Rusted Nail

Today, upon the ground, I found a rusted nail.
Red and yellowed since its use,
It was caked and swollen; cracked lines top to bottom
With one turn in its body where last it was removed.
And the head was tilted slightly from a blow
Received when it was first employed and put to use.
I pondered of the purpose it had served
And the structure it had helped to hold and form.
I recognized its shape having spent many days 
With hammer in my hand and blueprint in mind.
I have straightened many that were pulled and bent 
And drove them to serve purpose.
Once this nail had value and function was providence.
Now, it fills a wrinkle of my palm 
And leads me to wonder….
What will someday become of me?
Will a member of the generation born this day
Look upon me and speculate my past,
And weigh my usefulness against my keep?
Will I present as bent?
And, will the balding gray and shortened step
Persuade them I have passed my day of worth? 
Or, will they look about their world 
And see what I have made?
So much from just one rusted nail. 


4th place in "Darn I Wish I Wrote This" on 6-26-12
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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A  Avatar
June 12, 2015 at 1:07 AM
Hi Ray, Congratulations on having your poem featured this week. SKAT love
A   Avatar
March 27, 2014 at 11:46 AM
Ray, Congratulations, on your own favorite poem. Stay Xool *xox* Forever LINDA
Dietrich Avatar
March 22, 2014 at 3:49 PM
ahhh, one of those poems we use again and again in these kinds of contests. And why NOT??? They deserve it, just like this one. Congrats on this one, Ray. profound it is.
Johnson Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 8:36 PM
interesting ponderings, Ray. congratulations. Love, Joyce
Callus Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 3:27 PM
This poem too reminds me of the rusty nail; being brought back to attention has served a good purpose. Congrats on win. // paul
Mehta Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 7:23 AM
It was a pleasure to read your best and favorite poem. Congrats on the win, ray
Dietrich Avatar
December 25, 2013 at 11:26 PM
I see many poets are using the poems from that similar contest a few years back. WAY to go in this one, Ray. A well deserved win.(and hope you had a great xmas)
Mehta Avatar
December 24, 2013 at 12:12 AM
Enjoyed your beautiful write on a portrait of a poet and congratulations on the win,Ray
Nair Avatar
December 23, 2013 at 11:52 PM
A highly philosophical write..enjoyed very much the way you worked your way from a rusted nail, Congrats on your win..thnx for your presence in mine, friend!!
Phookan Avatar
December 23, 2013 at 12:43 PM
Congrats Ray on your fantastic win! This one was so amazing. Found this piece simply overwhelming! Thank you so much for your participation. Best wishes,, gautami
A   Avatar
May 8, 2013 at 3:56 PM
a nail biter, and a poem I must read again. very unique... xox~ Linda
Pettit Avatar
September 5, 2012 at 10:34 PM
You won in a contest with this entry? I'm not surprised. Congratulations.
Cooper Avatar
June 7, 2012 at 8:05 PM
lovely this makes one ponder what will be!
Brown Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 11:21 AM
A belated congratulations on your placement in Nikko's contest Ray. Love, Carol
Poet Avatar
June 4, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Excellent poetry here Ray!Congrats on your win!!
Williams Avatar
June 3, 2012 at 2:20 AM
Ray congrats on your win..David
Dietrich Avatar
June 2, 2012 at 4:49 PM
wonderfully reflective, and I can't ever think of you as just a rusted nail! Congrats for your win with this beauty.
K. Avatar
June 2, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Hi Ray! This was a poem that also got me thinking so much, and it also reminded me of just how there's so much to learn from everyday things-- I love how you took a rusted nail and gleaned so much from it-- Thank you so much for entering this thought provoking piece, I truly enjoyed reading this! Super congrats on your win :D!
Dillard Avatar
June 2, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Thank You Nikko, For providing a playground for thought. RAY
Palmer Avatar
May 31, 2012 at 12:33 PM
this nailed me to my seat,great write
Dillard Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 8:43 AM
Thanks Richard, I'm trying retirement but I think I'll look for more work. And meanwhile, I'll write another book and a few lines of poeTry.
Andresen Avatar
May 31, 2012 at 12:03 PM
....you know - a feather can be a whole chicken... - Well written poem, I like it. - oxox Anne-Lise
Dillard Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 8:48 AM
Thanks, I like to mix figurative and literal language. And yes, this one was personal. With time, I'll see the chicken!
Okonkwo Avatar
May 5, 2012 at 1:39 AM
This piece wakes striking thoughts, it refurbishes dreams. Every man must work to leave inspiring legacy.
Dillard Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Onye, I can look around and see the lives I've touched as a teacher and principal. My first students turned 54 this year. I smile at their faces Young and Old. I hope your life leaves you with the same feeling! RAY
Johnson Avatar
May 1, 2012 at 8:02 PM
To have a purpose is to fit, the rusty nail has gave its all, it left its mark more than a bit, your introspect has built its wall, well done ol mate, be walking tall....
Dillard Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Thank You Don, for your nicely written poetic interpretation of my work. You sum it up very well! Thanks, RAY
Harrell Avatar
May 1, 2012 at 5:21 PM
This poem makes you say "ohhh" and makes you think. Awesome.
Dillard Avatar
May 1, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Thanks Toguyen. I contemplate retirement daily. 36 years as a teacher and I don't know what I want to be next! RAY
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