The Red Balloon Comments

The poem stands apart in poetic craftsmanship. I find in it great dedication to the cause of the poor children everywhere. I join you in this noble cause to arouse social conscious in this regard. Bright child future should be our sole concern, No child should ever as laborer earn; They all in pink of health grow, Freedom be their treasure trove. No hungry child goes to bed, No child ever be seen unclad; Schooling for all at every cost, So as youth can proudly boast. CP

This is a despondent piece with fine images and great narrative. If there is any consolation, I guess at the end the gift the balloon gave to the child is a sense of freedom. Well penned…

The beauty of utter and complete fragility is depicted in this forlorn poem of a little girl lost. The red balloon carries her childhood away. Unforgettable, Andrew. With admiration for your art, Sandra

There is something very forlorn about a balloon, always edging to get away and be free. Something that this child also wanted to do, they were a pair together. Sadly it didn't end the way we would have liked, and sadness descended at the end. A great read though with lots of wonderful imagery to set the picture. Love and hugs Ernestine XXX

Melodrama penned without sentimentality. Now that's quite a feat. Like Frank, I didn't expect the sad ending, but I think it's the reason the poem works so incredibly well. Congratulations. You're quite a story teller! Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Imagery is unforgettable! The most sorrowful aspect of society is movingly depicted. Andrew! Deepening of sorrow at the end is most unbearable part of tragedy! Wonderful!

This is so masterfully written Andrew and the stanza that really first did it for me was 'surrounded by the mass of legs and laden shopping bags, she's pushed and jostled back and forth as if an old rag doll'. The ending an amazing surprise! Excellent! 10 love Karin

A truly touching piece Andrew - with a powerful message...everyone is too busy to even notice the poor child...

Not the ending i expected, my friend...Powerful & beautifully sad. Excellent write, Andrew...One of the finer pieces i have read here i quite awhile... F j R