Connie Marcum Wong Poet Free verse

If I Weren'T Afraid

If I weren't afraid I would join protesters in Tibet 
in freedom's fight for the return of the Dalai Lama
exiled from his people and home in March 1959.

If I weren't afraid I would fly high into blue skies
and leap outside into a freefall skydive into the
air currents to feel the freedom of a soaring bird.

If I weren't afraid I would take the ski lift at Vail and
swiftly descend down mountain's powdered snow 
to enjoy the thrill of winter's beautiful landscape.

If I weren't afraid I would swim with tropic sharks
in the crystal clear blue Pacific waters of my home
and take photographs of all the deep sea beauty.

If I weren't afraid I would climb Mount Kilimanjaro
to test my ability and endurance and to conquer the
treacherous climb for someone of my advanced age.

If I weren't afraid I would read my favorite poem to
a crowd of poetry lovers who may enjoy my words
and I would reciprocate theirs with loud applause.

This last challenge would my greatest fear of all!

9-11-19

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Jeanne Mcgee September 23, 2019 at 10:59 PM Yes, I have a long list too...and feel the same about the last verse! Congrats on your placement with your true words.

Constance La France September 21, 2019 at 8:57 PM Connie, wonderful write for the contest and congratulations on your win !

Elaine Perrin September 21, 2019 at 8:47 AM Congratulations , love this :-) x

Regina Mcintosh September 20, 2019 at 8:34 PM Back to congratulate you on your deserved win. Blessings

Sandra Adams September 20, 2019 at 6:29 PM back to congratulate you on your win with this great write :) hugs

Andrea Dietrich September 20, 2019 at 5:27 PM I knew the first time I read it that this would be a winner. Congrats on your well deserved win, Connie

Janis Medders Tobechi September 20, 2019 at 1:29 PM The last challenge you just did. Superb. The others all I can say is don't let anything stop you, Congratulations.

Jennifer Proxenos September 14, 2019 at 10:45 AM It shouldn't be Connie, you of all people write magical poems of great depth and immense creativity - you would be a huge success, I know it in my heart! Hugs, Jennifer.

M. L. Kiser September 13, 2019 at 7:51 PM Yes, it's mine, too. Well done honesty.

Paul Callus September 13, 2019 at 12:57 PM Were I younger I'd be tempted to try many of the things you mentioned, Connie, but for sure I won't go swimming with sharks! I agree with you....reading to an audience can be quite a challenge, but I have no doubt that you would rise to the occasion:) ~ Best regards // paul Connie Marcum Wong September 20, 2019 at 9:37 PM I just couldn't Paul. I had to stand in front of the class in college when taking sign language and perform and I almost got an F because I had so much trouble getting up there, even though I only had to sign without speaking. My ASL teacher forced me to do it. There were closed circuit T.V. cameras on us for the Kauai and Maui island classes. It was the worst thing I ever had to endure in class. I got an A...: ) Thank you much. xxoo

Carolyn Devonshire September 13, 2019 at 12:37 PM Connie, I still have chills from the last line. Surely, death is among our greatest fears, though some people thinking public speaking is worse. Truly, you have described some of the things we fear most. I would never attempt to ski in Vail or swim with sharks. But I'm here and ready when you want to sky dive. Love the way you developed this poem. It's amazing! Should place high in the contest. Hugs, carolyn Connie Marcum Wong September 20, 2019 at 9:31 PM Thank you very much Carolyn. I would never be able to stand in front of a group and recite anything, mine or anyone else's. Too much stage fright. : ) xxoo

Heidi Sands September 12, 2019 at 8:30 PM This is a great poem covering so many things. I feel the same way about reading my poetry. Well written Connie! :)

Lindsay Laurie September 12, 2019 at 8:28 PM Hello Connie … thankfully most of us know our own boundaries and we can picture the consequences before we take the plunge. Sometimes I think that no fear can appear to be a lack of common sense. I'm pretty certain that you would nothing to fear when reciting your wonderful verse - thank you Connie - Lindsay

Andrea Dietrich September 12, 2019 at 6:01 PM gosh you covered a LOT of things, Connie!! I chose ONE of the things you mentioned and only wrote on that. Can you guess which it was? Also, why are you afraid to visit Egypt? This was very well done . I bet it gets a high placement!

Jan Allison September 12, 2019 at 1:16 PM You have written of so many fears Connie but I managed to overcome the last one and was on stage in front of over 600 people and performed some poems ... and despite the enormity of the occasion I had no stage fright - give it a go if you get the chance even if its reciting/reading poems to people in a care home, it would give you such a buzz bringing pleasure through your wonderful gift with words:-) hugs Jan xx Connie Marcum Wong September 20, 2019 at 9:29 PM I give you a lot of credit Jan. I think it is wonderful you were able to perform but I would never be able to get up in front of anyone to recite my work. Thank you my friend. xxoo

Brenda Chiri September 12, 2019 at 11:20 AM Simply amazing! So many things we would do I guess it's best to say we should do! What with time and money of course!;) loved it!;)

Caren Krutsinger September 12, 2019 at 7:28 AM I love it that reading your poetry aloud is more frightening than "If I weren't afraid I would swim with tropic sharks in the crystal clear blue Pacific waters of my home and take photographs of all the deep sea beauty." LOVE THIS Connie! You are expressing what most of us feel.

Regina Mcintosh September 12, 2019 at 7:07 AM Yes, I agree. Everyone has fears and reading to an audience would surely be one of mine but not the top of the list you've written - I'm not sure which I would fear most, but definitely have fears of my own not on your list. I love your writing and wish you all the best. Blessings.

Sandra Adams September 11, 2019 at 7:43 PM we all have fears, my sister asked me to sky dive now that i finally flew, i declined, i too would be very afraid of reading in front of an audience, it's much easier to post it, i can't see the looks, or hear the reactions...if i knew i were dying i may do some of these though...nicely penned my friend :) hugs

Robert L. Hinshaw September 11, 2019 at 7:42 PM Yew've got a winner hear, Connie, know doubt about it! Thee things ewe list ar noble activities butt aye wood bee afrayed two tackle many of them as well! Many thx four yore kind comments re thee Mammaries of My Youth rite. Aye luv two rite yewsing homophones end have fun righting them. Knot a contest - just four fun. Best always - BoB

Rico Leffanta September 11, 2019 at 5:49 PM Well done, Connie! It you caught KGMB 17:00 news Monday night on Closed Captioning, we now have a Department of Hell (the Trumps love to spend our taxes), so do put one foot in front of the other and enjoy your life! You can't win the lottery in Hawai'i, but at least you can win this contest! Aloha! Rico

Vijay Pandit September 11, 2019 at 5:17 PM I imagine you are attracted to the magnificence of the challenges you would like to defy and conquer. The last one you have already conquered in your poetic words..excellent as always, Connie. A TOP winner for me.

Chris Green September 11, 2019 at 3:53 PM As for the last challenge, you should have no fear at all because the beauty of your work would create a safe haven for you and all who listen. Beautifully done my friend.