Sanctuary

chasing red and green
arms and legs
flips and flops,
meanwhile,
in the sanctuary, grieves
a wrestler soul,
devoid of win,
or injured by mat,
or a parent’s smackdown.

passing by
the hallway depths
of a rumbling sorrow!

he knows, nor cares,
that anyone is there.
his belly bared,
like an infant
attempting to wrestle,
from side to side,
hoping to escape.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Hind Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 6:57 PM
very deep comparison from start to finish - your work of course, so it is that <3 hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
June 16, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Thank you, Paige!
Poet Avatar
June 15, 2026 at 3:42 AM
Exquisitely crafted verses, rich with intricate metaphors and splendid choice of words. Dear Kim, Bravo on your Podium, Triumph in the contest!
Dietrich Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
I enjoy the imagery you use. You choose ways of saying things in such a creative way. For me this has more than one interpretation so I am not sure if it is completely metaphorical or not, but I know for sure he is an unhappy child. Congrats on a well deserved win.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:47 PM
I love a poet's interpretation! I appreciate you, Andrea! Thank you!
Bayles Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 7:17 AM
The use of wrestling is such a great metaphor, Kim.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Thank you, Mike!
Anaya Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Tap Out! It's quite creative in my interpretation tough love perhaps, using wrestling metaphors. Hoping for sanctuary. Great job. Congrats on your win, Kim! Blessings
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Thank you, Anaya!
Poet Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 2:07 AM
Kim, you have written a beautiful, well-crafted poem on wrestling. Congratulations on your well-deserved contest win!
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Thank you so much!
Wolf Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 9:29 PM
'a parent's smackdown' -- Really?! Sounds too brutal to be true, but I wasn't there...
Rodrigues Avatar
June 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
I don't know why he was crying but boy was he grieving. So much happens!
Etgen-Baker Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 4:42 PM
you captured a wrestling match perfectly. wishing you well.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Thank you, Sara!
DiMino Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 8:45 AM
As a parent, we feel every blow, every flop on the mat, and tap out -- it never stops, in fact sometimes the older they get the more caring we are compelled to have -- secretly bemoaning that we will probably not be there for their finale bout to comfort. Life is hard in that respect. We trust our God.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 5:17 PM
As a grandparent, I nearly pass out but oh the joy when the boy does real good!
Buhagiar Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 1:38 AM
A colorful environment, splendid imagery and a delightful poem.
Rodrigues Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Thank you, Victor!
Maverick Avatar
June 12, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Well i'm not sure of the subject although it seems something is abject Kim.? I feel an intensity in the lines.. However.'
Rodrigues Avatar
June 13, 2026 at 7:03 AM
I'm at a national wrestling tournament for my grandson. Taking in the sights and sounds.
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