Atonement

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There's always a cost in circumstance lost, When the pitied mistakes start to bleed ... But I never meant that these errors be bent, By the demons of weakness and greed. We can never take back the words of attack, Like hot arrows flung loose from a bow ... Deception, so tossed, can bring a high cost, More precious than we're apt to know. So fast thru my hand, those moments in sand Then winnowed time's glass in a flood ... I plotted and schemed yet I never dreamed, That the price would be taken in blood. Yes, these lies I own, but yours stood alone, And we've both underrated their quarry ... But by heaven and earth, for all that it's worth, From the depths of my heart ... I'm SO sorry. ~ 2nd Place ~ in the "Apology" (Any Form) Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

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Aqua Marine

Date: 5/1/2019 3:35:00 PM

You are one of the best rhyme poet's I've read, Greg- and interesting word usage- I really enjoy the way you use words in an unusual way. "the words of attack, like hot arrows flung loose from a bow," aptly describes how angry words burn and pierce another in the most damaging way. Being sorry means taking responsibility for the depth of hurt caused. Well described here.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/6/2019 6:55:00 PM

This is such a wonderfully thoughtful and meaningful comment, Aqua, and I SO greatly appreciate the time and effort you've spent on this one. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it and recognized my efforts to create unusual rhyme and word use ... thank you kindly, my friend! :-)

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/1/2019 7:25:00 AM

Hi Greg, You penned a good take on the contest theme. Your last was great ending to a well written poem. Congratulations on a well deserved win:-) Alexis

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/6/2019 6:53:00 PM

That's very sweet of you, Alexis, thank you so9 much, my friend! :-) <3

Gershon Wolf

Date: 4/30/2019 10:06:00 PM

Brilliant last stanza, Gregory, and such a nice, unorthodox rhyme, i.e., 'quarry and sorry.' (I think that New Englanders get a little extra poetic license there, don't you?!) Congrats on your win in Line's contest, and 'sorry' I didn't comment on this one before the fact. :) gw

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/6/2019 6:53:00 PM

Ha! Yes, indeed - I went away to prep school, so I don't have the typical New England (or Down East) accent, but we certainly pronounce those two words the same, as if quarry were spelled "kwore-ree" ... many thanks, Buddy! :-)

Winged Warrior

Date: 4/30/2019 7:02:00 PM

Excellent entry my poetic bro...BOL Gregory...happy endings...^WW^...{*J*}

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/6/2019 6:50:00 PM

Many kind thanks, my friend - I'm so pleased you like it! :-)

P.S. Awtry

Date: 4/30/2019 10:27:00 AM

The flow is hypnotically perfect and I especially like the inner rhyme of the third lines. Master craftsmanship on display. I am sure you are absolved ;)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 6/6/2019 6:50:00 PM

You are always so kind, PS, and I thank you sincerely for this wonderful comment! Blessings! :-) <3