Notes About The Poem

February 26, 2024
Placed 1st: This or That, Vol 23 Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Edward Ibeh


 

Narrow Margin

Sometimes, in uncertain outcomes, as life agitates,
It can sway either way, maneuvering on the edge,
For a difference rather modest, makes the final call,
When a narrow margin determines a win or a loss.

If a win we choose to celebrate, or defeat we deride, 
Prudent to bear in mind, that it wasn’t a landslide;
When results are so close, why not cheer them all,
Cognizant to recognize~ distinction is awfully small.

Slender is the layer between eve’s dusk and twilight,
Between dark of dawn, and luminance of sunrise;
Between safe and danger, there lies a narrow divide,
Where, between cliff and fall, life’s border resides.

Mementos of love embraced, and love sadly repelled,
In albums of beloved, or memories forlorn dwell,
Clamoring from corridors of good or bad choices made,
Between narrow margins of hope, and contours of fate.

O, a narrow margin can be of mighty consequence
Inhabiting elation of success, or anguish of regrets,
When death lingers in the clutches of final moments
Stilled between breath inhaled, and breath exhaled.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Ibeh Avatar
March 4, 2024 at 8:43 AM
Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest with this excellent poem, Vijay:-) Every line is a gem..."When a narrow margin determines a win or a loss. If a win we choose to celebrate, or defeat we deride" So true!
Dietrich Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 7:37 AM
Congratulations on your win with your profound words. You always are so thoughtful in your writing.
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:19 AM
Much appreciate your visit, Andrea--many thanks.
DiMino Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 2:56 AM
"Prudent to bear in mind, that it wasn’t a landslide; When results are so close, why not cheer them all, Cognizant to recognize~ distinction is awfully small." Could not have been said better. "Slender is the layer between eve’s dusk and twilight, Between dark of dawn, and luminance of sunrise; Between safe and danger, there lies a narrow divide, Where, between cliff and fall, life’s border resides." Brilliant illustrious poetry! When death lingers in the clutches of final moments Stilled between breath inhaled, and breath exhaled." Ain't that the truth! You get a Fav!
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:18 AM
Always so insightful and inspiring to read your remarks, Joe. Much appreciate you being there and your FAVE. Many thanks, my friend.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 11:58 PM
Nicely done, Vijay. Your words were quite generous on the subject matter as being the impetus of Edward's decision. And to that reasoning, my friend, my compliments. Aloha, William
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Thank you my friend. Much appreciate you stopping by, William.
Alex Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 7:57 PM
"Slender is the layer between eve’s dusk and twilight, Between dark of dawn, and luminance of sunrise" - A very beautifully written poem. Congratulations!
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Much appreciate, Christuraj--many thanks.
Goldsmith Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 8:14 AM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your great write. Have a great/blessed day with your win.....................
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:17 AM
Thank you Paula--much appreciate.
Kendrick Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Creative lines penned. Yes, a narrow line exists with so many happenings of human life. You have expressed it well. Thank you for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:16 AM
Thanks again, Sara--much appreciate.
Buehler Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 4:21 PM
Many truths are eloquently expressed in your heartfelt, meaningful poem, Vijay. I especially love the beautifully articulated third and final verses. This is a fave. :)
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Many thanks for visiting and commenting, my friend. Much appreciate your presence--and your FAVE. Many thanks, Evelyn.
Andresen Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 11:03 AM
- Before the important choices in life, we often have great anguish, Vijay ... but even the small, trivial choices can have great significance - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:14 AM
Glad to read your feedback, Anne-Lise. Much appreciate--many thanks.
Buhagiar Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 9:43 PM
Life is always a contrast and we have to choose. A fine poetic poem.
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:14 AM
Thank you Victor--much appreciate.
One Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 11:35 AM
You are right my friend and you described the subject so poetically... Best of luck in the contest..
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:13 AM
Thank you my friend--much appreciate, SO.
Nicole Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 7:27 PM
' Slender is the layer between, ' moments in life, even choices made. Your thoughts hold so much truth, Vijay. With the margin being so narrow, making the right choice can be difficult. Your final thought is tender and emotional, all at the same time. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:13 AM
Always a joy to read your insights. Much appreciate you being there, my friend. Many thanks, Brandy. Hugs to you as well.
May Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 5:58 PM
Within those narrow margins or hopes rise and fall, Very nicely penned Vijay
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:12 AM
Thank you Joseph--much appreciate.
Sands Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Wow. I am Faving this one for the insight and truth it relays. Excellent writing. Thought provoking and important. Thank you for sharing your great writing, Vijay :)
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:11 AM
So glad to read that, my friend. Much appreciate your kind remarks and your FAVE. Many thanks, Heidi.
Rodgers Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 4:36 PM
Dear Vijay, Your poem beautifully explores the precarious nature of life and the weight of small choices. The imagery of the "edge" and "slender layer" effectively captures the feeling of being suspended between possibilities. The line "When results are so close, why not cheer them all" offers a refreshing perspective on victory and defeat, reminding us to acknowledge the effort of all involved. The poem delves deeper, highlighting the delicate balance between love and loss, safety and danger, with the "narrow margin" acting as a constant reminder of how close these states can be. The ending lines about the final breath are particularly powerful, emphasizing the ultimate consequence of life's "narrow margin." Vijay this is a thought-provoking and insightful poem! - Blessings, Daniel
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:10 AM
You are always very generous with your feedback, Daniel--thank you for taking the time to write detailed comments. Much appreciate your presence on my page.
Narain Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 10:07 AM
In our daily life, we encounter narrow misses amply described by you. Well penned.
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Thank you Jay--much appreciate.
Empress Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 9:39 AM
What a philosophical and meaningful write this is dear vijay. You write this theme so well too, and makes us readers think deep to your words woven in such eloquence, the depth and flow as well as the cadence of your lines truly is impeccable! Even when you dont specifically rhyme, theres a rhythm to your lines, and i must say i agree with what youv conveyed here.” If a win we choose to celebrate, or defeat we deride, Prudent to bear in mind, that it wasn’t a landslides” so true! FAVE
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:08 AM
So special to hear that from you, my friend. And so very special to receive your FAVE. Much appreciate your presence on my page, Ink. Many thanks.
Cunningham Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 9:34 AM
Every day we encounter those narrow margins in our lives, left, right, forward or back, keeping fingers crossed we've made the right choice. Good luck in the contest Vijay. Tom
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:07 AM
Much appreciate, Tom--many thanks.
Kendrick Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 7:37 AM
Yes, with each breath we take, we never know if life will continue provided that we think about it especially if we are of the winter's age. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:06 AM
Thank you Sara--you are always very kind.
Beaufort Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 7:35 AM
Vijay, this makes me reflect on my very own choices and echoes many of my own feelings. This relates to elections as well. Where there are winners, we hope they will consider the other side and not try to crush it. Choices are also sometimes so difficult to make and the consequences are strong. I loved the way you ended this work with the breadth of breath.
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:06 AM
Nice to hear that from you, Duke. Much appreciate your visit and comments. Many thanks.
Poet Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 6:48 AM
Your great poem is about the significance of narrow margins in life, where small differences can determine outcomes of great consequence. It revolves around the delicate balance between success and failure, love and loss, life and death, and the recognition of the small distinctions that shape our experiences. With a highly reflective and contemplative, imagery and metaphor to convey the theme. Best wishes for the contest Vijay.
Pandit Avatar
March 2, 2024 at 11:05 AM
Many thanks, my friend. Always a joy when you visit. So appreciate you taking the time to leave detailed remarks.
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