Our Better Angels

This or That, Vol 35 Poetry Contest//Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh 
( 2nd Place )

Written: August 03, 2025


Though it is not in our power to make
sorrow no sorrow, 
yet it is in our power to take it...

He may have been tough on the outside,
judged by what he looked like,
But deep down he was gold-hearted 
and went beyond lending a helping hand.

Their stirring moments still and small,
speak loudest when pride 
would rather see us fall.
They name the silence where grief resides,
but when love steps forward, 
it has nothing to hide.

Love is a central theme, prayer 
has no timeframe-
An endless act in the darkness of silence!
And the reliance that a spirit of goodwill  
picturesque arises,
Let the angel rise above shadowed humanity.

The paradise from within,
'Though strained by you and cannot be seen,
In despair, a wanderer offered a prayer
In the hush of twilight in the 
stillness of darkness.

In the veil between each pulse's cries,
Where shadows fall and sorrow lies,
A whisper rises, soft and low—
A voice that bids the soul to grow.

So when the world gets strange and intense,
I'll seek those "angels", not from above,
But in each act of human love!
The untold story in life unfolds.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025


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Date: 8/10/2025 2:13:00 AM
Congratulations, dear poet, on taking a high placement in this contest, with lyrics rich and profound, expressing deep erudition and rubicund eloquence in halls of choice.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/10/2025 3:04:00 AM
Thank you so much! Congratulations too!
Date: 8/10/2025 1:18:00 AM
Congratulations poet friend on your win in this contest with a lovely poem on the need and feel of human love. It is so important in this world becoming increasingly divided between "haves" and haves not", oppressors and oppressed....Wishing you a cheerful day.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/10/2025 3:00:00 AM
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words! I truly appreciate your warm congratulations. Yes, love and compassion are what we need most to bridge divides and bring healing to our world. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful day as well! Congratulations too!
Date: 8/9/2025 8:15:00 PM
Hi Rowena, back to your lovely poem with Congratulations on your great win in Edward's contest.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/10/2025 2:56:00 AM
Thank you Valsa, and Congratulations too!
Date: 8/5/2025 7:42:00 PM
Yes, yes, I found what I came back to have more of; this poem is dynamic on the tongue and emotive in the heart while pleasing the brain with its construction and roll. The poem is the whole package, Rowena! Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/5/2025 10:07:00 PM
Your kindness and presence here are always a gift. Poetry hugs back, always!
Date: 8/5/2025 5:17:00 AM
There’s something quietly powerful in your poem Rowena—like a soft voice in a noisy world reminding us where real strength lies. I love how it touches on grief, kindness, and the beauty of everyday love without forcing it. The lines move like a slow breath, inviting stillness and reflection. I hope you can find the time to check out my last video that a friend created for me, really powerful. ...Hugs
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/5/2025 5:26:00 AM
Aw, thank you so much. I’ll definitely check out your video, sounds like something special. Big hugs back!
Date: 8/4/2025 5:21:00 AM
Jesus showed the way. It's up to us to imitate his example of kindness, compassion, love. Praying for a desperate soul in need is certainly one way. I love your poem Rowena. Check out Maria Williams latest it has a similar theme
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/4/2025 5:29:00 AM
Thank you so muchI’ll definitely check out Maria Williams’ latest piece. Grateful we can share and uplift each other through poetry and faith.
Date: 8/4/2025 1:45:00 AM
A great entry for the contest. I really liked that final verse.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/4/2025 5:27:00 AM
Thank you so much!
Date: 8/4/2025 12:47:00 AM
How beautifully poetic and uplifting your poem is Rowena….it truly touches the soul! Just lovely….Debx
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/4/2025 5:26:00 AM
Thank you so much, Deb!Wishing you a day filled with gentle light and inspiration!
Date: 8/3/2025 10:59:00 PM
