Hi, Kit_Carmelite !

          Overall +/- :
My thoughts on the piece as a whole...

         Thanks for sending along the bitem link! It's always fun when contests don't require posting with bitem or entry links! "I Write," however, requires one or the other so participants can offer reviews. I'm glad I'll have a chance to review this! This is a condensed poem written in only 15 words, and you pack a ton of meaning into it! Your words are vivid and well-chosen. These selfless supplicants and their dedication to their prayers make for a lovely image!

          Rhythm & Flow:
Whether freeverse or tightly-structured formal poetry, flow is paramount.

         This is a freeverse poem, without rhyme or meter. Alliteration and assonance make the lines read smoothly. Each line is its own sentence, lending weight to the information you share.

          Language & Word Choice:
Because poetry is one of the briefer art forms, every word matters.

         Excellent! I enjoyed your choice of words. Sanctified, embrace, vigil, and radiating were especially lovely to me and created an image of light in my mind. For some reason, the image my brain crafted is one of flickering gold candlelight.

          Things I liked :
Sometimes phrases or lines jump off the page.

Sanctified souls embrace sacrificial charity I know the alliteration came with the requirements for the contest, but I really love the sibilance of these repeated 's' sounds!

          Suggestions:
Take them with a grain of salt.

they multiply prayers. — For some reason, "multiply" seems like too mathematical and chilly a word to fit here. I imagine finding the right "m" word is tough, and certainly this isn't an ideal example, but "murmur" could be a less jarring alternative, though imperfect.

          In Closing:
Any final thoughts...

         A wonderful poem! I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing, and...

Write On!



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