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Expression Expressed

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Why do I self-express and share, indeed? For I am but a "dark and troubled seed" ... And should my pen let loose upon a page You're apt to see that INK is what I bleed I strive to layer phrases, fresh and free Breathtaking depth ... with ambiguity Using words in ways that paint a scene Not getting lost in too much imagery I study all the greats and take to heart The classic script and detail of their art To blend it with a modern form, my own A trademark style, unique and set apart I keep my child's heart in good repair And plunge my soul as deeply as I dare For both those aims are critical to verse And writing with an insight that is rare To tell you straight, the talent isn't mine It comes from elsewhere, I am just a vine But blessed am I to have received the gift And humbled to be part of grand design Still, if I had to give you just one jewel Imagination's STILL the grandest tool And if I could but give you just one MORE Incorporate in ALL ... the Golden Rule. ;-) ~ 1st Place ~ in the "Why Would Your Self-Expression Matter To Others" Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

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Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 10/27/2018 10:09:00 PM

Wonderful Greg :) Congratulations on your win! <3 xomo

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/27/2018 10:18:00 PM

Thank you very much, Mo! :-) <3

P.S. Awtry

Date: 10/25/2018 12:51:00 AM

Congratulations! What a beautiful poem.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/25/2018 1:00:00 AM

Thank you so very much, PS - blessings, my friend! :-)

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 10/6/2018 7:35:00 PM

A beautiful poem and very deserving of top place. It captures all the hidden rules of successful self expression. Into my favs. Congrats from SuZ

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/25/2018 12:59:00 AM

This is such a sweet comment, SuZ, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed this one! Forgive me for being so late with my thank you - blessings, friend! :-) <3

L. J. Carber

Date: 10/6/2018 4:34:00 PM

Congrats on your 1st in Line's contest--the last 2 stanzas rang my bell-- and though myself a free verse guy, I love the natural way you rhyme.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/25/2018 12:58:00 AM

Thank you so much, LJ, I greatly appreciate the kind words - so sorry I'm just seeing this, things have been crazy. Blessings! :-)

Curtis Moorman

Date: 10/4/2018 11:27:00 PM

Greg, I was waiting for this contest to be judged because I had a feeling you would enter it and I waited to see what you would write. You did not disappoint me on either count. Beautifully done, my friend. Congratulations on your placement.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 4:20:00 AM

Many kind thanks to you, Curtis, this is such a wonderful comment, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this write. Blessings, My Friend! :-)

Daniel Turner

Date: 10/4/2018 8:46:00 PM

Congratulations on your winning poem, Greg. Perfectly scribed!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 4:19:00 AM

You are very kind, My Good Friend, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/4/2018 5:04:00 PM

Oh yes....I love the way you changed the last two lines Greg and I am hsppy to see this lovely poem at the top of the winner's list! Congratulations my friend! : )

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 4:19:00 AM

That's so sweet, Connie, thank you so much ... and thank you for the suggestion, I think it works better, and is certainly more positive. Blessings! :-) <3

Wendy Watson

Date: 10/4/2018 3:54:00 PM

Although you've produced such wonderful poetry and have many 'trophies' to your name, it must be rather special to top the list of this particular contest, Greg. We're all delighted that you choose to share your self expression so beautifully on this site. This was a fantastic poem and full of great advice. Best wishes Wendy

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 4:18:00 AM

It is always special to top ANY list on Poetry Soup, Wendy, and this one very much so, with such amazing company! Thank you for these very kind words, I am so pleased you enjoyed this one, as it came from the heart. Blessings, Dear Poet! :-) <3

John Hamilton

Date: 10/4/2018 3:17:00 PM

Congrats Greg, you have indeed studied the greats and have learned well, another first place proof of your gift. I liked the idea of acceptance of a grand design!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/5/2018 4:15:00 AM

You are very kind, John, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 9/29/2018 7:19:00 PM

I agree with Sunlite Greg. This is lovely without the last self-deprecating stanza. Best of luck. : )

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 10/4/2018 5:05:00 PM

I understand....I kind of feel that way too. I am happy with your changes. xxoo

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 9/30/2018 2:03:00 AM

Thanks so much, Connie, I took yours and Sunlite's comments to heart and changed the last two lines ... I have trouble NOT being self-deprecating, and "blowing my own horn" like with this poem, is just SO hard to do without some kind of joke involved. It's been extraordinarily difficult for me to accept that I'm even a "decent" writer, but the kindness of folks like you is helping me get there. Thank you, Dear Friend. :-) <3

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 9/29/2018 12:39:00 PM

You should have stopped before the last few lines, for you have succeeded in all the rest.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 9/30/2018 2:00:00 AM

That's very sweet, Sunlite, thank you so much ... I changed it, (for you and Connie - Dear Friends). :-) <3