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A Scraping of Shovels

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Old, weary, sad Wracked with pain and sorrow He wrapped the night around him like a cloak Long had he waited for this eventide And he had earned it, giving all to family and work. The wind came up and carried in the sea mist off the fjords He pressed his cheek against it The briny smells awakening memories of years at sail Long days and nights atop the mast Swaying the crow's nest like the hands of a clock Ticking away his life in maritime duties ... and damp bones. Lubbing land now, and ready for his last voyage Deep in the sea of soil, to rest. The winds slowly died, mists turning to fog ... He was ready, and could see the reaper atop yonder hill, coming He sat down upon the dank ground to wait The night now still as death ... Save for the scraping ... of shovels.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 3/17/2019 2:33:00 PM
I'm amazed this write would not earn placement in ANY contest--well, you've earned it in my heart! - special writing here Greg.
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Date: 3/14/2019 7:37:00 PM
Eerie. I like where you took this topic!
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Date: 3/14/2019 8:20:00 AM
Greg, you have a rare talent to turn muses into thoughts, thoughts into creative prose and creative prose into poetic prose - though they are siblings after all. Poe, the "Father of the short story" once said that novels are a waste of words when a short story can more succinctly and effectively present the same thoughts. Then why can't a poem do the same for a short story - not sure, but this write is an argument in its favor.
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Date: 3/12/2019 6:10:00 PM
you created a very eerie atmosphere. Sterling work as always, Greg!
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 3/12/2019 9:57:00 PM
Many thanks to you, Andrea, I enjoy these darker-edged pieces, though they don't seem to have a big audience. Blessings, Buddy! :-) <3

Book: Reflection on the Important Things