Sherri L Smith's E-Mail Address: dancer6477@insightbb.com
Sherri's Personal Web Page or Favorite Web Page: http://poetrypoem.com/sherrispoetryplace


Sherri L Smith's Profile:
I am updating my info as I have been here for nearly two years now. I love this site, enjoy the friends that I have here and just want everyone to know that I appreciate all the wonderful help that I have been given since first logging on. I live in Illinois, work as a customer service rep for my local utility company. I love to write, and hope to do more of it in the future as I learn more and more about this craft. I have 8 grandchildren and another one on the way. I love my children and my grandchildren. My email address is dancer6477@insightbb.com Steve and I have been married for 9 years, we have two dogs, one a Beagle/Lab that weighs about 75 lbs, and the other a little shi-tzu that is about 10 lbs. They are both spoiled rotten! Hope you enjoy my work.

So far 709 People have Entered a Personal Profile on The Poetic Link! Click Here to see the rest of them or to Add your Own Personal Profile Now!

Below you will see ALL of the Critiques that Sherri L Smith has given on The Poetic Link.
By Clicking a Poem Title, you can view the poem that is associated with each Critique.


If you would like to view all of Sherri L Smith's Poetry just Click Here.

Poetry Contests Online at The Poetic Link

Click HERE to return to ThePoeticLink.com Database Page!

Displaying Critiques 51 to 100 out of 172 Total Critiques.
Click one of the following to display the: First 50 ... Next 50 ... Previous 50 ... Last 50 Critiques.

Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Sherri L SmithCritique Date
Tranquil in the WindDebbie SpicerDear Debbie, What a beatuiful melodic poem filled full of serenty, tranquility and safety. Gave me a sense of peace this morning. In a world of turmoil and uncertainity it is good to be reminded that we need to take care of each other and our children, grandchildren. Delicate as they are, we don't know whether they might be a world leader some day. Most of all, I think it is important to give then a sense of security and serenity. Thanks for sharing this Debbie. Love, Sherri2004-04-03 10:51:39
Haunted HuntAndrea M. TaylorDear Andrea, I love this one! Controversial I am sure but I can't wait till they catch or (kill) him! I feel as passionately about this as it seems you do. I feels good to know someone who shares your feelings and emotions about this horrible man. This is good! Headlines readied without a date Fill-in blanks for your ultimate fate I can believe that, and can't wait to see the headlines. It seems we have come so close to catching him and his sidekick, I have to believe that they will eventually be found just as Saddam was. Without their head they will surely flop around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I don't have one bit of guilt about hunting him down like a dog and giving him the "justice" he deserves! Sorry, stirred up my militant side! LOL. Good flow, good rhythm, easy to read. It gets my vote! Sherri2004-04-03 10:25:17
No titleAndrea M. TaylorDEar Andrea,, Sounds nice and relaxing to me! Good use of allits and a cute haiku. Woke me up with a good laugh this morning. Sherri2004-04-03 09:44:11
I Am Fredmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, What a perfectly delightful poem. Humorous and colorful with lots of internal rhymes. Where on earth did you come up with such a cute and funny idea? It was fun to read and a delicious break from the more serious stuff we have had lately. Thanks for sharing this funny, cute poem. Sherri2004-03-29 22:15:43
High-kuAndrea M. TaylorAh Andrea, A beautiful example of haiku, with alits with the s sounds makes it just seem to flow. Good job on this one Andrea. Sherri2004-03-29 22:10:36
japanese verse 43 (Destiny)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, I would love to have a wonderful collection of your beautiful japanese verses. They are truly beautiful and say so much in so few words. Have you looked into publishing a collection? I think they are beautiful and very worthy of publication. I would buy your first book! Prodigy of our shadows, ...yes the shadows of the past can make us what we are today, Path of our footprints...I believe that we can make our own footprints by following a path that we are most comfortable with, the one that God designed for us. We are what we are...Are we a product of our environment? or can we make the change? I think we can, and I did! Thanks for this inspiring haiku. Love, Sherri2004-03-29 20:43:12
