Home » Poems » Sam Kauffman » Narrow Margin - POTD

Narrow Margin - POTD

Narrow Margin 2-12-24 This or That Vol. 23 Poetry Contest - Edward Ibeh ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Narrow Margin Between finite and eternity A thin sharp wire divides, Footsteps that often stumble, Arms flailing, Grasp for balance in pockets of sparse air Staggering in storms, battered by choice, Between the lines of saint and sinner, Wild things or all the power of forgiveness, Time challenged and eternal. Between dances lightly on the razor’s maxims In teetering seconds born in “or” The narrow space between mayhem and peace Superstition and shoulders of faith Waking in the whisper between ebony shadows And resplendent shouts of advent - Margins between ambivalence’ bruised flesh Or wide balms of equilibrium Between fragile borders of mortality and spirit.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Edward Ibeh

Date: 3/4/2024 8:27:00 AM

Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest with this outstanding poem. I loved it, Sam. I can see why it won POTD. So well-deserved!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/4/2024 9:05:00 AM

Hi Edward! Thank you so much for your congratulations and your placement of this poem. It was a delightful theme that provided me with many moments of wonderful musings about that narrow time of "between!" So grateful for the opportunity to write on this subject. Hope you are well. Sending you blessings!!

Beata Agustin

Date: 3/1/2024 11:22:00 PM

Wow! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this truth... with a provocative ending: "Between fragile borders of mortality and spirit." God bless you.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/4/2024 10:04:00 AM

Greetings Beata! Thank you for your wonderfully thoughtful words! I am so appreciative! I am always so grateful for your feedback. Truly a blessing! Sending you blessings as we prepare to celebrate Easter.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 3/1/2024 7:47:00 PM

"Margins between ambivalence’ bruised flesh Or wide balms of equilibrium" - Walking through this narrow line is, indeed, filled with challenges. Great writing. Congratulations!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 3/1/2024 7:52:00 AM

Back with Congratulations on another win. Hooray!!! I enjoyed reading your creative/wonderful write again. Have a great/blessed day with your win.....................

Valsa George

Date: 2/29/2024 9:30:00 PM

Hearty Congratulations dear Sam on your well deserved First place win in Edward's contest. The second time I read it, it sounds even more appealing. Into my FAVE.

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/29/2024 9:48:00 AM

Hearty congratulations on your win dear Sam, it's a pleasure to share with you the podium. Blessings

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/29/2024 11:14:00 AM

Thank you so much, Lasaad! I agree - it is an honor to share the podium with you and your wonderful poem. Blessings dear friend!

Ink Empress

Date: 2/25/2024 4:45:00 AM

Ah samszy, looks like you received potd too for this, apologies for not noticing before, i have been so occupied with some family health crisis that i didnt get time really to get on soup. However, i would like to highlight and remind you, that your poetic prowess is captivating and awe inspiring and worth the accolades. And this hits so hard for me “ Between the lines of saint and sinner, Wild things or all the power of forgiveness, Time challenged and eternal” so much depth! Fave it is

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2024 9:37:00 AM

Hi Inky! I so appreciate your taking time to read and respond to this poem with your lovely, and very inspiring, words of compliment along with the honor of your fav and your congratulations! Sending prayers for healing. Oh to be able to "bilocate" and be there for you! Have been through times like those you are experiencing. They are all consuming. And yet, you continue to write the most amazing poetry through all of the darkness. You are truly a model of strength and courage. Know you remain in my thoughts and my prayers, dear friend. Samszy~

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/19/2024 11:20:00 AM

Hi Sam, Congratulations on the honor of POTD most deservedly bestowed upon you. 'Between finite and eternity A thin sharp wire divides, ......Between fragile borders of mortality and spirit.....battered by choice Between the lines of saint and sinner,' surely one's faith should determine the choice. i love reading your poems, your talent is immeasurable Sam my friend. Hugs and blessings Jennifer.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2024 10:00:00 AM

Dearest Jennifer! How my spirit soars to read your beautiful feedback! Thank you! The POTD was a delightful surprise! While writing this poem it occurred to me there is often a narrow space where we make choices. You are so right right about faith determining "our choice." Hopefully that space is the place where faith speaks to us! I am deeply humbled by your lovely feedback. Thank you dear friend. Your words continue to inspire and motivate me. Hope all is well with you. I pray that your Lent will be a time of fruitful renewal and blessing!

