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Abigail's Spring - Potw

Abigail’s Spring - Favorite Beneath the shelter of winter’s barren arbor My winter abused heart Watches the day’s light linger in the sky resisting darkness - Begging to play a little longer every day – Pushing twilight away at arm’s length with pink and brilliant orange Leaving wispy trails of color in the sky; Urging empty branches and shivering wheat Lift up their eyes from bruising rains And crushing chill of wilderness storms; Seeing here howling tirades of blizzards Trade places with long sunbeams stretching slowly Across my sun starved shadow, warming the winter’s wildness - Coaxing pale green shoots to peek timidly at meadows Covered with patchwork quilts of blue and yellow - Orange scattered across arching hills – Welcoming the face of spring with arms spread wide; Listening for the bleating of black faced sheep When they shed their fleecy coats; Not looking back into the breath of moaning winds, Longing sighs transformed into shouts of laughter Chase themselves across the plains in children’s games; My spirit, once wrapped in hibernation, feels the changing of the wind Running up the road – knocking on the gate - With a moveable feast born of abundance; Stone cold frozen heart beats again in rhythm with gracious blessings As the simple sparrow teaches Her young to fly with the morning light Rejoicing on warm nights filled with songs of mourning doves – My face turns - embracing this greening valley - As spring sprints breathlessly up the path. April, 2020 Contest: Personal Favorite No. 2 Sponsor: L. Milton Hankins 5/16/20 Contest: Poetry Marathon Mile 13 Sponsor: Mark Toney 30 Lines First place - Brian Strand Your Choice B - 5/17/20 Number 1 Best New Poem - 6/13-20 Poem of the Week - 6/20/20 First place - Brian's Choice G 6-21-20 - Brian Strand First place Your Best Poem of 2020 - John Hamilton Top Ten, #10, Poet Destroyer 11/7/20 Chosen for publication in PS It's Poetry

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




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Date: 10/21/2021 5:09:00 PM
SO good to read this gem again Sam. many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/24/2021 9:10:00 AM
Thank you my friend. Abigail's story of triumph over abuse and humility in the face of taking the blame for something she didn't do always touches something deep in my heart and soul. I am so glad you enjoyed the joy of Abigail's spring once again. Hugs!
Date: 10/21/2021 3:02:00 PM
Wished I had seen this excellent piece sooner. Worthy of the ample praise its received and I can see why you choose it as your favorite. Congrats, Sam.
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/24/2021 9:05:00 AM
Thank you so much Eric. Every once and awhile a poem like Abigail's Spring comes to the surface. It was a blessing to write it and has been a blessing. I am so happy you discovered this write. And so glad it brought you joy. It is part of a collection of poems called Women of the Word. Blessings to you.
Date: 10/20/2021 11:19:00 PM
Your works are always great. This long and beautiful work is another example. Congratulations!
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/21/2021 11:56:00 AM
Chris, thank you! I am truly humbled and honored by your message! I have learned so much from you and other soupers and their amazing writes! All of you inspire me to keep putting one word in front of the other - to keep learning and continually walk into new "springs" like Abigail! Blessings of gratitude to you!
Date: 10/20/2021 6:53:00 AM
This is just awesome Sam... Very descriptive with great flowing imagery from top to bottom... Congrats on your win with this beautiful write... Hugs... ~ Ani
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/21/2021 11:49:00 AM
Hi Ani! Occasionally one is gifted with a poem like Abigail's Spring when everything seems to come together. I am so honored by your wonderful message! Thank you! Sending you bunches of blessings and much gratitude. Hugs my friend.