By the PondJoanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, I was so happy to see another one of your delightful poems on my list! And of course, with your beautiful descriptions of nature scenes, you are the Goddess of nature poems. The whole poem is absolutely wonderful but the last stanza combines nature with birth and that makes it just perfect. Again another wonderful addition to this months offerings. Love, Sherri2004-03-29 20:34:22
"The Passion"marilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, What a wonderful description of a movie that will probably live for all time. In my Church we had studied all scourging meant to the Romans and how brutal it was. I know that other movies have totally sanitized what really happened. Mel Gibson told it like it was. I haven't seen it yet, but we intend to, I will probably bawl through the whole thing, but I know it will refresh my relationship with Jesus. Thanks for sharing your innermost thoughts on this movie. Thank God for the outcome. Sherri2004-03-28 15:38:34
Purposely MeDeniMari Z.Dear Deni, This is a wonderful work about who you are. Did you do it as a result of the challenge? There are several things that I liked about it. I think the image of you running up the stairs to your life is wonderful imagery and shows the zest you have for your life. Even though you might not be star quality (I am sure that you are in someone's eyes) you enjoy who you are. You yelling at the top of your world, a defiant bring what may attitude shows that you are happy with who you are. You may not have had the best of lives, true, some may have hated and spited you, but the fact that you are loved is the most important thing. Often we cannot give a reason why we are loved. I have no idea why my husband Steve took a chance on marrying me, I was so screwed up at the time we met. When I look at the reflections in my mirror, I too see the sweetest reflections. Fortunate is the person who can look at their lives and say we are satisfied with what we are. Thank God for giving me the time to do it all. I can echo those sentiments and I hope God gives me more time to accomplish some of the goals that I have in my life. This is a touching poem, and one that I indentified with as well. I am glad that you shared a ittle of yourself in this work. Sherri2004-03-28 14:32:58
CompassionDebbie SpicerDear Debbie, This is so wonderful to read and to realize how much progress you have made in the last 3 years. You are so much more secure, and so much freer then I have ever known you to be. This poem is a wonderful tribute to those on the link that have been so good to you, to me and to all others that have found compassion, companionship, encouragement and love from this site. TPL is very much a one of a kind site. Glad to hear from you again. Hope you have a wonderful time with JoMo. I'll be thinking of you! Love, Sherri2004-03-27 19:51:12
APPROACHING FULL CIRCLE (a self portrait)Marcia McCaslinDear Marcia, I have never been happier since I found my inner child and acknowledged her, let her have the childhood that had been denied her. She has helped me to love more freely, give of myself more openly and to let myself live in the moment. Stop worrying about what might happen and just be happy for what I have right now. She has also taught me how to play, with my little hobbies, my writing, my grandchildren, and to laugh freely even if it is at myself. She is there, even if someone that I love has forsaken me. Thanks Marcia for sharing this lovely self portrait. It is so nice to have you back, I have missed you! Sherri2004-03-27 19:44:39
Swimming With MaryThomas Edward WrightDear Thomas, I had this critique all written out and somehow my computer lost it. So, let me see if I can recreate it. First of all I found the poem heart rending, and an awesome read at the same time. It has all the elements that I like in poetry. Most of all that it was written from the heart. The saddest line to me was: The room is a morgue with a waiting list. How sad to have all the children afflicted with the same terrible disease. It is so hard to see someone that you are close to die in front of your eyes. I watched as my Mom died by inches as the cancer caused paralysis from her legs on up. Finally getting to the muscles that allowed her to breathe, and mercifully she went to Heaven. Are you a Doctor? If so you are the kind of Doctor that patients love as well as families. Shows what kind of man you are that you allow yourself to have emotions for those that you are caring for. I will never forget the Doctor that delivered my still born daughter. He stayed with me over two hours, just holding my hand, not saying things like "you'll have another" or "it was for the best." He just sat there with me as I cried and listened to the newborn babies crying in the nursery across the hall. He got me transferred as soon as possible to another wing, so I wouldn't have to deal with nursery sounds, and happy families with healthy babies. He was a wonderful man. Well, Thomas, I wouldn't change a thing, this is beautiful as it is, touched my heart in a special way. Sherri2004-03-27 19:39:04
