Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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Opaque

I lived ... once
I loved and laughed and ached from my marrow
I spoke my soul, and spun my mind to my innervation and impulse
Swam up spirits to the source of their dreams and passions

I moved and breathed and thrived
Slept and soared and savored the tang of carnality
Counted my chaos, and measured my occupations with desire
I danced with angels, dazzled and dark and unearthly

And I sang to the heavens in their wildest weeping
With a voice of callow intonation ... and melodious temper
ALL with a child's heart, and a saint's assumption
Yes, I lived ... once

Full and bright and joyous as a midday meadow
Yet, in the midst of a moment's suffering
A soft, stinging moment of false hope and agony
I pressed, tender, the lips of a curse ...

One deep, warm, melting kiss of a temptress
That turned to a coursing ... of poison
"You will write with such feeling," she whispered, eyes smiling
As the glass between us fogged with her bitter breath

A painted fingertip, shaped and pressed
Tracing my doom in the opaque mist
Oh, vile brutality - to gift me this insight and creativity
Only to shake it ALL from my grasp ...

And turn me ... to dust.





~ 10th Place ~  in the "Opaque" Poetry Contest, Anthony Slausin, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © Gregory Richard Barden | Year Posted 2019

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Na Na Date: 11/29/2019 12:01:00 AM Congrats on your winning poem Greg Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/28/2019 9:05:00 AM Beautiful writing, my friend. Congrats on Anthony's winners' list. This is so creative! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 11/28/2019 9:07:00 AM Thank you so much, Andrea - much appreciated.

John Hamilton Date: 8/14/2019 9:30:00 AM Callow intonation...melodious temper, my, my, you are the master of word choices, how do you keep finding these gems, feels like inspiration to me! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/1/2019 6:39:00 PM Thank you so very much, John, I'm happy that you enjoyed this one ... blessings to you, Dear Friend! :o)

Robert Lindley Date: 8/13/2019 9:13:00 PM Great poetry my friend. Yes, the curse and its unfathomable appearance merely reflects the insidious darkness that dwells in humanity..... I that have ate of its accursed heart* Wandered blindly in its dusty plains* Found a true light to this wisdom impart* Little of worth comes without sacrifice pains*...... A fav-- a fre verse gem you have given us.. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/1/2019 6:38:00 PM Oh, what a gorgeous and heartfelt comment, Sir Robert - I love this little verse that encapsulates! Blessings and kind thanks to you, Brother! :o)

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 8/13/2019 2:54:00 PM The impassioned heart suffers much. Another poem of depth to enjoy and contemplate Greg. I loved your ending! xxoo Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/1/2019 6:37:00 PM Thank you so very much, Connie, I'm pleased you liked this one! Blessings, Dear Poet! :o) <3

Sunlite Wanter Date: 8/13/2019 9:54:00 AM How do you do it? I am enamored. A fav for me. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/1/2019 6:35:00 PM Oh, many kind thanks to you, Sunlite, this means a lot to me, Friend! :o) <3

Kim Merryman Date: 8/13/2019 9:23:00 AM Powerful images and smooth flowing words! Your poem is excellent, Greg! Blessings, Kim Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 10/1/2019 6:35:00 PM Thank you so much, Kim - blessings to you! :o) <3