Dare To Bare

My muse stays in the background
when work takes up my time,
as soon as I’m relaxing
she comes – partner in crime.

She begs with much insistence
inclined to get her way,
she meets with no resistence,
my doubts are kept at bay.

Each mood affects my writing
in calm or urgent style.
Once ink is spilt and drying
I sigh – ‘twas worth my while.

There is a need for sharing
with others to connect
receive fair criticism
and, hopefully, respect.

I find the satisfaction
of laying bare my soul…
If I could ‘touch’ you somehow
I would have reached my goal.

My muse and I join forces
in tandem side by side;
with love and dedication
we take a lifelong ride.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 	
For Line Gauthier's contest
about Self Expression
Placed 2nd
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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12
Horne Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 8:46 AM
love this, Paul - I think most of us nodded as we read this & knew exactly what you mean. Thanks again for your help with Andrea's form
Callus Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 9:59 AM
Thank you, Jack. I take it for granted that most poets can relate to this. Always a pleasure to give a helping hand. Regards, my friend. // paul
Michaels Avatar
November 15, 2018 at 12:02 PM
Nicely-done, Paul. Our muses can be fickle mistresses, but their gifts are worth it!! Regards, John.
Callus Avatar
November 15, 2018 at 4:14 PM
I love the way you rounded this up nicely, John! Thank for liking and commenting. Regards // paul
Hamilton Avatar
October 31, 2018 at 9:58 AM
Enjoyed this very much Paul, congrats on another fine win, you indeed are respected by me and by all I'm sure!
Callus Avatar
October 31, 2018 at 1:54 PM
You are too kind, John...thank you! Best regards // paul
Man Avatar
October 29, 2018 at 4:10 PM
Your muse comes alive in this incredible write.. you master feelings Paul. Again, I’m in awe!
Callus Avatar
October 31, 2018 at 1:53 PM
Many thanks, Dave! Your visits never lack encouragement! Regards // paul
Neumann Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 1:40 AM
That is a wonderful poem. Written so 'lightly' and thus the touch is beautiful. I like this. The fleeting doubt you express is captured and released into freedom, Kai
Callus Avatar
October 20, 2018 at 8:04 AM
Thank you for your insightful feedback, Kai. Best regards // paul
Stevenson Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 6:14 PM
How sweet it is to love and be loved! I really enjoyed this write! Big smiles, H
Callus Avatar
October 17, 2018 at 2:42 AM
Thank you for taking interest in my poetry, H. I don't believe we have ever crossed paths, so may I offer a belated welcome to Soup:) ~ Regards // paul
Wolf Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 3:40 PM
The third stanza resonates so well with me. Kudos on the others as well. Best wishes, Gershon
Callus Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 4:05 PM
Thank you, Gershon; this visit, as well as the others are truly appreciated. Regards // paul
Devonshire Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 12:06 PM
Paul, you really gave life to your muse in this tenderly written poem. Not surprised it placed second in Line's contest. Surely, you have described very well the reasons most poets write. It's that "connection" that seems most important. I'm so glad you and I have been able to connect together on some collaborations. Beautiful poem, my friend! Love, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
October 16, 2018 at 1:40 PM
I am pleased you found my poetic musing to your liking, Carolyn. Our collaborations will always be close to my heart, dear friend! Congratulations are in order re the publication @ Poesis; also noticed Mike and Besma among others. ~ Love & Hugs // paul
Riabi Dziri Avatar
October 8, 2018 at 4:14 AM
Your avid reader feels the deep respect and the fervent need to meet their poetic aspirations, to challenge their minds, shake their souls, touch their hearts and reach the highest levels of aesthetic beauty.. You have graciously attained your goal Paul.. An astounding work of art, veneration, Love, Light and Beauty.. to my list of fave. A tremendous pleasure while rereading.. My deepest regards. Stay in the light of beauty. Be blessed always.
Callus Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 6:33 AM
You definitely know how to touch a poet's heart, Besma! Your feedback is lovely and most encouraging...it is also deeply appreciated (as is the fav)! Warm regards & Blessings to you // paul
Hagy Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 10:36 PM
Oh this is excellent Paul!...such a fine illustration of how poetry can consume us...and seduce us to seduce others! Have a great day Paul :)
Callus Avatar
October 9, 2018 at 6:29 AM
So pleased that you liked the content of this poem, Chris:) Reading poetry is one thing...writing it is another! An intermingling of both is awesome! Warm regards // paul
Onclaud Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 11:34 AM
when the muse calls, you need to give her that sweet whim... congrats on your fine award, paul.. huggs
Callus Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 1:38 PM
Thank you, Nette. I do my best not to disappoint my faithful muse:) Hugs // paul
Ashley Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 8:12 PM