Untitledstephen g skipperDEar Stphen, This is a wonderful tribute to your wife Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. If we don't love deeply then the pain isn't as bad. For me, I will take the loving deeply, no matter how much pain I will be in later. Best wishes, Sherri2004-03-27 18:57:47
The Fiasco In MeErzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, This certainly does hit home in a big way. What we show the world on the outside is not always what is really on the inside of us. The first stanza suggests that we peel away the outer facade and look to what is really within us. Sometimes that can really hurt. The second stanza is one that hits me the most. We think we are fine on the outside but the past that we try to keep buried keeps bubbling to the surface. (Here I pictured the mud boiling) No longer able to control it, it has to come out. This is where I am glad that I can write. I can bare my soul and then seek healing from the hurts in the past. Do we smile because we are hurting....yes, I think we do, we don't want those around us to see the real pain that we might be going through. Do we give because we want to receive?...I think if you are emotionally hurting we do that trying to win some love and affection or find what we have missed out on in our lives. Yes I think we deceive others and fool ourselves...but do we? All good questions and a very thoughtful poem. Thanks for sharing, Sherri2004-03-27 16:42:19
japanese verse 42 (Pollination)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, Flowers and pollination, what a different way to write japanese verse. A haiku of nature, but with our own ability to read what we want to in it. You are the master of haiku and I admire you for your ability to write such simple lines with so much meaning in them. This form of poetry has caught my fancy and I want to thank you Erzahl for introducing me to it. Another beauty! Love, Sherri2004-03-26 18:48:40
Sable Shadowmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, Thank God we have our writing to chase away the blues, the blahs, and the ghosts! You did a very good job of describing your vivid dreams, and the grief must still be there bubbling to the surface in your sleep. The last line is scary and brings it all together. I fear that you will beckon me. Very well expressed and I like the visualization of sable shadow. Thanks for sharing Marilyn, I am glad that your dreams have stopped. Sherri2004-03-26 17:10:52
HaikuAndrea M. TaylorDear Andrea, Ah, now you have the correct syllable count! Now it is a Haiku! It is really a beautiful one, full of the promise of spring. I enjoyed it! Sherri2004-03-24 13:55:42
The Splendor of FireJordan Brendez BandojoDear Jordan, This is a very nice dedication to your muse. I liked the idea of fire, fire can do so many things, all of the things that you mentioned but also fire up our imaginations, get our creative juices running freely. The alliteration works very well, and I liked that part very well. The only thing that I would think of changing would be in the last line. I would substitute enkindling with just kindling. Your muse is obviously very busy helping you out. Thanks for sharing. Nice to hear from you and to read one of your poems. Sherri2004-03-23 20:35:22
My Summer Dream CabinMarcia McCaslinHi Marcia, I really liked the first one! Now I can't compare and figure out the differences. Oh well, this seems ideal for all writers, and lovers of peace. I sometimes wish I had such a place, but my respite usually comes when we make the trip to Missouri to see my mother-in-law. My ideal place is somewhere on the ocean where I can look at the movement of the sea whenever I want to, feel the sun on my face, and the salty breeze blowing my hair. To me, the sea is so totally comforting and serene, but when it is kicking up, it can also be bracing and exhilirating. Oh well, that is a whole new poem! Marcia, the last stanza is what I think I like so well, the nurturing of my own soul, after years of nurturing others, always on the go, working, racing around doing things, it is nice to be able to relax and take in all the wonderful sites that God has given us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing this with us, Sherri2004-03-23 13:56:47
