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From Graveyard To Garden

You wanted me to look inside Deep into my soul Down there I must be careful Not to fall into that hole Face all of my shortcomings Be honest and be brave Digging up my demons From their shallow graves My demon of addiction Who once possessed my life Slain by a warrior princess Which soon became my wife His evil brother hatred Conceived from child abuse Whose vengeance was my anger We finally signed a truce Many other demons I will not call their name The nature of their heinous deeds Now buried 'neath the shame But demons really never die Of this you are aware So around my memory garden Moderation now grows there I also planted flowers With beauty of all kinds Some are gifts from wisdom They give me peace of mind Fertilized with tolerance Watered regularly with love I hired me a gardener He tends it from above. September 19 2016

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Sharon Gulley

Date: 10/25/2016 9:35:00 AM

Oh how so deeply I felt this write Daniel. It touched my mind, heart and soul. Each person's personal demon holds it's own power, but I love the way you grow a garden in the mist of it all. Awesome write Daniel. A (7) for me. I love the last stanza so much. Sharon : )

Daniel Turner
Date: 10/25/2016 10:26:00 AM

Thank you, Sharon. Yes we all have demons and how we grow is determined by the way we deal with them. I really appreciate your kindness:)

Joanna Daniel

Date: 9/24/2016 8:00:00 AM

This is excellent poetry, Daniel:) glad to know that you entered it in contest and won:) congratulations:)

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/24/2016 8:40:00 AM

Thank you Jo. I appreciate your kind comments and support.

John Hamilton

Date: 9/21/2016 9:55:00 AM

Back with congrats on your fine win, I knew this would do well!

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/21/2016 9:58:00 AM

Thank you, John. You are very kind and thoughtful:)

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 9/20/2016 8:12:00 PM

I am impressed! This is one of the best I have read.

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:47:00 PM

Thank you Richard, your kindness is overwhelming. I appreciate your time and your thoughtfulness. Don't forget, I read yours! So we will share mutual admiration. Fair enough?

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/20/2016 7:12:00 PM

this is EXCELLENT poetry for that contest. Did it not win?? You know what? I am so impressed by it and the way you extended the metaphors in it. A FAVE

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:45:00 PM

Thank you Andrea. Yes ma'am, it did garner a placement. Your kind comments are always so encouraging and supportive. Thank you just seems inadequate. I hope you are feeling OK. You are still in my prayers:)

Carrie Richards

Date: 9/20/2016 6:53:00 PM

This poem is layered with bravery, survival, and hope for anyone else who has ever had such things to overcome. An amazing tribute to you as a writer, but mostly a thoughtful, caring and kind human being. :)

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:41:00 PM

Thank you, Mrs Carrie. It's survival of the fittest! I have left many in my destructive wake. I appreciate your kind words which I feel unworthy. You have left my emotions raw. Thank you!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 9/20/2016 2:30:00 PM

- We all know life's demons and plants beautiful flowers ..... I would call it life plus and minus sides - A wonderful poem very well written, Daniel - Best wishes and hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:26:00 PM

Thank you Anne Lise. You are very thoughtful. I always enjoy your kind visits and your smile:)

Janis Thompson

Date: 9/20/2016 1:50:00 PM

A fav and a 7. Excellent ideas, great verse.

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:25:00 PM

Thank you, Mrs Janis. I appreciate your kind comments and your thoughtfulness. It's always nice to share a smile:)

Lu Loo

Date: 9/20/2016 1:10:00 PM

DT...this is amazing. the flow and rhyme and everything about it screams into your soul...congratulations on your placement in the contest :)-luloo

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:24:00 PM

Thank you, Laura You are very thoughtful and gracious. I appreciate your kindness.

Sara Chansarkar

Date: 9/20/2016 1:04:00 PM

'Gardener from above', that is so lovely Daniel!Congrats on your win!

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:22:00 PM

Thank you, Mrs Sara. He's a pretty good gardener:) He works cheap, it only costs a prayer. I appreciate your kindness and support:)

Sandra Haight

Date: 9/20/2016 12:47:00 PM

What a deep and personal poem, Daniel. I missed reading this before, but I am in awe now of the frankness of your words of how you moved from darkness to light in your life. Congratulations on your very fine placement on this very short list of winners in Frank's Premiere Contest! 7 Sandra

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:21:00 PM

Thank you, Mrs Sandra. I guess it all goes back to wearing my shoes. I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. It is always a pleasure:)

John Hamilton

Date: 9/20/2016 10:55:00 AM

Just a beautifully sad and finally uplifting piece Daniel, refreshing to see such honesty in introspection, does the soul good. We all look forward to being shown mercy, that's why we need to also show it to others. Have a great day!

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 3:19:00 PM

Thank you, John. I'm depending on a little mercy. I appreciate your kindness and support.

Charlie Smith

Date: 9/20/2016 8:46:00 AM

Beautiful ending DT, great work...

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:44:00 AM

Thanks, Charlie. Your visits always leave me feeling a little lighter. Your kindness is a gift. Thank you!

Joseph May

Date: 9/20/2016 8:44:00 AM

Beautifully penned Daniel...best wishes

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:43:00 AM

Thank you, Joseph. You are so kind. I appreciate your time and support.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 9/20/2016 8:08:00 AM

coming from the deep recesses of your soul , this honest write illuminates, daniel--wow..huggs

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 9:40:00 AM

Thank you, Nette. I appreciate your kind comments and friendly visits:)

Laura Hay

Date: 9/20/2016 5:23:00 AM

From dark to light, pain to acceptance, before and after! I love a happy ending and this one in particular is well penned, well done on an inspiring write. Warm regards, Laura.

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 7:20:00 AM

Thank you, Laura. I'll be satisfied if it makes it to the final cut. I appreciate your positive attitude and words of support. Thanks for leaving a smile to have with my morning coffee:)

Miraj Raha

Date: 9/20/2016 4:30:00 AM

A moving piece which speaks of raw sentiment. Heartfelt piece Daniel.

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 7:18:00 AM

Thank you, Miraj. You know what they say."The truth shall set you free" I appreciate your kindness and words of support. I really like your glasses. Photograys?

Supraja Kannan

Date: 9/20/2016 3:36:00 AM

Beautifully penned...Loved this... Have a great day ahead...

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 7:14:00 AM

Thank you, Supraja. So glad you dropped in for morning coffee:) You are always so kind and supportive. I really am grateful for your time and words of encouragement. You always leave me a smile:)

Wendy Rycroft

Date: 9/20/2016 2:24:00 AM

Wow Daniel this is realy good it's the best I've red It's the winner for me It's brilliant x 10/10 x

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 7:12:00 AM

Thank you Mrs Wendy. I appreciate your kindness and your very high praise. I'll be satisfied if it makes the cut! Nice to see you this morning and thanks for dropping by to share a smile:)

Mike Hauser

Date: 9/19/2016 10:08:00 PM

Very moving piece.

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/20/2016 7:06:00 AM

Thank you, Mike:)

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 9/19/2016 9:58:00 PM

I love this Daniel. Abuse is something that takes most of a lifetime to get over and forgive. I can relate. This poem expresses how hard you have tried and the blessings your wife has made in your life. Beautiful! 7 ; )

Daniel Turner
Date: 9/19/2016 10:08:00 PM

Thank you, Connie. (ex)wife now. She probably saved my worthless life:) I appreciate your kind comments. You always leave me smiling. Thank you:)