It's wonderful to know that your muse moves you with much insistence, Paul, and in turn you move me always with your beautiful poetry.. :) A lovely poem, with a tempting title, of an artistic, poetic team so adept at creating flowing and exquisite self-expression.. Congratulations on your fantastic win! Warmest wishes and hugs my amazing friend.. ~Susan
Callus Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 4:18 AM
Hi dear Susan! I believe my feminine muse and I have managed to build a great and lasting relationship! I suppose the title might have led some astray, but all in all I did not cheat:) Thank you for the lovely critique and never-ending accolades, my friend. ~ Warm regards & Hugs ~ paul
Delaney Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 7:51 PM
Congratulations Paul:You really captured the elusive spirit of the Muse. A great winning entry with a wonderful flow that all we poets can relate to. Hugs, SuZ
Callus Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 4:11 AM
Thank you for your lovely comments, Suzanne. A pleasure to have you stopping by, my friend. Hugs // paul
Goff Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 6:03 PM
Contemplative lyric, Paul, nicely done!
Callus Avatar
October 7, 2018 at 4:00 AM
Thank you, James; your visit is appreciated. // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 5:21 PM
Congratulations Paul. I knew this would score high on the winner's list! : )
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 5:28 PM
Your crystal ball has served you well, Connie:) Thank you! Warm regards // paul
Carber Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:44 PM
Congrats on your win in Line's contest, Paul
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:51 PM
Thank you, L.J. Your visit is appreciated. Regards // paul
Raven Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 1:35 PM
Hi Paul, well, first things first, you certainly have my respect, as both poet and person. This is such a wonderful write, written in your flowing style that paints a wonderful vision. Your words shall always be special Paul. If one day I can reach but a little of your standard i shall be a happy man. May your pen ever run gold. Have a wonderful Saturday. Your friend always....Mike.
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:21 PM
Thank you, Mike. I appreciate the fact that poets have respect for one another. You do not need to reach any of my standards...you have already achieved yours!! Best regards, my friend. // paul
Moorman Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 11:57 PM
Paul, your reputation as a poet is one that is well known on Soup. One day, I hope to hear people say to me, "You are as good at poetry as Callus, Hinshaw, McGuire, Wigley, Barden, Cunningham, Turner, Dietrich, Dear Heart, Allison, Silent One, ^WW^ and more .... My how long the list would be. Thank you for sharing, and congratulations on your placement.
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:18 PM
You are both kind and generous, Curtis! Thank you! Beauty or the lack of it lie in the eye of the beholder:) Regards // paul
Turner Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 9:04 PM
I hope your muse is as sexy as mine is. However mine is very mysterious and also very moody. Congratulations on your placement Paul and you most certainly have my respect:)
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:15 PM
I enjoyed your winning entry, too, Danny! I have a feeling that my muse could be related to yours, too! Regards // paul
Dietrich Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 7:19 PM
Well done, Paul and Congratulations.
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:13 PM
Thank you, Andrea. Have a lovely weekend. Regards // paul
Watson Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 4:20 PM
Loved the content and rhyme, Paul. Congratulations on your win. Wendy
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:12 PM
Thank you for both lovely comments and congrats, Wendy. Regards // paul
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 4, 2018 at 12:56 PM
A poem every poet can connect with Paul. Best of luck in the contest. This is sure to be on the winner's list. : )
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:11 PM
Thank you for believing in this poem, connie:) Your good luck wishes have not been in vain:) Regards // paul
Warrior Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 8:27 PM
Great portrayal of one's muse...lovely write my friend...ready for a win...love & light...^WW^
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:10 PM
Thank you WW. Your prediction has been proved correct:) Regards // paul
Bauer Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 12:36 PM
i'm always happy to hop on with you and your muse, paul - write (and ride) on!
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:08 PM
Good thing I keep a side-car handy, Ilene...jump on and enjoy the ride:) Have a nice weekend. // paul
Proxenos Avatar
October 3, 2018 at 8:52 AM
Oh I so love this poem Paul! My husband are also on a lifelong ride. We have known each other for 30 years but have only been married for the last 18 wonderful years. thank-you for sharing - touching loving and warm! Kind regards, Jennifer.
Callus Avatar
October 6, 2018 at 4:07 PM
Thank you for liking and sharing your personal experience, Jennifer. May your lifelong ride last for many more years! Warm regards // paul
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