Paul Callus Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Fishbowl

Confined within this little bowl
Sadness invades my feeble soul
As in dire straits myself I find
To cruel fate I am resigned.

Deprived of freedom, short of air 
Caught in a maelstrom of despair
Restricted space that leads to stress
I struggle hard without success.

Beyond the glass to public view
The scrutinizers have no clue
Of what I’m really going through
And with disdain they turn the screw.

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A Gif Poetry Contest
Sponsor: William Kekaula
Visual #3
Placed 1st

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Timothy Hicks April 29, 2020 at 7:19 PM Thanks for the explanation (and education!) ... never heard of it before. Paul Callus April 30, 2020 at 1:58 PM I'm much older than you, Timothy, and yet I'm still learning :) Take care, my friend.

Timothy Hicks April 25, 2020 at 12:24 PM It certainly captures that feeling of isolation and claustrophobia. My only critique is that I'm not sure what that last line could be referring too ... "turn the screw" ... is that an idiom perhaps? Paul Callus April 28, 2020 at 12:44 PM Thank you for being sincere in your comments, Timothy. Yes, 'to turn the screw' is an idiom, which has several meanings, mostly related to one another; in this case it refers to increasing the pressure on somebody. Regards // paul

Panagiota Romios April 13, 2020 at 12:43 AM This is delightful Paul, honestly.... The image and the verse.. Outstanding and a FAV Pamagiota xx Paul Callus April 14, 2020 at 3:43 PM Thank you ever so much, Panagiota; your lovely comments and the fav are truly appreciated. ~ Warm regards // paul

Jc Hawkens April 11, 2020 at 8:57 PM Beautiful poem, Paul, I see you placed 1st. Congratulations. You've written some wonderful lines on what a lot of us maybe going through. Stay safe, and I hope that you are Well. JC Hawkens Paul Callus April 13, 2020 at 5:34 PM Thank you on all counts, JC. Hope you are keeping well. Stay safe. Regards // paul

Vladislav Raven March 23, 2020 at 12:23 PM Hi Paul, is such an excellent piece of poetry with such strong images painted by your wonderful words. Belated congratulations on your win, my friend, so deserving. Trapped within a goldfish bowl. That could also apply to the human condition. Excellent poetry, as always. Paul. Have a wonderful Monday. Your friend always....Mike. Paul Callus March 25, 2020 at 1:45 PM Thank you for your most welcome visit and comments, my friend. Hope you are keeping well. Regards // paul

Eve Roper March 17, 2020 at 1:20 AM Paul, congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve Paul Callus March 17, 2020 at 4:21 PM Thank you, Eve. You did very well yourself:) Hugs // paul

Andrea Dietrich March 16, 2020 at 6:11 PM Glad to see you placed first with your fish poem too, Paul. Congratulations. Paul Callus March 17, 2020 at 6:04 PM Thank you, Andrea. A pleasure to share the podium with friends:) Regards // paul

William Kelii Kekaula March 14, 2020 at 4:10 PM A jaunty piece, Paul, delightfully well-said, much enjoyed this well-honored write to be in 1st place, my thanks for your participation, Aloha, William Paul Callus March 17, 2020 at 6:10 PM I'm delighted with my 1st place, William...thank you! Regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos March 10, 2020 at 1:20 PM Shame, poor goldfish, a prison cell for as long as he or she lives - this is an excellent poem Paul. Best wishes for the contest - Warm regards ad hugs, Jennifer. Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:43 PM I agree with you, Jenny....a fish should never be kept in such confined space! Thank you for commenting and liking my friend. ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Lindsay Laurie March 9, 2020 at 7:10 PM Hello Paul ... wonderfully written Paul. Flo w; rhyme; poem topic; all in all great - thanks Paul - Lindsay Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:30 PM Your remarks are truly appreciated, Lindsay...thank you. Regards // paul

Constance La France March 7, 2020 at 4:01 PM Paul, this is great for the image, I wanted to cry at the fate of the poor little fish, well done _Constance Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:23 PM We must both be softies deep down, Constance:) Thank you for liking and commenting. Regards // paul

David Mohn March 6, 2020 at 11:22 PM wonderful Paul. I personally love the flow of the 8 syllable per line meter. How have you been...Iv'e been away for a while. Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:22 PM Thank you, David. I find that 8 syllable lines flow out so easily! Pleased to see you back in action, my friend. Regards // paul

Line Gauthier March 6, 2020 at 8:44 PM Well done, Paul. Enjoyed your poem. Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:20 PM I'm so pleased you like it, Line...thank you. Regards // paul

Heidi Sands March 6, 2020 at 6:25 PM How sad and well written. Makes the reader think! :) Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:09 PM Thank you Heidi. Like you, I felt so sorry for that 'imprisoned' fish. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich March 6, 2020 at 5:59 PM I chose that picture too, Paul (not posted yet). I like how you took the theme very seriously and showed the sadness of the situation. Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:07 PM Thank you, Andrea. When I saw the picture I exclaimed "poor fish" and the poem wrote itself in half an hour. Regards // paul

Carole Duet March 6, 2020 at 5:55 PM Fantastic, Paul. This is a big winner in my book. So poignant and so real. I'm sure it would hit home with many an isolated person...especially right now with those in quarantine because of the Corona Virus. Paul Callus March 13, 2020 at 3:04 PM Thank you for reading and liking, Carole. Coronavirus has now reached our shores; the island is mostly at a standstill! Regards // paul

Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2020 at 5:54 PM Poor little fishies! Have a good weekend Gershon. Paul Callus March 12, 2020 at 7:01 AM Thank you, Richard. Best regards // paul

Eileen Manassian March 6, 2020 at 5:37 PM You're brilliant... but you already know that. Miss you, dear one. Paul Callus March 10, 2020 at 6:19 PM Thank you dear friend. Your encouragement and support are truly cherished. You too have been missed. Hugs // paul

Vijay Pandit March 6, 2020 at 4:29 PM You captured that choking feel in captivity in splendid words. All the best, Paul. Paul Callus March 10, 2020 at 11:08 AM Glad you liked it Vijay...thank you. Regards // paul

Susan Ashley March 6, 2020 at 3:46 PM Dearest Paul, the feelings of helplessness and the sadness of facing one's fate with resignation is revealed through your rich, textured emotion and impactful imagery. This poem reaches deeply into my being, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes and hugs for you and best wishes for a win.. ~Susan Paul Callus March 10, 2020 at 11:02 AM Thank you for your insightful feedback, Susan. Your generosity is appreciated, my friend. ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul