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The Journey Within

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8/4/2025 for J with Four Options Poetry Contest sponsored by Constance La France

Shall I embark on a dangerous journey -
    into the realm within?
I pretend to know it, 
    but it is largely unexplored.
Much of it abandoned and forgotten,
    cordoned off and forsaken,
      with signs that say, "Warning: Keep Out".
    Deep caves and winding caverns,
      hide a variety of ogres and fiends: 
        the monsters of memory,
        the demons of despair,
        the devils of desire and disappointment,
        the dark angels of anger and abuse.
Could it be that among these treacheries,
    I might also discover
      overlooked hidden treasures:
        vulnerability,
        kindness and empathy
        and, just maybe, even 
the forgotten capacity to love?

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Terry Miller

Date: 8/21/2025 2:46:00 AM

A vivid allegory of the inner landscape, and honest acknowledgment of painful memories and emotions, well written, congratulations

David Crandall
Date: 8/21/2025 2:29:00 PM

Thanks Terry, I appreciate your comments!

Reason A. Poteet

Date: 8/20/2025 6:44:00 AM

Well-written, David. I like your contrasting elements of your memory's journey. It is so real as we grow older and older, more memories I'd guess?? Congrats on your win and kudoes on a thought-provoking piece.

David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:47:00 PM

Thank you, Reason, glad you liked it!

Constance La France

Date: 8/19/2025 9:28:00 PM

David, congratulations on your win in my J With Four Options contest. Your poem is well done and I like it, Constance

David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:44:00 PM

Thanks, Constance, glad you liked it!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/19/2025 12:11:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your creative/wonderful "The Journey Within" write. Love is very powerful... Have a blessed day with your win.......

David Crandall
Date: 8/20/2025 7:44:00 PM

Thanks Paula!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/4/2025 7:32:00 PM

Interesting question you pose... And after all, doesn't 'Love' pose more danger for those who take on its challenge than anything else in the world?

David Crandall
Date: 8/4/2025 8:37:00 PM

Yes, love is dangerous!

Bill Baker

Date: 8/4/2025 5:05:00 PM

Very intriguing and mindful poetry, David. I really enjoyed reading the variety of things included in your inward journey. Thanks for sharing your thoughts through your delightful poetry, my friend. Write On! Bill

David Crandall
Date: 8/4/2025 6:25:00 PM

Thanks Bill, appreciate your comments!