Gregory Richard Barden Poet Quatrain

Notes About The Poem

Happy 100th Birthday, Joyce

I do not know you well, Joyce
     But I know your poetry
          And your character and kindness
               Are there for all to see

Your words are crafted carefully
     And phrased with acumen
          So woven like a tapestry
               Of dreams, both now and then

Your brush is filled with imagery
     Your canvas made of joy
          Your poetic voice sings sweetly
               With the care that you employ

Your temperance is gracious
     With an empathy, profound
          And all who read or know you
               Are blessed to have you 'round

You write with such exuberance
     And give to us, the same
          So, it isn't any wonder
               That "joy" is in your name

While I have never met you
     I pray this poem imparts
          My soul, which you have softened
               Just one of many hearts

And perhaps, if I can query
     Just one more grace of you
          You'll share your words with us
               Another century or two ...

All the best of wishes, friend ...
               You are true POET ... through-and-through.




~ 1st Place ~  in the "Happy 100th Birthday" Poetry Contest, Carolyn Devonshire, Sponsor.

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Rob Carmack April 25, 2018 at 2:03 PM I love the pic. Congrats on taking 1st place with this tribute. Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:39 AM Thank you very much, Rob - blessings, friend! :-)

Line Gauthier April 24, 2018 at 9:09 PM Back with well deserved congrats on your gold medal win, Gregory. Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:39 AM Thank you so much, Line! :-)

Bartholomew Williams April 24, 2018 at 11:32 AM Greg, I can see you really put a lot of deep reflection in this beautiful tribute to Joyce. Congratulations on a very nice and well written birthday wish to her and another wonderful poem for all of us!! Many, many blessings to you my good friend! :) Bartholomew Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:38 AM Thank you so very much, Bartholomew, I am so thankful for your comments and friendship! :-)

Paul Callus April 24, 2018 at 10:58 AM Congratulations on placing first with this excellent poem, Greg! The content is a fitting tribute to Joyce, and technically the poem is fast yet smooth flowing...Regards // paul Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:38 AM Many kind thank you's to you, Paul - I so appreciate it! :-)

Alexis Y. April 23, 2018 at 6:17 PM WoW! Greg, I am not surprised to see this well written piece in the top spot. I share your same sentiments I don't know Joyce but her poetry shows the kind person she is. Congratulations on top win. It was well deserved:-) Alexis Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:37 AM That's very sweet of you to say, Alexis - thank you very much! :-) <3

Andrea Dietrich April 23, 2018 at 5:17 PM I just knew this would score big, but wow, first place. BIG Congrats Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:36 AM Very kind of you, Andrea ... thank you! :-) <3

Sandra Haight April 23, 2018 at 4:31 PM Such a lovely, well-written tribute to Joyce, Gregory! Congrats on your stand-alone First Place win! Sandra Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:36 AM Many thanks to you, Sandra! :-) <3

Robert L. Hinshaw April 23, 2018 at 2:25 PM Greg, congrats for that top win in the contest! A very touching tribute to a grand old lady. Many thx for your kind comment re my entry - Bob Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:35 AM This is very kind of you, Robert, thank you so much! :-)

Charlie Smith April 23, 2018 at 1:16 PM Wonderful wishes for a fine lady, congratulations Gregory... Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:35 AM Many thanks to you, Charlie! :-)

Joseph May April 23, 2018 at 12:32 PM She crafts her poems well...Beautiful tribute Greg...Congrats on your win.. Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:35 AM Thank you very much, Joseph! :-)

Joyce Johnson April 23, 2018 at 9:34 AM I found this poem yesterday and answered it but something was wrong with my computer. It wouldn't send my answer. This morning it is working I think and I will try again to tell you how thrilled I was with your poem and in fact with all of them. I wrote answers yesterday to all of them but none would go. It was a thrill for me to read them all and yours is beautiful. I will answer your soup mail as soon as I can. So glad you won. Love, Joyce Gregory Richard Barden May 29, 2018 at 12:34 AM Thank you so much, Joyce - to have touched your heart in some way is such an honor for me, and to have my poem placed so high was very humbling. Blessings to you, my friend, and another century of your poetry top come! :-) <3

