IanG

My mother died five years ago and it upset me very much. I was lucky because I had good friends to help me. I get the impression you're more isolated than I was. I had bad times before mum died but things improved. Its possible for things to change in your favour even when it serms impossible. Nothing can bring our parents back but we can learn to cope in spite of the pain. I still miss her but the support of my friends helped me through the darkest time. I hope this helps.

You sum up the Earl beautifully with just a few words. Well done.

I lke the metaphore of the fist and the whole poem is evocative. Good work.

You describe Zaire's feelings and the setting very well. This raises a lot of questions about the characters and their culture, but if you're planning on developing it furthet that's good. Keep writing.

If this is written from experience I hope your brothet comes home safe and sound.

You describe the setting very well and your narrator's experiences are convincing. I'd have written "where an elderly couple grazed a mule" or "kept a mule" as they owned it wherever it was. Otherwise, well done.

You've worked hard on this, researching the historical background and using your imagination well. I'm glad its doing well.