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.

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Below you will see ALL of the Critiques that Sherri L Smith has given on The Poetic Link.
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Displaying Critiques 123 to 172 out of 172 Total Critiques.
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Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Sherri L SmithCritique Date
OrbituarySergio M chavezSergio, Keep on using your writing a s aform of therapy, yes it can be shocking and disturbing but if it helps to vent your fears, your anger or whatever you need to vent then keep on doing it. My suggestion, to go back and write about those things in your childhood that have affected you negatively. I have done that in my own life, and all published now in a chap book. I feel vindicated, cleansed by this baring of my soul and even if never published or read by anyone else, it does help to get it all out. I found that the festering sores in my life, soon started healing and I can think on those incidents with much more objectivity and without as much pain as I used to have. Thanks for sharing, keep writing, keep venting, healing can come. Sherri2004-01-17 12:41:37
FearSergio M chavezDear Sergio, This is a very disturbing piece, I hope it isn't autobiographical. If so, I do hope you can find someone to trust and talk to. It is very open, very straight forward. I appreciate this kind of work as that is the way that I write as well. I say it from the heart and the guts and just let it pour out with no fancy words to make it look pretty. Hope this venting has done some good. Best of luck. Sherri2004-01-17 12:36:05
japanese verse 37 (Top)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, Again a very beautiful rendition of haiku. Always in perfect for, (Iwould expect nothing less) and since I have now written a few of these myself, I know how difficult it can be to put your thoughts into such a structured form and make it work, as well as make it beautiful. You are the master, still think you ought to branch out, send in to some places that want haiku especially, likes Brooks Books. Thanks for sharing, Sherri2004-01-17 12:32:20
Belongingsiddharth GopalakrishnaDear Siddharth This poem struck a chord with me. I too, always longed to belong, to be loved and accepted for who I am. It took me more than 40 years to finally accept myself. "I am who I am, God made me this way" That is my motto, once I started to like myself and the way that I am, the happier I became. Glad you came to realize this as well. Your style is simple but powerful words, still gets the point across. I like the last stanza as sometimes it comes like a realization, we are unique and each special in our own way. Thanks for sharing this with us. Sherri2004-01-17 11:48:27
Blazing MustangRobert L TremblayDear Robert, You did a great job of this, I know it must be extremely difficult. Congratulations on your special critique. That is quite an honor! Sherri2004-01-11 11:06:14
japanese verse 36 (Ku Klux Klan)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, You know I think you are the master. Keep it up! Sherri2004-01-08 14:34:34
Visions of YesterdayClaire H. CurrierDear Claire, What a beautiful and touching piece! It has great visuals in it and lots of heartfelt emotion. May God bless you Mother in the days ahead, I am glad that she still has some of her good memories. Sherri2003-12-30 15:50:31
Country PumpkinClaire H. CurrierDear Claire, This one made me smile! I could just picture the chase that went on and those pesky squirrels sure can cause some damage if they get into the house. My Mom had made a friend of one who would come to the door and beg for corn! Once it got in, he no longer got fed! Just brought back some funny memories. Country life, maybe, we do have some of the same things in the city. Coons, squirrels and rabbits that eat my flowers! Even a ground squirrel that we thought we would never get rid of! This was a fun read even thought I have never been able to eat wild game no matter what it was! A phobia I guess. Have a happy and successful New Year! Sherri2003-12-28 13:02:55
The StoopMell W. MorrisDear Mell, What a wonderful homespun tale, vivid with it's imagery! It involves all the senses and is appealing both in it's style and also the sights and smells that it evokes. The title "The Stoop" is an appropriate one and a beautiful way to end the poem with the mother and daughter sitting on the stoop looking at the wonders of nature. A sense of hope is there also and knowing that dawn will come with fresh wonders to see. Wonderful work Mell, you keep getting better and better. Love Sherri Hope you and Gary have a wonderful and healthy New Year. 2003-12-28 12:32:53
Christmas in TexasMell W. MorrisDear Mell, Of course I had to comment on this poem. It reminds me of my son in law who is from Texas and speaks with that southern drawl. He has told some of his traditions and one of them that he has shared with us is stuffed jalpenos! A little too hot for my taste butI have been assured that they are delicious. I hope your Christmas was all that you hoped for and you have the best New Year yet! With good health in abundance! Thanks for sharing. Love, Sherri2003-12-27 11:58:19
japanese verse 35 (Manger)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, This is another wonderful example of the wonderful work you do in haiku. You inspired me and when I wrote the one and only one, it seemed to flow from my pen without any effort! This is a wonderful tribute to the season and for the greatest gift of all, God's son. Your imagery is wonderful, keep up the good work! Happy New Year. Sherri2003-12-27 11:38:04
