Gregory Richard Barden Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

Hands of a Master

At my ripe age it's plain to me
That wisdom can come painfully

               But found within our trouble, too
               The best of what we humans do


All that's drawn from mind and heart
Is what weaves object into art

               Crimping spouts of twisted metal
               Changing common can to kettle


Time and Heaven's weep remake
A meager pond into a lake

               The finest instrument lays quiet
               Without a skillful hand to ply it


Still and barren, paints and brush
Until obliged a master's touch


               Pen and paper don't enthuse
               Sans a poet's poignant muse


And I am but a hand-less glove
Without my faith in God above

               A walking, breathing implement
               The tool for His divine intent.




~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Standard Contest Number 70" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Sponsor.

~ 3rd Place ~  in the "Kettle, Pond, Lake" Poetry Contest, Nayda Ivette Negron, Sponsor.

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Juliet Ligon May 23, 2018 at 11:57 PM These lines hold much wisdom. Very well crafted. My favorite line is "I am but a hand-less glove without my faith in God above." Gregory Richard Barden May 24, 2018 at 12:50 AM Thank you so much, Juliet - I'm glad you enjoyed it. This one is special to me. Blessings! :-) <3

L. J. Carber February 23, 2018 at 9:58 AM Your metaphors are deceptively powerful-- I especially like 'the finest instrument lays quiet without a skillful hand to ply it'-- congrats! Gregory Richard Barden February 24, 2018 at 2:06 AM So pleased you enjoyed it, LJ, and so very thankful of your kind comments! :-)

Line Gauthier February 22, 2018 at 10:35 PM Back with well deserved congrats, Gregory. Gregory Richard Barden February 24, 2018 at 2:05 AM That's very sweet of you, Line, and I thank you very much! :-)

Francis J Grasso February 22, 2018 at 9:16 PM Very nice, Gregory! I love it! Congratulations. ...Fran Gregory Richard Barden February 24, 2018 at 2:05 AM Many kind thanks, Fran ... so happy that you enjoyed it, my friend! :-)

Kim Rodrigues February 22, 2018 at 8:39 PM Love it and especially: And I am but a hand-less glove Without my faith in God above Congrats, Greg! Gregory Richard Barden February 24, 2018 at 2:04 AM Very kind of you, Kim ... thank you so very much, Dear Friend! :-) <3

Janice Canerdy February 22, 2018 at 6:56 PM I'm back to say CONGRATS, Greg! Janice Gregory Richard Barden February 24, 2018 at 2:04 AM Thank you very much, Janice! :-) <3

Laura Leiser February 21, 2018 at 4:17 PM Love the spiritual message in your devine, creative approach, Gregory. Enjoyed this one. :) Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:34 PM Many kind thanks, Laura, I'm so pleased you enjoyed this one, friend! :-) <3

John Hamilton February 21, 2018 at 1:50 PM Wonderful poetry dear poet, this is simple yet profound, just how I like it. Gotta fave this beauty! Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:33 PM Thanks so much, Buddy, I greatly appreciate that! :-)

Rhoda Tripp February 20, 2018 at 9:13 PM Extreme talent! Well played, Gregory. Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:33 PM Very kind of you, Rhoda - thank you! :-) <3

CayCay Godwin February 20, 2018 at 1:17 PM I'm clapping. Love the imagery, the delivery, the flow, the moral, the poem in its entirety is a gem. A sparkling gem. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:32 PM That's very sweet of you, CayCay - thank you so much! :-) <3

Janice Canerdy February 20, 2018 at 9:47 AM SUPERB--to be added to favorites, Greg. Alexander Pope would have been impressed with the wisdom of these couplets! Janice Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:31 PM Wow - what a wonderful comment, Janice ... thank you very much, my friend! :-) <3

Line Gauthier February 19, 2018 at 12:42 PM Awesome take on the challenge. Well done, Gregory. Gregory Richard Barden February 20, 2018 at 5:10 AM Very kind of you to say so, Line ... thank you, Friend! :-) <3

Dale Gregory Cozart February 19, 2018 at 11:29 AM This is beautiful. I especially love, "Time and Heaven's weep remake A meager pond into a lake". You are indeed a poet. Gregory Richard Barden February 20, 2018 at 5:10 AM Such a wonderful comment, Dale, and I so greatly appreciate it ... you are indeed a poet yourself, my friend, and one I admire! Blessings! :-)

Sneha Rv February 19, 2018 at 10:14 AM So true, making best out of waste is a beautiful gift.. I love your unique take on the theme and hope this does nicely in the contest :)) Gregory Richard Barden February 20, 2018 at 5:08 AM That's very kind of you, Sneha, and I thank you so much! Blessings, my friend! :-)