IsraelMarcia McCaslinMarcia, With the risk of starting another fury on the forum, I believe as well that God's word is true and he will indeed bless those that bless them and curse those that curse them. We as Americans need to stand behind our allies. I liked the fact that you state how you feel and not afraid to take your own stand. I am like that too. Enjoy your vacation. Sherri2004-03-22 11:21:12
reflectionsRobert L TremblayDear Robert, Whether or not it was from your primitive period or not, this is a wonderful and stirring poem. A tribute to a God that cares for what he has created. The flow was excellent and the sentiment expressed without gushiness. It is a fine work, keep them coming. This particular stanza is beautiful: The light drizzle on a summer's eve, a bird in flight, The warm touch of someone you love, an infant asleep, The stars that orchestrate the grand Symphony at night, All of this is witness to me that now He must weep. Thanks for sharing Robert. Sherri2004-03-19 07:54:48
Two Roadsjeramy j gordyDear Jeramy, Welcome to ThePoeticLink. I hope you like it here and get the encouragement and support you need to be a great writer. I am glad that you chose this poem to post first. It is a very deep poem and it can make you really think ab out what road we are traveling on. I know you are writing about the choices that we can make in this life and where it will eventually lead us. Sure it may be fun for a while, but what about eternity? The premise of this is very good, I do think that some of the lines are a little long and could be shortened and tightened up without changing the meaning of the poem. I am a gut critiquer, there are others that will write to you about technical aspects. There are some very good critiquers here. Good luck, I am glad you joined. Sherri2004-03-18 20:27:57
japanese verse 41 (Rainbow)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoErzahl, You couldn't have dedicated this to a nicer person. Claire is an absolute wonderful friend and my prayer for her also would be comfort and healing from this haiku. You are the best. Sherri2004-03-15 07:38:50
Poems I Cannot WriteSandra J KelleyDear Sandra, Maybe you don't think you can write love poems, but I disagree with that. You have written about the glories of nature and how you love it, and to me that is a love poem. In my view, a love poem to God, as the creator of all those glorious sites that you describe in such vivid imagery. This one is very nice Sandra, it will be on my favorites list! Sherri2004-03-14 18:39:05
Memories of BerthaSherri L. WestDear Sherri, I am Sherri too! This is the kind of poetry I really like, one rich with feeling, emotional highs and one that draws me to it. First, because I am a Grandma, and I want my grandkids to feel this way about me. I plan special things for them, do things with them, and most of all give them all my attention when they are with me. The last line: Remember how we cried when I moved away? This line especially means a lot to me as my kids are not close to me in the physical sense. I have four in Alabama, 2 (soon to be 3) in Indiana, 2 in Germany, and 1 (soon to be 2) in the same town with me. That is all subject to change when Rodger's tour of duty in Inidanapolis recruiting will be over and they will be leaving, and when my daughter-in-law, granddaughter and thier new baby leave here to be with my son in San Diego. My kids really love it in Alabama so there isn't much hope of them moving back. I just make the most of my time with them when I can. Anyway, sorry to ramble, welcome to the Link, and glad to have you with us. The Other Sherri2004-03-14 18:27:52
Vandenbergs LoveDeniMari Z.Dear Poet, This is truly a love poem from the heart and all summed up in the last three lines: As mystyc remains unknown let this love define us for in your heart I'm home. How wonderful to feel at home in his heart. I have that kind of relationship as well and I am so glad. Your work is lyrical and sensual with lots of emotion flowing through it. Congratulations, it looks like you have found your soul-mate, married or not. THanks for sharing, Sherri2004-03-13 20:33:29
I am a lighthousemarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, This is amazing and I love the images of the lighthouse and the sea. I love the sea and you describe it so beautifully. Marilyn, this could have been written as a hymn it has a holy resonance to it. You could make the case that the lighthouse and God are one. It leaves me with a special peaceful feeling. This one gives me a sense of happiness, serenity and peace all rolled into one. I like that. Thanks for sharing this one Marilyn. Sherri2004-02-29 23:00:14