An Old Man's Song On Christmas EveRick BarnesDear Rick, It is very nice to have you back, and with your Christmas poem too! I liked the whole tone of this poem, the memories that we hear in our heads at night, and a reminder that we have had so many people touch our lives. Each of them leaving their own mark. Also, a reminder that our actions can touch so many people and maybe influence good or bad. The last stanza has a wealth of meaning. There are those that are not physically around us but we still feel their warmth and their influence and love. What a great reminder for this Christmas season. Hope your new year is happy. Sherri2003-12-27 11:34:09
Saluting Robert CreeleyMell W. MorrisDear Mell, I have read this as it has been on my list for a while, but I wanted to read his work before I commented. Now I understand the poem! Thanks for sharing and giving us a look at a modern poet. I learned of someone new and it brightened my day! Happy Holidays to you and Gary. Love, Sherri2003-12-19 13:15:26
The Blizzard (A Story Poem)Drenda D. CooperDear Drenda, This is a haunting tale and put so aptly and visually into poem form. I can see the hunter, oblivious to what is around him, going after his prey. I can see the snow first falling gently, (as it is here today) then coming down in blinding snow blankets. This is a good comparison to some of us humans that work to attain a goal only to lose our soul for it. Good reminder, great visual poetry! Happy Holidays Sherri2003-12-19 10:07:06
cleansingSandra J KelleyDear Sandra, This tells me of a lost love maybe or a lost lifestyle, or maybe just the loss of a dream that was being held dear. Maybe it could be the diary of a bad relationship, it is nice to be able to put our won thoughts and feelings into this, and make it mean something to me! I especially liked the line: She wipes tears of smoke or of memory from her eyes overseeing the burning. That speaks volumes and I can picture myself doing something like that and crying as I did it. Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful Holiday! Sherri2003-12-17 12:30:36
Carolingmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, This is a very nostologic poem and is so sweet, with the pure innocence of girl scouts and the smells of ginger snaps and hot chocolate. I loved the way that the words of the carols matched the second line, like it is part of the song. Really really nice, gets me more into the Christmas season. Sherri2003-12-16 20:08:43
Establishing VocabularyMell W. MorrisDear Mell, What a clever way to incorporate a bunch of new words! Some I admit I had to look up! But to also tell a story of a poet striving for perfection in such a concise way too, is a great feat. Congratulations on a job well done. Sherri2003-12-16 07:42:41
Ice Daggersmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn I see you have been inspired by Erzahl also. I am beginning to enjoy the haiku form. Short, sweet but says so much! This is very nice, thanks for sharing. Sherri2003-12-15 09:10:56
Awakenmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, I don't believe in things that just "happen". I do believe that sometimes dreams can bring us warning and understanding of things that are past. I am glad to see that you diagnosis was incorrect and you are still here with us. I had a dream once that foretold of loss of my husband not long after that, we had a terrible storm, my husband was out fixing siding when a major elect wire came down right across the ladder he had just climbed down from. He is now my ex but do still remember that incident vividly. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sherri2003-12-12 08:20:15
MAN-HATERApril Rose Ochinang ClaessensThis story is a horrible tragedy, but unfortunately these things do happen in this world. When a girl has been assaulted they all can respond in different ways. Some may grow promiscuous while others shun anything to do with sex at all. The first stanza sets the tone for the whole poem. It is very stark and spells it out exactly how it was. The loss of innocence, her doll falling to the ground. A symbol of childhood that is lost and untold years of torment and memories. This was beautiful april, thanks for sharing. Sherri2003-12-12 08:14:31
Poetry (in the Tradition of Science)Jordan Brendez BandojoJordan, What a unique scientific verse! I don't understand all the wonders of nature and how the world revolves, but I am glad that it does and know that it is in God's hands. I especially like your last stanza and we here at TPL are very glad that your Dad's sperm and your Mother's egg cell hooked up! Enjoying your critiques and your poetry here. By the way, where are you from? Sherri2003-12-12 08:09:32
Snow * Revised into Rondolets*Drenda D. CooperDear Drenda, No need to apologize here! This is a learning place where we all can feel free to experiment and do things differently without being censored. I wouldn't know the rondelet style as I said before, but I just liked the subject! Sherri2003-12-11 22:38:23
Life at ThePoeticLinkJordan Brendez BandojoDear Jordan, A very nice tribute to all the wonderful poets and critiquers here at TPL. I too have learned so much in the time that I have been here. They also gave me the courage to try to fulfill my dream of being a published writer. Their encouragement and support have meant so much to me in my writing life. Thanks for sharing. Sherri2003-12-11 09:28:47
