent prayer, to God he appealed
for some relief
in his belief
the land could bring a worthy yield.
Last year, he finally gave up his stance
and passed away,
concluding perennial spirit dance
he had each day
with dilapidated barn, its roof caved in.
The rotting walls remain through thick and thin
for all to see
in memory
of Grandpa and his steadfast grin.
1. The Ronsardian Ode is a nine line stanza form created by the French poet Pierre de Ronsard (1524-1585) containing a specific pattern of rhyme and line structure, as described and demonstrated in the following links:
2. Written for the "Invalid Item" contest, using the prompt: Write a poem about the following image: An old, dilapidated barn with a caved-in roof and rotting walls. 16 - 24 lines.
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