Valsa George Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

July- 25-2026

Building Fences and Burning Bridges Poetry Contest

Sponsor- Margarita Lillico

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Mend Fences and Burn Bridges

Isn’t our life a clever game of chess, 
Where chance and actions equally pay
We can’t approach life like a naïve amateur
Each move be cautious for success to pave way

Some ties, though broken need to be mended
When a crack forms, it can be fixed with cement
Every dissension or hurt do not deserve goodbye
With a little effort, some bonds, we can easily mend

When ego masquerades as dignity or self- respect
One is hesitant for a compromise  or reconciliation
A humble word or a kind gesture can heal a hurt
They can easily pave way for instant reparation.

Some relationships are extremely toxic,
Where one longs for a permanent liberation.
There, the bridge is to be burnt down,
Without any qualms or the slightest hesitation.

Life is all a question of sound selection.
If one makes choices that are dependable
One can effortlessly chart one’s way to success
Mend fences worthy and burn bridges ignoble.

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Hiya Sharma July 27, 2026 at 12:07 AM Yessss to all of thisss! Such a wise, deep and reflective write on that "sound selection" that one needs to make in life, one should have the correct conscience, understanding and a dependable sync of brain and heart to actually navigate through such situations.. whether to means the fences or burn the bridges.. cuz in some cases, letting go is inevitable.. I'm so impressed by the rhymes that you've so effortlessly knitted here! They're hard for me, ah, not my forte, but you've nailed it, dear. Best wishes in the contest, sending you light and love ~

Victor Buhagiar July 26, 2026 at 6:23 AM Well done for rhythm and rhyme. Best for a win.

Paige Hind July 25, 2026 at 10:16 PM a hard lesson to learn, Valsa, but true

Andrea Dietrich July 25, 2026 at 7:51 PM This is so true. I wrote on this similarly but then found out it was an etheree and not rhymed. I give up!! Valsa George July 26, 2026 at 1:25 AM It can be so disappointing, Andrea. The same thing happened to me too. Without reading the instructions, l wrote a poem in free verse. Later l understood that it should be a rhyme. So changed it suddenly.

Joseph P. DiMino July 25, 2026 at 11:25 AM Indeed, discernment if not the same as judgement. By wise in all matters, including love.

Sotto Poet July 25, 2026 at 6:30 AM Dear Valsa, your poem has a consistent theme - that is expressed by employing many great metaphors. The analogy of life to a chess game is really wonderful and thought-provoking. With an incredible quality, a balanced flow, and a clear message. Good luck with the contest.

Alison A Smith nee Howarth July 25, 2026 at 3:11 AM Beautiful discussion on when to mend and when to burn.