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Poet Personification

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Awarded: SECOND PLACE

Contest: At the Pawn Shop

At the Pawn Shop

I met her  in a pawn shop on a warm summer night
When running from the rubble of  my shattered life
To sell a broken dream that would never come true
An engagement ring to pay for the rent that was due

There she lay sleeping in a battered rosewood bed
Heart strings breaking in a rusty sea of velvet red
So hauntingly beautiful, she took my breath away
Violin - an old reject who would change my life that day

So I bought Violin and lived out on the street
And played Rhapsody in Blue as coins fell at my feet
And soon we had a  little flat high above the Bay
And every day, I got better with every note I played

Today I am a maestro playing Carnegie Hall
My name in lights blinking on a Marquee Wall 
For it was I who saw myself in Violin
A tarnished soul and the beauty buried there within


Author:  Elaine George
Written:  2013

beautychangeengagementimaginationinspirationalpersonification

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Paul Holmes

June 23, 2022 at 9:47 AM

Such a thoroughly engrossing story. A delight to read!

Connie Marcum Wong

June 5, 2014 at 5:23 PM

Dear Lainie, I re-read this poem at Whispers and just had to comment on it again. Sometimes I am very tired when I finally get the time to comment and words elude me. I am just in AWE of your talent as a writer and poet! Cont'd....

Connie Marcum Wong

June 5, 2014 at 5:23 PM

This beautiful poem moved me to tears as it reaches out to inspire all of us who have gone through trials in life and have succeeded, encouraging those who are still struggling to reach their goals. This poem is truly a work of art that I hope will be read by many. Brava my friend. You are a sparkling Gem as is this poem! A Fav! Aloha, Connie

Elaine George

June 5, 2014 at 6:43 PM

Dear Connie, I can not begin to tell you how much your support means to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for beleiving in me as a writer and giving me the inspiration to be one. lainie

Allan Koven

November 8, 2013 at 5:18 PM

Quite a wonderful story. Allan

Connie Marcum Wong

August 21, 2013 at 5:16 PM

The story of America with in your creative words. An outstanding, moving poem deserving of your win Elaine. Congrats!

Daver Austin

August 4, 2013 at 9:41 AM

Love this one, Elaine. I must tell you the secret of the violin - you scrape the horses tail across the cat's guts and the music comes out the f-hole. By the way - besides the rest I love your short forms at the end of your latest book. Love, Dave

Tim Ryerson

July 17, 2013 at 3:40 PM

Ah me Elaine, this is a real beauty...LOVE the description of the violin case!...I know that male musicians often give their instruments female names (BB King and Lucille come to mind) They become a part of them, an extension of themselves just like a wife or lover does and I'm sure women do the same...BIG congrats and once again I must say it is so wonderful to see you back and posting again - Tim

Cecilia Macfarlane

July 14, 2013 at 4:32 AM

Awesome personification! We all have a violin in us, it's seeing it and grasping it that makes all the difference.Wonderful write and win! Hugs

Jack Horne

July 9, 2013 at 3:17 PM

love this wonderful write Congrats on your wins

Seosamh De Burca

July 9, 2013 at 9:28 AM

Congrats on your winning poem.

Connie Gildersleeve

July 9, 2013 at 6:32 AM

Elaine, I so enjoyed this fabulous poem. You've touched something in my heart with all the words you've written. The meter was right on and flowed very well. Congratulations on your well deserved win. Warm Smiles, Connie