Gregory Richard Barden Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

A Spoonful of Snow

Big things in small packages, so goes the phrase
       And astounding, a spoonful of snow, in such ways

A thousand frost miracles, and identical, none
       Innumerable prisms making rainbows from sun

Each with its detail of wonders, unique
       Chilled to perfection to tickle your cheek ...

Spoonfuls, that if balled, are fun to be flung
       Pleasurably melted when placed on your tongue

Just enough snow for a friend, I would think
       To get their attention, or cool down a drink

Limpid complexities with formations, fine
       Chiseled by a physical process, divine ...

Jewels from the heavens as winter clouds weep
       The crystalline tears of a season's cold creep

Transparent and clear, and cleaving the light
       Yet bundled together, the whitest of white

Like so much we see, they're plain at-a-glance
       Yet examined up-close, are sure to entrance

   So ...

Maybe there's a lesson that we can thus learn
       To look at each OTHER more closely, in turn

For the inestimable qualities surfaces hide
       And the precious complexion of what is INSIDE

By remembering always, wherever we go
       The amazement and magic in a spoonful ...

   Of snow.






~ 1st Place ~  in the "Christmas Rhymes" Poetry Contest, Kim Rodrigues, Judge & Sponsor.

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John Fleming January 8, 2018 at 12:23 PM I am not surprised in the slightest that this got first place in the contest -- it is very, very good! Very cleverly composed, Greg. My very best regards. :) john Gregory Richard Barden January 10, 2018 at 11:29 PM That's VERY kind of you to say so, John, and I greatly appreciate the wonderful comments - blessings and thanks to you, my friend! :-)

Jannie Breedt January 8, 2018 at 3:26 AM Hi Greg, Your amazing attention to detail is akin to good photograpghy. By introducing a "coda" after "so.." is what struck me because we people dont bother to go beyond the ordinary in others . If we do , we make discoveries about other so hidden from view and journey their souls to a new.world unknown. Congratulations on this remarkable write Gregory Richard Barden January 8, 2018 at 4:51 AM Jannie, My Good Friend - I am always lifted by your heart-felt and kind comments, because I know you MEAN them, and aren't just doing the cordiality thing ... I'm so pleased you liked this one, my friend, and for the coda especially, as I think there are similar lessons to learn from almost ANYthing in our world - we have just been taught over the years to NOT see them! I'm trying to learn the opposite - to see things new again, with the eyes and heart of a child ... not as easy as it may sound! Blessings, Brother - I hope you are well! :-)

Joanna Daniel December 19, 2017 at 5:12 AM Glad to see this won first place, Greg, my heartiest congratulations:) as to your previous reply "long-lost cousins" makes me laugh out loud, as I am an Indian, though poetry, of course, transcends nationalities :) off to check your "wilderness walk" Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2017 at 1:20 PM Thank you so very kindly, Jo ... kindred hearts can be half a world away, don't you think? Such things transcend distance, time, and actualities, I think. Blessings to you, Dear Friend! :-) <3

Eve Roper December 18, 2017 at 9:52 PM Gregory, congratulations on your win! Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2017 at 1:18 PM Thank you so much, Eve!

Mick Talbot December 18, 2017 at 5:58 PM First place for a very impressive rhyme, congratulations Gregory, best forever wishes. Mick PS: My apologies to you both on the wrong name typo :( Gregory Richard Barden December 18, 2017 at 7:23 PM Thanks so much, Mike, I greatly appreciate the kind comment! Blessings!

Kim Rodrigues December 18, 2017 at 5:06 PM I loved the complexity of your poem, the intricate detail of the snowflake and then zeroing in on mankind. Congrats on your first place win, Greg! <3 Kim Gregory Richard Barden December 18, 2017 at 7:35 PM That's very kind of you, Kim, and I'm very glad that you enjoyed my poem, and I'm honored to be on a list with such wonderful poets, and humbled to be placed so highly! Blessings and many thanks to you, Kim! :-) <3

Joanna Daniel December 16, 2017 at 8:52 AM "Jewels from the heavens as winter clouds weep The crystalline tears of a season's cold creep" - my favourite lines, Greg:) awesome poetry again:) I shall never tire of reading you:) Gregory Richard Barden December 17, 2017 at 10:12 PM You are very kind, Jo, and I SO value your opinion and wonderful comments ... that's my favorite couplet as well, and I wrote another entire poem around it cuz I liked it so much, (Wilderness Walk), so we must have similar tastes! (Or long-lost cousins, perhaps??). Blessings to you, my kind friend! :-)

Melissa Tracy December 15, 2017 at 11:10 PM As snowflakes hold such unique beautiful intricate details so do your beautiful words which also contain such astounding poetic rhythm and flow! Well done and good luck in the contest :) Gregory Richard Barden December 16, 2017 at 6:47 AM That's very sweet of you, Melissa, and I thank you SO much! Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

Paul Callus December 11, 2017 at 8:32 AM These latest 2 poems of yours show a close relationship between you and snow, Gregory! I like this poem in which similes and metaphors make it stand out...like a spoonful of snow:) Regards //paul Gregory Richard Barden December 11, 2017 at 8:47 PM Thank you so much, Paul! I was skiing when I was two, (literally - I have home video!), and we skied Sugarloaf every weekend when I was growing up, as my grandmother grew up in Kingfield and gave her house to us for skiing purposes, (quite a blessing and privilege), and I ended up doing freestyle and moguls competitively, so snow has been a big part of my life. Gregory Richard Barden December 11, 2017 at 8:47 PM However, since my knees went I have no use for winter anymore, lol, and will be moving someplace warm when my folks are gone. Blessings, Friend! :-)

Freddie Robinson Jr. December 11, 2017 at 12:08 AM Such social coolness in this snow pristine poem, Greg. Love the holiday message of love. Your pen rolls w/sleigh ride flair. Jingle, jingle is the tinkering joyous sound of your chimed thoughts. I feel the vibe emanating from this lovely poem. Pure gift wrapped poetry. Love and happy holidays, my dear friend. Love and joy always. Gregory Richard Barden December 11, 2017 at 8:40 PM Oh, that's so kind of you, Freddie, and such a wonderful comment ... I appreciate it very much, and so look forward to your posts - you are a wonderful poet with a genuine and kind heart! Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays to you, Brother!

Anisha Dutta December 10, 2017 at 11:42 AM Nice imagery. Nice rhyming. Nice transparency. nicely penned. Gregory Richard Barden December 10, 2017 at 11:10 PM Nice comment, Anisha! (I couldn't resist) Blessings and thanks to you, my friend! :-) <3

John Lawless December 9, 2017 at 10:52 PM Beautifully done Gregory...the final three couplets exposing the crystalline metaphor. Gregory Richard Barden December 10, 2017 at 11:07 PM Thank you so much, John - much appreciated! :-)

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart December 9, 2017 at 10:34 PM This is lovely Greg :) you make snow "lovely" (which it is, now that I don't have to bike in it) and your finish is just wonderful. It reads smooth light and, yes lovely :) Gregory Richard Barden December 10, 2017 at 11:06 PM Very kind of you, Mo, and I thank you so much! I used to bike a lot myself, (10 miles AM & PM), but just for exercise and pleasure, not a courier. I miss it. Blessings, friend! :-) <3

Janice Canerdy December 9, 2017 at 10:21 PM Such an appealing and thought-provoking write, Greg--creative parallel between snowflakes and people! Janice Gregory Richard Barden December 10, 2017 at 11:05 PM Thank you very much, Janice - I'm pleased that you enjoyed it! Blessings! :-)