In Times Like These

when we fall down
like outcast shadows
upon the ground
... do we have the strength
to lift ourselves
to stand back up
to fight back
as we peregrinate alone
in yesterday's footsteps?

i watch the hummingbird
and find solace
in his movement
his ability to fly
in fierce winds
that knock me down

his freedom
to come and go
as i am locked
within this domicile
unable to move
with the same ease
as him 

i watch the flowers
weighted down
once again with frost
as they struggle to stand
in the grasp
of the incomprehensible
frigid may air

i feel more like them
stifled with the expansion
of stale air
gasping for more
than offered
or allowed

wondering
what is to become
of that flower
if the warmth of sun
never comes again

or what will become
of you, or me
if we can never be
as we once were         

are we to be
a society of shadows
forgotten in the footsteps
of yesteryears
...and blend
with darkness    
forevermore

May 6, 2020

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020



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Date: 6/24/2020 3:05:00 AM
wistful words Sandra nourish nurture your uniqueness Stsy creative
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Date: 5/17/2020 1:12:00 PM
Congratulations on your win. Yes, when we fall down, we need to get back up. The hummingbirds and the flowers make it through and so must we. Enjoy your win and day. Hugs.........
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Date: 5/17/2020 6:15:00 AM
I learned a new word, “ perigrinate “ and that is exactly what I feel like doing since this lockdown. Congratulations on your winning poem. SuZ
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Date: 5/17/2020 3:09:00 AM
Beautiful write - congratulations on your well-deserved win in Brian's contest, Sandra - best wishes and keep the ink flowing, my friend! ~ the bard
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Date: 5/11/2020 12:44:00 AM
Returning to wish you congrats, my friend. Well done - hugs
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Date: 5/10/2020 9:09:00 AM
While we fall like outcast shadows.. What a great line to start with... I agree with Andrea, this is poignant... Congratulations on your placement in the contest..
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Date: 5/8/2020 6:34:00 PM
John used a great word for this one: Poignant. Wish I could have shown that same poignancy with my own write on this topic. (I think in last verse you meant are we TO be) Silent One will score this high. He always seems to prefer free verse, and I wouldn't blame him in this case!
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Date: 5/8/2020 9:08:00 AM
A very poignant versa, Sandy, in these times we are all asking these questions; will we ever feel the warmth of the sun again, will we ever have the freedoms we once had... Your verses always hold so many emotions and the readers can always feel them. Nicely written. Stay safe my friend. Hugs, John
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Date: 5/7/2020 9:55:00 PM
You certainly have a special melancholic style when you write ... after just reading a few lines in and it already sounds like something you'd say .... like an atmosphere of dread, but holding onto to the last remaining sunbeams. "as we peregrinate in yesterday's footsteps" simply wonderful phrasing. And "peregrinate" ... yet another new word from you!
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Date: 5/7/2020 5:05:00 PM
So layered and introspective, best of luck in the contest-
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Date: 5/7/2020 4:35:00 PM
Such a fine piece Sandy, you give us plenty to ponder as God shouts at this world to waken up. Take care and stay blessed, Gordon
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Date: 5/7/2020 3:43:00 PM
This is so well written Sandy. A beautiful , expressive poem :)
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Date: 5/7/2020 9:49:00 AM
This is such a profound piece of writing. I am astounded at the grasp of your pen. You are a wonderous lady and writer. God be with you always - forever blessed to know you as a friend. Love to you, Gina
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Date: 5/7/2020 6:45:00 AM
A great way to bring nature in to the theme. A wonderful write as always! Best wishes in the contest!
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Date: 5/7/2020 6:00:00 AM
As always my friend--your words brilliantly communicate--times like these--while finding comfort in nature's promise yet delivering a warning: wondering what is to become of that flower if the warmth of sun never comes again..so well said--a sure TOP winner, Sandy
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Date: 5/7/2020 12:03:00 AM
When this is over, will we have the strength to get back up, and will we know the same freedoms we once knew? What picture does our future paint? Great questions, Sandra. I loved your words "a society of shadows / forgotten in the footsteps / of yesteryears". A wonderful write, enjoyed this very much. Best wishes in the contest. Hugs and blessings ~ John
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Date: 5/6/2020 11:05:00 PM
Superb contest entry, my friend... we are the flowers, true … BUT perhaps, just perhaps, we can be the Hum of the Hummingbirds and focus on making beautiful music, poetry, foods and such until things resolve themselves, however and whenever that may be ~ Fat & Happy
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