Gregory Richard Barden Poet Rubaiyat

Notes About The Poem

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.

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

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

Suzanne Delaney October 6, 2018 at 7:35 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 Gregory Richard Barden October 25, 2018 at 12:59 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 October 6, 2018 at 4:34 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. Gregory Richard Barden October 25, 2018 at 12:58 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 October 4, 2018 at 11:27 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. Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2018 at 4:20 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 October 4, 2018 at 8:46 PM Congratulations on your winning poem, Greg. Perfectly scribed! Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2018 at 4:19 AM You are very kind, My Good Friend, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong October 4, 2018 at 5:04 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! : ) Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2018 at 4:19 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 October 4, 2018 at 3:54 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 Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2018 at 4:18 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 October 4, 2018 at 3:17 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! Gregory Richard Barden October 5, 2018 at 4:15 AM You are very kind, John, thank you so much! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong September 29, 2018 at 7:19 PM I agree with Sunlite Greg. This is lovely without the last self-deprecating stanza. Best of luck. : ) Connie Marcum Wong October 4, 2018 at 5:05 PM I understand....I kind of feel that way too. I am happy with your changes. xxoo Gregory Richard Barden September 30, 2018 at 2:03 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 September 29, 2018 at 12:39 PM You should have stopped before the last few lines, for you have succeeded in all the rest. Gregory Richard Barden September 30, 2018 at 2:00 AM That's very sweet, Sunlite, thank you so much ... I changed it, (for you and Connie - Dear Friends). :-) <3