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In Denial

Drenched to the skin,
Propelled by the urge
Of eager anticipation
He rushes to greet her
Undeterred by freezing rain
And slashing, bitter wind…

Same day
Same train station platform
Same urgent desire

He refuses to accept 
Her untimely demise. 

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40 words maximum ~ Picture A
Short Verse Picture Prompt Contest
Sponsored by Lisa YY
       Placed 1st
© 25th July, 2022
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Copyright © Paul Callus | Year Posted 2022

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Lisa Ricci Date: 6/22/2023 2:40:00 AM Oh Paul. Good Morning. I turned to this entry at random. The title caught my eye and your words kept my attention. I didn't know what I would read. I see your entry won first place so congratulations on your win. Your words and thoughts are vivid and clear. We were all in the scene looking on to the most emotional ending to which you did not stray from your title. Thank you for sharing your poetic talent. Have a wonderful day. Blessings always (smile) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 6/22/2023 4:53:00 AM I must admit that I often do like you and choose poems at random; the title has a lot to do with it! Thank you for the lovely, positive feedback, my friend. Have a nice and blessed day // paul (smiling back...:)

Sally Eslinger Date: 11/6/2022 6:41:00 PM Paul, I think this poem is brilliant! Moved me to tears… might change my life. I thank you. Bless you and your pen! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/7/2022 7:08:00 AM Thank you so much, Sally. I am humbled by your comments and reaction. Take care and be blessed Warm regards // paul

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 10/23/2022 5:44:00 AM Dear Paul, I remember to read this poem before, back again to this exquisite work! In forty words, you have subtly expressed so much emotions - aches and sadness behind the scene - it is truly a sublime piece of art. Best wishes ~ Mala Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 10/23/2022 11:25:00 AM Thank you, dear Mala. Your lovely feedback is appreciated. Picture prompts do help to awaken my muse :) ~ Best regards // paul

Besma Riabi Dziri Date: 10/11/2022 12:00:00 PM You paint your own picture with your poetry.. you put the suitable colours and shades.. you compose the appropriate tone.. you even trace the steps and display the taste of the bitter season and feeling.. I got the whole aching scene.. I felt the pain of a broken heart still soaking in the harshness of denial! That's your stunning poetry, Paul! The power to convey a message in a sublime work of Art! A poet of grandeur whose poetry beyond the language of words to an impressive portrait! My deepest regards and blessings. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 10/12/2022 3:45:00 AM Dear Besma, you beautiful and insightful feedback is a pleasure to read. You are too kind. Thank you for the encouragement which your sincere words conveys. ~ Warm regards and blessings, my friend // paul

Gershon Wolf Date: 10/5/2022 8:31:00 PM A teeny-weeny, itsy-bitsy resemblance to a young Ted Kennedy in the picture brought to mind Chappaquiddick in 1969. Kennedy was just lucky he was named Kennedy, methinks. Teflon man. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 10/12/2022 3:41:00 AM I hadn't noticed the resemblance, but now you mention it I think you're right, Gershon. Thank you for stopping by...Regards // paul

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 8/28/2022 11:36:00 AM A heartfelt poem exquisitely expressed Paul. Belated congratulations on your deserving First Place win. Blessings xxoo Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 9/2/2022 6:21:00 AM Thank you on all counts, Connie. Regards and all the best for a nice weekend. // paul

Panagiota Romios Date: 8/27/2022 3:51:00 PM Paul, you have such artistry with the shorter forms! It’s amazing! This is a painful poem, but a beautiful one nonetheless. Death seems to be the end of communication or experiencing the loved one! But….is it? I wonder why some I lost are so alive, yet not on this earth! Pangie Login to Reply Panagiota Romios Date: 10/4/2022 1:04:00 PM Paul, I just saw your reply.. hey! What a beautiful comment about my character.. you appreciate it…some loathe how I am. But with poets of your stature and humanity, I can put up with unkindness. Life is a mix of both. TodY is 10/4. Be joyful! Panagiota Paul Callus Date: 9/2/2022 4:16:00 AM Hi Pangie! I thought I replied to your awesome feedback a couple days ago (unless old age is playing me tricks:) Thank you so much for being such a sincere and uplifting person. Enjoy the weekend // paul

Jack Horne Date: 8/20/2022 12:30:00 PM really love this touching & sad write, my friend. I hope you are well & that Malta isn't too hot right now - it's much cooler here now. Yes, I lit a candle for Carolyn on the anniversary & still find it hard to believe it's more than a year now already. I know you miss her too Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/23/2022 12:12:00 PM Hi Jack...thank you for stopping by, my friend. This summer has been extra hot with temps hovering around the 90s. I'm looking forward to the first rains. Regards // paul

Paula Goldsmith Date: 8/16/2022 12:38:00 PM Congratulations on your 1 place. Your few words told a wonderful story/write. Sometimes a short write can be great like this one. Have a great/blessed day.............. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/23/2022 12:05:00 PM Thank you Paula. So pleased you found this to your liking. Regards & blessings to you // paul

