Gregory Richard Barden Poet Rubaiyat

Notes About The Poem

on tranquil lake -

glass-like smooth of even's yawn
      just I, myself, with one cob swan
         trace cursive paths upon the lake
   for we’re both OF the earth, not on

so sets the sun to blow a kiss -
      in hushed glissades of feral bliss
         cleaving surface - gentle wakes
   o surely heaven’s much like this

swan and I, we share these eves
      in feathered white tuxedo sleeves
         he follows while I row the skiff -
   my chaperon as daylight leaves

I think perhaps he's lonely, too
      a-searching for a soul-mate who
         shares his love of blushing skies
   and parting mirrored lakes anew

the water's darkened interludes
      reflect both images and moods
         hopes we held of love this morn
   are put to bed as day concludes

ere we meet when dusk is drawn
      I’ll say a prayer that he'll be gone
         that one of us shall find true love ...
   for we’re both OF the earth, not on.






~ 2nd Place ~  in the "2019 Poetry Marathon Mile 9" Poetry Contest, Mark Toney, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 3rd Place ~  the "Beauty Of Solitude" Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

~ Honorable Mention ~  in the "Your Choice (7), Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

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John Watt July 7, 2020 at 5:48 PM This is a lovely form, Greg. Makes me wonder if Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" is also in Rubaiyat form? This is gentle and sad, dreamy in its imagery and and wistfulness. "Hopes we held of love this morn / Are put to bed as day concludes". The lonely swan makes a wonderful companion "In feathered white tuxedo sleeves". On par with so many great writes from your golden pen. I'll always be a fan, Bard. God be with you ~ John Gregory Richard Barden July 7, 2020 at 7:35 PM That's so very kind of you, John, and I greatly appreciate the wonderful words of encouragement - I'll still be writing poetry (and maybe a book) at times, so will make an appearance here-and-there. I think you and John H are the only regular commenters on my work anymore, and it means a lot. Blessings, Sir! :o)

Connie Marcum Wong January 11, 2019 at 1:33 PM This is simply gorgeous Greg. Congratulations on you second placement! xxoo : ) Gregory Richard Barden April 1, 2019 at 12:22 PM Thank you so much, Connie - this one is VERY special to me, one of those that just "happened", and came from where I know not ... "elsewhere". It's almost spiritual when that happens. Blessings! :-) <3

Mark Toney January 6, 2019 at 9:21 PM Greg, I thoroughly enjoyed your Rubaiyat poem! Congrats on your win on mile 9 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon contest. By continuing to place in the contest you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark

Artsieladie Sharon Donnelly May 4, 2018 at 7:33 PM Lovely imagery in your lines of tranquility, Gregory, though loveless is always sad. Congrats! All the best to you. :) ~ Artsie Gregory Richard Barden May 6, 2018 at 4:16 PM Thank you so much, Artsie ... I found TWO soul-mates in this life, (many never find ONE), so while I'm alone now I am blessed to have loved on such a deep level, (and I'm not done yet - I hope, haha!). I'm so pleased you enjoyed my poem! I see you have a horse for your avatar - I love horses, and I sometimes do work for a very rich man who owns some of the finest stables in the world (Godolphin) and the original Arabian bloodline - just amazing and beautiful creatures! Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

Line Gauthier May 4, 2018 at 7:22 PM A beautiful image, Gregory, of interpreted loneliness and longing for the perfect mate. Congrats on your podium finish. Gregory Richard Barden May 6, 2018 at 4:11 PM Many thanks to you, Line, I greatly appreciate it! :-)

Susan Gentry May 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM Congratulations on your win with this peaceful expression of the beauty of solitude. You brought back great memories of early mornings of the lake, not on. :) Gregory Richard Barden May 6, 2018 at 4:11 PM That's so kind of you, Susan, thank you so very much! I grew up on the lake, (year-round), and we always spent summers there after moving, so many of my best memories include it. I am also about a half-hour from the mountains and the ocean, so I have the best of both worlds, (I just don't care for the cold anymore). Blessings! :-) <3

Curtis Moorman May 4, 2018 at 10:50 AM Greg, we are only allowed 500 typewritten characters to say congratulations. I could use all of them and more to tell you how marvelous your poem is and how serene it made me feel just reading it. Thank you for using the exquisite talent God has given you that so richly blesses others. Gregory Richard Barden May 6, 2018 at 4:08 PM This is such a wonderful comment, Curtis, and it means a great deal to me ... thank you SO much for taking the time and commenting from your heart! Blessings always, my friend! :-)

Line Gauthier April 9, 2018 at 2:12 PM A very worthy gold medal winner, Gregory. Awesome poem. Gregory Richard Barden April 11, 2018 at 1:09 AM Very kind of you, Line - thank you muchly! :-) <3

Pashang Salehi March 15, 2018 at 2:03 AM Now I know why got the first place in ranking. The subject is great, but you picked a very difficult style (Rubai) and masterfully expressed it. Gregory Richard Barden May 6, 2018 at 4:06 PM Thank you, my friend! :-) Pashang Salehi March 15, 2018 at 9:33 AM You are welcome.... very nice job, I read it again. Gregory Richard Barden March 15, 2018 at 2:47 AM That is very kind of you, Pashang, and I so appreciate the wonderful comments! This one is very special to me. Blessings and thanks to you!