Then I'll Dance With DragonfliesJoanne M UppendahlDear Aunty, Another beautiful rendition of a another poem about nature. I am glad that you cleared up where the tundra was and I know now that it isn't your particular home environment. This is a great poem of the seasons without mentioning specific ones at all. To me, dancing with dragonflies gives me the feeling of freedom and abandon that I long to fee and to be able to express vividly. If I dare! Sherri2004-02-29 22:49:18
Every Poem An AutographMell W. MorrisHi Mell, Whe words you write here are so true. Most of my poetry stems from the events of my childhood. In the second stanza, L like the way you relate the "now" events that evoke those imprinted memories. When we take pen to compose, an old haunting will taunt until restored in metaphors, residing in our lines. Our poetry arises from our past even when we think it ignored. I find even my short stories have bits of my past in them no matter how I try to disguise it. Every strophe I read is a trophy of someone's life, how true this is. Mell you hit me right in the solar plexes with this one, thanks so much for sharing. Hope you and your loved ones are fine and well. Sherri 2004-02-29 22:45:54
Winter Treesmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, I am beginning to really enjoy haiku as a poetic form. I can remember when I used to delete everyone, I am so sorry now that I did that because I have come to discover their beauty and complexity. Now that I have attempted my own, I know how hard it is to make the lines flow together and still keep them in the 5-7-5 format. This is one is a fine example my friend. Sherri2004-02-29 22:26:06
I Have MemoriesSandra J KelleyDear Sandra, Good luck with your anthology, and congratulations! Written from a lovers broken heart, and it reads well. You used the senses well in this very powerful work. The title tells the truth that your poem tries to deny. There is one thingt hat I would consider doing, and that is to keep your thoughts all in one line, or break your thoughts into different lines instead of running them in to each other with just a few spaces as a break. This is a small thing and is just a thing of taste and doesn't impact the pathos of the poem at all. I think your group is doing a wonderful thing in donating the proceeds to a local literacy group. Thanks for sharing, Sherri2004-02-29 22:22:14
Closer to Far Away (edit)Joanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, I was waiting to see the poem you would write about the discovery of the new galaxy! I knew that it would excite you and something wonderful would come from your pen! You are the master of nature poems and I admire you for it. Your ability to make the reader "see" each and every line and description. Try as I might, I could only see two changes to the edit! One a comma added and a word (be) added in the last stanza. I see your picture clearly and also marvel at modern science to find something that is nothing more than a mote in the vast sky. What modern science found, God knew was there all the time, it is His creation. When my friends used to be afraid of aliens, I was never afraid. I believed that God created us in His image and He created the universe. If there is life on other planets, they they are also God's creations, so no fear! Joanne, I am truly a fan! Sherri2004-02-29 22:16:08
10:26 RevisitedSandra J KelleyDear Sandra. I admire the way that a reader can visualize each of your poems. I especially like the beginning. Using a curtain as a metaphor for the sky is beatutiful. It makes yu feel wrapped in that curtain, in your own little world. The stars piercing the black velvety (as I picture it) sky. The senses are alive with the feeling of the grass underfoot, cool but not yet damp from the dew, and the warmth of his hand on your back. The wind may make everything else unstable all around you, but you know you are stable with the warmth of his hand there to steady you. The clock in the heart of town that says to you "time has stopped" reinforces the feelings you have while you are with your loved one. Also tells me that your feelings also have not changed through the years. I liked this one very much. Sherri2004-02-29 21:57:20