John Watt Date: 8/11/2022 12:46:00 PM From the heights of romantic anticipation to the depths of pathos in merely 40 words. Masterfully done, Paul. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 2:27:00 AM Thank you, John. Fortunately word-restriction was not such a hindrance since by nature I often opt for short form poetry:) Best regards // paul

Victor Buhagiar Date: 8/10/2022 11:03:00 PM Sad but great ending for such a short poem. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 1:49:00 AM Thank you, Victor. Our paths have not crossed much lately...hope you are keeping well. Regards // paul

Michael Tor Date: 8/10/2022 2:32:00 PM Heartfelt and sad Paul. What a creative piece that leaves the reader in shock. Incredible Poetry and an excellent entry for the Contest. Blessings your way my friend... Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 2:23:00 AM Thank you ever so much for your uplifting comments, Michael. Regards and blessings being sent your way. // paul

Susan Lawrence Date: 8/7/2022 2:56:00 PM Paul , you have beautifully portrayed the intensity of the heart in love . Love being a safe place, and denial more comforting then the ice of her demise . Love this my friend . Hugs, Susan :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 2:10:00 AM Thank you for your delightful visit and insightful comments, Susan. I hope that life is keeping you pleasantly entertained :) Regards & Hugs // paul

Valsa George Date: 8/5/2022 8:49:00 PM What a sudden twist of fate..... anticipation giving way to stark reality which he refuses to accept. In a few lines you have depicted the unpredictability of life and man's helplessness ! A finely chipped and sculptured poem. Best Wishes in the contest, dear Paul Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 1:47:00 AM You have described the situation very well, Valsa. Life, and our minds, are so unpredictable! Thank you for the lovely comments, my friend. Have a lovely weekend // paul

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 8/3/2022 11:01:00 AM How sad, he just can't accept it and the repetitive nature of his everyday ritual proves and tells the reader the love he felt for this young woman and the sad denial of her demise will one day hit him like a thunderbolt - poor guy. Best wishes in the contest my friend Paul, hugs, warm regards and blessings. Jennifer. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/13/2022 1:34:00 AM Thank you for your added contribution to my poem, Jenny. Maybe full realization of what happened is what will eventually help him to accept closure and perhaps also lead to the start of a new relationship. ~ Warm regards and hugs, my friend // paul

Speaks Volumes Date: 7/31/2022 1:44:00 PM Aww devotion can be uplifting. Hope the day never comes when he realizes that its futile. Your poem is hauntingly sad yet so very sweet. You did it again Paul. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/12/2022 11:54:00 PM Those comments of yours are a pleasure to read, Wendy. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Regards // paul

Komal Walimbe Date: 7/30/2022 2:54:00 AM Heart wrecking story Paul! Caught me right in. Have a great day!:) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/12/2022 11:41:00 PM Thank you, Komal. Have a nice weekend // paul

Susan Ashley Date: 7/29/2022 5:05:00 PM Dear Paul, you captured my imagination with your first stanza, carried me along with the second, then stunned my heart with the last two lines.. I love the potent power of your poignant pen! The scene is portrayed with dynamic and dramatic imagery and conveyed with your gift for poetic finesse. Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes and hugs for you, my wonderful friend.. ~Susan Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 8/12/2022 11:46:00 PM Thank you so very much for this lovely insightful feedback, dear Susan. Your support and encouragement are truly appreciated. Pls excuse my late reply. Warm regards and hugs, my friend. // paul

Kim Rodrigues Date: 7/29/2022 7:24:00 AM Straight to the heart! Hugs ~ Kim Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 10:49:00 AM Thank you for the appreciation, Kim. Have a nice weekend .. hugs // paul

Bill Baker Date: 7/26/2022 3:29:00 PM Very interesting twist to your thoughts on the situation, Paul. Matches the picture well. Good luck in the contest my friend. A poet friend in Texas, Bill Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:54:00 AM Pleased that you enjoyed the twist, Bill. Thank you for stopping by, my friend. Regards // paul

Ilene Bauer Date: 7/25/2022 12:28:00 PM a heart-breaking but beautifully written poem, paul... Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:43:00 AM Thank you for reading and commenting, Ilene. Have a nice weekend, my friend. // paul

Tom Cunningham Date: 7/25/2022 8:39:00 AM Love your interpretation of the picture Paul, quite a sad ending but then sometimes life is like that. Best of luck in the contest. Tom Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:43:00 AM Thank you, Tom. It's a wonder how one moment in time can affect a person so much. ~ Regards // paul

Gary Radice Date: 7/25/2022 7:06:00 AM You convey the first stage in the cycle of grief so well Paul through your words; although I admit the end came as a bit of a shock. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:41:00 AM Thank you for the insightful comments, Gary. For some people closure never seems to come with a healing balm. ~ Regards // paul

Deb M Date: 7/25/2022 6:25:00 AM A very intriguing poem Paul….really enjoyed! Debx Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:25:00 AM Glad you enjoyed it, Deb...thank you. Best regards /x/ paul

Vijay Pandit Date: 7/25/2022 6:10:00 AM I see the dynamic movement in the opening lines and the turn in the ending speaks volumes for his state of mind. Best to you, Paul. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 7/29/2022 2:24:00 AM Thank you Vijay. Your visit and comments are appreciated. ~ Regards, my friend. // paul