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An Ode to an Amphibian

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April.1.2024
Ode Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Regina McIntosh

 

You don’t have to pitch a tent Nor build a house to stay When thousands of us wander desperate Without a home or place to rest, You own a house with a magic door, That opens at will without a key or latch. Well protected from all wicked wight Safe from all robbers, rowdies, and rodents No evil spirits, vampires, or ghouls Dare to disturb it at any rate It is stronger than all structures extant Built-in mortar, bricks, or rocks You are the monarch of a larger empire. Land and water are under your sway, Free to enjoy the treasures of the sea, And feast on the wonders of the land. You are a companion to the ravenous shark, Darting spectres through the azure dark And also monsters that roam the deep With their uncouth gambols and abrupt leap You love strolling along the slimy strands And dive down along with the laughing waves You bury your eggs on the sandy shores And guard your progeny from all snares You are another name for alertness and caution You make sure that all around is safe and secure, Before you come out from your rocky shelter And shrink back at once when dangers lurk You carry on your back your home and shelter Built so compact to guard you from all external threat Oh! Turtle, we deem you blessed under your carapace But perhaps you may have a different tale to narrate For all that we see or seem to see Aren’t they truths far removed from the truth?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 4/2/2024 7:26:00 PM
Love how you brought us into the life of a turtle, in many ways , I might need a turtle shell myself: )
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Date: 4/2/2024 6:09:00 PM
Lovely ode Valsa. A compelling read and a good portrayal of how secured and vulnerable a turtle can be. "You own a house with a magic door, That opens at will without a key or latch." Loved this line. Love the whole piece and how it's meaning is not limited to just the turtle. The higher up surely live securely while some shiver on the cold streets of rainfall. Cheers Dear Valsa and happy Easter to you.
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Date: 4/2/2024 2:01:00 PM
What an exquisite piece of poetry, dear Valsa! A magnificient tribute to a truly remarkable being. You've beautifully captured the essence of the turtle through its habits and reactions. The turtle encourages us to embrace its nature - adaptability, patience, and wisdom.
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Date: 4/2/2024 10:32:00 AM
I chuckled at the title, Valsa! … are a companion to the ravenous shark, Darting spectres through the azure dark And also monsters that roam the deep With their uncouth gambols and abrupt leap…you, poet, are a whole lot of fun!
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Date: 4/1/2024 5:12:00 PM
a delightful ode to such a resilient creature. You've captured the essence of the turtle through its habits and reactions. The turtle invites us to embrace his nature--adaptability, patience, and wisdom. A truly magnificent poem! have a blessed evening, Sara
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Date: 4/1/2024 11:23:00 AM
"You love strolling along the slimy strands And dive down along with the laughing waves You bury your eggs on the sandy shores And guard your progeny from all snares" Lovely, truly profound write. Lots chum to munch on and digest. Life is a shell, the spirit in hiding.
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Date: 4/1/2024 8:38:00 AM
Your ode poem is a poignant tribute to the resilience and beauty of the turtle, while also prompting readers to contemplate the nature of truth and perception in the world around us. It celebrates the turtle as a symbol of strength, adaptability, and wisdom, inviting us to see beyond the surface and embrace the mysteries of life.
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Date: 4/1/2024 5:42:00 AM
An ode to a wonderful animal, this was a picture in words. Good luck.
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Date: 4/1/2024 2:49:00 AM
I got this poem, ok slowly, but I got it! :) Lovely!
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Date: 4/1/2024 2:06:00 AM
We curse those chefs who steal turtles for poor turtle soup and earn a lot of money. Your poem is a fine tribute to turtles.
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Date: 4/1/2024 12:46:00 AM
How unique and brilliant is your ode to an amphibian, turtles are my fave in the sea, i remember when i was little i used to have them as pets too, and sometimes when i go snorkeling now, i see them and i swim next to them, they are beautiful and protected, as so many want to catch them to cook and eat them, so here it is not allowed, i absolutely love the way youv written so many lines about how lucky they are away from the cruelty of life on land, how clever and meaningful that is dear valsa. And those last lines, are powerful, so soul hitting as well as the rest , your words always flow very well and i love the way you think and can tell your poems come from a very sincere place. A fave this is. Best wishes for the contest
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Date: 3/31/2024 11:40:00 PM
What a lovely ode to the turtle Valsa, saw them close up in the sea in Turkey, beautiful creatures they are too. Hope you're keeping well. Tom
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Date: 3/31/2024 11:20:00 PM
"awesome" poem, dear poet, we should copy the speed of turtles, and be more happy, this is absolutly briiliant and enjoyable, wow thanks
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