Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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Expression Expressed

Why do I self-express and share, indeed?
          For I am but a "dark and troubled seed" ...
               And should my pen let loose upon a page
     You're apt to see that INK is what I bleed

I strive to layer phrases, fresh and free
          Breathtaking depth ... with ambiguity
               Using words in ways that paint a scene
     Not getting lost in too much imagery

I study all the greats and take to heart
          The classic script and detail of their art
               To blend it with a modern form, my own
     A trademark style, unique and set apart

I keep my child's heart in good repair
          And plunge my soul as deeply as I dare
               For both those aims are critical to verse
     And writing with an insight that is rare

To tell you straight, the talent isn't mine
          It comes from elsewhere, I am just a vine
               But blessed am I to have received the gift
     And humbled to be part of grand design

Still, if I had to give you just one jewel
          Imagination's STILL the grandest tool
               And if I could but give you just one MORE
     Incorporate in ALL ... the Golden Rule.    ;-)




~ 1st Place ~  in the "Why Would Your Self-Expression Matter To Others" Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2018

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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 10/27/2018 10:09:00 PM Wonderful Greg :) Congratulations on your win! <3 xomo Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/27/2018 10:18:00 PM Thank you very much, Mo! :-) <3

P.S. Awtry Date: 10/25/2018 12:51:00 AM Congratulations! What a beautiful poem. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/25/2018 1:00:00 AM Thank you so very much, PS - blessings, my friend! :-)

Suzanne Delaney Date: 10/6/2018 7:35:00 PM A beautiful poem and very deserving of top place. It captures all the hidden rules of successful self expression. Into my favs. Congrats from SuZ Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/25/2018 12:59:00 AM This is such a sweet comment, SuZ, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed this one! Forgive me for being so late with my thank you - blessings, friend! :-) <3

L. J. Carber Date: 10/6/2018 4:34:00 PM Congrats on your 1st in Line's contest--the last 2 stanzas rang my bell-- and though myself a free verse guy, I love the natural way you rhyme. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/25/2018 12:58:00 AM Thank you so much, LJ, I greatly appreciate the kind words - so sorry I'm just seeing this, things have been crazy. Blessings! :-)

Curtis Moorman Date: 10/4/2018 11:27:00 PM Greg, I was waiting for this contest to be judged because I had a feeling you would enter it and I waited to see what you would write. You did not disappoint me on either count. Beautifully done, my friend. Congratulations on your placement. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 4:20:00 AM Many kind thanks to you, Curtis, this is such a wonderful comment, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this write. Blessings, My Friend! :-)

Daniel Turner Date: 10/4/2018 8:46:00 PM Congratulations on your winning poem, Greg. Perfectly scribed! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 4:19:00 AM You are very kind, My Good Friend, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 10/4/2018 5:04:00 PM Oh yes....I love the way you changed the last two lines Greg and I am hsppy to see this lovely poem at the top of the winner's list! Congratulations my friend! : ) Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 4:19:00 AM That's so sweet, Connie, thank you so much ... and thank you for the suggestion, I think it works better, and is certainly more positive. Blessings! :-) <3

Wendy Watson Date: 10/4/2018 3:54:00 PM Although you've produced such wonderful poetry and have many 'trophies' to your name, it must be rather special to top the list of this particular contest, Greg. We're all delighted that you choose to share your self expression so beautifully on this site. This was a fantastic poem and full of great advice. Best wishes Wendy Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 4:18:00 AM It is always special to top ANY list on Poetry Soup, Wendy, and this one very much so, with such amazing company! Thank you for these very kind words, I am so pleased you enjoyed this one, as it came from the heart. Blessings, Dear Poet! :-) <3

John Hamilton Date: 10/4/2018 3:17:00 PM Congrats Greg, you have indeed studied the greats and have learned well, another first place proof of your gift. I liked the idea of acceptance of a grand design! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/5/2018 4:15:00 AM You are very kind, John, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 9/29/2018 7:19:00 PM I agree with Sunlite Greg. This is lovely without the last self-deprecating stanza. Best of luck. : ) Login to Reply Connie Marcum Wong Date: 10/4/2018 5:05:00 PM I understand....I kind of feel that way too. I am happy with your changes. xxoo Gregory Richard Barden Date: 9/30/2018 2:03:00 AM Thanks so much, Connie, I took yours and Sunlite's comments to heart and changed the last two lines ... I have trouble NOT being self-deprecating, and "blowing my own horn" like with this poem, is just SO hard to do without some kind of joke involved. It's been extraordinarily difficult for me to accept that I'm even a "decent" writer, but the kindness of folks like you is helping me get there. Thank you, Dear Friend. :-) <3

Sunlite Wanter Date: 9/29/2018 12:39:00 PM You should have stopped before the last few lines, for you have succeeded in all the rest. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 9/30/2018 2:00:00 AM That's very sweet, Sunlite, thank you so much ... I changed it, (for you and Connie - Dear Friends). :-) <3