Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

* For my mom, Rosalie - breast and skin cancer survivor. *

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ribbon -

                The fuchsia ribbon

            through her hair ...

          more than spangle,

           bound tight around

              her tenacious heart,

                   the shining symbol

                       of sinews sacrificed,

                        precious flesh ruined,

                       moments with family

                   given to contention.

              She removed it ...

           tenderly secured her

          little one's ponytail,

             her tears christening

                 a transcendent hope.








~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Brian's Select 4, Any Form, Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Ribbon" Free Verse Poetry Contest, Line Gauthier, Judge & Sponsor.

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John Watt June 6, 2020 at 12:27 AM Touching and powerful, Greg. It speaks of a mother's deep love and sacrifice, in spite of her own suffering. I loved the line, "shining symbol of sinews sacrificed". You have chosen words so perfectly to carry your message AND to form a perfectly shaped ribbon. Excellent, a fave for me. ~ John

Sam Kauffman June 5, 2020 at 1:21 AM Just lovely, Gregory. Your verse so filled with tenderness and pathos. The image of the fuschia ribbon going from one generation to another is powerful and a brilliant symbol of love. Congratulations my friend on another brilliant write. Many blessings to you! Love the shape!

Connie Marcum Wong April 3, 2019 at 6:44 AM We always want more for our children than we had, emotionally as well. This winning poem is lovely and moving Greg. Congratulations on your second placement! : )

Anne-Lise Andresen April 1, 2019 at 4:57 AM - This was beautiful, Gregory ...   - Congratulations with your 2nd place :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Gregory Richard Barden April 2, 2019 at 12:48 PM Thank you very much, Anne-Lise - that's very sweet of you to say, my friend! :-) <3

Anisha Dutta March 31, 2019 at 10:18 AM So nice a RIBBON. I admire. Gregory Richard Barden April 2, 2019 at 12:47 PM Many kind thanks to you, Anisha! :-) <3

Kim Rodrigues March 31, 2019 at 7:02 AM I knew we would see this on the winner’s list! Love the fluidity of your pattern and you give much to ponder here! Congrats, Greg! Gregory Richard Barden April 2, 2019 at 12:47 PM Thank you very much, Kim, that's very kind of you - I'm pleased that you liked this one! Blessings! :-) <3

Sandra Haight March 27, 2019 at 9:23 AM Such a sad, deep, but beautiful tribute, Greg. This pulled at my heartstrings. By the way, we chose the same 'ribbon' form, mine is an inkblot representation of yours! "See You There," posted the same day. Best wishes for the contest. Sandra <3 Gregory Richard Barden March 28, 2019 at 6:05 PM Thank you very kindly, Sandra, that's such a wonderful comment, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! I must see your ribbon now! ;-) <3

Caren Krutsinger March 27, 2019 at 3:56 AM Dainty, lovely, and poetically beautiful, naturally, Gregory, as it was written by you. The photograph adds to her loveliness today. Gregory Richard Barden March 28, 2019 at 6:04 PM Oh, thank you so much, Caren, that's very sweet of you to say ... I'm so happy you liked this one, my friend! Blessings! :-) <3