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A Promise Etched Across the Breadth of My Heart Premiere Contest Winner

If my love were to be frozen in time would its enamored glow forever remain as poetry in a book, Sonnets written in rhyme? If in flakes of snow, my heart was encased would my affection wax and never wane? It's said a heart without passion is frigid and incapable of feeling torrid emotion, but if winter frost glazed o'er me, a rose, do you suppose my love would become rigid? Nay! It would survive with endless devotion. What of spring, when then I would thaw? Would my tears mingle with melting ice? Perish that thought for being profound, for my love harbors no fault, foible, nor flaw. The sting of cold is a meager sacrifice. I will never be cloaked in withered petals no wilting will be found in my tender bloom. My ardor will not shrivel like dried nettles, and no demise of my love will ever occur, nor darkling days shrouded in sullen gloom. No matter the harsh chill of Winter's season, do not dither in despondent shadows, for I will plead innocent, "Not guilty of treason!" You've no need to fear woes of despair, for nothing can weaken the bond we share. Love avowed as truth, through eternity will last, a promise etched across the breadth of my heart. In realms of desire, I promise to linger with you, and to this fervent pledge, I will hold steadfast until the villain, mortality, wrests us apart. February 6, 2023 / 2022 Poetry Marathon Qualifiers' FINAL Placement Poetry Contest / Sponsor: Mark Toney July 28, 2022 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 10 Sponsor ~ Mark Toney

