Sara Etgen-Baker | + Follow Poet |
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Poem written for and submitted to “This or That, Vol 36 Poetry Contest,” Edward Ibeh, sponsor, September 13, 2025

HOSTAGES TO FORTUNE

HOSTAGES TO FORTUNE
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“Luck—that’s what some call it, a capricious cotillion with probability, eventually holding one hostage to fortune…” quote by the poet

Bystanders watch, their brows furrowed with wisdom,
judging the idiocy of my iffy propositions, the recklessness of my heart~
the unwise promises made to fortune and chance.

Is it luck I chase or a deeper current pulling me onward,
a commitment to commodity unseen,
a rendition to the unknown Hand that guides me?

The consequences occasionally sharp and bitter~
Are they assignments etched in pain or a class on grace,
divinely ordained, the Master sculptor’s chisel shaping my soul?

Were my falls the intended flights, each one a clumsy cotillion~
one orchestrated by a Divine hand,
making me a willing hostage not to fortune but to faith?

So, yes, I'm a hostage, willingly bound, 
reluctantly surrendered, an internee of improvisation, 
a fool of faith's uncertain grasp.

In this prison, I find the ultimate freedom.

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Line Gauthier Date: 9/14/2025 5:53:00 AM I particularly enjoyed your surpprise last line ~ well done Login to Reply

Sotto Poet Date: 9/13/2025 11:03:00 AM Even when good things seem to be surrounded by shadows, we never stay truly lonesome. Fascinating; I concur with your assessment. Being faithful means you're not bound by chance. :) Login to Reply

Paige Hind Date: 9/13/2025 9:56:00 AM Interesting- and I agree with you. Faith is freedom from the chains of luck. :) Login to Reply

Joe Dimino Date: 9/13/2025 9:11:00 AM Indeed, God provides, protects, and guides. We are never alone, though darkness may surround abundance. Look to faith. Another FAV! Login to Reply