Growing a RoseRebecca LeeDear Rebecca, This is a beautiful love poem, and it caught my eye immediately as my husband and I met while were in our 40's and I know he is the love of my life. We both spent time with other spouses but we are so perfect for each other it is downright scary! I love the metaphor of the roses with thorns, I know that I have some and he does too, but all the other attributes are there so the thorns I can ignore. You can tell that there is a lot of love between you and I am happy for you. The last line says it all: i know the heart the one true sweet heart, that let me in will believe me always beautiful and love me anyway. I love it, glad someone else is as happy as I am. Sherri2004-02-29 15:03:23
FallingJordan Brendez BandojoDear Jordan, This is a very different type of poetry. To take the items that you list as falling, and then turn it into a love poem is very unique. I like the images that the stanzas bring out. Falling debris, fallen leaves, pollen, rain. The sun is innocent of the raindrops that fall from heavy clouds to the raging ocean. This sets the stage, from the beauty of the sun high above the storm clouds, down to the raging ocean. I really liked that! The wife bereaved feels not her tears as they fall from lonely eyes. Another powerful statement. It also has a beauty in the words, (hot tears), (lonely eyes.) What goes up must come down, and that is exemplified in this writing very well. Ha! Then you get to the love part, and tied it all in so sweetly. but in the absence of science my heart still falls hard for you. Sometimes there are no explanations for why we fall in love, but it is there and it is wonderful! Thanks for sharing this. Sherri2004-02-28 18:24:48
About Love and Deathstephen g skipperDear Stephen, First let me say that I am so sorry for your loss. The depth of your love is very apparent in this beautiful tribute to her. I know you say you lost your muse, but I believe that your muse is still with you and inspiring you to new heights of writing. There is so much raw emotion here and it is very hard to offer any words that will give you any comfort. This was especially meaningful to me: We build our fragile worlds, On the belief that tommorrow, Will always come. We know in our hearts that people do not live forever, yet are unable to face the fact of their passing until it is there in front of us. I believe that if we love, yet let fear of losing them interefere with that love, then we are the ones who will suffer. I still love you I still need you, All apparent to those that can see. This ending is beautiful and made me tearful, you have a wonderful love and again I am sorry for your loss. Sherri2004-02-28 17:35:57
Hidden KeyDeniMari Z.Dear Deni, I don't know of your intent but to me, a survivor of childhood abuse it speaks volumes. I can identify with so much of it and the hurt that is still there in my heart comes oozing out. Scarred emotions - good description of what survivors often have, some with scabs that are ready to rip off and expose the pain again and again. Singing to her own music - retreating to a place where no other emotions can penetrate, for me it was my books. Most of my life has been out of my control, but not now! No faces left to blame - also speaks of wanting to confront people about the pain that we have felt, but can't now because they are no longer here on this earth. It is impossible to ask for or give forgiveness to those who are gone. The joy she lives for today - something that is very hard to do when you have always been unhappy. It is extremely difficult to accept the fact that YOU can be happy! As you can see, this poem spoke to my heart and I appreciate your bravery in posting it. It is very honest, and I appreciate that kind of poetry. Sherri2004-02-28 16:59:25
japanese verse 21 to 40 - Second CollectionErzahl Leo M. EspinoErzahl, Of course, they are all wonderful, and I didn't even count as I knew yours would be perfect! My top five favorites are: 1) Prayer 2) Old Age 3) Breeze 4) Manger 5) Petals Keep them coming Erzahl, they are truly beautiful and inspiring. It was hard to pick the top five! Sherri2004-02-28 16:51:19
Just Like YouMick FraserDear Mick, This is a very powerful poem. I started relating to it right away as I came to know my Father and his mother very late in life. I find myself so much like them, and only wish I had taken more time to be with my Grandma before she passed. She lived 2 days drive from me, so rarely saw her. I see many of her traits in the things that I do, we shared a good laugh once when I noticed that we were both using the same hand gestures. Then it goes to the last stanza and you hit us over the head with the unexpected. Not just a walk down memory lane and a wish for more time, but more than that, the same kind of health problem! It puts a terrefic, but sad, ending on a very good poem. THanks for sharing and allowing me to remember my Grandmother with pleasure and sadness. SHerri2004-02-28 16:36:31
