Thomas H. Smihula's E-Mail Address: tsmihula@sbcglobal.net
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Poem Title	Poet Name	Critique Given by Thomas H. Smihula	Critique Date
Little Tears	Paul H. Roefs	Paul, You bring to the plate a poem that depicts tragedy of the young and abondoned child. I like the tight structure used within this piece and presentation. What is difficult for me was the question within wishing that you had not asked it for I probably am wrong on what I see and would have liked it spelled out better for this limited reader...just a thought. This question forced me to pause losing track of the direction you were taking me. Still a well written poem. Thanks, Thomas	2007-08-03 09:23:48
FORBIDDEN AFFECTION	Debbie Spicer	Debbie, Can't remember if I saw this previously but it shows much emotion and the craving within relinquishing the past with hope and contentment. My only suggestion is the double spacing detracts from the flow but it doesn't effect the wording. I enjoyed reading this as always well done. Thomas	2007-08-03 09:15:41
Morning Wind	Paul H. Roefs	Paul, I love how you describe the morning wind and the detail within. You take a moment of time and embelish it with a mood well presented. I like the structure and the words selected. Well done, enjoyed this. Thanks, Thomas	2007-08-03 09:10:34
I Wish	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn, I like the seasons as you represent them and the presentation. My only difficulty with it is the beginning and end do not seem to flow with the heart of the poem. Maybe it is just to abrupt in the change from wish to seasons. Remember this is only my thought and I might be in left field. Thanks for sharing and I did enjoy reading this. Thomas	2007-08-03 09:07:19
Family Tree	Kenneth R. Patton	Ken, Well done especially with the depth of the poem in so few words. I like how you depict the family with the life style of cats. Each stanza stands on its own yet they blend together. Well done. Thanks for sharing.	2007-08-03 09:02:56
The Snapshot	Dellena Rovito	Dellena, A moment captured a feeling of friendship seen in the faces, love the touch no special ocasion but it was for friendship was shared and joy felt. It is so true that the spirit never leaves for we remember each and every ocasion when I minds reflect upon the past. Good topic snapshot of life. Thanks, Thomas	2007-07-12 09:12:53
The Black Heart	James C. Horak	Lot of negativity hear but well presented. The most impressive part of this poem is slamming a lap dog down, taking it from a comfortable situation to not understanding why it has been thrown down. You continue with the strong view that one is out of control and unable to face reality head on. You have describe the situation well and although only a few words used it makes it impact. Well done. Thomas	2007-07-10 08:39:53
Crystal Glass	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn, Job well done for pictures represent so much more than just a scene like you show in this sonnet. 'Misty morn', like those words, 'clustered blooms', 'crystal glass' are all phases that capture this reader. The only flag that was raised for me was songs so still only because I have never heard a song that is still, slow based but never still. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing a picture of life with us. Thomas	2007-07-09 09:40:52
Severance	Mary J Coffman	Mary, How sad and you reach and give us the depth of the despair within. The most impact for me is felt in the following lines: fury finds an ally in your nature I fall prey to your pretext as white-washed words within churning currents of raw emotion How easy for our love of our children we turn the other way not realizing by doing so we just play the part of how they intended it to be. How convincing they are, yet they are not, for we do not want to believe that they could do the contrary. Thank you for sharing such a poem of depth. Thomas	2007-07-09 09:33:50
Russell Means-American (hero)	Mark D. Kilburn	Mark, This was a very well presented poem, with a statement. It contains the story of life showing that yes one intended to do good, yet the laws prohibit one from doing it on their own. You show a strong voice on the matter and the need for change. This is what poetry is all about showing an example and purpose of performing tasks not always popular but one where someone takes a stand. Enjoyed the post and the thought behind it, a philosophical poem in nature. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2007-07-06 08:09:44
