Broken, Colored Glass

he gathers bits of colored glass he finds the odd bouquet of flowers past their prime the flotsam from the street once useful in a former time some torn out pages from a well-worn book to kindle fires, or take another look no reason and no rhyme to what goes in the shopping cart, is left behind It is a lonely life, but there's no room to store the treasures others want to keep to hold them with his own right there within his mem'ry heap although he's tried, he'll quietly confide they simply are not quite as firmly tied and quiet in his sleep they slip away in search of climes where they might bloom from year to year, he travels with it all the past is down beneath and out of view then unexpectedly the cart is overturned, and see the ground up bits and pieces of his past those flowers and that broken, colored glass the light reflected through prismatic, magical, a painting on the wall ----------
for the 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 19 Poetry Contest sponsored by Mark Toney written on 10/20/22 These are 'Mistress Bradstreet' stanzas - 10a:10b:6c:8b:10d:10d:6b:12a Line 8 of Stanza 2 modified from: "they slip away and go elsewhere to bloom", which had 10 rather than 12 syllables
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Kauffman Avatar
November 14, 2022 at 2:11 PM
Jeff, in your poetic hands the metaphor of "broken glass" comes alive in plaintive, emotive life reflecting your finely tuned focus and theme. Congratulations on your win! Blessings to you and all who put their lives in shopping carts.
Ashley Avatar
November 12, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Dear Jeff, I adore the style of your brilliant poem and admire the beautiful, heartfelt and poignant eloquence of your artistic expression. Your golden pen is so poetically elegant. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Kyser Avatar
November 12, 2022 at 7:16 PM
Thanks so much for your gracious words of encouragement, Susan.
Toney Avatar
November 11, 2022 at 8:29 AM
Jeff, I love your 'Mistress Bradstreet' stanzas and faved them as well. This is the second week in a row that you've introduced me to a new poetry form, and I thank you for that. I may be mistaken, but what I see reflected are some of the doleful challenges that the homeless face, and then in the last stanza, you inspire us. Congratulations on your podium finish on Mile 19 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 20 has already started.
Canerdy Avatar
November 11, 2022 at 7:29 AM
Jeff, this is such a skillfully written, descriptive, moving poem. The symbolism used is so expressive. CONGRATS on your win. Janice
Kyser Avatar
November 12, 2022 at 7:18 PM
Thanks so much for your read and your gracious comments, Janice.
Hankins Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 12:51 PM
This is an elegant form that lends itself well to just such a story as you have told, Jeff. Nice stuff!
Kyser Avatar
October 20, 2022 at 12:57 PM
Thanks, I think I've done about 3 this way - not sure I'm ever going to not have to look it up, but it is becoming a little more familiar...
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