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 2/18/2024 4:31:00 AM

Great write, Sam! Love: The narrow space between mayhem and peace Superstition and shoulders of faith. Congratulations on POTD!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2024 10:12:00 AM

Thank you so much, Kim! I so appreciate your note and your congratulations! A POTD is a unique and very special honor especially when shared among friends! Blessings of metanoia for your Lent!

Deb M

Date: 2/18/2024 12:03:00 AM

Congratulations Sam on POTD!! Debx

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2024 10:14:00 AM

Hi Deb! Thank you for your note of congratulations. I am deeply grateful! Blessings to you!

Valsa George

Date: 2/15/2024 10:39:00 PM

There is only a thin margin between a saint and sinner, mayhem and peace, death and eternity, superstition and faith. The dualities of life are indeed puzzling. If we cross the 'fragile margins' we can easily skip from one level to the other. How powerfully you have expressed this idea in your innate eloquent style. Sam, you are so gifted and I love your musings. Congratulations on your well-deserved POTD

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 2/14/2024 8:44:00 PM

I enjoyed reading this insightful and deep masterpiece. Congratulations on POTD, my friend. :)

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 2/14/2024 6:38:00 PM

Congratulations on your poem being POTD. Life is full of narrow margins, it seems.

Brandy Nicole

Date: 2/14/2024 6:14:00 PM

' teetering ' that thin line. So many in the world live on both sides of the fence. Meaning: they're partakers in sin, while trying to be a saint at the same time. Not acceptable. Sam, your thoughts are deep and inspiring, and there's so much truth within. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy

Paige Hind

Date: 2/14/2024 5:32:00 PM

Congrats on POTD! This makes my mind spin- and fills it, at the same time.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/25/2024 10:18:00 AM

Finally catching up! Thank you for your congratulations and your amazing feedback! It is a profound gift to know this poem reaches so deeply into your heart and soul. Blessings to you!

Susan Ashley

Date: 2/14/2024 5:28:00 PM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your golden pen gratifies me with its profound thought, rich imagery and poetic brilliance. You, I, we, everyone and everything exist within "narrow margins" and "fragile borders". Your wondrous intellect and artistic imagination captures the slim space between dualities "finite/eternity, saint/sinner, mayhem/peace, whisper/shouts, mortality/spirit" with expressive finesse from the depth and breadth of your poetic soul. Your inspire me with your creative magic, Sam. Congratulations for your exquisite poem's recognition with POTD honors. A very worthy choice. Your lustrous artistry outshines the noonday sun! Warmest wishes sent on breezy wings my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/15/2024 10:42:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your message was like receiving a special delivery valentine and added a special glow to my day! Thank you for that gift! I am deeply honored by your thoughtful words of compliment while your ever supportive words inspire me. This theme was a challenge for me but was a unique opportunity to delve into the dualities of life and that split second when we rest and mediate in the margin. To be a source of inspiration to you is a gift that keeps on giving for you inspired and motivate me on so many levels! I am deeply grateful for our friendship, sweet poetry sis! Sending blessings back to you with a wish for a peaceful, inspired day!

Jay Narain

Date: 2/14/2024 3:19:00 PM

Congratulations on Potd recognition. Nice intellectual poem. Kdos.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/29/2024 10:53:00 AM

Hi Jay! Finally catching up on emails! Thank you for your note of congratulations and very thoughtful feedback. This theme really captured my imagination. Blessings to you!

David Kavanagh

Date: 2/14/2024 2:40:00 PM

Indeed we all exist inside these narrow margins Sam, for it’s exactly where mortality resides, on that thin sharp wire, hey this is really deep, and is an honest perspective on true reality without judgement, a totally deserving POTD, congratulations! Cheers David

Bill Baker

Date: 2/14/2024 9:18:00 AM

Back to Congratulate you on your POTD, Victor. Excellent poetry, my friend. Enjoy your special day of recognition! Bill

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/29/2024 11:07:00 AM

Hi Bill, thank you for both of your messages! I am so grateful for your positive feedback, congratulations and thoughtful words. Very special to me. The POTD was a very special honor especially for this poem that came about through a whole lot of time spent musing! Thank you for sharing in my joy! Sending you blessings my lone star friend!

I Am Anaya

Date: 2/14/2024 8:47:00 AM

Sam, thank you for your astute observations on the topic of darkness and the dawn. I truly appreciate this piece. Congratulations on your POTD Sam Kauffman! Perfectly sets the tone with a juxtaposition of Ash Wednesday & Valentines Day! Happy Valentine's Day! ;)

Regina Elliott

Date: 2/14/2024 7:16:00 AM

A big Congratulations Sam! A brilliantly penned POTD. Happy Valentine's Day too! Blessings ~