Through The Woods	Dellena Rovito	Dellena, Love how you make it both a physical and mental picture in the first stanza. The force is strong and the trek a difficult one. In the second stanza I feel each step gets more difficult as you venture on. Yes only we know the direction and the steps we will take yet is it known or by chance? Complete thought given where you show focus needs to be on oneself. This was a well presented poem that is very well structured although still freeform. Well done and and enjoyment to read. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2007-07-06 08:02:31
Dad...	Nancy Ann Hemsworth	Nancy, Interesting take on the photograph. Searching for the answers, wondering if only he knew what was to come about and how life would take its turn. I read this several times for it has depth and it is only in black and white. Thanks for sharing, Thomas	2007-07-05 09:32:45
Ten Moths	Kenneth R. Patton	Kenneth, What I liked about this poem was the delivery and the different takes one could get from reading it. One thought I had was it was ten children growing up, another was worshipers trying to find the light, and yet another possibility thoughts guided by light that then vanish as the light is overabundant and they are gone when reaching there maximum height. The format kept the reader moving across the page. Well done. Thanks for sharing.	2007-07-03 10:36:29
The Moods of the Sea	Kenneth R. Patton	You have given the reader in this first stanza that is smooth yet well rhymed a feeling of entering the sea upon your boat. Freedom is felt for that is the sense you generate within my mind. In the second stanza you again create a feeling this time of peace yet unwanted for the unknown behind it raise the eyebrows. You give me the sense of tranquility yet put me on guard. Now the storm raises it head making the body and foundation look for support to whether it through in the third stanza showing the different ways of venturing into the sea. Yes no matter what the condition it challenges the mind making it look for more of the same feelings for the sea does beacon the individual. Finally you show respect and think about what other wonders the sea will bestow on the adventurers sole. Life can also be a sea of wonders but that is only my thought not what this poem was all about. At least I think you really only wanted to show the sea in this true? Thanks for sharing a well formed and rythemetic poem given the reader the feeling of sailing into the arms of the sea. Thomas	2007-06-28 10:17:31
Stronger Than What I Can See	DeniMari Z.	Deni, I really enjoyed this wonderful poem of an inner most feeling that you so elequently present the reader. Anxiety how is it created, why does one feel it, the body reacts in different way sometimes sweating and others pacing. So well is the presentation that I see an individual pacing, I sense the frustration, and feel the inner feeling. Well done. Great poem. Thomas	2007-06-28 10:01:00
Rocket	Mark D. Kilburn	Mark, This is a poem that makes the reader focus on the depth. I could be way off the mark but what I see is mother earth as new land is sprouted from the inside. The reason why I thought this was because of the beginning using the word discombobulated showing a sense of confusment while it was molding, then you end it with the Newfie put indicating a place where a new beginning is starting. You give heart in the middle showing what this land can give and who it protects. If this is not what you wanted to say then I will have to read it again to try and figure it out but whatever this piece is well written with descriptive narratives giving the reader something to ponder on. Well done. Thomas	2007-06-28 09:52:50
November's Breath	Joan M Whiteman	Joan, You have given this reader a poem of life and sadness. You have shown the reality and loss. Just in three stanza's you have given a complete picture. I felt you were totally into the write and I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2007-06-25 09:15:49
Fishing	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn Another enjoyable piece. You know what I look at is the flow, the feeling within, the presentation, and the structure of a poem in my reviews. You have the flow, you have feeling, and the presentation and scene well defined. The only question I have is about the first three stanza's where you have 1 five line followed by 2 six lines, then in the second part you have three 3 line stanza's, did you want to have the first stanza a six line? Just wondering not that it effects the poetry but it does make the poem uneven in structure. If it was intended to be freeform no issue but if you wanted a structured poem then you might want to add an additional line to the first. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2007-06-22 08:59:14