Reason A. Poteet February 19, 2018 at 7:34 AM Captivating rhyme, a relaxing piece. Kudos to the poet, Greg and his inspiration, the sun and swan. Gregory Richard Barden February 21, 2018 at 11:54 PM Thanks so much, RAP, I greatly appreciate it ... so pleased you enjoyed it! :-)

Subimal Sinha-Roy February 19, 2018 at 2:47 AM Congratulations, Greg on your great win. Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:50 AM Thank you, Subimal.

Sandra Haight February 18, 2018 at 5:35 PM Gregory, back to congratulate you again for another fine win for your lovely, touching poem! Sandra :) Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:25 AM I'm pleased you enjoyed this one, Sandra, and I so appreciate the kind words! Blessings and many thanks to you, My Friend! :-) <3

Laura Leiser February 18, 2018 at 4:06 PM Congrats on your fine poem win, Gregory :) Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:24 AM Thank you very much, Laura, I'm pleased you enjoyed it ... I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Blessings! :-) <3

Susan Ashley February 18, 2018 at 3:33 PM Returning with congrats Gregory on your wonderful win with your beautiful and soulful poem. ~Susan Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:23 AM That's so nice of you, Susan ... many kind thank yous to you, Dear Friend! :-) <3

Judith S February 18, 2018 at 12:51 PM Congratulations Greg on your win here! A very beautiful write! ~Judy Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:22 AM That's very kind of you, Judy, and I'm very thankful for your comments! Blessings, Friend! :-) <3

Anne-Lise Andresen February 18, 2018 at 12:22 PM - A piece of art from nature and your pen ... - Congratulations on this beautiful poem, Greg :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:22 AM Blessings, Anne-Lise, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much! :-) <3

Pandita Sietesantos February 18, 2018 at 12:05 PM A most magnificent write, dear Greg! No surprise that it is a first class winner! Congratulations to you on a well-deserved great win! Hugs and a round of applause! Pandita Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:21 AM Thank you so very much, Pandita, that's very sweet of you ... I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, my friend! :-)

Silent One February 18, 2018 at 11:45 AM Very deep, just a shame it as an older one.. congratulations on your first place in the contest.. Gregory Richard Barden February 19, 2018 at 2:20 AM Thank you for the kind encouragement ... I greatly appreciate it! Beautiful photos by your daughter ... talent there! Silent One February 19, 2018 at 2:10 AM You are a very talented poet, yoy were not the only one whp entered an old one.. I feel you could have also written a winner with the actual photos... Gregory Richard Barden February 18, 2018 at 9:25 PM Thank you, S1 - it was incomplete and uninspired in its previous existence, I feel. I apologize if I have erred ... seems to be a pattern for me of late, (perhaps time for a break). I am honored and humbled by the placement.

John Hamilton December 18, 2017 at 7:08 PM Re-read this beauty and I have to fave this Greg, it is really a stunning write! Gregory Richard Barden December 20, 2017 at 7:20 AM Thank you so much, John, I greatly appreciate the kindness, friend! :-)

John Hamilton November 28, 2017 at 9:05 PM Wonderful write, say a prayer for yourself too she is out there, believe it! Great rhymes and congrats on another well deserved win! Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:41 PM I believe it, John, it's just FINDING her that's such a long shot. I have found two soul-mates in life and lost them, so I have been blessed, (and I know there are more), and if it's the will of God or the fates, then it will happen! Blessings, brother! :-)

Judith S November 27, 2017 at 12:26 AM Very beautiful, emotion stirring write! I so enjoy reading your work. Congratulations on your first place win Greg!! Best, Judy Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:39 PM Thank you so VERY much, Judy, your opinion means a lot to me - blessings and peace to you, Dear friend! <3

Sandra Haight November 26, 2017 at 8:01 AM Such a well-written poem, Gregory, so touching and full of hopeful imagery. Congratulations on your fine placement. Sandra Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:38 PM That's very sweet of you, Sandra - thank you so much, my friend, and blessings to you! :-) <3

Constance La France November 26, 2017 at 7:18 AM Greg, your poem is just so beautiful and it touched my soul deeply, congratulations on your win in my contest ! Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:38 PM Thank you so very much, Constance, I am honored and humbled that you found my poem worthy - this made my day! Blessings to you, friend! :-) <3

Viv Wigley November 26, 2017 at 1:28 AM This is terrific, Greg, beautiful and wistful. Congrats on your first place, a worthy win. Regards, Viv Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:37 PM Very kind of you, Viv, thanks so much! :-)

Susan Ashley November 25, 2017 at 9:30 PM Gorgeous imagery and content Gregory. Congratulations on your first place win with your beautifully stirring soulful write on silent commiseration.. Warmest wishes my friend! Gregory Richard Barden November 29, 2017 at 2:36 PM Thank you so very much, Susan, I SO appreciate those wonderful comments! Blessings to you! :-) <3

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