Dying Lessons (poem) by J Michael Kearney on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on October 25, 2009

It says alot when we are reminded of those that have touched upon a moment never to be lost thank you

Reviewed by 000 000 (Reader)

Reviewed on September 27, 2008

A parents unconditional love..even in death. Maybe he and my mom are in heaven reading our writings-and smiling.
Such a tender poem, CarolHawks

Reviewed by Karen Vanderlaan

Reviewed on November 12, 2006

wow! very touching and such a tribute to your father threaded with very good advice as well

Reviewed by ~ Holly Harbridge (Reader)

Reviewed on October 21, 2006

A very moving piece of work; filled with emotion. Hope to see more of your poetry, you too have a gift!

Reviewed by Susan Sonnen

Reviewed on April 9, 2006

this is so poignant. I just ran across your site this morning and am enjoying your works so very much!

Susan

Reviewed by sarah playle (Reader)

Reviewed on December 11, 2005

sad subject to write on, but very well expressed.

Reviewed by L. Figgins

Reviewed on February 17, 2005

You could have written this about my father, J.M. I gave him a homemade card for his B-day one year and I inscribed it, 'Love can be measured by it's sacrifice'...because that's all he did for all 8 of us. He even held two jobs at one point. I have an awful feeling that when their generation is only a memory, the salt of this earth will go with them...you have thanked him, and I'm sure he knows...

Reviewed by Jim Dunlap

Reviewed on January 4, 2004

Yes, they do. I suspect you might like to read my sonnet onn death here on Authors' Den, A Portal To Glory". I don't believe that death will divide us forever, and I doubt you do either. This is a strong write.

Reviewed by OnepoetGem *the Poetic Rapper

Reviewed on July 15, 2003

Yes this is a very moving poetic piece of work J. Made me think a bit. G

Reviewed by nevine Al Seidi (Reader)

Reviewed on June 15, 2003

Mmm, God blesses you with longevity to teach us eough lessons like this. A piece for of human dignity, Mike!

Reviewed by Gracie McKeever

Reviewed on March 12, 2003

Excellent piece! Very gripping and heartfelt.

Reviewed by Nellie Feng

Reviewed on October 28, 2002

A very Excellent Write from the heart, Michael!

Reviewed by J. Conrad Guest (Reader)

Reviewed on October 25, 2002

Fewer things in life worse than regret, but you should have little of that, Michael. It seems you and your dad had a mutual respect, and that's something few fathers and sons share. If your dad said he was proud of you, believe him; he wouldn't say it if wasn't so.

Reviewed by Retardo Culo (Reader)

Reviewed on September 22, 2002

you have been visited by the MaD cLiCkeR. In order to improve your chances for the radio show at AD. Quantity matters!! hehehehe.

Reviewed by A. Hack (Reader)

Reviewed on September 19, 2002

Nice read, JM.
Quite frankly, I'm not ready
to go yet. You are right, though.
We do die alone. It's a scary thought.
Good piece.

krisette

Reviewed by Letitia Blount (Reader)

Reviewed on September 14, 2002

Outstanding and so filled with emotion. I too hope I can be like your father and you when my time comes. Thank you so much for sharing.
Poe

Reviewed by Lawrance Lux

Reviewed on August 20, 2002

Very good, but with the sadness We all know.
lgl

Reviewed by Judy Brown

Reviewed on July 17, 2002

I am not a poetry fan, but this was very evocative and moving. I was certainly touched by it. Thank you.

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on July 2, 2002

well done......... ;0)

Reviewed by Theresa Koch

Reviewed on May 5, 2002

Both of my parents have graduated from earth on to the next level in existence but I know they are still here in spirit~I have often felt similar to your words and I am sure your father is proud and loves you very much from heaven.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)

Reviewed on May 2, 2002

Absolutely beautiful. ~E

Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)

Reviewed on April 14, 2002

Excellent write. More should be shared with people about how to die with as much joy as it is to recieve new life. You may not realize it but by these words that you have shared I see what your father saw and he told you no lies.

Reviewed by Jeanette Foresta

Reviewed on March 28, 2002

Very touching. Geat to have a supportive relationship with your father.

Reviewed by Sara Russell

Reviewed on March 16, 2002

A very well-chosen title, also the poem is touching without being over-sentimental, it has a great balance of emotion and philosophy. It must have been extremely difficult to collect your emotions to write this. - Sara R.