Snow ( A Rondolet )Drenda D. CooperDrenda, I am less familiar with the structured poetry then I should be, but this one grabbed my attention and I wanted to comment on it. Snow, we see a lot here, but that is one thing that my son misses by living in the south now. He only wants to see it once tho! He likes the temperate weather down there. (Alabama) Snow can be lovely, and beautiful to see. I love the first snow of the season, when all is blanketed and sun is reflecting off of it. Then, it goes to dirty slush, then by the end of the winter, we are all ready to have it melt away and be gone! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this wintery subject! Sherri2003-12-11 09:18:09
A Failure ToThomas Edward WrightThomas, Again I am in awe, this is a wonderful poem full of feeling and of course very timely. I agree wholeheartedly, leave the criminals in a cell where they belong, not where they can get ahold of another poor innocent. Thanks for sharing, Sherri2003-12-07 23:46:57
As to the Site of the Preservation of MemoriesThomas Edward WrightThomas, This brought tears to my eyes. Almost the exact pattern that my Mom's illness took. From Mayo, where I heard the awful words, "I thought it was malign, but it isn't." Such a horrible time, and downhill from there, I feel your pain, I have been there. I am glad that you could write it, I don't think I have actually been able to put that time of my life into words. You have done it beautifully. Sherri2003-12-07 23:44:35
japanese verse 33 (Snow Capes)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, Another beautiful word picture! I am beginning to be a fan of haiku. Sherri2003-12-01 21:51:42
The Other SideMell W. MorrisDear Mell, So glad to see you back to writing and critiquing again. I have been very busy but wanted to comment on the poems that spoke directly to me. I love a covered bridge, the old wooden kind that only one horse and carriage could go through at a time. They have some lovely ones in Brown Co. Indiana and I always enjoy walking through them and thinking of what those planks would say if they could talk. You tickled my imagination! I loved it. Love, Sherri2003-11-30 16:13:02
japanese verse 32 (Chess)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, You are emerging as a premier Haiku writer and I am so proud of you. I hope that you contact the publisher in my area, I just feel that he would be interested. Sherri2003-11-30 16:01:07
This Last ChristmasPaul R LindenmeyerDear Paul, Christmas time is so hard for those that have lost someone in the previous year. It doesn't matter if it was through death or divorce, it is still hard. I remember my first Christmas after my divorce, it was very hard. I can understand the sentiment that went into writing this poem. Writing to me is very good therapy. Sherri2003-11-30 15:56:25
Be SilentDebbie SpicerDear Debbie, Thank you my friend, you wrote this poem for me. You give me a lift. Love, Sherri2003-11-27 22:12:37
Missingmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, My heart aches for you. I recognize the pain that you feel. I haven't had this experience yet, and I hope not for a long long time. My Steve is the best of the best, I want another 10 or 20 years with him. 10 years is not enough. Bless you Marilyn during this holiday time, and I will keep you in my prayers. Sherri2003-11-27 22:10:51
Old FriendMark D. KilburnDear Mark, I so enjoyed this work. I love my two dogs and can identify with the feelings that come out in this poem. My little dog, always knows when I have a bad day and she is right there on my lap to cuddle with me and lick my face. My big dog will set at my feet and look at me with those big brown eyes of his and I know that he is there to comfort and protect me. I do so appreciate their companionship. They are my best friends, and I love them like family. Thanks for sharing your story of Mutt with us. Sherri2003-11-27 22:04:26
japanese verse 30 (Vulture)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear ERzahl, You are amazing at this type of structured poems! I do hope that you contacted Randy Brooks somehow from his website or in some manner. I think he would like your work. Nice alliteration throughout the haiku and to keep that up as well as the form was certainly a big job. Congratulations. Sherri2003-11-06 22:05:18
Talking To The TreesMell W. MorrisDear Mell, I think this is one of the most beautiful poems that you have written. The glory of the changing colors of the fall leaves all entwined in this beautiful poem. I especially liked this stanza: Leaves are like pages of poetry that assuage loneliness. Come, fill empty spaces by listening to their lore of teardrop traces. Mainly because poetry helps me fill the empty places in my heart and soul. It spoke to me. Thanks for sharing this with us and especially me. Sherri2003-11-03 20:49:27
After the StormJoanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, I am not sure why you needed the revision, but this one stands worthy in it's own right. I liked them both, just critiqued Role Model. As for the spider, may we all take lessons and Never, Never give up! Love, Sherri2003-11-01 10:04:22
Role ModelJoanne M UppendahlDear Joanne, You weave the most wonderful word pictures! When I read your writings, I can picture each line! I can in no way match your word knowledge and the way that you use them. I am in awe! Thanks for sharing this wonderful "picture" with the rest of us. Love, Sherri2003-11-01 10:02:12