A Growing Appetite for SpringJoanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, I love your descriptions of the place where you live, and see it through your eyes. I too am longing for spring, tho this winter has not been near as bad for me as the past few have been. I feel healthier, and happier, with optimism for my writing that I have never felt before. The dark days have not depressed me, and I was just realizing just today, that the worst is behind me and I am still feeling good! That is so remarkable for me as I suffer horribly from SAD. Your flowing pictures do give me signs and hope for spring. I am looking out my window now and still see stark branches, with not even a hint of green on them, but the snow has melted from the ground! I have been watching my flower beds for signs of life, of course nothing yet. My old hen and chickens that I potted in the fall didn't make it for sure, still waiting on the rest to green up! I was going to pick out one or two stanzas that I enjoyed the most, but since I enjoyed them all, I couldn't do that. I love all the wonderful alliteration that you have, I think I am a fan of the ssss sounds, as they seem to soothe the spirit and seem so serene! I do love the last stanza, the tundra coldest tundra, which in my mind, can also be the coldest and dreariest of moods and days, will soon savor new life. How awesome! Just like me I am still thriving under winter wraps, but cannot wait to throw them off and bask in the sunshine! I am retiring to some place that is sunny and near the ocean, both things that my spirit craves! From your fan, Sherri S2004-02-22 15:34:19
japanese verse 39 (Amnesia)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, Of course I don't have to count to know that this is perfect form. It is so romantic also! I am constantly amazed how you pull each and every one off in the most perfect way. Do you think in haiku? You must cause this is a natural talent I am sure. Thanks for sharing another wonderful example of the haiku art form. I know that you have inspired me and it seems like several others here as well. Thanks for sharing, keep them coming, Sherri2004-02-22 14:57:28
haikuhaikuRegis L ChapmanDear Reeg, Yes, I find myself counting fingers to see if they were the right count! Now that Erzahl has so transformed my way of thinking of haiku, I long to write some that are as beautiful as his. No way that will happen, but sometimes I will be thinking of something and will automatically start counting on my fingers to see if it follows haiku format! Anyway, I liked your haiku, you summed it all up so well in the allotted amount of syllables! Thanks for sharing, Sherri S2004-02-22 14:53:19
Silent SCREAM!Robert L TremblayDear Bobby, I too believe in Freedom of Choice, but I lost a daughter and I hate to hear of abortions, abandoned, and abused children. I have a special place in my heart for each of them. It takes courage to write what you feel and I know courage is not something that you lack. I am sure you will get a lot of grief for this, but it stands the test, and it is so true. Sherri2004-02-22 14:23:18
Dirt Devilmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, What a wonderful visual poem this is! Sizzling sun bears down on the etched earth disturbed only by a sporadic zealous breeze. (This has wonderful alliteration, both with the z's and the s's) A bald eagle soars aloft, eyes in an aquiline head, vigilant for prey. (The symbol of our country, proud and vigilant. This is beautiful to think of, and imagine. Just seeing the beautiful eagle included in the Nascar pre race entertainment just made my heart swell with pride) THe second stanza then has wonderful alliteration with the exploding p sounds. Then you get into the little dust devil himself. Described to perfection with beautiful words and sounds pleasant to the ear when you hear them read outloud. subdued his zeal returns to dust. His antics only a hazy memory in the wizard sun. (again we have the wonderful z sounds and along with the s's to make a pleasant sounding ending, quiet as a sigh) This was a pleasure to read Marilyn, thanks for sharing. Sherri He skips happily, whirls with abandon, spinning like a tiny twisting typhoon. (A delightful paragraph that just has to make the saddest person smile! The sight of a little dirt devil jumping up and finally being free from the earth to dance and spin. I feel a little like that myself sometimes.) 2004-02-16 16:30:32
