Brian Sambourne Poet Free verse

Box

that carves out a space of measured boundaries
that's given shape by force of will
that makes one smaller in walled existence

to think outside the box
to forge a different understanding
to upend expectations
to act on words that burn with fire 
trail blazers
       like seniors lapsing marathons

what's blocking the exit?
a box of familiarity that isn't freedom
when shadows stand in for substance
a lethargy of vision
where no fresh colors flash their sheen

what can be wrenched apart?
the box that traps us in seclusion
       to re-imagine music
       to elevate like choosing



Poem written April 30, 2023

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Marikate Kingston June 15, 2023 at 5:38 PM What a clever title. It intriguid me. My children often enjoyed the 'boxes' their toys came in, more than the toys themselves, thinking "out of the box" to to play with them. I enjoyed the symbolism in your poem. Your 3rd stanza makes me think of students who are forced to learn with computers and dittos, "blocking the exit" to critical thinking and creativity, where "no fresh colors" are allowed to "flash" This poem was so interesting to me for different reasons. Congrads on your win! Brian Sambourne June 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM Greetings Marikate, thank you for your detailed, thoughtful message regarding my poem. We do wall ourselves in with pre-formed thoughts that seldom allow for variation. I am no better than all the other boxes in the world. With appreciation for your kind note. Be well. Brian

Anne-Lise Andresen May 5, 2023 at 1:04 AM - Congratulations on your win in the contest :) - A excellent poem, Brian :) - Brian Sambourne May 5, 2023 at 6:01 AM My appreciation, Anne-Lise, for your affirmative view of my submission. Best wishes, Brian

Paula Goldsmith May 4, 2023 at 8:26 AM Congratulations on your win. Your "BOX" is a creative write. Have a great/blessed day............... Brian Sambourne May 5, 2023 at 5:58 AM Hello Paula, Thank you for your thoughtful message I appreciate, too, your nudge that I should pen a poem again after my hiatus. Be well. Brian

Constance La France May 4, 2023 at 6:18 AM Brian, thank you so much for the your excellent poem with us in my Writing Challenge congratulations ! Brian Sambourne May 4, 2023 at 8:24 AM Hello Constance, Thank you for the recognition. I appreciate the placement in your contests that provide excellent prompts. Be well. Brian

Alexis Y. May 3, 2023 at 9:26 PM Hi Brian, I too chose the word box. You took that same word to places I did not. Well done. Congratulations on your 1st place win. Have a wonderful day:-) Alexis Brian Sambourne May 4, 2023 at 5:41 AM Greetings Alexis, Thank you for your drop by and congratulations. Fortunately the topic invites a poetical take of many shades. My own thinking is often box enclosed. Be well. Brian

Sotto Poet May 3, 2023 at 6:22 PM A wonderfully and profoundly penned poem, Brian. Congrats on your podium win Brian Sambourne May 3, 2023 at 6:55 PM Thank you, Lassad. The box (sometimes a refuge) can limit us if it represents closed thought. If it is of own making, it can be of our breaking. With appreciation, Brian

Susan Ashley April 30, 2023 at 9:55 PM Dear Brian, I am amazed by the depths of realization I arrive at when reading your poem several times. Once settled into its thoughtful layers I am content to linger for a while and sink a bit deeper into your verse. Exceptional and intriguing imagery. I love "given shape by force of will" and "makes one smaller in walled existence" and "what's blocking the exit? / a box of familiarity that isn't freedom" - yes, so much to sink into.. your imaginative intellect is a creative force. Warmest wishes, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan Brian Sambourne May 5, 2023 at 6:05 AM Dear Susan, your thoughtful, detailed appraisal of my poem is certainly a tonic to push one's pen. Thank you for your gracious remarks. I hope that all is well with you. Sincerest regards, Brian

David Mchattie April 30, 2023 at 3:51 PM Sometimes when I finally crawl out of my box... I just end up in a different box. It can be a vicious circle. But I keep trying. A great poem on an important subject. Well done my friend. Have a great day. Brian Sambourne April 30, 2023 at 4:17 PM Greetings David, So true - sometimes we crawl from one box ony to be entrapped by another. Thank you greatly for the affirmative message on my submission. Best wishes, Brian

Gary Radice April 30, 2023 at 1:58 AM Your lifting of the lid ticks all my boxes Brian. I took several reads of this this morning because I know there is often more beneath the surface with your poems...and they make me think. And I like that. I refer to the line "that makes one smaller in walled existence" Brian, that is so profound. Cheers - Gary Brian Sambourne April 30, 2023 at 11:42 AM Hello Gary, So grateful for your comments. Most of my contest submissions bounce somewhere down the list (though preferable to an NA), hence your feedback is much valued. I avoid emoting with the pronoun "I." Thought, reflection are objectives in the postings, though not always a hit. Your encouragement is grand indeed. Best wishes, Brian