Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Merci, Mr Michener

I was born too late ... not far too late, but about seventeen years ...
   Or so, for I have always been too old-fashioned, (In a romantic, true love
      Sense), for the time period and era I grew up in. I knew this without question
         At an early age ... books were some of my best friends, always, and I first

Read my favorite novel before my tenth birthday ... it was on the shelves
   Of my dad's den, and the bright colors of the binding had always pulled at
      Me ... so, one summer eve, I took it to the porch swing by the lake, and
         Started. Oh, how it opened up a whole new world to me! An entrancing

World of exotic places and people and struggles! The settings and
   Characters and relationships were so unlike my own, and unlike anything
      I knew of ... it wove a hunger into my heart! A yearning to live in a bigger
         World and experience its wonders ... it placed a seed of romance and

Charm and excitement, deep into my being, and more importantly,
   Taught me the absurd inequalities of racism, at a time when my world
      Was primarily one color. To this day it is my dream to make that
         Wondrous place my home, and one day soon I intend to, (for real) ... 

Transforming those lessons and dreams into a reality. Bless you and
   Thank you, James A. Michener, for placing into my forever-romantic
      And old-fashioned child's heart, those "Tales of the South Pacific" ...
         I am forever grateful ... and ever changed.





~ 1st Place ~  in the "Life Lesson From A Favorite Novel" Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

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Carrie Richards February 24, 2018 at 7:37 PM So much was gained by your experience while reading this wonderful book, but the lesson that truly captured my heart was what you said about inequalities of racism, and all that it meant in this world so often divided by the color of skin. Loved your poem......a winner in so many ways ! :) Gregory Richard Barden February 25, 2018 at 7:23 AM That's very sweet of you to say, Carrie - thank you so much! It had never occurred to me before reading this book that people could hate others or treat them differently simply because they LOOKED different, and it really changed my perspective on the world ... I started reading everything I could find that took on the topic and asking my parents and grandparents a thousand annoying questions about it. There were only two black families in the town I grew up in, but I was blessed to be raised in a family where it was never an issue, (nor do I remember ANYone ever giving them trouble, though I'm sure it must've happened some). The lesson in this book was that such things are NOT innate human behaviors, but are taught, and I completely agree. Blessings, friend! :-) <3

Sandra Haight February 22, 2018 at 11:29 AM Such a wonderful poem about how much this book influenced opening up your world and thoughts about life at such an early age, Greg. I truly enjoyed reading it, and I congratulate you for your well-deserved First Place win in the contest! Sandra :) Gregory Richard Barden February 25, 2018 at 7:17 AM Thank you so very much, Sandra ... comments from you are always a treasure to me, (I mean that) ... you are one of my favorites here and always will be, and I so admire your work. I'm setting aside some time soon to read more of your poems, (along with a couple of other of my "golden" poets), and I'm so looking forward - you are one of the writers here who inspire me and push me to be better, and that is priceless! So pleased you enjoyed this! :-) <3

Roy Pett February 22, 2018 at 5:35 AM Congratulations on your well deserved win Gregory, a joy to read. :)) Gregory Richard Barden February 22, 2018 at 5:50 AM Thank you very much, Roy, I greatly appreciate that, my friend!

Mick Talbot February 21, 2018 at 11:31 PM Congratulations on your first place Gregory, a winner for me too... Mick Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:41 PM That's so kind of you, Mick ... I greatly appreciate it, friend!

CayCay Godwin February 21, 2018 at 1:45 PM Me, too! Since Dick, Jane and Spot, but especially since Little House in the Prairie in the 3rd grade, I have had a book going. All that stopped with my head injury and I mourned reading, still do sometimes. Your poem was poignant to me, reminded me ... A fine write with the right touches and flair and delivery. I see it won and I'm not surprised. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:40 PM That's very kind of you, CayCay, thanks so much! I have had similar issues, and I am so sorry for your struggles. I will explain more in message as I owe you a Soup Mail, but please know that I empathize and relate, and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings, Friend! :-) <3

Eve Roper February 21, 2018 at 1:25 AM Well done , Greg, congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve~`* Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:38 PM Thank you very much, Eve, I am pleased you liked it!

Curtis Johnson February 20, 2018 at 6:21 PM Congrats on your fine win, Gregory. Well done. Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:38 PM Many kind thanks, Curtis - so appreciated! :-)

Lewis Raynes February 20, 2018 at 6:18 PM Congratulations Gregory, this is a great write Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:38 PM Very kind of you, Lewis, thanks so much!

Line Gauthier February 20, 2018 at 5:08 PM Congrats on your top win in my contest, Gregory. You surpassed the expectations of the theme. Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:37 PM I am humbled and honored, Line - thank you so very much for the placement - it made my day! :-) <3

Sneha Rv February 19, 2018 at 10:11 AM What a great poem! It is wonderful how you described the effect it had on you, most books do that.. man's best friend. Hope this does well in the contest :) Sneha Rv February 20, 2018 at 10:01 AM Oh I am a massive Potterhead!! It's so nice you considered those books. JK Rowling is a genius writer and the series appealed to so many everywhere.. I thought not to choose HP as it may have seemed my obvious choice xD Gregory Richard Barden February 20, 2018 at 4:48 AM Thank you so much, Sneha, I greatly appreciate your kind comments! I almost wrote about Order of the Phoenix or The Goblet of Fire (HP) but it was this one that affected me the most when I was so young. Blessings! :-)