Mister Z

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Image result for me shattered mirror

Splintered shivs of the mirror, life
     Memory strains my true visage
          Broken in jagged, shadowy grimaces
               Once ... smiles, joyous

Oh, immortality has many faces
     But none of them can shape expression
          Or imitate the innocence of a child
               Blue, is a vein when wrapped in flesh

Yet all that flows within is warm crimson
     So why should I think that what looks back at me
          Is anything but a parody of prescience?
               Why should I believe that the world laughs with inclusion,

Instead of with mocking, vile hilarity?
     With every exhalation ...
          I push out poisons onto the breeze
               Yet it is the same unseen element that gives me life

So why should I believe that you are true
     Simply because you profess it?
          My feet greet floor each morning
               Yet I am cold ... as carrion.




~ 1st Place ~  in the "Standard Number 100, Any Form Or None" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Sponsor.

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Paul Callus

Date: 7/9/2018 12:59:00 PM

You muse about your own existence, Gregory. Congratulations on placing first. Regards // paul

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/13/2018 10:54:00 PM

Many kind thanks to you, Paul, I'm pleased you enjoyed my poem, my friend! :-)

Eve Roper

Date: 7/8/2018 9:50:00 PM

Greg, you have painted a great painting . Congratulations on your awesome win! Hugs Eve

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/13/2018 10:54:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Eve, I so appreciate it! :-) <3

Susan Gentry

Date: 7/7/2018 7:51:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. Who is that man in the mirror? Great imagery with your massive vocabulary. Interesting. :)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/7/2018 10:42:00 PM

And Brian liked it, which was awesome! There are some judges who would not even consider a dark piece like this, and I love that he takes each poem on its own merits.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/7/2018 10:40:00 PM

Thank you, Susan ... as I was telling Carole, I usually don't post these cathartic "for me" pieces, but this one had some things others can connect to, I think. It is what it is, and I actually liked it when I finally finished it, (it sat half-done for weeks, lol). Blessings! :-) <3

Carole Duet

Date: 7/7/2018 7:02:00 PM

Congratulations, Greg, on your high placement in the contest with this deep and interesting poem. Carole :D

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 7/7/2018 10:38:00 PM

Thank you so much, Carole ... every-so-often I write directly from my deepest core, and whatever comes out, I write down. Sometimes it makes sense to others, sometimes not so much, but it's always interesting and cathartic for me. I generally don't post them, but this one I took a chance with ... still a lot of ambiguity for the reader, but some edgy substance too, I think. Thanks for the kindness! :-) <3