Gone	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn, In the first stanza you give me a smoothe rhymetic mood that takes the reader into the next stanza. In the second stanza it feels a little rough but that is only this readers opinion. The first two lines are smoothe but the third and fourth slow me down from the rhythme you set in the first stanza. a heavenly play (my eye's only see). Sorrow speaks, lonesome (is the) sigh. just a thought not the solution. In the third stanza you give the reader the beat once again and the words that show the loss. I like how you bring the thought of memory into the fourth stanza. A poem well done. Thomas	2007-06-22 08:29:36
Silence	Jana Buck Hanks	Jana, Glad to see you back I have also only started coming life has been so busy for me. Yes I do like this poem and your additional help me in reviewing it again. What I like most about it is the words you select, the breakdown of stanza's except for one that tends to throw this reader off between the first and third stanza's. Your structure is fine except for that same stanza and it maybe just appearance that causes this reader pause. Your first and last match in structure, the 3rd through 5th match also, but the 2nd dangles by itself. Another thought I get from the same stanza is that it is placed within two that talk about nature, this is also true of the 4th stanza. I don't know if what I said makes sense but that is what I saw to a well written piece that is a joy to read for nature and life are the things I enjoy most and your description places me there. Thanks for sharing hope to read more. Thomas	2007-06-20 09:07:52
Forsaken	Jana Buck Hanks	Two lives yet parralleled is what you give this reader. The expected from what has occurred previously another thought that crosses the mind. Your ending sums up the simple words that yet have depth within them. I enjoyed this piece. Hope this is what you intended because that is what I saw. Well done like always. Thomas	2007-06-20 08:55:21
Hey Gramma!	Kenneth R. Patton	Ken, You show the surface of your feelings as you write a poem letter, yet the depth is also seen by the lack of showing the full picture and you indicate in the last stanza. It is here the cry for understanding is shown. Musings yes, but reality is what you make the reader think about. Thanks for sharing, Thomas	2007-06-19 09:03:25
Thomas, my love	Jana Buck Hanks	You hit a soft spot for this reader who likewise has grandchildren deeply implanted within the mind. Check out my poem Pouch it represents them. What special children they are for remember they say some traits skip a generation... Beautiful and wonderful poem about your Angel.. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2007-06-19 08:57:45
Doppler	Jana Buck Hanks	Excellent use of the words with thought behind it. I love the ending it is a guessing game and also possibly a game of anticipation 50/50. Well done. Thanks for sharing. THomas	2007-06-19 08:54:31
Behind The Curtain	Dellena Rovito	Interesting piece you require the reader to focus on questions and what them to delve into their own thoughts. I like this it makes the reader think. Well done. Thanks, Thomas	2007-06-19 08:51:28
Manhood	Mark Andrew Hislop	Mark, What an interesting piece on how to enter manhood. This is very unique and that is what poetry is all about expressing a thought or part of life in a manner that stays within the readers mind. This is what you accomplished for this reader especially the ring off of the bridge. Well done. Thanks for sharing.	2007-06-15 09:36:47
The Bath	Jana Buck Hanks	Should know the form of this poetry since the way you end it cumulates the event. Well written, smoothe reading, and great climax. Enjoy bathing with the candle light flickering, watching the shadows on the wall bringing the reader into the piece. Again well done. Thanks for sharing.	2007-06-15 08:57:22
The Decision	Kenneth R. Patton	What a memory in life one that I am glad you shared for it brings clarity to what it is all about. Life, death and the cycle of what will continue. This is what you gave this reader. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Also appreciate the note showing that this did occur.	2007-06-15 08:50:24
Akela	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn this much about life of nature and well presented, written, and tells a story. I am so glad you posted it again for I did not get a chance to see it the first time or I would have remember the life of Akela and how he is still heard today. WELL DONE and very enjoyable to this reader. Thanks for sharing.	2007-06-15 08:46:29
Eternal Void	April Rose Ochinang Claessens	Now you grab the depth and make the reader ponder on the story. I like this version not because of the typo but because of the flow. The ending if I recall is more complete now. Well done and a enjoyment to read the second time around. Thanks for sharing. Thomas.	2006-04-26 18:03:02
