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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

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Jack Horne

Date: 11/29/2018 8:46:00 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

Paul Callus
Date: 11/29/2018 9:59:00 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

John Michaels

Date: 11/15/2018 12:02:00 PM

Nicely-done, Paul. Our muses can be fickle mistresses, but their gifts are worth it!! Regards, John.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/15/2018 4:14:00 PM

I love the way you rounded this up nicely, John! Thank for liking and commenting. Regards // paul

John Hamilton

Date: 10/31/2018 9:58:00 AM

Enjoyed this very much Paul, congrats on another fine win, you indeed are respected by me and by all I'm sure!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/31/2018 1:54:00 PM

You are too kind, John...thank you! Best regards // paul

Lyric Man

Date: 10/29/2018 4:10:00 PM

Your muse comes alive in this incredible write.. you master feelings Paul. Again, I’m in awe!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/31/2018 1:53:00 PM

Many thanks, Dave! Your visits never lack encouragement! Regards // paul

Kai Michael Neumann

Date: 10/20/2018 1:40:00 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

Paul Callus
Date: 10/20/2018 8:04:00 AM

Thank you for your insightful feedback, Kai. Best regards // paul

Mockingbird Stevenson

Date: 10/16/2018 6:14:00 PM

How sweet it is to love and be loved! I really enjoyed this write! Big smiles, H

Paul Callus
Date: 10/17/2018 2:42:00 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

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/16/2018 3:40:00 PM

The third stanza resonates so well with me. Kudos on the others as well. Best wishes, Gershon

Paul Callus
Date: 10/16/2018 4:05:00 PM

Thank you, Gershon; this visit, as well as the others are truly appreciated. Regards // paul

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 10/16/2018 12:06:00 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

Paul Callus
Date: 10/16/2018 1:40:00 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

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 10/8/2018 4:14:00 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.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/9/2018 6:33:00 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

Chris Hagy

Date: 10/7/2018 10:36:00 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 :)

Paul Callus
Date: 10/9/2018 6:29:00 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

Nette Onclaud

Date: 10/7/2018 11:34:00 AM

when the muse calls, you need to give her that sweet whim... congrats on your fine award, paul.. huggs

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2018 1:38:00 PM

Thank you, Nette. I do my best not to disappoint my faithful muse:) Hugs // paul

Susan Ashley

Date: 10/6/2018 8:12:00 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

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2018 4:18:00 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

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 10/6/2018 7:51:00 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

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2018 4:11:00 AM

Thank you for your lovely comments, Suzanne. A pleasure to have you stopping by, my friend. Hugs // paul

James Marshall Goff

Date: 10/6/2018 6:03:00 PM

Contemplative lyric, Paul, nicely done!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2018 4:00:00 AM

Thank you, James; your visit is appreciated. // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/6/2018 5:21:00 PM

Congratulations Paul. I knew this would score high on the winner's list! : )

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 5:28:00 PM

Your crystal ball has served you well, Connie:) Thank you! Warm regards // paul

L. J. Carber

Date: 10/6/2018 4:44:00 PM

Congrats on your win in Line's contest, Paul

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:51:00 PM

Thank you, L.J. Your visit is appreciated. Regards // paul

Vladislav Raven

Date: 10/6/2018 1:35:00 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.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:21:00 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

Curtis Moorman

Date: 10/4/2018 11:57:00 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.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:18:00 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

Daniel Turner

Date: 10/4/2018 9:04:00 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:)

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:15:00 PM

I enjoyed your winning entry, too, Danny! I have a feeling that my muse could be related to yours, too! Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/4/2018 7:19:00 PM

Well done, Paul and Congratulations.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:13:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea. Have a lovely weekend. Regards // paul

Wendy Watson

Date: 10/4/2018 4:20:00 PM

Loved the content and rhyme, Paul. Congratulations on your win. Wendy

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:12:00 PM

Thank you for both lovely comments and congrats, Wendy. Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 10/4/2018 12:56:00 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. : )

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:11:00 PM

Thank you for believing in this poem, connie:) Your good luck wishes have not been in vain:) Regards // paul

Winged Warrior

Date: 10/3/2018 8:27:00 PM

Great portrayal of one's muse...lovely write my friend...ready for a win...love & light...^WW^

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:10:00 PM

Thank you WW. Your prediction has been proved correct:) Regards // paul

Ilene Bauer

Date: 10/3/2018 12:36:00 PM

i'm always happy to hop on with you and your muse, paul - write (and ride) on!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:08:00 PM

Good thing I keep a side-car handy, Ilene...jump on and enjoy the ride:) Have a nice weekend. // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 10/3/2018 8:52:00 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.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/6/2018 4:07:00 PM

Thank you for liking and sharing your personal experience, Jennifer. May your lifelong ride last for many more years! Warm regards // paul