Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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autumn magic -

there's something in the breath of fall, so dear
    that churns the deepest province of my soul
      once rooted in the start of each school year
  mixed with that earthy crispness of the cold

the thrills of sports and studies, ivy-bound
    esteemed traditions held amidst the eaves
      more precious, still, that kindred heart I found
  through crazy, callow love among the leaves

oh, how we drowned so eagerly each time
    we swam that leafy ocean ‘neath the trees
      yet, now it’s only mem’ries put to rhyme
  though, still, these weary eyes can clearly see ...

there - deep within the fading autumn's mist …
    a shadow of the sweetheart I once kissed.







Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden, October 3, 2019 (rewrite 10/1/21); *original version featured in the anthology “154 By 16 Poets” by Craig Cornish

~ 1st Place ~  in the "Autumn Sonnet" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Strand Choice J, Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2019

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John Watt Date: 1/2/2020 12:22:00 AM Happy to have found this wistful gem. So romantic and full of beautiful autumn descriptions. Love the lines, "I gladly drowned whene'er I chanced to swim / Sweet waters of her flesh and soul and mind". You have a gift with sonnets, poet friend. ~ John Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 1/3/2020 5:51:00 PM That's very kind of you to say, John, and I thank you sincerely for your heartfelt words. Blessings to you, Friend! :o)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 10/8/2019 12:38:00 AM Romantic and lovely Greg. Congratulations on your deserving first place win! xxoo Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:31:00 AM Many kindly thank you's for the sweet comments, Connie - you know how important your opinion is to me! Blessings, Dear Friend! :o) <3

Jan Allison Date: 10/7/2019 2:11:00 AM Superb sonnet Greg, many congratulations on your top win :-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:30:00 AM That's very kind of you, Jan, and I thank you very much, Dear Poet. Blessings! :o) <3

John Lawless Date: 10/6/2019 5:44:00 PM ....and you keep falling for that same old line.....beautifully done Greg Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:29:00 AM Indeed, I DO, my friend - many thanks to you, John, I so appreciate it! :o)

Heidi Sands Date: 10/6/2019 2:27:00 PM Congratulations for your top winning poem Gregory :) Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:29:00 AM Many kind thanks to you, Heidi! :o) <3

Sandra Adams Date: 10/6/2019 2:05:00 PM this is a wonderful sonnet Greg, I am honored to stand at the top with you, congratulations on your win :) hugs Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:27:00 AM I am honored to be on ANY list with you, Sandra, and so happy you liked my poem! Blessings, Friend! :o) <3

John Hamilton Date: 10/6/2019 1:33:00 PM Congrats Greg on another win, an excellent sonnet with a touch of emotion, just how I like it! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/9/2019 12:26:00 AM Many thanks to you, Sir John, I'm really pleased you liked this one. Blessings to you! :o)

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 10/4/2019 7:45:00 AM Oh splendid piece! A winner for me :))) Good luck in the contest Greg. xomo <3 Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/4/2019 8:17:00 PM Thank you very much, Maureen - I'm pleased that you liked it.

Arturo Michael Date: 10/4/2019 5:17:00 AM Well done,,,Enjoyed the read... Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/4/2019 8:16:00 PM Thank you so much, Arturo - blessings! :o)

Caren Krutsinger Date: 10/4/2019 2:20:00 AM "Now mem'ries fall like leaves from each old limb," This is perfect! Good luck in the contest Greg! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/4/2019 8:16:00 PM Many kind thanks to you, Caren, I so appreciate the wonderful comment! So nice that you "stopped by" - blessings! :o) <3

Regina Mcintosh Date: 10/4/2019 1:02:00 AM I love Fall. Your poem is lovely. God bless you Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/4/2019 8:15:00 PM Thank you so very much, Regina - I'm so pleased you like it! Blessings! :o) <3