Paul Callus Poet Free verse

Pale Shelter

Dangling from fragile threads 
soaked in suppressed emotions
I weigh my limited options
as flashes from the past flicker 
behind a barrier of uncertainty. 
In swirling mist I see your hazy 
expressionless face. I call out,
my voice cracking under the 
strain of persistent instability.
Scornfully stonewalling me
you turn and walk away, while 
suspended in the throes of time, 
I hesitate, then stop in my tracks
dejected…rejected…hurting...

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A Pale Shelter Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John Hamilton
          Placed 2nd
© 7th November 2019

Published in:
PS: It’s Still Poetry Volume II ~ (1 Jan. 2022)
ISBN-13:? 979-8793344418

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Angela Crabtree November 17, 2020 at 1:50 PM A sad poem written well. Almost sounds like a bad dream or nightmare. Paul Callus November 19, 2020 at 5:24 AM Thank you for the visit, Angela. The theme of this contest inspired these lines which may sound personal but are completely fictitious. Regards // paul

Anil Deo December 16, 2019 at 11:47 PM In your deepest self, you have OVERCOME. "What does not kill us, makes us stronger" for Kingdom work. U have a sensitive, compassionate side that touches those near & dear. It is one definition of Kingdom life, holy work. The poem, of course, is powerful. Emotive. Paul Callus December 17, 2019 at 1:28 PM Thank you for the kind and insightful comments, Anil. Regards // paul

Rhoda Tripp December 10, 2019 at 10:55 PM Heartbreaking, but definitely a winner. Great job, my creative friend. Paul Callus December 11, 2019 at 1:19 PM You are too kind, Rhoda!! Thank you. Warm regards // paul

Na Na December 7, 2019 at 5:40 PM Congrats on your winning poem Paul Paul Callus December 8, 2019 at 1:26 PM Thank you, Gregory. Regards // paul

John Hamilton December 7, 2019 at 1:46 PM I love the way you put this together Paul, a write only one could accomplish because of experiencing heartbreak. Congrats on a fine win! Paul Callus December 8, 2019 at 1:26 PM Thank you, John. So pleased with my podium finish. Regards // paul

Kelly Deschler December 6, 2019 at 8:30 PM Simply heartbreaking... I can truly relate to this beautifully written and emotive poem... Very, very good work Paul. Paul Callus December 8, 2019 at 1:28 PM Thank you so much, Kelly. A pleasure to have you stopping by. Warm regards // paul

Aqua Marine December 1, 2019 at 3:02 AM Sensitive, vulnerable expressions - we want so much to be accepted, and the helplessness that comes with rejection is felt on reading. The way you have laid out your thoughts- punctuation, last stanza, adds emphasis to thoughts freely expressed. Warm regards, Aqua M. Paul Callus December 2, 2019 at 2:53 PM Thank you, Aqua. Your insightful feedback and critique are most welcome. ~ Warm regards // paul

Brenda Chiri November 26, 2019 at 12:10 AM Oh wow this was really good Paul! Lol I tried to write something for the contest but got stuck! You do really well!;) good luck it is a winner in my eyes!;) Paul Callus November 26, 2019 at 7:09 AM Many thanks, Brenda. Not long ago I commented on one of your poems and said more or less the same words as yours:) Have a lovely day. // paul

Franci Hoffman November 23, 2019 at 7:13 PM A powerful poem relating to hurt. Brilliant writing, Paul. Paul Callus November 24, 2019 at 6:07 AM Thank you so much, Franci. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul

Daniel Schack November 23, 2019 at 4:19 PM this poems feels like much of my experiences. not the good ones. good one. thanks for comment. enjoy/comment on more of mine, if possible. happy holidays regardless. Paul Callus November 23, 2019 at 5:34 PM Thank you for the feedback, Daniel. Happy holidays to you and yours! // paul

Lindsay Laurie November 20, 2019 at 6:13 PM Hello Paul … a fine verse indeed Paul. The hurt of loss love makes us wish we could go back in time - thanks Paul - Lindsay Paul Callus November 21, 2019 at 2:55 PM Thank you, Lindsay. Your visits are most welcome. Regards // paul

Johnson Vdev November 19, 2019 at 9:54 AM Very deep hurt. We all have our helpless angry time but this is very well expressed ...inspiring many.. great show of convincing write. Paul Callus November 21, 2019 at 2:53 PM I truly like your positive feedback....thank you. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul

Robert Lindley November 18, 2019 at 7:11 AM You my friend have penned a powerful poem that seeps into the reader s soul. And stirs much deeper thoughts. Afav.. Paul Callus November 21, 2019 at 2:42 PM Thank you so very much Robert. Your words are a source of sincere encouragement...so is the fav! Best regards, my friend. // paul

Connie Marcum Wong November 17, 2019 at 2:02 AM I feel sure I will see this amazing poem at the top of John's list Paul. It is outstanding! Have a great weekend my friend! xxoo Paul Callus November 21, 2019 at 2:41 PM Thank you, Connie...your comments and faith in this poem are truly appreciated. Warm regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos November 12, 2019 at 12:35 PM 'Dejected....rejected....hurting are powerful words and display deep emotions - a well crafted sad poem dear friend! Warm regards, and hugs, Jenny. Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 3:38 PM As I just told Richard, the song provided ample inspiration. Thank you for reading and liking. Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Quoth Theraven November 8, 2019 at 11:35 PM Paul, Nice catalog of restrained faceless longing. It too will depart. -Richard Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 3:36 PM The 'Pale Shelter' song has been most inspiring, Richard; thank you for your pleasant visit. Regards // paul

Darlene De Beaulieu November 8, 2019 at 12:44 PM Hello Callius, we all hurt from rejection. Have a nice day my friend. Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 1:53 PM Thank you, Darlene.It's worth keeping in mind that nice things are rejected by people who can't afford them :) Regards // paul

Ravi Sathasivam November 8, 2019 at 9:19 AM Lovely and exceptional write. Enjoyed reading it. Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 1:28 PM Thank you, Ravi. Pleased to see you active again. Regards // paul

Regina Mcintosh November 8, 2019 at 6:34 AM Exceptional write. Bless you, Gina Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 1:19 PM Pleased you like it, Regina; thank you. Regards // paul

Ann Foster November 7, 2019 at 11:12 PM Wow. Packed full of raw emotions, harnessed by expert hands. Ann Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 5:13 AM Thank you for your generous comments, Ann. A pleasure to have you stopping by. Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit November 7, 2019 at 6:54 PM Apt for the theme..emotions so splendidly expressed..sad ending.. excellent write, Paul. My very best. Paul Callus November 12, 2019 at 4:48 AM Your concise comments are appreciated, Vijay; you clearly comprehend the salient points of this poem. Regards // paul

Panagiota Romios November 7, 2019 at 6:16 PM I want give you a BIG HUG! Love, Panagiota )) Paul Callus November 8, 2019 at 5:31 PM Thank you Panagiota! Your generosity is appreciated :) Warm regards // paul

Heidi Sands November 7, 2019 at 5:15 PM Wow, I can feel this. So well written! :) Paul Callus November 7, 2019 at 5:47 PM Thank you, Heidi....both for the lovely comments and being the first visitor :) Regards // paul