"In the veil between each pulse's cries, Where shadows fall and sorrow lies, A whisper rises, soft and low— A voice that bids the soul to grow." -- Very beautiful! It's all already inside of us...everything we need, every place humanity has been, along with the infinity we grow into. We just need to push the right conscious buttons. Well done, Rowena. Your angel guided your pen perfectly.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/4/2025 12:14:00 AM
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words. Sometimes all we need is that quiet reminder—it’s already in us.
Velasco Avatar
Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/4/2025 12:13:00 AM
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your kind words. Sometimes all we need is that quiet reminder—it’s already in us.
Date: 8/3/2025 8:39:00 PM
"In the veil between each pulse's cries, Where shadows fall and sorrow lies, A whisper rises, soft and low— A voice that bids the soul to grow." Love this stanza. So poetic, dear Rowena. Angels are there within us also. They guide us and give us inner strength in our pain, besides the angels whom we meet in everyday life. Also the angels of Heaven, God's blessed crew. It is the angels within us who persuade us to do every act of human love. An uplifting thought.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:45:00 PM
Thank you so much! I really believe those inner angels help push us toward kindness, even when things are tough. I’m glad the lines spoke to you—your words lifted my day!
Date: 8/3/2025 8:04:00 PM
Interesting 'angle on angels' there, Rowena. Perhaps we project above what we feel exists inside us. Peace, Gershon
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:30:00 PM
Thanks so much, Gershon. I think you're right—sometimes what we see or seek above mirrors what we're carrying (or missing) within. Appreciate your insight, as always. Peace to you too
Date: 8/3/2025 5:11:00 PM
we each can invoke our internal angels at any time....our choice. We've all also encountered those angels among us, those who spread love through thought, word, and deed. This poem is exquisite. Have you ever read any of Guideposts stories that appear in one of its publications, Angels on Earth? I subscribe and enjoy the uplifting, loving, and Godly reads....have a great week, hugs, Sara
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Bill Baker
Date: 8/4/2025 10:33:00 PM
Sara has stores published in many of the Guidepost magazines. You'll like her stories. Bill
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:29:00 PM
Thank you, Sara! I love what you said about invoking our internal angels—so true, it’s always a choice. I haven’t read Angels on Earth yet, but it sounds like something I’d truly enjoy. I’ll be sure to check it out. Wishing you a blessed week as well. Hugs back to you!
Date: 8/3/2025 1:28:00 PM
I believe we carry angels within us, that is why we are capable of lighting someone elses lamp, when they need it most, thanks for this very special write Rowena
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:28:00 PM
Thank you so much for this beautiful thought. I truly believe that too—we’re each called to be a light in someone’s darkest hour. Grateful that the piece resonated with you.
Date: 8/3/2025 12:56:00 PM
In the veil between each pulse's cries, Where shadows fall and sorrow lies, A whisper rises, soft and low— A voice that bids the soul to grow. Absolutely stunning. I really love this. You are a true poet. Beautiful work. Thanks Gabby. Xx
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:27:00 PM
Thank you so much, Gabby!Sending love and light your way.
Date: 8/3/2025 11:40:00 AM
Lovely writing, Rowena. The end I love.
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 8:25:00 PM
Thank you Paige!
Date: 8/3/2025 10:31:00 AM
Wonderful ending. I also love the line, "They name the silence where grief resides."
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 11:04:00 AM
Thank you so much! That line came from a very real place, so it means a lot that it stood out to you. I'm grateful for your thoughtful reading.
Date: 8/3/2025 10:20:00 AM
- A wonderful poem, Rowena ... I especially love how you end with the last verses... best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 11:03:00 AM
Thank you so much Anne! Appreciate the kind wishes and hugs right back to you
Date: 8/3/2025 9:45:00 AM
Lovely words...stirs the Soul and reinforces our belief in our fellow man. Excellent stuff, Rowena - reinvigorating! :) john
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Rowena Velasco
Date: 8/3/2025 11:02:00 AM
Thanks a lot, John! I really appreciate your kind words.
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