I Understand (poem) by A. Keith Barton on AuthorsDen

Reviewed on July 3, 2007

It sounds very well, not only as a simple true, but also in terms of poetic effect.
Vasile

Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)

Reviewed on March 7, 2004

Friends always make a differance good poem.

Reviewed on February 10, 2004

Straight to the core, this is beautiful.
I love your poignancy. I love your grasp of the struggle and your ability to convey it so simply. I can see that you have seen it yourself in many ways.
Stephanie S. Sawyer, author FACING ME

Reviewed by Bonita Quesinberry

Reviewed on January 2, 2004

This is a wonderful piece of truism, Keith. Would that all felt the same. Alas, we live in a world gone mad; yet, we struggle to help one at a time, for it is the best we can do. Fortunately, the great psychiatrist, God, is constant: pure love that never changes. ~~Bonnie Q
Associate Editor, Washington
Waltsan Publishing, Texas

Reviewed by Phillip Williams (Reader)

Reviewed on December 5, 2003

This poem touches a universal experience. It could be understood by all mature persons around the world. I think that is what all writers, particularly of poetry and essays are trying to achieve. When I read this poem I immediately say: "Yes, I know the feeling." This is a well written chain of thoughts.

Reviewed by Jim Dunlap

Reviewed on December 3, 2003

Yes, friends certainly do make the difference. Well done and done well.

Reviewed by Marlene Dawn

Reviewed on November 12, 2003

Hi

Just browsing through the den and thought this was a nice write. Well done!

Marlene

Reviewed by Mary Deal

Reviewed on September 29, 2003

Elegantly simple, as clear as the understanding this piece conveys.

Reviewed by Dolores Dawes

Reviewed on September 29, 2003

Self-helplessness is prompted by a lack of confidence in oneself. Feeling unthreatened by someone else's youth or potential success separates the mature mind from the immature one. Excellent poem! Dolores

Reviewed by Michael Kersting

Reviewed on September 25, 2003

Yes,at times a friend can be closer than a brother...well done!

Reviewed by Erin Kelly-Moen

Reviewed on September 24, 2003

Very altruistic, but is it realistic, Keith? I find myself upsidedown sideways most times, which is how I write. I must admit to pessimism, where is the idealistic dream of the 1970's? Feels to me like it shattered too many people to ever be innocent again. Now generations are materialistic, another type of indoctrination has taken place, under our noses, ah, the loss of roses and wine-colored glasses... I hurt, I ache, I died one day in 2001, to be, necessitarily reborn, for the sake of my children. But, I am not that person who cared before the fact of Innocence's death, that was MY innocence they slaughtered, my viewpoint forever blasted by acerbic intolerance of cultural fanatics, my continued tortured death that will lead to my continued struggling life. I give my children what I was, show them beauty in nature, in an ant or a leaf free-falling from a seasonal reason for being. I would be a ship in the tempest winds, if not for the responsibility, perhaps unwitting and unwilling, but there, in the need to raise my children with tolerance for honest differences, for old "truths", such as the Golden Rule. It is constant. God is not, humanity is not, the world is not, only the sense of respect for life keeps me going, at times. I fear I am already dead.

Reviewed by Ashraf Goreja (Reader)

Reviewed on September 15, 2003

A powerful write.
Greetings.

Goreja.com

Reviewed by Retta (Reindeer) Mckenzie

Reviewed on August 14, 2003

This was wonderful, I enjoyed this very much, beautifully written,

Reindeer