Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

Etched in Stone

Two hearts glare at each other
Clutching their stone tablets
 Written by the finger of their rightness,
  Guarding the secret handshake
In single sighted delinquent tantrums
Refusing to share the offertory
 Of a loving cup - 
Consumed by daggers of thoughtless words
Carved deeply in a scarred heart.

Floral offerings wilt 
Upon stone manifestos
Where ashes of incense lay impotent
To clear the air
And wipe clean the embedded words.

Passion falls in pixels of distortion
Blurring valleys where sacred poles burn –
 Lie in dust written in the past –
Paralyzed 
Unable to rise from handwritten crypts
Placed in captive marble altars,
Epithets like an epitaph for love.

Immoveable stone resists the transcendent
Until forgiveness’ chisel
Re-writes the script of etched words
Crumbling in swaddled tears of humility
That know their need for grace
Consummated in love’s perfect signature.

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Andrea Dietrich February 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM Such beautiful writing, Sam. I am sure this scored high. Congrats

Susan Ashley February 15, 2025 at 8:32 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time friend, I feel the struggle and passion in the rousing, rich imagery of your poem. I especially loved "Immoveable stone resists the transcendent/Until forgiveness’ chisel" - within this insight lies the power of positive change if one can realize it. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can extend to ourselves and the others.. especially to the one you love. My dear poetry sis, your potent poetry is beautifully expressed. The "loving cup" should be filled and freely shared and "daggers of thoughtless words" kept sheathed. Congratulations, my sweet friend, for your success in Edward’s contest. Your poetry shines! Warmest wishes sent on poetic winds.. ~Susan

Edward Ibeh February 9, 2025 at 8:56 PM Sam, this is truly exceptional. Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest. I absolutely loved it! Sam Kauffman February 11, 2025 at 11:12 AM Thank you so much, Edward. I am just delighted with your placement. Your contest themes always leave me in places where I spend time musing on their possibilities - definitely a good place for a poet. With Valentine's Day coming I kept thinking about the way we paint ourselves into corners where our pride won't release us and then I remembered the power of forgiveness. I am so grateful for your contest theme that birthed this poem. Sending you blessings, my friend, for Valentine's Day when we celebrate the mercy of love and forgiveness! Happy Valentine's Day!

Jennifer Proxenos February 8, 2025 at 9:53 AM Hi Sam is plain stubbornness the guilty element in not wanting to give in, prepared to go to the bitter end, rather than solving a dire situation with mere compromise and swallowing ones ego to forgive and maybe saying 'sorry' would go a long way. Intense poetry dear friend. Blessings and hugs Jennifer. Sam Kauffman February 11, 2025 at 11:22 AM Dearest Jennifer, you have gone so perceptively to the heart of this poem where neither heart is willing to give in or engage in dialogue to find middle ground or say "I'm sorry!" Thank you for your wonderful, encouraging words. Heard that an apology can taste like vinegar, but then I remember that vinegar aids in digestion!! Hope you are well. Sending you blessings and wishes for a happy Valentine's Day - truly a celebration of love and forgiveness!

Paige Hind February 6, 2025 at 9:30 PM Very cutting and beautiful - Sam Kauffman February 11, 2025 at 11:04 AM Thank you so much, Paige! Blessings to you! Happy Valentine's Day when love and friendship is so celebrated.

Charlotte Puddifoot February 5, 2025 at 6:31 AM i always enjoy your poetry - such a unique voice - and this free verse is no exception..gl in the contest :) Sam Kauffman February 5, 2025 at 11:19 AM Thank you so much, Charlotte. So grateful and deeply honored by your wonderful feedback especially knowing what a wonderful poet you are. Your poems always leave me breathless with appreciation for your gift. Thank you for your best wishes. I think we both believe it is vital for a writer to develop and work from their unique voice while continuing to grow their artistry. Sending you all the best. Blessings!

Daniel Henry Rodgers February 4, 2025 at 6:56 PM Dear Sam, this struck deep, like watching two souls locked in a battle neither wants to lose, yet both ache to surrender. The weight of words, the frozen passion, the chisel of forgiveness, it’s all so powerfully etched. This lingers, heavy and true. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Sam Kauffman February 5, 2025 at 11:28 AM Daniel, I am so grateful for your response to this poem. Truly, we do fight battles that we can't think of losing and we dig in our heels, clutching our stone tablets, entrenched and unwilling to drink from the cup of compromise ready to fall on our swords in unthinkable retreat. I am so glad you picked up on that sense of the martyr in a relationship where only forgiveness can re-write what is written in stone. Sending you warm blessings in this season of rain and snow my friend!