Notes About The Poem

(Entry for the Pondering the Pavement Poetry Contest, sponsor: John Lawless, submitted October 19, 2025)

Pondering the Pavement - POTD

The freeze-thaw, freeze-thaw
of Newfoundland winters
plays havoc with the pavement.
Cracks become divots.
Divots become potholes.
Potholes become trenches.
Trenches become craters.
Exaggeration? No, not really!

And what lies buried beneath?
A treasure trove of history and mystery
rarely, if ever, to be uncovered.
The past in the past in the past...
in the present.
We stand on the shoulders 
of all those who came before
until, one day,
we become a part of before.

Pause for thought.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
August 29, 2026 at 12:48 AM
I enjoyed this poem of yours. Noticing it got. POTD. Big congrats, Jim
Healey Avatar
August 29, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Thank you, Andrea.
George Avatar
October 23, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Definitely we will become a part of the past. Before that we should know what our forefathers have bequeathed to us as we now stand on their shoulders. Great thoughts. Congratulations Jim on your POTD honor.
Healey Avatar
October 23, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it. Cheers from Canada. Jim
Nicole Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 1:02 PM
We don't give much thought to, ' what lies buried beneath ' those ' cracks ' and ' trenches. ' You're right Jim, it's a mystery indeed. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Brandy, thank you very much. So glad you enjoyed the poem and thank you for reaching out. I always enjoy hearing from you. Take care. Warmest regards. Jim
Rodgers Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Hello Jim congrats on POTD. You start with pavement and end with legacy and somehow it all fits. That line “the past in the past in the past... in the present” really stuck with me. You cracked open time the way winter cracks the road. Autumn Blessings, Jim, Daniel
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Thank you, sir. Always a pleasure to hear from you and to read your articulate comments. Take care. Jim
Goldsmith Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your write. Have a wonderful day writing away with your win..............
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Thank you, Paula. Glad you enjoyed. Kind regards, Jim
Rodrigues Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Oh yes, definitely a pause for thought! Congrats on POTD!
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Thank you, Kim. Glad you enjoyed. Take care. Jim
Cunningham Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 4:28 AM
An enjoyable read Jim, a stark reminder winter is coming lol. Congratulations to you on the honour of POTD. Tom
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Thank you, Tom. It was a pleasant surprise when I found out! Take care. Jim
Andresen Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 4:10 AM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Jim :) - Great written :) - hugs
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Thank you, Anne-Lise. So glad you enjoyed. Kind regards. Jim
Etgen-Baker Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 4:09 AM
magnificent! a fabulous contest contender as well...congrats on your POTD designation
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Thank you, Sara. I'm very pleased and surprised! Always appreciate your kind words. Take care. Jim
Kitchin Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Jim, a great poem. Congratulations on POTD.
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Thank you, Tania. As always, I appreciate your kind words. Take care. Jim
Mcintosh Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Congratulations of POTD. God bless you and I loved your poem. Love, Gina
Healey Avatar
October 21, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Thank you, Gina. I appreciate it. Take care. Jim
Dietrich Avatar
October 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Outstanding. My fave for the day
Healey Avatar
October 19, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Thank you, Andrea. I appreciate it. Jim
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