Pastmarilyn terwillegerDear Marilyn, The loss of a loved one is a very tragic event that doesn't fade away as soon as "consolers" might think. With the loss of my Mother and of my daughter, the anniversaries are there and it always invokes sad memories for me. I can truly identify with these words, and I offer you my prayers. Love, Sherri2003-11-01 09:58:54
Eight Dollar Dumb DadPaul R LindenmeyerDear Paul, I have read and reread this work and like it more and more. This son of yours is a great son and a good example of how you have raised him! A ray of sunshine on a foggy day, compassionate and in tune to the feelings of others. I like him! Nice tribute to him and lots of visuals in this poem. I could "see" each line. Thanks for sharing, Sherri2003-11-01 09:40:16
Clouds and CurtainsMark D. KilburnDear Mark, Just a comment on this powerful poem. I also have a "black" curtain, but it is depression that I fight constantly. As the days get shorter, so does my joy. I can't identify with the shots and the pills but I can certainly identify with the feelings and emotions of the rest of the poem. Hang in there, Sherri2003-11-01 09:33:01
japanese verse 29 (Breeze)Erzahl Leo M. EspinoDear Erzahl, Wow, I really like this one. I am starting to enjoy this form of poetry and may even try my hand myself. I like the tickles and the giggles and ending with bliss. All in all, just a lovely happy feeling haiku. thanks for sharing. Sherri2003-10-27 12:30:10
Riversmarilyn terwillegerHi Marilyn, I am not much good at haiku but I think that the second line could read time sands never motionless you would still get the same meaning and it might flow better. I am not one to give advice on this type of poetry as I have never tried it. I just thought that it read better to me. Sherri2003-10-26 20:05:42
My MuseDonna L. DeanDear Donna, Your muse must have a twin, cause that one lives in my house! The best things are brought to me in the dead of night when I am nice and comfy in my bed, or when I am on the road with nothing to write with and my memory stinks! I think, oh I will remember that, but of course being the age that I am, I don't! This one really struck home to me, and am glad to know that I am not the only one to have the problems that I have with my muse! Very cleverly done and nicely worded. It was a good read and I enjoyed it very much. Sherri2003-10-26 20:02:19
Night DreamsMary E. GustasDear Mary, You had me going, just oozing all soft and melting about thinking of this beautiful picture of passion and love. LOL...then you hit me with the last line...It's only a dream! I love O Henry type of endings. The twist and the surprise at the end and this one was great! Sherri2003-10-26 19:56:20
Haiku: WarningsDarlene A MooreDear Darlene, I admire your talent more than I can say. Haiku too! You did it very well. I know it must be hard to write this form, I haven't tried it yet, but am getting more and more intrigued by it. You are an inspiration to me. I almost have 3 complete chapbooks completed. I have 3 stores in my hometown and one in Bloomington, IL that want to carry them when they are ready for sale. You were a big help to me. Thanks so much, and hope to see you again some time. Love, Sherri Also, Wanda is doing much better now that she is using her inhaler in the correct way!!2003-10-26 19:44:47
Sweet, Sweet Music (II)Mell W. MorrisDear Mell, It is so good to hear your "poetic" voice again. I think the way that you outlined all the music that you like was great. I liked your formatting and the poem itself just seemed to flow just like a sweet lullaby. Hope you are doing well, Sherri2003-10-26 01:06:28
Departed SpiritsC ArrownutDear C, It has been nearly 18 years since I was in this position, but I remember it well. I would look up and could almost see my Mom sitting in my kitchen chair, begging me to play Yahtzee. Hear her cigarette cough, and smell her Avon perfume. I know what you mean. I have been there too, it passes, but it sometimes takes a very long time. Good poem, hope that it helps you work through the grief process. Sherri2003-09-05 09:45:06
Petunia's First FlightMell W. MorrisDear Mell, I am glad to see that your inner child is alive and well. Mine loves to play with bubbles, so it is a wonderful time when the grandkids come over and we have bubble time. You are so right, it is a stress reliever for me, not only to blow bubbles, but to play! Most of all to just play. I have felt better this summer and have been doing a lot of that with my grandkids. Have you been not well? I kinda picked that up on the forum. Hope you and Gary are doing fine now. Sherri2003-09-01 22:31:53
Charge of DiscriminationDebbie SpicerDear Debbie, So very good to hear your voice here again! I also have recently felt the sting of discrimination, with the girls that I work with in my small office. I am the odd woman out, and it hurts, so it does lend a better understanding of what it feels like. I see you too have experienced it. I am sorry. So nice to hear from you, I have missed you. Sherri2003-09-01 22:08:37
At last SunriseKen DauthDear Ken, Very interesting format that catches the eye and just demands that your read the poem! It must be extrememly difficult to make the words fall into just that pattern, but you did it well. REads just like it should, with each line descending until it is finally dusk. Just like the sun setting. Excellent work. Sherri2003-08-13 20:59:52
Poem TitlePoet NameCritique Given by Sherri L SmithCritique Date

Displaying Critiques 123 to 172 out of 172 Total Critiques.
Click one of the following to display the: First 50 ... Previous 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

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