Date: 10/19/2021 6:32:00 PM
My dearest Rhyme Time friend, your elegant, eloquent pen takes my breath away with exquisite imagery of the transition from winter to spring; "Seeing here howling tirades of blizzards / Trade places with long sunbeams stretching slowly /Across my sun starved shadow" Wow! You set the stage vividly as my heart's imagination embraces her return "As spring sprints breathlessly up the path." Your amazing artistry is rare and rich with the texture of life. Congratulations for your excellent in Milton's contest. Sending warmest wishes and love on the sparrow's wings.. ~Susan
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/21/2021 12:05:00 PM
My dearest Rhyme Time friend, your message leaves my heart soaring like new sunbeams - sprinting breathlessly into the joy your words give me. Once in a while I get to write an Abigail's Spring then sit back in awe as I read your amazing poems that inspire me to continually reach for that new spring and shrug off a winter shroud. This poem is part of a collection of twelve poems titled Women of the Word. It is a blessing to know it has blessed you my friend. Sending you much love and blessings in a moveable feast! Sam
Date: 10/19/2021 11:27:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. Your "Abigail's Spring" is a lovely write. Have a blessed autumn day....................
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/21/2021 11:44:00 AM
Paula, thank you so much! The biblical story of Abigail - her beauty, her courage in the face of spousal abuse, her Christ-like response taking blame when she was an innocent and subsequent triumph - is a totally inspiring picture of a life shrouded in winter then bursting back into life like spring. How King David must has cherished her. Take care dear friend! Blessings.
Date: 10/19/2021 7:29:00 AM
Sam, I can see why this poem of yours has garnered so many accolades and is a favourite of yours. It's excellent. I like the way you describe the coming and beauty of Spring with personification and by contrasting it to the winter There's a reference to Paris here too: "With a moveable feast.." and I love Paris in the Spring :) Cheers - Gary
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/19/2021 10:23:00 AM
Many thanks Gary! Occasionally one gets to write a poem like Abigail's Spring - a bright child among the family! I kept thinking without winter there would be no spring. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! One of these days I will hopefully get to Paris in the spring! That reference was fun to include! Take good care! Cheers!
Date: 10/19/2021 12:09:00 AM
Back again Sam to say congratulations on your win. Over Fork Over Tom
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/19/2021 10:15:00 AM
Thank you so much Tom! I am honored to have this on the winner's list especially with so many amazing poems! Hope you are well. Over Fork Over
Date: 10/18/2021 8:00:00 PM
Sam, your "Abigail's Spring" is one of those rare pieces of writing that deserve honors. I am so pleased it rose to a fine place in my contest. Congratulations!
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 10/19/2021 10:12:00 AM
Thank you so much Milt! I am just tickled with your placement and so appreciate the opportunity to bring this poem back into the light. It is part of a collection of poems on biblical women called Women of the Word, many of whom I portray as part of my music ministry. Abigail's story grabbed at my imagination and my heart. Many thanks. Sending you blessings.
Date: 2/25/2021 5:52:00 AM
This poem is a proven winner time after time,
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2021 9:57:00 AM
Thank you so much Caren. Occasionally one pens a poem that seems to have a life of its own! It was an honor to be its author. Hope you are well. Blessing for you!
Date: 1/17/2021 5:58:00 PM
Wonderful poem ~ so vibrant. Very glad to find it in the pages of the 2020 PS Anthology ~
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 1/18/2021 8:54:00 AM
Thank you so much Line! It was an honor to have it included in the anthology along with so many amazing poems! Hope you are doing well. Sending you prayers and blessings!
Date: 6/14/2020 11:31:00 AM
This is excellent! An instant fave!
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Date: 6/13/2020 10:58:00 PM
Oh my!!! This poem is number 1 on the Best New Poems list. I can understand why. It is simply breathtaking, in every way. Congratulations Sam!! :) Hugs, Brandy
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Date: 6/13/2020 2:50:00 AM
A brief re-visit to congratulate you for #1 new poem, and to say again what a truly wonderful poem you have written, Sam. "My spirit, once wrapped in hibernation, feels the changing of the wind"
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Date: 6/12/2020 1:35:00 PM
Congratulations on your First Placement and on having this wonderful poem at the top of the best new poems list and POTW! You already know how much I loved it. Blessings xxoo
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Date: 6/12/2020 1:29:00 PM
Congratulations Sam. Well written and deserving of 1st Place. Enjoyed reading almost like this plandemic you wanted to move forward to enjoy the spring weather and in the plandemic our freedoms back. Wanting it to be over so we can move forward...
