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Overtaken

You overtake - every corner of comfort, energy, rest, complacency I don't want to have to be grateful For each simple smile, each ordinary sunset Because I don't want to see the finish line I want the luxury of being Frustrated, grouchy, impatient, annoyed I don't want to have to swallow my words, Face, feelings - to toe the balance between Being his support, without being his crutch I don't want to have to relieve The pity on my friends' faces I don't want to have to wonder Whether we will have our silver anniversary I don't want to have to count my blessings I don't want to have to hear pithy platitudes On hope and miracles and beating the odds You are not a friend You are not a gift Your are not a strength You are a predator, stalking me Into the contaminated shadows Of wait and see. 6/21/19 For 'The Topic of Cancer' contest Placed 4th

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 8/31/2020 11:05:00 PM
Hi Michelle, I was remiss to take so long to read this gem that you recommended over a week ago. The tone of the poem; speaking to cancer as a personal foe, is one many (myself included) can relate to, whether fighting it or caring for the one fighting it. "To toe the balance between being his support, without being his crutch"... what a challenging balance to strike. Your last stanza of "a predator stalking me into contaminated shadows" is particularly powerful. Remarkable writing (yet again).
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Date: 4/21/2020 9:35:00 PM
Hi Michelle, Re-reading this powerful gem, from my favourites list, from last year..Hope you are keeping well,,Please stay safe..Harry
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 4/21/2020 11:49:00 PM
So pleased that you are re reading this - I will need to go take another look at some of mine - you take care, too-
Date: 6/29/2019 9:31:00 PM
Congratulations on your win, my friend.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 7/15/2019 10:32:00 PM
Thanks, Caren!
Date: 6/25/2019 6:06:00 PM
This is so true of that disease; I lost a sister to it a few years ago; she suffered for 7 years before passing. It's horrible the suffering it creates. Well penned and powerful to read.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/25/2019 9:12:00 PM
I am so sorry about your sister; my sincere condolences, ML.
Date: 6/24/2019 10:58:00 AM
Very touching poem Michelle a worthy winner!
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/25/2019 9:13:00 PM
Thank you very much, John!
Date: 6/24/2019 7:21:00 AM
extremely deep poetry, yet so strong, no one to take you without a fight... love every word.. to my fav.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/25/2019 9:14:00 PM
Thank you, Harry, I am flattered!
Date: 6/23/2019 9:42:00 PM
Michelle you nailed this. just wow. thank you for this write. A Fav for me.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/25/2019 9:07:00 PM
Much appreciated, thank you, PS.
Date: 6/23/2019 7:47:00 PM
Michelle, this is the write that touched me more than all others because it truly speaks to all the emotions surrounding self and friends and family. The only reason I placed some ahead was strictly artistic interpretation - I LOVE this poem.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/24/2019 6:01:00 PM
I am honored by the placement and your generous comments, thank you, craig!
Date: 6/23/2019 7:27:00 PM
The raw emotion comes through clearly, Michelle. Well done. Congrats on your well deserved win.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/25/2019 9:06:00 PM
Thank you so much, Line.
Date: 6/23/2019 7:05:00 AM
Are you related to William? That sure sounds like a frustrated poem full of frantic fear.
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/23/2019 6:13:00 PM
I am flattered (and no, no relation) thanks for your comment, James.
Date: 6/22/2019 10:48:00 PM
no one crosses the line unless the person allows it.. empowering read filled with a strong sense of the self, michelle... huggs
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/23/2019 6:11:00 PM
This is about dealing with a loved one's cancer, but thank you for your comment, nette.
Date: 6/22/2019 12:16:00 PM
Very powerful poem Michelle. I can interpret it as someone controlled, stifled, unable to be one's self , stuck in fear. But this is a well written deep poem for reading :)
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/23/2019 6:08:00 PM
I didn't specify it at first, but it was for The Topic of Cancer contest, maybe that would have made it easier to understand.
Date: 6/22/2019 8:31:00 AM
I'm overtaken...very heartfelt my friend...great verse Michelle...^WW^
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/23/2019 6:06:00 PM
Thank you for your comment, much appreciated-
Date: 6/21/2019 5:06:00 PM
Michelle, after reading this several times and reflecting upon it, my only thought is this: Let me walk a mile in her (Michelle's) shoes, go through what's she's going through, feel what she's feeling. Words are merely weak curtains, shielding passions. ~ Heart and soul extended, Gershon
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Michelle Faulkner
Date: 6/21/2019 5:22:00 PM
I greatly appreciate your kind words - at its core, this is really about fear-

Book: Reflection on the Important Things