Especially in Spring	Joanne M Uppendahl	Joanne I really enjoy moments that show surroundings and the enjoyment that can be seen by experiencing them. Yes nature has so much for us to enjoy and you have captured a visual for us to see. Well done as always. I like the format and how you focus on each item followed by your ending showing joy. Thanks for sharing. Thomas.	2006-04-20 07:30:30
Night	Ronald D Istivan	Ronald, I like this piece for it comes from within and expresses thoughts from deep within. Darkness although lit by the moon has an errie effect and you have given that to this reader. Men do wonder at times is it worth it but believe me it is. Read my poem The pouch no need to critique, you will see why I feel this way. You have given the reader a poem although short a thought to ponder on and that is what writing is all about. I like the ending especially not wanting to tell anyone yet something keeps forcing you too... Well done. Thomas.	2006-04-19 06:04:20
For All That Lives And Calls Earth Home	Joanne M Uppendahl	Marilyn, The format although well laid out seemed to not flow for this reader. The most difficult part was where the mother raccoon reaches the pond mixed with the frogs performing their songs. I would have liked to see each separately in individual stanza's and not combined but that is only this readers opinion. I see the importance of the frogs for you show and define their place in the third stanza. I did enjoy this for you take a part of wildlife and show life within its domain. The last four stanza's each contain a thought and view separately and that is well done. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2006-04-19 05:57:21
My Reverie	marilyn terwilleger	You show earth's colors and shape in the river very vividly in the first stanza. It makes me think of the Grand Canyon. In the second you give the reader the feeling of meditation. In the third you select a part of the scene and focus on natures wonders. You follow it up in the next two stanza's with the thought that the scene has placed within yourself. Well done and an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2006-04-19 05:41:16
Venus on the Half Shell	Joanne M Uppendahl	Now I will have to read Rumi's piece. I can see the seawater inticing the shell to open in the first stanza, nature at its finest in the second especially the wild rose without restriction. In the last I feel the light of the moon giving me a glow and visual of the surroundings. Well done as always. Enjoyed reading. Thanks. Thomas.	2006-04-13 07:33:00
Awakened Spring	Nancy Ann Hemsworth	Really like the ending on how sunshine brings in the treasures of nature. This is a well structured poem and does not lose the reader in thought. It gives a picture of new life as spring comes into play. Well done with the rhyming also first,last and second, third lines. Especially like the reversal of the first stanza's last words in the last stanza. Thanks for sharing a well constructed poem.	2006-04-13 07:26:12
Tattered Memories	marilyn terwilleger	Marilyn yes I can see the feelings within each trinket, reminders of the past. I like when someone shares that which makes them tick. You have ended this very nice with a stanza with much impact and rhyme. The face will never be forgotten. Glad you brought this one out important reminders to oneself. Thanks for sharing. Thomas.	2006-04-12 12:51:22
Preservation	Dellena Rovito	I like what you have put together here and I have only some minor suggestions in the first stanza at least to this reader the use of brain was distracting with domain right behind it rhyming it with shame of the second line. Just a thought. In the second stanza again I felt a breakup by using the word yet and that caught me with lack of flow again just this readers take. My favorite stanza is your last since you flowed nicely and brought home the point with structure. Thanks for sharing.	2006-04-11 20:09:39
The Intercession	Brandon Gene Petit	Your reference to ice as if putting the emotion on hold is excellent. Also like the reference to the flock of crows yet when I see them they travel all in one direction..just a thought. Especially like the use of lantern and silhouette in the same stanza gives a picture to the reader. You show love in its many facits here and that is well done and a joy to read. Thanks for sharing a well written love poem.	2006-04-07 07:42:37
Touch Me	Michael Bird	Definately lyrical with the refrain a well balanced refrain. Passion by the sea but my only question is can you show it when the sound subsides, and the light disappears. I do like this for your words show the depth of the moment yet I would like you to be engulfed ignoring the surrounding. Just a thought for a well written piece. Thanks for sharing like always. You have been around for a long time also Michael and it is sad for us to lose people like Mel and Joanne within the last 6 months. Hope all is well with you. Thanks. Thomas.	2006-04-07 07:09:02