Reviewed by Masarat Daud (Reader)

Reviewed on March 16, 2002

Excellent n very touching...

Reviewed by fionnagh oaks (Reader)

Reviewed on March 12, 2002

very moving and powerfully written. Speaks to the heart of you.

Reviewed by Hanley Harding (Reader)

Reviewed on March 5, 2002

I strongly disagree with the "Everything I am, and all I'll ever be, I owe to you". While your father's influence was obviously strong (and, just as obviously, good!), it is only the kernel of what you are as a man and as a human being. As my late wife lay dying, our children knew that they had recieved a good measure of what they were from her... and it was special. And this was a special piece. Hanley

Reviewed by Darlene Zagata

Reviewed on March 5, 2002

Excellent! Very well done.

Reviewed by Darlene Zagata

Reviewed on March 2, 2002

Joseph, This hits home again and again. It is so important to die rightly. Most of my life I thought the sole purpose of life is to Live Well, but now I have a sign on my desk, "Die Well" - of course you know utlimately they mean the same thing. I sure do not want to go out whining but singing. Tecumseh gave good advice in that regard: that a brave should have his death song prepared, and not moan and groan about what could have been....

Reviewed by Dens Dreamweaver (Reader)

Reviewed on March 2, 2002

He knows hun. IN fact am sure he is smiling down at you with each step in life you take.. I am so glad to see you here!!!!! And wanted to thank you for finding me so I could find you.. (if that makes sense)

love and light
dreamweaver

Reviewed by Patrick Talty

Reviewed on February 23, 2002

Hello J. Michael Kearney,
When I found that WBM was in the process of closing down I immediately came to AuthorsDen in the hope that you would be listed there as an author. I was delighted to find your name in the alphabetical list. I went to your "Den" and swiftly put it into my Favourites for future reference. This poem was the first piece of your work I looked at on this site and I was very touched by it.

You have created a piece of free verse that meets my criteria for that form: appropriate tone created by relevant images and precision in the selection of words to construct them; a style compatible with the sad theme and rhythms that resonate with readers and make them nod their heads as if to say, "Yes! I can relate to that!"
Those factors I've just mentioned bring to my mind a quotation from the grest R.W.Emerson's *Journals* (1943): *Poetry makes its own pertinence, and a single stanza outweighs a book of prose.*
I think that Emerson's observation certainly applies to the pertinence that flows from your fine example of free verse and its ability to articulate the deep feelings that arose from the experience it so poignantly describes.
Now that I have access to all your work on this site I look forward to re-visiting for as many times as my rather busy schedule will permit.
Best regards,
Patrick Talty

Reviewed by Peter Adotey Addo

Reviewed on January 29, 2002

A very wonderful and thought provoking piece

Reviewed by Karen Gallo

Reviewed on January 19, 2002

Michael,
Touching, True, Sensitive, Real, Been There & Understand - You have an Author's Hand and a Poet's Heart. Hat's off to You
I give you a 10/10 STAR Review.
Karen Dunn

Reviewed by fare good (Reader)

Reviewed on January 19, 2002

The heart that is pure shows no fear. The paradise that awaits him he awaits with love. The strength of wisdom which he lived upon this earth. He bared great fruits his mission was complete. The bravery from a angel which his legacy was love. Look at you a fireman who lives the same legacy which he represents. He has gained his wings such a great soul. You put your life on the line. For those without thinking of self. The legacy of a angel you are very blessed.

Reviewed by John Martin

Reviewed on January 1, 2002

Exremely well written and well thought out!In fact, I enjoy and agree with all of your works. It's one thing to be able to think clearly, and another to be able to put those thoughts in words. I congratulate you at being extremely proficient at both.

Reviewed by Victoria Murray

Reviewed on December 30, 2001

Very heartfelt and touching. Nicely done!
Victoria

Reviewed by Janet Caldwell

Reviewed on December 29, 2001

I think that he knows, he told you in the statement "I could never hold a candle to you." He knew you maybe better than you know yourself. He had faith in you and obviously much love. Feel blessed my friend. My parents never saw me for who I am and they are both deceased. Your Dad sounds like a beautiful soul. Janet

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

Reviewed on December 29, 2001

A moving piece! Much heartfelt!

Sandie Angel :o)