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/12/2020 11:21:00 PM
Hi Michael! Thank you for your visit and lovely message of congratulations and support. I am grateful! This is an incredible honor. Hope you are doing well. Great to hear from you.
Date: 6/12/2020 6:03:00 AM
Best new poem of the month, back with congrats Sam, over fork over. Tom
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/12/2020 11:16:00 PM
Once again, Tom, I am in your debt. Until your message I wasn't aware of this category - totally embarrasing! Thank you for your congratulations. I am blown away - such an honor! Over Fork Over! Stay well.
Date: 6/8/2020 8:17:00 AM
Awesome flow
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/8/2020 2:16:00 PM
Thank you so much Christopher! I appreciate your feedback. Nice to meet you here on PS. Thank you for your visit.
Date: 5/29/2020 9:38:00 AM
Back with congrats for Potw, glad to see you receive more accolades for this stunning write!
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 6/6/2020 12:37:00 PM
Thank you John! I so appreciate your message and your visits. I am way behind in answering messages but please know I am grateful. POTW was a complete surprise. Every once in a while a poem comes along that is special. I feel so blessed to be its author. Hope you are doing well my friend.
Date: 5/28/2020 12:19:00 PM
Sam, congratulations on POTW, enjoy the honor, FAV!! _Constance
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/29/2020 12:09:00 AM
A most unexpected surprise. Thank you for your visit, your congratulations and your "fav." Most grateful. All the best!
Date: 5/26/2020 8:14:00 AM
Superb write my friend...Congrats!! on the honor of POTW!!...best wishes from the Wingster :o)
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/26/2020 11:34:00 PM
Can't tell you how honored I feel. Thank you! For your lovely message and your congratulations and your encouragement. All the best to you WW. Stay safe and healthy!
Date: 5/25/2020 10:26:00 PM
Sam, my heart feels abused by winter. Short days, cold weather, dormant growth. I love your faith references (lift up their eyes, wilderness, a moveable feast). I loved "sun starved shadow", and "spring sprints breathlessly up the path". Enjoyed this poetic journey with you very much, and I heartily congratulate you for the wins you've received and selection as POTW... well-deserved, my friend! May blessing "rain" down on you ~ John
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/26/2020 11:31:00 PM
John, thank you for your prayers and blessings! Had feeling you would get the references. Thanks for taking the journey into spring with me and for your congratulations. Grace and peace to you.
Date: 5/25/2020 6:47:00 PM
Such vivid images you paint with your words. Winter is but a memory, as Spring blooms- so beautifully in these moments. This is tender and emotional, all at the same time. Congratulations Sam, on Poem of the Week. ~ Brandy
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/26/2020 11:27:00 PM
This has always been a very special poem for me. I guess all of my feelings about spring surfaced in this poem. Thank you so much for your lovely message and congratulations, my friend. Blessing to you!
Date: 5/24/2020 11:22:00 PM
Wow Sam! I am so happy to see this beauty honored as POTW. As you know it is a Fave from me. Congratulations on your deserving honor my friend! xxoo
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/26/2020 11:24:00 PM
I couldn't have been more surprised - speechless actually. This is such an honor. It means a lot to know it is a "fave" for you. Thank you for your message and your congratulations. Hugs...
Date: 5/24/2020 3:16:00 PM
Way to go Sam. An excellent choice for POTW.
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/26/2020 11:21:00 PM
Thank you so much Richard. I always appreciate your thoughtful messages. Thank you. Hope you are doing well, staying healthy and safe!
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