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An Old Shovel

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8/12/2023

~1st Place~ An Old Shovel Poetry Contest, sponsored by John Lawless

Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

Old Digger, lifter, mover, slicer Friend of ScoopDog and Dugger Graves Lover of landscaping, building, and gardening Who feels less sharp, disused, and edgy Who fears dull blades, broken handles, and rust Who would like to see verdant gardens, straight fence posts, and freshly laid sod Resident of the junk section on the old wood fence just outside the tool shed Shovel

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Terry Flood

Date: 9/18/2023 3:33:00 PM

Never tried ‘Bio’. Should I ever do so, I shall refer back to your ‘An old shovel’. Cleverly and interestingly compiled. Congrats on a worthy first place, Mark. Terry

Mark Toney
Date: 9/18/2023 9:47:00 PM

Thanks, Terry. I think you should know that I’m in the process of reading your delightful Rum n Raisin (first through 9), and finish it I will as I find the time. ;)

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/18/2023 5:41:00 AM

Wonderful writing. Congratulations and much love. God bless you, too. Gina

Mark Toney
Date: 9/18/2023 10:01:00 AM

Thank you, Gina. Congratulations on your poem "Foundation's Worth." It is very inspiring!

Beata Agustin

Date: 9/18/2023 4:56:00 AM

Wow! Congrats. Thanks for sharing the bio of the Old shovel... Thanks likewise for my placement in the previous contest you sponsored. God bless you.

Mark Toney
Date: 9/18/2023 10:08:00 AM

Beata, thanks for the "Wow!" And you are very welcome. I was happy to place your exciting poem "Salute to Our Winning Team" in my contest. -Philippians 4:4

Susan Ashley

Date: 9/17/2023 10:06:00 AM

Dear Mark, your creative verse gives life, meaning, heart and soul to an old shovel in your ingenious use of the bio poetry form. An endearing, poignant personification. Your artistry shines in the wistful beauty of your imagery. Such a moving piece and fav! Congratulations for your excellent win in John’s contest. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/17/2023 12:37:00 PM

You are a class act my friend:)

Mark Toney
Date: 9/17/2023 12:18:00 PM

Dear Susan, thank you for your most gracious comments and Fav! I’ve read the other placements and am amazed at the incredible variety of poems—thought-provoking, inspiring, reflective, celebratory, epic— all prompted by John Lawless’s brilliant theme of “An Old Shovel.” Kudos to John and the winning poets! Warmest wishes to you, Susan!

Valsa George

Date: 8/17/2023 5:41:00 AM

Beautifully written ! A shovel once used for multi purposes is now lying disused because it has dull blade, broken handle and rust. A great entry for the contest dear Mark. All the Best.

Mark Toney
Date: 8/17/2023 10:07:00 AM

Thank you, dear Valsa. An old shovel deserves a fitting bio poem :)

Ink Empress

Date: 8/17/2023 12:48:00 AM

Brilliant write for the old shovel. So very well described. I especially liked the opening and also how you’ve written “ who would like to see verdant gardens” excellent flow and so creatively created for the theme. Goodluck wish you would win

Mark Toney
Date: 8/17/2023 10:15:00 AM

Thank you for your thoughtful remarks, Empress of Ink.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/15/2023 12:49:00 PM

I like the interesting form you used for your write on the old shovel, Mark. Good luck in the contest.

Mark Toney
Date: 8/15/2023 3:08:00 PM

Thank you for stopping by, Andrea!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/13/2023 2:20:00 PM

A creative/fun ~ write/picture. I also wrote on this one. "Good Luck" Have a fun/great day.............

Mark Toney
Date: 8/13/2023 9:27:00 PM

Thank you, Paula. I look forward to reading yours too.

Sotto Poet

Date: 8/12/2023 5:51:00 PM

Tom, your mastery of language and meticulous selection of metaphors in your poetic composition imbue it with a profound depth. Despite the seemingly futile nature of a shovel, it undeniably serves as an invaluable aid to humanity.

Mark Toney
Date: 8/13/2023 6:12:00 AM

Hi, Lasaad. I am Mark, and I appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging comment.