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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

Copyright © Paul Callus | Year Posted 2019

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Angela Crabtree Date: 11/17/2020 1:50:00 PM A sad poem written well. Almost sounds like a bad dream or nightmare. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/19/2020 5:24:00 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 Date: 12/16/2019 11:47:00 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. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/17/2019 1:28:00 PM Thank you for the kind and insightful comments, Anil. Regards // paul

Rhoda Tripp Date: 12/10/2019 10:55:00 PM Heartbreaking, but definitely a winner. Great job, my creative friend. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/11/2019 1:19:00 PM You are too kind, Rhoda!! Thank you. Warm regards // paul

Na Na Date: 12/7/2019 5:40:00 PM Congrats on your winning poem Paul Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/8/2019 1:26:00 PM Thank you, Gregory. Regards // paul

John Hamilton Date: 12/7/2019 1:46:00 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! Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/8/2019 1:26:00 PM Thank you, John. So pleased with my podium finish. Regards // paul

Kelly Deschler Date: 12/6/2019 8:30:00 PM Simply heartbreaking... I can truly relate to this beautifully written and emotive poem... Very, very good work Paul. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/8/2019 1:28:00 PM Thank you so much, Kelly. A pleasure to have you stopping by. Warm regards // paul

Aqua Marine Date: 12/1/2019 3:02:00 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. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 12/2/2019 2:53:00 PM Thank you, Aqua. Your insightful feedback and critique are most welcome. ~ Warm regards // paul

Brenda Chiri Date: 11/26/2019 12:10:00 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!;) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/26/2019 7:09:00 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 Date: 11/23/2019 7:13:00 PM A powerful poem relating to hurt. Brilliant writing, Paul. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/24/2019 6:07:00 AM Thank you so much, Franci. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul

Daniel Schack Date: 11/23/2019 4:19:00 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. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/23/2019 5:34:00 PM Thank you for the feedback, Daniel. Happy holidays to you and yours! // paul

Lindsay Laurie Date: 11/20/2019 6:13:00 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 Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/21/2019 2:55:00 PM Thank you, Lindsay. Your visits are most welcome. Regards // paul

Johnson Vdev Date: 11/19/2019 9:54:00 AM Very deep hurt. We all have our helpless angry time but this is very well expressed ...inspiring many.. great show of convincing write. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/21/2019 2:53:00 PM I truly like your positive feedback....thank you. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Regards // paul

Robert Lindley Date: 11/18/2019 7:11:00 AM You my friend have penned a powerful poem that seeps into the reader s soul. And stirs much deeper thoughts. Afav.. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/21/2019 2:42:00 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 Date: 11/17/2019 2:02:00 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 Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/21/2019 2:41:00 PM Thank you, Connie...your comments and faith in this poem are truly appreciated. Warm regards // paul

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 11/12/2019 12:35:00 PM 'Dejected....rejected....hurting are powerful words and display deep emotions - a well crafted sad poem dear friend! Warm regards, and hugs, Jenny. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 3:38:00 PM As I just told Richard, the song provided ample inspiration. Thank you for reading and liking. Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Quoth Theraven Date: 11/8/2019 11:35:00 PM Paul, Nice catalog of restrained faceless longing. It too will depart. -Richard Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 3:36:00 PM The 'Pale Shelter' song has been most inspiring, Richard; thank you for your pleasant visit. Regards // paul

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 11/8/2019 12:44:00 PM Hello Callius, we all hurt from rejection. Have a nice day my friend. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 1:53:00 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 Date: 11/8/2019 9:19:00 AM Lovely and exceptional write. Enjoyed reading it. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 1:28:00 PM Thank you, Ravi. Pleased to see you active again. Regards // paul

Regina Mcintosh Date: 11/8/2019 6:34:00 AM Exceptional write. Bless you, Gina Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 1:19:00 PM Pleased you like it, Regina; thank you. Regards // paul

Ann Foster Date: 11/7/2019 11:12:00 PM Wow. Packed full of raw emotions, harnessed by expert hands. Ann Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 5:13:00 AM Thank you for your generous comments, Ann. A pleasure to have you stopping by. Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit Date: 11/7/2019 6:54:00 PM Apt for the theme..emotions so splendidly expressed..sad ending.. excellent write, Paul. My very best. Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/12/2019 4:48:00 AM Your concise comments are appreciated, Vijay; you clearly comprehend the salient points of this poem. Regards // paul

Panagiota Romios Date: 11/7/2019 6:16:00 PM I want give you a BIG HUG! Love, Panagiota )) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/8/2019 5:31:00 PM Thank you Panagiota! Your generosity is appreciated :) Warm regards // paul

Heidi Sands Date: 11/7/2019 5:15:00 PM Wow, I can feel this. So well written! :) Login to Reply Paul Callus Date: 11/7/2019 5:47:00 PM Thank you, Heidi....both for the lovely comments and being the first visitor :) Regards // paul