Justin Bordner Poet Epic

Girl Gone Gladiator

She opens the DSM-5 to page 666,
Know Thyself,
who among us is not a Beast somehow,
she's enthralled by Imperfection,
It explains the scars on her heart,
if she believed in Perfection 
then she would need to accept her own nature
unequivocally,
she would have to love every part of herself,
poetry is her therapy 
building puzzles her bliss
solving puzzles her passion,
she is a madwoman in the 3rd degree,
a sensational spaz
believes that she is a heroine among the herd,
starlet atop a soapbox 
cavalier with her cross of crass sass,
she cares too much to be free...
searching in the trauma of souls
for her own ghost
lovestruck by the Devil's lightning 
Godsmacked by the grind 
listening for God to apologize,
she's exhausted by cynicism 
brilliant yet bitter,
a cutthroat competitor, 
frozen beauty in a flame,
she expects Life to buck her every day
a jaded girl looking for the grim,
on stormy days she sings to the static
perhaps she's waiting for the Apocalypse -

J.A.B.  2020

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Alesia Leach May 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM Justin, this poem is lightning bottled in a journal--fierce, defiant, and heartbreakingly human. “She expects Life to buck her every day”--what a brutal, brilliant line. You’ve painted a portrait of a woman forged in contradiction: fragile yet fearless, wounded but unstoppable. Every stanza pulses with truth, wit, and a wild kind of beauty. She’s unforgettable--and so is this poem. With deep respect, Alesia Justin Bordner May 12, 2025 at 2:32 PM She's a thunderbolt of beauty no doubt, and fragile as tears in hot desent...I love your feelings Alesia...J.A.B.

Linda Alice Fowler March 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM This woman emerges as I assess the streets, the lesser streets, of our communities. If I turn away, I am haunted by what I've seen, and emboldened to do better. If I stay, I fall into unenthusiastic complacency. If I contemplate, I find a livable scenario. Stirring write J.A.B. Thank you.

Laura Breidenthal September 20, 2020 at 7:37 PM I've been there beside this woman before. This is a very teaching a telling piece of work Justin. "Listening for God ti apologize" is a powerful line for me and bitterness of grand expectations comes to mind. This reminds me not to fall deeper into the negative realms of the mind, the ego. It's a strong pull. I felt it strongly in my younger years and have learned to lighten the load. But it is easy to fall back into. Anyway, wonderful write. Always, Laura Justin Bordner September 21, 2020 at 7:29 PM This poem is made of terrific beauty...your wisdom is well received Poetess...J.A.B.

Eileen Manassian May 22, 2020 at 11:29 AM Enthralling piece. Written with fire. Life can be cruel. It's easy to become jaded, but to forgive takes real strength if character... Justin Bordner May 22, 2020 at 5:52 PM This poem's lovefire ignites something deep within me everytime I delve into it...there's a sweet mercy upon your lips Poetess...J.A.B.

Besma Riabi Dziri February 26, 2020 at 4:10 PM "Know Thyself"! I think it all starts from knowing the Self.. to fathom the dualities of the human nature.. to attain a harmony with Nature.. acquiring the power to embrace a life of many a mystery and many a possibility.. A flame in motion! So pleased to read your poetry, Justin. Deepest regards and blessings. Justin Bordner February 26, 2020 at 6:28 PM I'm pleased to have your mind on my poetry Poetess, you are one of the best Poets in world. When we stop fighting ourselves, we start to love the truth of our hearts, to love our powers to create beauty...J.A.B.

Mystic Rose Rose February 20, 2020 at 6:04 AM Its been a long time since I last read a poem of yours. I can see you haven't lost your fire Justin. As always, beautifully delivered, have a great day. Justin Bordner February 20, 2020 at 6:44 PM I haven't lost my fire because I haven't lost my heart Pixie...you have warmed my heart today Poetess...J.A.B

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart February 19, 2020 at 7:41 PM Love this! Raucous engaging read with some delicious word pairings. Sating poem. xomo Justin Bordner February 20, 2020 at 2:20 AM It's a fresh kinda love...Ultimately Maureen this is a parabolic poem, Didactic, Archetypal of a woman blessed with so much beauty and brilliance yet for circumstantial events and reasons has become jaded and mean. This vivid admonition is meant as a wakeup call for all of us. Nobody is exempt from the stress, frustration and pain that can lead to a jaded perspective, I've fallen into it in my life more than once. Thanks for the love Maureen, it's been a tough week...J.A.B.