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Ghazal Form Poetry Contest--Crystalline River Meditations

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(“Crystalline River”--Image courtesy of fineartamerica.com)

“The crystalline river in her generous curves shines blue amidst the leafy green inviting the soul to contemplation. She is a sanctuary and keeper of deepest poetry, whispering sweet words in cascading water strings.” (quote by the author) The crystalline river unstirred is beautiful, much like a rose still unfurled is beautiful. The hydrangea, so lush, post summer rain shimmering with droplets like pearls is beautiful. Help me understand, so I may conceive how earth without peace is beautiful. How weeping willows must lose every leaf but then, each downward twirl is beautiful. How the rising wind will rouse docile clouds but then makes them swirl!—It’s beautiful. I imagine; I’m eager to see that even a world of hurt is beautiful. “Listen to my words,” whispers the crystalline river, “even sans lovers, the world is beautiful.”

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 2/9/2024 11:52:00 AM

Well, the cyber ghosts are at it again, Sara! I was sure I had commented on this "crystalline" delight that emphasizes and articulates the world of beauty in nature and even in pain as we listen to the river! Congratulations on your win. I am so happy I got the chance to savor this beauty again. Blessings of beauty for your eyes that see beauty!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/7/2024 5:04:00 AM

I have read your winning work and found it to be a great one to be on the winners' list. Congratulations to you!! Way to go. Sara K

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 1/18/2024 2:17:00 AM

A long time ago I wrote some ghazals. Always found them difficult. But your ghazal is brilliant. Best for a win.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/18/2024 4:54:00 PM

thanks for the visit and for sharing, Victor. This was my first ghazal. I readily admit that it was a challenge to think about and write. Thanks for the wishes for the contest. Have a pleasant evening, Sara

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 1/17/2024 5:37:00 PM

I like how you used personification so effectively here. A pleasure to read.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/18/2024 4:54:00 PM

Thanks, Richard...glad you enjoyed it...thanks for the visit...have a splendid evening, Sara

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/17/2024 5:10:00 PM

Way to go with this Ghazal. They are not so easy to write but you have done good. Thanks for sharing it with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/18/2024 4:55:00 PM

thank you Sara K for the visit and for your complimentary words...I agree...Ghazals are a challenge to write...maybe the next one will be easier...we shall see...have a great evening, Sara B

Abdullah Alhemaidy

Date: 1/17/2024 2:56:00 PM

Very big YES! It is a beautiful poem! Have a lovely time :-)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 4:46:00 PM

thank you, AA, for your visit and positive comments. Have a splendid evening, Sara

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 1/17/2024 1:49:00 PM

excellent ghazal oh how it flows like a crystal river indeed we should listen to its whispers Hugs Shadow faving this

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 4:46:00 PM

thanks for your visit and for your comments, Shadow. I appreciate the fave...that means a great deal to me. Hope you're feeling okay these days...hugs, Sara

Silent One

Date: 1/17/2024 11:39:00 AM

Is this the first ghazal you have done my friend? I have done a couple, but not for a while.. You did it very well.. I like how you portrayed the multifaceted nature of beauty, urging readers to look beyond conventional notions and find splendour in unexpected places, even in the face of adversity.. Best of luck in the contest.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 4:44:00 PM

yes, Silent One...this is my first Ghazal...I trembled as I wrote it and felt unsure even as I submitted it. I appreciate your asking and for your take on the words. Yes, finding splendor even in unexpected places and circumstances is what I was hoping to convey. Thanks for your visit...have a pleasant evening, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 1/17/2024 11:08:00 AM

Wow, such a nice Ghazal. Nice imagery and metaphors. GL in contest.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/17/2024 8:21:00 AM

Nothing more soothing Sara than to sit by the river alone with your thoughts. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 4:45:00 PM

I agree. I miss not leaving near a river or stream. I often imagine one though...that helps. Thanks for your visit and for letting me know your health progress. Have a great evening, Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 1/17/2024 7:35:00 AM

This is absolutely beautiful! What a gorgeous ghazal. Im not sure where to begin praising this beauty. Your quote or the way your poem flows in such captivating cadence, so lyrical and so stunning! I love so many lines in this especially “ The hydrangea, so lush, post summer rain shimmering with droplets like pearls is beautiful.“ just impeccable! Magical and deeply moving. River, keeper of poetry, so listen we must, its beautiful, im sure sotto will love this. Best wishes for the contest. FAVE

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 7:49:00 AM

awww, thank you, Ink, for your encouraging words regarding my first Ghazal! I've struggled with it a bit over the past few days. So, I'm delighted you found it captivating and lyrical. Thanks for faving it and for your reassurance. Have a splendid day, hugs, Sara

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/17/2024 6:43:00 AM

- I enjoy seeing this in your well-chosen and beautiful words, Sara - A sparkling beautiful gem :) - hugs

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/17/2024 7:49:00 AM

thank you, Anne-Lise. I'm grateful you enjoyed my first Ghazal...hugs, Sara