Michael Jordan Poet Free verse

Ripple In the Water

Recently in one of my poems
I wrote
“If you never lose it means nothing to win”
Today 
I add the line
“When you’ve always lost it means everything to win”
I have worked hard to change the person I am
Because
The Lord called on me one night in Prison
And for the first time in my life
MY LIFE
Suddenly mattered to me
MY CHILDREN
Suddenly mattered to me
MY WIFE
Suddenly mattered to me
And my status as a “Homeboy” suddenly meant NOTHING AT ALL
I was locked so deep in a cell that all I could do was write
Knowing that I was so much a loser
That even those who loved me the most
Would never write back
For to them it was just another empty lie
I mailed out a stack of letters every day for over a year
Before I finally got one back
I won’t go into what that letter said
For it is the one thing between my wife and I
That I’m compelled to keep private
When your life is spent as a loser
You completely lose all concept of the word win
Until you actually win something
And all at once all the years of torment and pain
STOP
Being a burden and suddenly become a blessing
As your final tear of regret becomes a ripple in the water
You realize
With the love of the Lord, Family, Friends and Self
You have been reborn
A WINNER

Yesterday I won a Poetry contest on the site and for the first time in my life I felt like
a winner. Don’t be like me and need to win something to realize you are a winner. Know in
your heart that the moment you stop being a loser you are a winner because that is the
greatest victory of all.

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Colin Mitchell Williams October 18, 2008 at 11:53 PM "The deeper the knives of sorrow and pain carve into your heart, so the greater capacity becomes for your happiness and joy" Kahil Gibran from "The Prophet"... There is an essence of Gibran in your writing Micheal, a refreshing simple honesty which runs through all the poems I have read... this kind of honesty, for me, is true human courage and strength of character... well done Micheal, well done...APPLAUSE !!

Cortney Bartholomew October 1, 2008 at 12:37 PM micheal i love this write, for many years i had very low self esteem, and when i began to gain a close relationship with god, it was as though anything anyone has ever said to me didn't really matter, now i love who i am and i thank god for it. the better i feel about myself the more the lord has used me. you are a tremendous testimony to me and i know he has used u to bless many people

Rose Losey September 24, 2008 at 7:11 AM Wow! Thank you for sharing this poem and having the courage to be brutality honest about your experience and state of mind. I hope your life improves from here on out. I look forward to reading more of your work. Congratulations about winning the contest. Cheers! Rose

Valerie Bellefleur September 23, 2008 at 4:08 PM Congrats on your winning Michael! I know the feeling of self esteem and confidence - and I am really honoured when my poems are read and/or featured and commented on as well - love your poetry!

Leokadia Durmaj September 21, 2008 at 7:33 AM Every person has special qualities and should be valued as a human being, none of us are perfect, we can only do the best we can. We are always loved by God because he knows our heart. Thank you Michael for all your help and comments

John Loving Iii September 20, 2008 at 5:29 AM i felt this piece even deep into prison. i went to jail but not to prisonand i cant possibly know or touch your experience. except to know that the pen at times was my only savior. and THAT you have used it well. JHL

George Anos September 19, 2008 at 10:09 PM Indeed. Raw and pure and untainted. Like written by the blood of the heart itself. Bravo my friend.

Sharon Winter September 19, 2008 at 4:21 PM My goodness Michael, you are bringing me to tears here. Such raw emotion and honesty. I haven't lived your life, but I do suffer from low self esteem, and in my heart, I truly know how that win lifted your spirits and what it did for your confidence and self worth. For I experienced it too, and it was shocking.You are right when you say, don't wait for that win, and everyone should heed that advice and believe in themselves no matter how hard it is. Yes you are a WINNER, in every way. Love, Shar

Deneen White September 19, 2008 at 3:24 PM my dear friend Michael, you just said a mouth full, whether we win in contest or sports, as long as we have God in our lives we have won everything and nothing is more important than that, you my friend always were a winner, you just had to learn that you were, I have never won anything in my life, but, because I walk with God I have won so much more, and that is a chance for everlasting life, the prize of life, we should all rejoice everyday we open our eyes for we have won, take care D-nyce

Brittney Flowers September 19, 2008 at 1:04 PM I love how honest this piece is, how vulnerable and strong it is. Thank you for sharing it. And thank you so much for your comment.

James Foulk September 19, 2008 at 1:03 PM I agee with Chirsty you are a winner in my book also. that is great news about you winning the contest, that makes my day. this was a great poem and thank you for reading all of my poetry and for your comments and support.

Jay Del Fierro September 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM no doubt MJ....it's all about the effort and what kind of contributer you are....take care brudda....peace , jay

Carrie Richards September 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM You are a winner in every sense of the word, Michael! You have won battles that most of us have could never imagine!! Congratulations for all your achievements...here on the Soup...but more importantly, in your life. Overcoming all the pitfalls you have dealt with is a true test of character! God Bless...~Carrie