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 3/9/2023 12:31:00 PM
Lin, I'm so very proud of you for the truly remarkable way that you finished, considering the circumstances of your late start. My mind boggles at the numbers: 20 contests, 17 placements, 14 podium wins. Well done, my friend! Throughout this marathon, it has been a real pleasure to read and relish the many amazing poems you have entered (including this gem, which somehow I have not read before now). My admiration of you has grown with each exposure to your artistic breadth, emotional depth, creativity, and expressive range. I'm so glad you did not get discouraged but ran the good race and finished strong. My heartfelt congratulations for your esteemed 2nd place finish ~ John
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/10/2023 1:37:00 PM
John, the plaudits you offer my poetry are worth more than any contest win. I'm always up for a challenge, but having not jumped in until mile 8, I thought I was only running to keep company with such a talented group of poets. I was so surprised and honestly a little shocked to have placed 2nd. I must give thanks to Mark Toney for his time cheering us on...and to dear Milton, who refused to let me quit. Thank you, my poet friend.
Date: 3/6/2023 4:43:00 AM
"My ardor will not shrivel like dried nettles, and no demise of my love will ever occur, nor darkling days shrouded in sullen gloom". Love will surmount all adversities and thrive through eternity. Your poetry is just enviable my friend. You are unusually talented. You joined the contest quite late. Still you could make it. I wanted to congratulate at least the first three winners the very same day the results were announced.But the recent two weeks have been one of my most busy days with a lot of travel and family visiting me. Congratulations Lin on your prestgious win. Keep enlightening us.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/6/2023 11:35:00 AM
I'm happy to read your lovely comments, Valsa, and for taking time from your busy schedule to do so. Thank you so very much for your gracious compliments.
Date: 3/5/2023 1:27:00 PM
Lin, first, allow me to congratulate you on your second-place finish in Mark's contest, you certainly deserve it. In this poem and throughout your poetry, your emotions and life energy wrap themselves around your words and we are left sated, and yet craving more. You have a unique talent, my friend, Emile.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/5/2023 3:02:00 PM
What lovely comments, Emile. I value your friendship and your thoughts very much. Thank you.
Date: 3/5/2023 12:56:00 PM
Dear Lin, congratulations for your admirable finish in Mark's Marathon contest. It is indeed a pleasure to partake of this masterwork again. The drama of your poet's pen is rich in textured shades of light and dark. I quite enjoy your incredible talent! Your praiseworthy poetry elevated the race to extraordinary, I have no doubt that if you had entered the contest at mile 1, 1st and 2nd place may have been reversed. It is truly a grand honor to share the podium with you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Susan Ashley
Date: 3/8/2023 8:31:00 PM
Dear Lin, your words take my breath away! I am truly humbled, incredibly honored and deeply moved by your generous thoughts. You are an eloquent, elegant, immensely talented poet and inspiring friend, your faith in my poetry lifts my heart to beyond the clouds.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/5/2023 3:01:00 PM
Dear Susan, your comment of me writing in textured shades of light and dark is a great compliment to me. You've always been extremely gracious with your remarks. I doubt I'd have been equal competition even if I had entered 7 miles sooner at the beginning. Your poetic talent sparkles so much brighter than any poet here. I mean that quite seriously. I remember when I heard the Marathon was taking place and saw that you had entered... I recall telling Milt and a few others that no one could keep pace with the quality of your writing. I was right. Hugs
Date: 3/5/2023 11:27:00 AM
Wonderful rhyme. Lovely and beautiful. A big congrats. God bless you always, Love, Gina
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/5/2023 2:56:00 PM
Thanks ever so much, Gina.
Date: 3/5/2023 11:19:00 AM
Lin, I was so happy to see you so high on the podium in Mark's 2022 Poetry Marathon finish! Such a deserved placement that reflects your extraordinary talents as a true poetess! Congratulations, Lin - so happy for you! Hugs, Sandra
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/5/2023 2:55:00 PM
I am fortunate to have written with some of the best poets on the site, Sandra. You being among my top favorite female poets since I joined in 2015. Thank you very much for your kind compliments.
Date: 3/5/2023 7:11:00 AM
Lin, if you had entered the race sooner, this would have been a runaway between Susan and you…thankfully, you gave me a BIG head start, otherwise it wouldn’t have been close. Susan and you are extremely talented writers and I am honored to be on the podium with such a gifted pair. Thanks again and a big thanks to Mark Toney.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/5/2023 8:31:00 AM
I appreciate your very gracious thoughts,Mark. You can hold your own against any poet. It was an epic contest that I immensely enjoyed running with you and so many other fantastically talented poets.
Date: 3/4/2023 1:15:00 PM
Lin, congratulations on your Second Place, overall win in my 2022 Poetry Marathon! Thank you so much for contributing to the success of the contest. The poems of the 28 qualifiers can be accessed from my current "Finish Line" blog post, along with the top 15 placements and their overall stats. Write on!
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/4/2023 1:23:00 PM
Thank you for hosting so many miles of competition, Mark. I am truly honored to have made the winning list and as ever... in awe of Susan's talents.
Date: 3/4/2023 1:09:00 PM
Beautifully done! Congrats, and such fun writing with y’all week after week.
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Lin Lane
Date: 3/4/2023 1:22:00 PM
Thank you for your comments, Jeff. It was a fun challenge for all of us.
Date: 8/9/2022 9:07:00 AM
Congratulations on your win! Lin, you have such a remarkable ability to write of the romantic heart. Blessings.
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/9/2022 12:03:00 PM
Thank you very much, Sam. I'm grateful for your thoughts on my writing.
Date: 8/4/2022 9:39:00 PM
I promise to linger with you,, who could ever ask for more, this love sounds amazing, thank you for sharing Lin, congrats on your 1st place win
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/6/2022 5:16:00 AM
Thank you, Vie.
Date: 8/4/2022 6:48:00 AM
Congratulations for your trophy win. WOW!!! What a beautiful write. I love this one. Have a great/blessed day with this wonderful win..................
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/4/2022 3:30:00 PM
I’m very pleased by your kindness. Thanks, Paula.
Date: 8/3/2022 11:04:00 PM
Dear Lin, I am overwhelmed by the textured layered beauty of this dreamy declaration of love. “In realms of desire, I promise to linger with you” is so rich with unshakable romance and “until the villain, mortality, wrests us apart” is such a wholehearted promise and a grand finale to a poem full of exquisite dramatic devoted expression. Congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Mark’s contest. Your brilliant pen is daystar bright! Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/4/2022 3:29:00 PM
It seems we’ve missed out on reading many of each other’s poems. The marathon is a good way of catching up. Thank you for your comparison to the brightness of the Daystar, but there is no equal. I’m grateful for your remarks, Susan.
Date: 8/3/2022 10:38:00 PM
"In realms of desire, I promise to linger with you, and to this fervent pledge, I will hold steadfast until the villain, mortality, wrests us apart." What a deep avowal of love ! True love conquers all impediments and the chill of winter ! Lovely poem,Lin ! Celebrate your victory ! Hearty Congratulations on your top placement !
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/4/2022 3:23:00 PM
True love should always reign. Thank you very much for your words of congratulations.
Date: 8/3/2022 2:03:00 PM
Lin, my wife and I just celebrated our 49th anniversary and your beautiful love poem reflects our feelings toward each other. "Love avowed as truth, through eternity will last." A Fav poem for us. Congratulations on your first-place finish on Mile 10 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 11 has already started. Also, check out my blog post to view your current standing in the Marathon.
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Lin Lane
Date: 8/3/2022 3:42:00 PM
Thank you once again for reviewing my entry and giving it a berth on your winner's list, Mark. I'm enjoying reading poems from the past, mine and others. I'm certain you and your wife had a lovely anniversary. 49 years is truly something to celebrate!
Date: 12/18/2019 5:35:00 PM
Until the villain, mortality wrests us apart, now that's fine poetry, you are a true wordsmith Lin, I marvel at your gift!
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Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 5:39:00 PM
Merci, John, and I marvel at the gift bestowed upon me from the Hand of One who inspires many. Coming from you, the comments are treasured.
Date: 12/16/2019 4:12:00 PM
Do not dither in despondent shadows...amazed I am Lin
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Lin Lane
Date: 12/16/2019 5:29:00 PM
Thanks for pointing out a line you particularly enjoyed, Tim.
Date: 12/16/2019 1:23:00 PM
A true declaration of love that will flourish with time and only be broken by the villian mortality. A well written verse Lin. Tom.
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Lin Lane
Date: 12/16/2019 2:29:00 PM
Thank you ever so much for such gracious remarks, Tom.
Date: 12/16/2019 12:26:00 PM
Now this is what I call a love poem. So beautifully crafted that it will touch even the hardest of hearts, allowing the warmth of love to penetrate. A love like this, eternal regardless of any hazards that may stand in the way is such an enchanting thought that it gives this poem a dream-like quality. Beautifully done my friend.
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Lin Lane
Date: 12/16/2019 2:28:00 PM
To touch a heart with words of a poem is the greatest compliment a poet could hope for. Thank you for the gift, Chris.

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