After the Storm

2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 10 Contest 
Sponsored by: Mark Toney
Contest Judged:  8/27/2025 9:55:00 AM
( 3rd Place )

Written: August 23, 2025


The sky broke open, spilling light along empty streets,
and he went under its shelter, carrying the weight of every yesterday
as if each memory could still cleave to his shoulders.

Raindrops lingered on the pathway like strewn mirrors,
catching pieces of moments thought lost:
the eyes that believed, the hands that shaped him and the whispers of care that remain long after absence.

Every step ahead shuddered with uncertainty.
But still the world teemed with quiet promise.

He spotted small wanders--
the scent of wet earth rising,
a leaf twirling in a plash,
the soft pulse of life returning after darkness.

He stumbled, he faltered,
yet each fall shaped a different rising:
a reed that bends but does not break,
a step that carries forward still,
though the horizon clings to storm.

No one walked beside him
but still he felt the world breathe softly in his steps.

The storm had passed, leaving only light;
a silent endurance entrenched in every step,
a mellow voice that urging him to continue,
even when the track is yours alone.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
August 29, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Dear Rowena, congratulations for your success in Mark’s contest with your exceptional poem. Your stirring imagery is evocative, emotive, inspiring and relatable. Beautiful. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
George Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 10:44 PM
"He stumbled, he faltered, yet each fall shaped a different rising: a reed that bends but does not break," This poem of resilience is the poem of every reed of a man who bends, but never breaks... Beautifully written dear Rowena. Congratulations on your great placement.
Velasco Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Thank you so much!
Godwin Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Your poem is breathtaking, Rowena. Congratulations on your placement in Mile 10 - such fun, nerve-and-poem-selection racking, but fun. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Velasco Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Thank you so much, CayCay! ?? I truly appreciate your kind words and support. It really has been such a fun (and nerve-racking!) marathon. Poetry hugs back to you!
Toney Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Rowena, I love the positive vibe throughout the poem despite his faltering and stumbling. Real life stuff here. Congratulations on your third place win on Mile 10 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 11 has already started. You can find your overall standing in my Mile 10 blog post.
Velasco Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Thank you so much, Mark! I’m honored for the placement and really appreciate your encouraging words. I’ll definitely keep my running shoes on for Mile 11!
Crandall Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Great poem. I guess most lives have storms, that almost lay us low, but which we somehow make it through, seemingly alone, but maybe not entirely. I know mine has. Great image of raindrops strewn like mirrors, catching pieces of memories.
Velasco Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Thank you so much David for your thoughtful words. You’re right storms come to us all, yet we find a way through, often with more strength than we realize. I truly appreciate your kind reflections.
Baker Avatar
August 26, 2025 at 3:46 PM
A masterpiece of poetry, my friend. Like the man your poem describes so well, as life changes for each along our path, we must fall and rise many times as we follow the path we have been given. Having that enter voice to guide me is the only way I make it in the toughest day on my path. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Velasco Avatar
August 27, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Thanks a lot, Bill! Really appreciate your kind words. Blessings to you too!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
August 23, 2025 at 5:07 PM
beautifully flowing and captivating poem, Rowena. I felt like I was with him on this somewhat treacherous journey. Grateful I have one of those 'mellow voices' that urges me to continue. Outstanding verse, hugs, Sara
Velasco Avatar
August 25, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Thank you so much, Sara! I love that you connected with the journey—and how wonderful that you have that mellow inner voice to guide you. Big hugs
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