Living a LossRobin Ann CrandellDear Robin, I know after pouring out this hurt that you have in your heart, it had to ease the pain for you. I have written a lot of these hurt filled poems myself, and know that after each is completed, I feel lots better. I know that it is a time worn phrase but "time does heal all wounds". I too am thankful for the Garth Brooks song, if God had answered the prayers that I was praying 11 years ago, I would not be as happy as I am today. God knows what is best for us, even if we doubt it sometimes. Broken relationships hurt, and it takes a long while to get over it. So give yourself some time and be willing to grieve for your loss. If no one will listen to you, then pour it out in this form. Believe me, I know it is good therapy. Good luck, Sherri2004-02-16 10:28:04
The OakRobert L TremblayDear Robert, I can see a huge difference in your work now. I was expecting to open this poem and see a wonderful tree branched oak tree spread out, with deep roots boring into the ground. I can see the improvement, I think what you do is unique and know that I for one do not have the patience to do that type of meticulous work. Is "imaged work" the right title for this type of work. Sorry, I don't know the name of the form you use. Thanks for sharing.. Sherri2004-02-16 10:22:07
untitledMick FraserDear Mick, Why not the simple title of "Senses", as this one certainly captures the essence of all of them. This is a thought provoking poem, and the last stanza was the kicker. the five basic senses ...something that we all are born with and we are what we are, unless...yes we are what we are, lots of times, products of our environment we choose to be better...this I have found out for myself. I can choose to change the way that I react to those things in my life that tend to effect me negatively. I have gone through a huge process like that this last year, and feel that I have come through it a better person, wife, mother, grandmother and writer. Thanks for taking the time to share these thoughts. Sherri 2004-02-16 10:18:04
Insects and Other Tiny NationsJoanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, You say it is a work in progress? I think it is lovely just as it is. I am sure that the more technical people might be able to find something that should be changed, but probably not. This is a unique insight into a different world. A perspective so totally unlike any that I have read and so interesting, touching and loving. I am sure that your granddaughter loves it. Your colorful imagery in stanza 2 is amazing. You can both see the colors clearly and also hear the tiny insect noises that they are making. To see their existence in a small childs eyes is so distinct! That they are creatures created by God and are here to serve their own purpose in life. God cares for them also! Sometimes I think we as humans forget that, he cares for the sparrow and even knows the number of hairs on our heads! What an amazing concept. The goodness of our Father shows through. I loved the imagery of the "mother" moon creating a little star to help light the world. I just have always thought of the moon ad male. You know the man in the moon thing? Anyway, all this rambling just to let you know how very much I loved this, it flowed, it sang and it made my heart fill with joy. Thanks Auntie for another beautiful inspiring poem. Love, Sherri2004-02-14 09:32:17
Neuter AllegianceMell W. MorrisDear Mell, I hardly know how to respond to this poem. It sounds so hopeless. Yet I believe that good will win out and overcome evil. I pray for our leaders, pray that the populace will vote for the man that God would have in our Oval office, and pray for that man. It is a scary prospect to see that those who are running dishing out the dirt, etc. So much muck throwing and shouldn't we be concentrating on what we are facing right now? I will be glad when the whole election is over, and pray that the right man is elected to office. Our country depends on it, maybe our very lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sherri2004-02-14 09:09:05
japanese verse 40 (Petals)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, What a beautiful haiku and thank you Erzahl for the Valentine wish. It is another beautiful example of your work. I have been working on a few myself, but mine seem totally clumsy compared to yours. Happy Valentines Day, Sherri2004-02-14 08:57:40
Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Sherri L SmithCritique Date

Displaying Critiques 51 to 100 out of 172 Total Critiques.
Click one of the following to display the: First 50 ... Next 50 ... Previous 50 ... Last 50 Critiques.

If you would like to view all of Sherri L Smith's Poetry just Click Here.

Poetry Contests Online at The Poetic Link

Click HERE to return to ThePoeticLink.com Database Page!