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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

Date: 10/18/2008 11:53:00 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

Date: 10/1/2008 12:37:00 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

Date: 9/24/2008 7:11:00 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

Date: 9/23/2008 4:08:00 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

Date: 9/21/2008 7:33:00 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

Date: 9/20/2008 5:29:00 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

Date: 9/19/2008 10:09:00 PM

Indeed. Raw and pure and untainted. Like written by the blood of the heart itself. Bravo my friend.

Sharon Winter

Date: 9/19/2008 4:21:00 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

Date: 9/19/2008 3:24:00 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

Date: 9/19/2008 1:04:00 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

Date: 9/19/2008 1:03:00 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.

Christy Hardy

Date: 9/19/2008 12:50:00 PM

Michael, you are a winner, and in my book, a very special friend too. Life is full of trials, you may have been lost, but God came and resqued you...you are such an inspiration, I want you to know that. Always, Christy

Jay Del Fierro

Date: 9/19/2008 12:43:00 PM

no doubt MJ....it's all about the effort and what kind of contributer you are....take care brudda....peace , jay

Carrie Richards

Date: 9/19/2008 11:56:00 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