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Gnarled

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Gnarled, Graceful, Green Words Contest

By: Constance La France ~ 9/30/23

"People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou I woke with twisted thoughts, coiling in my mind like a trellised vine, weaving through my head Gnarled bits of thread stitched me to my bed and both my eyes were sewn shut til I was blind I heard the sound of my notebook pages turning by one whose mind was gnarled and full of hate I could not see to stop him. I was much too late to save my poetry. They'd been set afire, burning A grizzled hand ripped the stitches from my eyes A man with bony knees, bulbous nose, nubby toes, said, "I am an ugly thorn, and you a beautiful rose." He cursed at me with a snarl, "It's you I despise!" Tears bled from the gnarly bloke. One fell on my cheek I asked him to please free me from the tangled thread He released me, and then I stood before him and said, "When a rose needs protection, it's a thorn it will seek." He stood to full height. The scorning frown disappeared A smile curved his lips and he flexed each fingertip. He shook my hand as if we'd just signed a partnership His life had meaning, for he felt esteemed and revered

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Constance La France

Date: 10/8/2023 11:26:00 PM

Lin, excellent poem and congratulations on your win in my contest, I like the quote, Constance

Lin Lane
Date: 10/9/2023 12:07:00 AM

Thank you very much, Constance.

Jay Narain

Date: 10/3/2023 10:09:00 AM

Somehow I missed this gem of a poetry earlier. Congrats on win.

Lin Lane
Date: 10/3/2023 10:32:00 AM

Well now, Jay you didn't miss a thing. Thanks an awful lot for liking this one.

David Kavanagh

Date: 10/2/2023 1:21:00 PM

A nightmare on soup street Lin, metaphorically brilliant, the stitching and vines are quite menacing, yes we feed our own demons, but can also make them go away by showing them up for what they are, and putting obstacles/thorns in their way, A big Fave from me, cheers David

Lin Lane
Date: 10/3/2023 10:31:00 AM

It right of choice that gives or takes away our power. OUR choice, no one else's. I'm not sure what prompted these thoughts... kinda weird. Thanks for the kudos and the fave, David.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 10/2/2023 12:19:00 AM

Beautiful poetry, there seems to be a trend here where the Al Capones of the world praise the courts for truth and justice.

Lin Lane
Date: 10/3/2023 10:26:00 AM

Al Capone was taken down. Thanks for liking this one, Arthur.

Jan Allison

Date: 10/1/2023 4:27:00 AM

Excellent ink Lin, I will name you the Mistress of metaphors next to my Title of Queen of Poop/Limericks!!! hugs JAN xx

Arthur Vaso
Date: 10/2/2023 12:20:00 AM

Maybe excellent Ink isn't the right word, but most certainly excellent poetry! :)

Lin Lane
Date: 10/1/2023 2:31:00 PM

;-) thanks, Jan. I’ve never been a Mistress but it sounds like it could be interesting.

Mark Massey

Date: 9/30/2023 12:44:00 PM

Such gripping verse. You’ve accomplished your intent… I felt myself tensing up as I read it. You have always had a talent for steering your readers in any direction you choose. What a talent, and this piece is no exception.

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 12:53:00 PM

Hello, Mark. Having you review one of my poems with so much positive feedback is better than offering me a box of chocolates! Seriously, I am honored by your generous accolades. Thank you and It’s always nice to see you here.

Emile Pinet

Date: 9/30/2023 10:27:00 AM

Lin, I am captivated by these images, and the passion within your words inflames my heart, my friend, Emile.

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 10:55:00 AM

Such comments from you, Emile are of great value to me. Thank you.

Deb M

Date: 9/30/2023 8:14:00 AM

Whoa what a gripping write Lin! That guy in the photo is mega creepy…l think l know him!! Hehe….Excellent poem! Debx

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 10:54:00 AM

He WAS creepy, but now he’s happy with life and doesn’t look so scary. Thanks, Deb.

Sotto Poet

Date: 9/30/2023 7:38:00 AM

Reading this Lin's writing invokes a myriad of captivating and vivid images in my mind, like a mesmerizing tapestry woven with intricate metaphors. The sheer beauty and artistry in the way this piece is written is awe-inspiring.

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 10:52:00 AM

I’m digesting all of your wonderful comments, Lasaad and they leave me feeling fulfilled. Thank you.

Jeff Connelly

Date: 9/30/2023 6:05:00 AM

Some truly interesting images enter my head reading this Lin. So very well written. Thanks

Jeff Connelly
Date: 9/30/2023 10:24:00 AM

No apologies needed Lin

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 6:13:00 AM

I feel the need to apologize for those images... maybe? Thanks for your comments, Jeff.

Alexis Y.

Date: 9/30/2023 6:01:00 AM

WoW! Lin, You penned such well well-written entry for the contest. You used your word very well. It was well dark and captivating and the same time. Best wishes in the contest-Alexis

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 6:12:00 AM

Good morning and thank you, Alexis. It was dark, a bit more than I intended, but there are times when we must follow the trail in which the ink chooses to flow. I'm glad to know you were 'captivated.'

John Lawless

Date: 9/30/2023 5:11:00 AM

some deftly hidden metaphor herein. Nicely done and some very unique visual poetry....

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 5:20:00 AM

Your insight is keen, John. I'd like to blame/credit my muse for the visuals, but I've never had a muse. These lines were born from some place within me that would like to forgive people for what they're doing. A mere triviality to real life.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/30/2023 4:44:00 AM

Wonderfully written. Such a tale. God bless you with a win. Love, Gina

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 5:16:00 AM

Thank you, Gina. Sometimes I read what I've written and think, "Where did that originate?" I never wait for a reply. lol

Di11y Da11y

Date: 9/30/2023 4:14:00 AM

This is fascinating writing Lin - very emotive

Lin Lane
Date: 9/30/2023 4:37:00 AM

Thanks, Dilly. I used one of Poe's old pens for this one. I had no idea what to write until I did... except for the happy ending when his pen ran out of ink.