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Of Tears and Medals


That little girl, Toula, in third
grade stood,
Tears falling down her red face.
Because she had only won bronze 
and third place.
Ah, what a disgrace!

Older Toula today, still looks at it 
with chagrin.
Though decades have passed,
that very same medal, still does 
her ravishing soul in.

She never got over not being at 
the top.
Though her life is one of enormous 
successes, and anything but flops!
The mystery is, why not throw
that medal away?
Toula still looks at it everyday.

Because....It always keeps her 
reaching for the stars.
Not desiring to be part of the crowd.
No, not ever!
Just being her own gleaming feldspar.
One day with God..humbly and forever.

6/23/2019
8am PST

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/26/2019 8:39:00 PM

Do you know how fast I would throw that medal away for her? You would not have time to blink. A great reminder of things we DO to ourselves, to shame ourselves over and over. LOVE it!

Panagiota Romios
Date: 6/26/2019 10:15:00 PM

Re read last paragraph, PR

Vijay Pandit

Date: 6/23/2019 2:23:00 PM

This is a wonderful story..a metaphor for many. In my mind she shines like a hero..an achiever..I really liked the poem's message you convey, Panagiota.

Panagiota Romios
Date: 6/23/2019 4:20:00 PM

Thank you Vitay! I do agree on the message, thanks for your time and comment....)) Panagiota

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/23/2019 1:07:00 PM

We all strive to reach the top, we don't always get there but we never give up trying. Tom.

Panagiota Romios
Date: 6/23/2019 1:28:00 PM

Tom, I am not as positive as you. We have millions of people playing victims or who support them. I was not referring to poets per se. I know many who have given up on themselves and want cradle to grave care by world governments. I have tried to be a leader to thumb suckers. Failed. Panagiota