Comments : Red

  • 4 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    I truly wish I could nominate, good man. Brilliant poem.

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Thank you, Good Sir :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Everlasting

    I’m not fascinated with the title but the entire poem is epic. My favorite from yours.

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Thanks, glad you like it. Open to suggestions for the title before the fires reach here :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Maher, as always, your narration is incredibly clear and brimming with emotion. I cannot imagine the devastation, just as I cannot imagine the outrage at the prime minister and the decision to refuse funds to these heroes.

    I truly cannot imagine such a loss, such a fear, and such endangerment. A "red hell" indeed. I thought about the title too. It's so simple, it seems understated but like it works for the poem since it encompasses a great deal more than just the "flames". It tells of the pain, anguish, everything of the country and its people. And the cycle through which the politicians don't seem to be learning to have done something ahead of time.

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Thank you, I'm glad some of the emotion came through. Thankfully I'm in a safer area compared to others, but there's still a very real threat to Sydney if the heatwaves & winds keep up. It certainly is scary, but much more so for the towns in this poem who have been decimated and evacuated further South from here.

  • 4 years ago

    by Maple Tree

    Dear Maher,

    I have a dear friend of 20 years that lives in Wollongong, she has been keeping me posted of her safety. My heart has been with all of you and daily I have been kept informed by my friend Sue. Reading this poem I clearly felt the sorrow and loss, I cant begin to imagine how everyone is feeling but I felt it within this beautiful poem. Hugs to you my friend

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Thank you Andrea, very much appreciated.

      Some positive news for you though, it rained last night and the weather seems to be slowly reverting from dry to neutral conditions. The rain has helped the firefighters somewhat and the RFS commissioner believes we've seen the worst of it and that things should start to get better. The major fires in Wollemi (NW of Sydney) and the Blue Mountains (West) should hopefully be contained by the end of this week. The Shoalhaven fire heading toward Wollongong is still active, but the RFS & Fire NSW services have dedicated more resource to that front and it's currently being controlled. Friday could prove to be an issue, but nothing like New Year's Eve.

      And of course, thanks to the American and Canadian firemen and women who gave up their holidays with their families to help us. We are incredibly grateful for their sacrifice and service :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Saerelune

    Such a detailed and strong poem. It strikes a perfect balance between factual documentation and an emotional outcry, full of pain and frustration. Really appreciated the rhythm to keep the narrative engaging next to the realistic imagery.

    Hope things are looking better at the moment...

    Congrats on your win!

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

      Things are hopeful with some decent rain forecast over the coming week - a very welcome thing for sure! Thanks again :)

  • 4 years ago

    by Em (marmite)

    This actually breaks my heart...

    Stay safe x

    • 4 years ago

      by Maher

      Apologies Em :(

      There's summer rain forecast though so hopefully it'll get better!