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When Flowers Die

When flowers die, they die slowly- edge by edge the petals curl, still, silently, without complaint.... Unlike us, cut flowers should be let go before the first tinge of death while they are yet radiant in deepest color. We humans, however, must stay alive long, long past our first bloom-- till we have crinkled and brutishly browned from the excesses of time. Yet we have what flowers have not: our love for them dies with them while our love for our beloved blooms ever more resplendent with the long years, lasting past the fading, lasting past even death itself....

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 4/26/2022 12:48:00 PM
A beautiful poem. And, yes--we definitely crinkle and brown :) I loved your last two lines especially. Congratulations on your win!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 4/30/2022 9:53:00 AM
Thanks Ann--forgive me delay, had some dental work--ugh!
Date: 4/21/2022 4:54:00 PM
LJ, the essence of real poetry is to have a unique viewpoint. You do it here. This type of work should be exhalted. A tinge of life wisdom often colors the edges as you nicely point out. Congrats on this breakthrough piece.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 4/23/2022 7:05:00 AM
Ah Greg, you're makin' this old poet blush! Thank you so much!
Date: 4/21/2022 10:23:00 AM
LJ - wonderful metaphoric write. So true, love does not die and lasts "even" past "death itself." There is profound truth and wisdom in your lines. Congratulations on your win! Blessings!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 4/23/2022 7:05:00 AM
Ah yes, God's greatest gift I suspect...
Date: 4/21/2022 4:02:00 AM
Hi L. J. Before I started writing my comments about your great poem I read through everyone's comments before me. Not to sound too lazy, but I can't think of anything more to add. It's all been said already. The word 'entwining' has been written - that's a great way to describe exactly what you have done here with the themes. Congratulations.Cheers - Gary
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L. J. Carber
Date: 4/23/2022 7:07:00 AM
Thanks Gary-- I'm glad the poem resonated with you--every poet's dream.
Date: 4/20/2022 7:28:00 PM
Great observation of flowers; Comparison and contrasting of flowers and humans. Beautiful. Congratulations!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 4/23/2022 7:08:00 AM
Thank you, C.A.!!!
Date: 4/20/2022 6:03:00 PM
This is exquisite L.J. Thank you for your submission of this amazing poem. Congratulations on your first-place win in the Garden Inspirations Poetry Contest! :) <3 ~BJ
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Date: 3/15/2020 11:51:00 AM
a thoughtful and very well written piece, i enjoyed reading it - congrats on your win!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 6/16/2020 2:41:00 PM
Thank you Charlotte [and I love your surname! Origin in England perchance?]
Date: 3/11/2020 8:17:00 AM
Wonderful penning L.J.! Congratulations for your win :), xomo
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L. J. Carber
Date: 3/12/2020 8:07:00 AM
Thank you, Maureen!
Date: 3/9/2020 4:59:00 PM
Truly wonderful! The juxtaposition of images to explore poetic content is really effectively done.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 3/9/2020 6:40:00 PM
Thanks Jack!
Date: 3/9/2020 4:56:00 PM
LJ, I like where you took this theme, comparing ephemeral flowers to the permanent love we hold in our hearts for our loved ones. Great writing, and congrats on your win! ~ John
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L. J. Carber
Date: 3/9/2020 6:41:00 PM
Thank you, John --appreciate it!
Date: 3/9/2020 4:24:00 PM
Hi LJ, Wisdom intertwined in poetic lines. Wonderful comparison to flowers - wonderful metaphor. Congratulations and kudos my friend.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 3/9/2020 6:41:00 PM
Sam, thanks!
Date: 1/18/2020 10:14:00 PM
Hi L.J. This poem speaks truth that not many have ever even thought about or expressed with such outright simplicity! Congratulations!
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/23/2020 11:22:00 PM
Yes it does!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 1/19/2020 10:14:00 AM
Thanks Sam--my wife is always telling me I'm simple-minded, but sometimes it pays off!
Date: 1/18/2020 4:05:00 PM
Beautifully penned, L.J. Really enjoyed it. Congrats!
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L. J. Carber
Date: 1/19/2020 10:15:00 AM
Thank you, my friend!
Date: 1/18/2020 2:35:00 PM
Here to congratulate you a great win!;)
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L. J. Carber
Date: 1/19/2020 10:15:00 AM
Thanks Brenda!
Date: 6/27/2019 9:42:00 PM
What an insightful poem you have penned. Congratulations on your win.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 6/28/2019 10:44:00 AM
Thank you, Jeanne-- much appreciated!
Date: 6/26/2019 7:36:00 PM
Your poem is as profound in its deep introspection as it is in its deep beauty, L. J., and each deepens with every read. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan
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L. J. Carber
Date: 6/27/2019 11:23:00 AM
Thank you Susan--it is always a pleasure to hear from you.
Date: 6/24/2019 11:19:00 PM
Congrats on your top win, LJ. Well penned.
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L. J. Carber
Date: 6/27/2019 11:24:00 AM
Thank you Line
Date: 6/24/2019 10:24:00 PM
Truth shines from your expressive words L.J. Congratulations on your deserving first place win! : ) xxoo
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L. J. Carber
Date: 6/27/2019 11:25:00 AM
Thanks Connie-- truth is a hard thing to nail down-- maybe less so for us poets than for the politicians!
Date: 5/7/2016 4:35:00 PM
Len C, nice to see this poem in Justin's contest. *skat*
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L. J. Carber
Date: 5/10/2016 4:18:00 PM
Thank you Skat!
Date: 3/19/2016 11:56:00 PM
Len, nice to see your poem got an HM on Justin's latest contest. HUGS ~LINDA~
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L. J. Carber
Date: 5/10/2016 4:20:00 PM
Thanks Linda, and sorry about the delayed reply-- had a health scare that's fortunately been resolved.
Date: 4/26/2015 12:03:00 AM
Len, Congratulations on your Simply Beautiful # 2 contest win :) Luv ~LINDA~
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Date: 4/20/2015 2:57:00 PM
So lovely, and rather sad at the same time !! I love the personalization you have given a simple bloom ! Well done!
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Date: 4/19/2015 7:45:00 PM
Congratulations on your win, Len . A 7. Blessings dear friend Eve
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Date: 4/19/2015 6:25:00 PM
Beautifully written, Len. I am so enjoying reading this winners' list. Congratulations on your win.
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Date: 4/19/2015 6:02:00 PM
If we love and remember someone, then they never really die... This poem is beautiful and soulful. Very nicely written, Len! Congrats on the win!
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