Susan Gentry April 23, 2018 at 12:44 AM Congratulations on your win. A beautiful exquisite tribute. Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:19 AM That's very kind of you to say, Susan, thank you very much, my friend. Blessings! :-) <3

Janice Canerdy April 22, 2018 at 11:17 PM WONDERFUL piece--praiseful and skillfully-written. CONGRATS, Greg! Janice Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:19 AM Thank you so very much, Janice - I'm glad you enjoyed my tribute to Joyce! I pray she is touched by it as well. :-) <3

Gershon Wolf April 22, 2018 at 10:09 PM So beautifully composed and sincerely intended---richly deserving of the first-prize trophy. Heartfelt, my friend! Best wishes, Gershon Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:18 AM That's very kind of you to say, Gershon, and I thank you very much, my friend! :-)

Eve Roper April 22, 2018 at 9:39 PM Well your write got amazing results ;) back to congratulate you on your podium win ... Hugs Eve ~`* Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:17 AM Thank you SO very much, Eve - that's very sweet of you, my friend! :-) <3

Greg Gaul April 22, 2018 at 8:02 PM Greg, a masterful verse elevating another for all the best intentions. A well deserved win, an example for us all. Congratulations. Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:16 AM I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, Greg, and many thanks for your kindness! :-)

Kim Rodrigues April 22, 2018 at 6:42 PM A wonderful tribute, Greg! Congratulations on your top win! Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:16 AM Thank you so very much, Kim! :-) <3

Elaine George April 22, 2018 at 6:01 PM A masterpiece! A beautiful tribute to a lady just as you described. Many congrats on your so well deserved First Place. Sincerely, Elaine George Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:15 AM Many kind thank you's to you, Elaine ... I am so grateful for your comments! :-) <3

Artsieladie Sharon Donnelly April 22, 2018 at 5:48 PM Expressions from within through writing and through art, your words tell it all how this displays one's heart. A picture cannot capture and make so crystal clear as your words of testimony you've penned so well here. This is an AWESOME poem, tribute, and birthday 'gift', Gregory! Congrats on your win. Very much deserved. All the best to you. :) ~ Artsie Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:11 AM That is so kind of you to say, Artsieladie ... many thanks to you, my friend! :-) <3

Carolyn Devonshire April 22, 2018 at 5:25 PM Greg, your poem will absolutely delight Joyce. It flows beautifully and is a wonderful tribute to the birthday girl. Congratulations on taking first place in the contest! Gregory Richard Barden April 23, 2018 at 1:10 AM Oh, my goodness, Carolyn, this was such a wonderful surprise, and made for such a sweet ending to a really rough week, (and day). I honestly did not expect this, and I am SO humbled and honored that you would find my tribute to Joyce so worthy! Many kind thanks and blessings to you! :-) <3

Andrea Dietrich April 20, 2018 at 6:01 PM GREAT way to end it, Greg. I wish I had done mine that cleverly. You described her very well for not having met her. Gregory Richard Barden April 20, 2018 at 10:38 PM Thanks so much, Andrea - her kindness and spirit show in all she does. Blessings!

Juliet Ligon April 18, 2018 at 10:40 PM Well thought out and heartfelt! Gregory Richard Barden April 19, 2018 at 2:37 AM Thank you, Juliet! :-)

Line Gauthier April 18, 2018 at 10:25 PM There won't be a lack of great poems for Joyce's centennial for sure! Gregory Richard Barden April 19, 2018 at 2:37 AM She is loved by many, Line ... absolutely!

Eve Roper April 18, 2018 at 9:05 PM NICELY DONE, GREG, LUCK IN THE CONTEST .. Hugs Eve ~`* Gregory Richard Barden April 18, 2018 at 9:09 PM Thank you, Eve - this is one contest where the results truly do NOT matter, just that she gets these messages from the heart! :-) <3