Hello, Polaran,

Here is a review for your "And Then—Bora-Bora" .

Comments and Observations:

Such an interesting poem you have here! From where I stand, I think it is deeply moving from both a mythical and a personal view. It can make a reader think about endurance and sacrifice, and their reward. This may be due to your blending of the Grail-quest idea with some personal and spiritual searching.

As for that search, I especially liked these lines:

"Still—they go.
“And then—only then—”
Not because they are unafraid,
but because something greater calls them
from beyond the veil of comfort."

The Grail knights' journey, right from the beginning lines, suggests doubt, silence and endurance, pointing to humanity's struggle for virtues and perfection. Then, the tough quest and Bora Bora's calmness adds a powerful contrast, throughout your poem.

The clever repetition of “And then—only then—” pulls the reader into the journey along with the searchers. At the poem's end, therefore, the arrival at Bora-Bora feel to be deeply meaningful and well-earned.

I don't know if it was just me or if the other readers will also feel like me, but from the poem's tone and rhythm, I felt it resembled a prayer, too. Just maybe, that tone and rhythm is suggesting a meditative and thoughtful quality overall, offering a depth of meaning. It showed to me, what started as a conquest can turn into grace and may result in some kind of spiritual awakening.

I, however, also thought the idea of Bora-Bora came up suddenly after the line "If then—my cup runneth over." I'm wondering if this suddenness at the end could be avoided by suggesting the aim of the quest in the earlier lines, even if Bora-Bora wouldn't be named. Just a thought!

In any case, this is a powerful poem that points to our universal spiritual struggle, and I liked it very much.

Suggestions on the text as to grammar, usage, and punctuation

I didn't notice anything amiss in this area.

Best wishes with your work.



My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .