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Before the Latched Gate

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July-1- 2025
Gate or Gates Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Constance La France
~ PLACED FIRST~

 

“Keep knocking as hard as one can and wait patiently before the closed gate is the best way to enter it. But find if it is a gate to perdition or salvation.”- By Poet
On a late evening, wandering lonely through the forest track, an eerie little house I saw. Its tiled roof and tall chimney, peered through the thick foliage of leaves. Pacing down a dark ravine, I reached before a latched gate. A mysterious spell drew me into it. I paused sometime, wondering if I should enter through that shaky gate. It was rusted with some spikes missing It looked opening to a GHOSTLY world. I've been here awhile, lost in thoughts standing in front of this dilapidated gate, wondering if I should enter it or not. Weighing on the possible consequences of granting my fevered fancy, a free reign, finally, with the curiosity in me overriding my hesitation, I made up my mind to enter. With a creaking sound, the latch gave way, letting me into a forlorn, deserted house. It stood aloof on a small hillock. The air around it bore a strange scent There was a GRAVE like silence hovering. Breaking it, owls were heard hooting aloud. Desolate it was with none to care. Thorny shrubs grew all around, and tall trees shut it out from view. Even the wind, whizzed past GROANING Dark and dreary it stood remote. Peeping through its splintered door, I got a glimpse of the dingy rooms. Sultry was the air trapped inside. Its floor was covered with grimy dust. Shadows moved like snakes curling. GOSSAMER webs were hanging from the ceiling Giant bats flew about my head. I stood so GRIEF-STRICKEN feeling a tremor pass though my body as a wave of terror. I felt trapped inside a GODFORSAKEN place, as the gate once more closed behind, with a loud grate, making me a prisoner. A gate can be a threshold to another realm~ An entrance to a new world of greater opportunities. But here it has spelt my doom and all I can do, is shout and cry, hoping someone hears and comes to let me out into the world of light!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 7/19/2025 10:52:00 AM
Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Before the Latched Gate" write/story/quote again. I have been off the computer for a few days. Have a blessed day with your win.............
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Date: 7/11/2025 10:37:00 AM
A vivd scene Valsa. You never fail at presenting a colorful picture. Congratulations! :)
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Date: 7/11/2025 5:11:00 AM
- Congratulations on your great win in the contest, Valsa :) - hugs
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Date: 7/10/2025 11:50:00 PM
Congratulations, Valsa, on your win in this contest with a nice poem pleasing to read. It is true "A gate can be a threshold to another realm~ An entrance to a new world of greater opportunities." It can also reveal undesired surprises. But human curiosity is as it is... Wishing you a pleasant new week.
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Date: 7/4/2025 3:45:00 AM
Looks like a winner to me! Xo
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Date: 7/3/2025 1:33:00 PM
"Shadows moved like snakes curling. GOSSAMER webs were hanging from the ceiling Giant bats flew about my head." -- Sounds like a summer retreat I once bought, sight unseen~ yipes! At some point, we all must confront, The Guardian At The Gate -- terrifying to say the least, for it is the history of our past lives, what we have taken with us through each new incarnation. What we must overcome, if to move spiritually higher. Fascinating read! Brave write!
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Date: 7/2/2025 8:58:00 AM
Valsa, this is a fantastic poem that explores themes of curiosity, dread, and confinement. Your first excitement prompts them to investigate a mysterious and decaying mansion, which represents the unknown and the horrors that curiosity can bring. The poem depicts a voyage from the potential-filled outer world to an eerie and haunting space that becomes a prison rather than a haven. The subject matter includes the investigation of a haunted house, emotions of dread and loneliness, and a desire to escape from a location that has become a symbol of misery.  Best wishes for the contest.
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Valsa George
Date: 7/3/2025 5:25:00 AM
How much I enjoy your comments, I can't say. The way you analyse each poem is so accurate and I feel how clearly you see my intent. It is a gift. Thank you so much dear Lasaad.
Date: 7/1/2025 12:07:00 PM
I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Before the Latched Gate" write/story/quote. Great Picture... "Good Luck" We both did this one. Have a fun day writing away.........
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Date: 7/1/2025 9:54:00 AM
Great job using all those words, Valsa. It's not too easy to do. That's for sure
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