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Image result for footprints

* In loving and fond memory of Ernest Hemingway *

Oh, how erred the impressions of a life can be ... we humans, with our lofty views of acumen, pride ourselves on distinguishing a creature's habits by merely appraising its footmarks in the sand. And yet we fail to estimate the full relevance of the imprints WE leave behind, and what may be assumed by them, right or wrong or indifferent. Looking back, I try to focus on a pattern - My prints in the muck ... the only true wisdom gleaned from an irreverent, sullied journey, is this: such an existence, while oft' feigning the emblems Of mystery, adventure, and passion - while sometimes gaining a wisdom of the dark that only a burning ardor for the eventide can accord - and while flesh and marrow may come to savor the sublime anguish of extremes - Such a life is NOT romantic, or charming, or even enviable ... whatever bleeding typewriters may say to the contrary. ~ Honorable Mention ~ in the "Strand Select K Any Form Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017




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Date: 10/16/2017 6:22:00 PM
I do remember the type writer a lot of students learned to type on it. Now it is only a antique piece. have a nice evening my friend.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/16/2017 7:59:00 PM
I never learned to type as my prep school didn't have a typing class, so I still use just two fingers, (though I'm VERY fast with those two fingers, lol), but when I was young all we had was mechanical typewriters, so that's what I learned on. I remember what a big deal it was when we got an electric typewriter - we thought that was so awesome, lol! Blessings, friend - and thank you! <3
Date: 10/14/2017 5:28:00 AM
A very thought-provoking piece, Greg, with some great imagery. Kind regards, John.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/14/2017 5:52:00 AM
Blessings and thanks to you, John, I greatly appreciate it!
Date: 10/12/2017 8:24:00 PM
A very interesting take on the life we see as one of adventure or mystery! Yes, probably living an ordinary comfortable life is the best. I sure think so!!! Great work AND vocabulary!!
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/14/2017 12:16:00 AM
Thank you so very much, Andrea, I'm pleased you enjoyed my poem! :-)
Date: 10/11/2017 7:19:00 AM
Indeed a creative tribute, Gregory. But most of all it makes us stop and think about life in general. Best regards // paul
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/11/2017 9:17:00 AM
Thank you so much, Paul, I'm very pleased you enjoyed it! Blessings, friend! :-)
Date: 10/10/2017 11:59:00 PM
I love this tribute poem! The image really provides context as well. Love, Juli-Michelle
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/11/2017 12:23:00 AM
Very kind of you to say so, Juli-Michelle - I'm honored that you enjoyed my poem - many thanks! :-) <3
Date: 10/10/2017 7:37:00 PM
Intense awesome write Gregory; good luck in the contest! Blessings~Che :)
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/11/2017 12:21:00 AM
Thank you so much, Cheryl - so pleased you enjoyed it! :-) <3
Date: 10/10/2017 12:54:00 PM
A deep brooding piece Greg, stirring.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:08:00 PM
Thank you, Maureen - blessings, friend! :-) <3
Date: 10/10/2017 9:13:00 AM
I was nodding my head in agreement as I read this thought-provoking character sketch of human nature. Why do people look for the worst--and then embellish it?! Janice
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:07:00 PM
Thank you very much, Janice - I'm pleased that you like it! :-) <3
Date: 10/10/2017 8:28:00 AM
A beautiful piece...with a powerful end.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:07:00 PM
That's very kind of you, Sherifat - I so appreciate the comment! Blessings! :-)
Date: 10/10/2017 8:04:00 AM
Not romantic at all indeed. And Russell speaks truth...
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:06:00 PM
Thanks so much, Darren ... much appreciated.
Date: 10/10/2017 7:15:00 AM
Pondering your red letter words. You are correct that we should not live life to the extreme. A few adventures, perhaps, but it is in everyday loving and living, where we earn our wings.
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:05:00 PM
Indeed, that is very true - far too many "adventures" for me, but I'm still here ... must be for a reason, and I think partly to bear witness that such a life is NOT what it may seem. Blessings, my friend, thank you for the kind comments! :-)
Date: 10/10/2017 6:04:00 AM
Wow, what an intriguing write my friend, you left us something to mull over and to think about! I loved the lines, "Whatever bleeding typewriters may say/To the contrary." The end was spectacular! What a magnificent piece, Great work!!
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Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/10/2017 6:02:00 PM
Thank you so much, Brother, I greatly appreciate your kind comments - once again, you put a smile on my face! I hope you're doing well, and that your back is healing. I still owe you an email - please give my best to your wife! :-)

Book: Shattered Sighs