MELL W. MORRIS	Turner Lee Williams	Yes so much like Mel, you have captured it well. Please read my piece intitled Inhaled it was written and given to her several weeks before she passed. Thanks for sharing your words about her. Thomas.	2006-04-06 20:54:26
COFFEE CUPS	Nancy Ann Hemsworth	Nancy the taste is so fulfilling. That is what you showed this reader. Sharing time and emotions will almost always be retained within one’s memory. Like the thought and presentation. Well done. By the way I will attempt some Haiku this month for the first time. Thanks again. Thomas.	2006-04-06 20:49:57
Hurricane Season	Mark D. Kilburn	This required deep thought. One must move forward or all is lost in the inner feeling of the individual as you have so well stated in this verse. Great relationship in the calm of the eye yet what surrounds it one has little control over. Like how you relate the individual to the storm. Well done and is one of my favorites for the month. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2006-04-06 20:45:23
Left	Dellena Rovito	Yes you have captured depth within your feeling of loss yet flowers do bloom and when your time comes you will meet again. Enjoyed this well structured presentation of feeling. Thanks for sharing. Thomas	2006-04-06 20:04:00
A Plea for Absolution	Mary J Coffman	Now for the poetry of depth that is always my favorite. You paint the picture so well as I do see only the skeleton, or should I say frame of the person begging for a little more from life than death. What lies ahead is the question for it rears within each of us. My favorite parts are: With steel and flame my heart was forged to wield upon my prey the swift red stroke of death My quarry, without prospect to repent lie tortured in a torrent of despair Forever on encrimsoned paths they tread until my name is carved in cold gray stone These lead me into the story of life. This is definately one going into my fav list. Thanks for sharing and letting me know you posted this. Well done.	2006-03-31 07:58:15
Tranquility	marilyn terwilleger	Words that are very well thought out and present the picture of praying within the forest surrounded by the highest mountains. I really like this poem but the presentation did not hit this readers mark not to say others will not like it. I would have liked to see the stanza's in reverse pattern if there was to be any but that again is only my opinion. Felt like I was jumping off a cliff...Again the words were an excellent choice. Thanks for sharing Marilyn.	2006-03-18 18:14:13
Song of the Faeries	Deborah L Bird	Now you have structure and flow created by this wonderful poem. I enjoyed reading it this so much better. Each break helps give thought and a picture leading into the climax of the last stanza. Well done. Thanks for sharing it once again with us.	2006-03-17 08:43:31
In Passing...	Nancy Ann Hemsworth	What a strong and in-depth piece. You have kept a structure intack while reader ponders on the thought. Death's dark cloak is excellent with the use of drapes heavy. I see the body perished but not the mind for I hope that was your intent. How quickly it arrives without us completing what we set out to do and accomplish; leaving others behind to carry on the journey is our hope. Whether it is a spouse, child, parent or friend this poem fits all; they try to protect showing warmth and compassion. When one leaves this world we do feel cutoff by their leaving as if some part of us has gone with them. Well done Nancy wouldn't change anything for you have given this reader depth and thought. Thanks, Thomas.	2006-03-15 08:30:40
Along The Fence	Nancy Ann Hemsworth	You give the reader a picture of the scene while traveling this dirt path and relate it to memories of your grandmas's pillow case in a very artistic and well flowing poem. You move easily into the last two lines making this a joy to read. Hope to see some of your Haiku again if I remember correctly. Wish a few more that write this way would show their work again. Thanks for sharing.	2006-03-11 08:06:53
An Indian Summer	Dellena Rovito	Dellena this brought the picture and scene of joy brought on by nature and someone close. You touch a cord and show me loss as this summer of ones life has ended yet the memories will linger. Favorite parts include 'Packaged in sky hue blue' and 'palette of life' very well said. Thank you for sharing memories with us.	2006-03-08 08:15:21
Poem Title	Poet Name	Critique Given by Thomas H. Smihula	Critique Date

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