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Fishbowl

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

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Timothy Hicks

Date: 4/29/2020 7:19:00 PM

Thanks for the explanation (and education!) ... never heard of it before.

Paul Callus
Date: 4/30/2020 1:58:00 PM

I'm much older than you, Timothy, and yet I'm still learning :) Take care, my friend.

Timothy Hicks

Date: 4/25/2020 12:24:00 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
Date: 4/28/2020 12:44:00 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

Date: 4/13/2020 12:43:00 AM

This is delightful Paul, honestly.... The image and the verse.. Outstanding and a FAV Pamagiota xx

Paul Callus
Date: 4/14/2020 3:43:00 PM

Thank you ever so much, Panagiota; your lovely comments and the fav are truly appreciated. ~ Warm regards // paul

Jc Hawkens

Date: 4/11/2020 8:57:00 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
Date: 4/13/2020 5:34:00 PM

Thank you on all counts, JC. Hope you are keeping well. Stay safe. Regards // paul

Vladislav Raven

Date: 3/23/2020 12:23:00 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
Date: 3/25/2020 1:45:00 PM

Thank you for your most welcome visit and comments, my friend. Hope you are keeping well. Regards // paul

Eve Roper

Date: 3/17/2020 1:20:00 AM

Paul, congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve

Paul Callus
Date: 3/17/2020 4:21:00 PM

Thank you, Eve. You did very well yourself:) Hugs // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/16/2020 6:11:00 PM

Glad to see you placed first with your fish poem too, Paul. Congratulations.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/17/2020 6:04:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea. A pleasure to share the podium with friends:) Regards // paul

Hilo Poet

Date: 3/14/2020 4:10:00 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
Date: 3/17/2020 6:10:00 PM

I'm delighted with my 1st place, William...thank you! Regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 3/10/2020 1:20:00 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
Date: 3/13/2020 3:43:00 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

Date: 3/9/2020 7:10:00 PM

Hello Paul ... wonderfully written Paul. Flo w; rhyme; poem topic; all in all great - thanks Paul - Lindsay

Paul Callus
Date: 3/13/2020 3:30:00 PM

Your remarks are truly appreciated, Lindsay...thank you. Regards // paul

Constance La France

Date: 3/7/2020 4:01:00 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
Date: 3/13/2020 3:23:00 PM

We must both be softies deep down, Constance:) Thank you for liking and commenting. Regards // paul

David Mohn

Date: 3/6/2020 11:22:00 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
Date: 3/13/2020 3:22:00 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

Date: 3/6/2020 8:44:00 PM

Well done, Paul. Enjoyed your poem.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/13/2020 3:20:00 PM

I'm so pleased you like it, Line...thank you. Regards // paul

Heidi Sands

Date: 3/6/2020 6:25:00 PM

How sad and well written. Makes the reader think! :)

Paul Callus
Date: 3/13/2020 3:09:00 PM

Thank you Heidi. Like you, I felt so sorry for that 'imprisoned' fish. Regards // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/6/2020 5:59:00 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
Date: 3/13/2020 3:07:00 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

Date: 3/6/2020 5:55:00 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
Date: 3/13/2020 3:04:00 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

Date: 3/6/2020 5:54:00 PM

Poor little fishies! Have a good weekend Gershon.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/12/2020 7:01:00 AM

Thank you, Richard. Best regards // paul

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/6/2020 5:37:00 PM

You're brilliant... but you already know that. Miss you, dear one.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/10/2020 6:19:00 PM

Thank you dear friend. Your encouragement and support are truly cherished. You too have been missed. Hugs // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 3/6/2020 4:29:00 PM

You captured that choking feel in captivity in splendid words. All the best, Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 3/10/2020 11:08:00 AM

Glad you liked it Vijay...thank you. Regards // paul

Susan Ashley

Date: 3/6/2020 3:46:00 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
Date: 3/10/2020 11:02:00 AM

Thank you for your insightful feedback, Susan. Your generosity is appreciated, my friend. ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul