Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Scented Leaves

Crisp ...
You lay like solemn ashes
'Neath glass ... spotless, sacred
Dried to bright hues ...
The shades of her lips in chill autumn air
(Winter, whisp'ring soft)
Edges crimped ...
Like the hems of her pleated tartan skirt
You are the vestige, precious
Of a moment ...
A final moment of love, true
Sweaty, sweet passion
That found its confluence under a vault of fire
A canopy of crumbling crimson
Wafting, weaving a rustling woodland blanket
The bed for a callow curiosity
Confusing, carnal, but perfectly imperfect
Numberless months have yet ceded to the wind
(As tender as the moons they bind)
Since I rescued you from the hood of a sweatshirt
Still, your color is unerring
And your scent is ...
Her.






~ 1st Place ~  in the "Strand no 780, Any Theme, Any Form" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 1st Place ~  in the "Strand Select V Any Form Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 1st Place ~  in the "Writing Challenge - December - Any Poem NA'd In November 2019" Poetry Contest, Dear Heart - Wishkobi Ode, Judge & Sponsor.

( This poem was written on November 14, 2019, and N/A'd on November 22, 2019 in the Scented Leaves Poetry Contest )

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Connie Marcum Wong June 1, 2020 at 4:26 PM I am confused, this same poem won in his contest in February...see my comment below. Congratulations again Greg. I faved this poem in Feb. blessings xxoo Gregory Richard Barden June 1, 2020 at 4:37 PM Yes, my bad, Connie - he has so many contests - I never marked this one and forgot I had entered it before. Sorry for the confusion ... I am VERY far from perfect. ;-)

Jeanne Mcgee June 1, 2020 at 1:51 PM Passionate sublime! congrats on your win. Gregory Richard Barden June 1, 2020 at 4:37 PM Thank you so much, Jeanne! <3

V. Deepa June 1, 2020 at 9:04 AM It's so lovely and passionate.. Outstanding imagery..:-) Each line deserve the win.:-) Congratulations for your top placement sir. Good luck for your other works too. Take care.With regards~Deepa:-) Gregory Richard Barden June 1, 2020 at 4:38 PM Many kind thanks to you, V - I greatly appreciate the kind words. Blessings! :-) <3

Connie Marcum Wong February 20, 2020 at 5:29 PM Greg, this poem is outstanding in your word choice and in imagery that is of breathless beauty. I am faving this gem! Congratulations on your deserving First Place win! I love your entry in Brian's contest! xxoo

John Hamilton December 21, 2019 at 4:38 PM Beautiful writing G, congrats on another win! Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2019 at 1:54 AM Thank you very much, Sir John! Blessings! :o)

Constance La France December 10, 2019 at 6:55 PM Greg, congratulations on your win in my writing Challenge with this excellent poem, and I love your image too ! Well done . Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2019 at 1:54 AM Many kind thanks, Constance, I'm so pleased you liked this one ... I don't know what made me think of a preserved leaf under glass for this one, but it seemed a unique perspective so I went with it. Blessings, Dear Poet! :o) <3

Dale Gregory Cozart December 9, 2019 at 3:05 PM What a gorgeous photo and word choices! Congrats on your fine win. Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2019 at 1:52 AM Thank you SO kindly, Dale, I so greatly appreciate it! And NO italics in this one - I'm trying to break that habit and always think of you when I do, lol - it's hard for me, cuz italics just look more ... artistic or something. Not sure exactly WHY I like them so, but I'm trying to shake it. Blessings and Merry Christmas, My Friend! :o)

Andrea Dietrich November 23, 2019 at 6:10 PM Sorry about the hard times and also your not winning with this gem. It puts mine to shame. I did not even give it the right title, what a dummy. Gregory Richard Barden December 22, 2019 at 1:49 AM Oh, thank you so much, Andrea, I'm pleased you like it - please don't EVER say that, your work is ALWAYS on the highest level and can stand up against anyone's. Blessings, my humble friend - one of the reasons I like you so much! ;O) <3

Andrea Dietrich November 17, 2019 at 1:16 PM wow, GREAT stuff, Greg. You nailed it , just like you always do! Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:36 PM You are very kind, Andrea, and I am so very pleased that you enjoyed this one ... many thanks to you, Buddy! I will message you soon - hard times. Blessings! :o) <3

Ralph Sergi November 15, 2019 at 6:23 PM Hi Gregory: The words grew bigger and more beautiful with each line. A real winner! Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:34 PM That's very kind of you, Ralph, and your opinion is always a valuable one to me - many thanks, my good friend! :o)

Juliet Ligon November 15, 2019 at 6:03 PM So passionate, this is gorgeous! Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:33 PM Many kind thanks to you, Juliet, I'm happy you liked it! :o) <3

Robert Lindley November 14, 2019 at 2:48 PM Going to be almost impossible for a person to top this magnificent poem! Your poetry always awes me. As a true poet you were surely born to be and it so brightly shows to we that are not blinded by the usual causes. A gem and a fav too.. Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:33 PM You are very kind to me, Robert, and I thank you so much ... your comments and friendship are treasure to me. Blessings, Brother! :o)

John Hamilton November 14, 2019 at 11:27 AM So good G, no need for wishes, this one's a winner (what else?) Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:32 PM Thank you very kindly, John, I'm pleased you enjoyed this one! :o)

Na Na November 14, 2019 at 6:05 AM Well Done Gregory. Told in a brilliant way. nicely textured. Thanks for sharing this. Good luck in the contest Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:31 PM That's very kind of you, Gregory, and I thank you so much, my friend. Blessings! :o)

Bobby May November 14, 2019 at 5:50 AM WOW! Gregory this is really good!! Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:31 PM Many kind thanks to you, Bobby, my friend! :o)

Regina Mcintosh November 14, 2019 at 5:44 AM Beautifully written and described. I love it. God bless you and best with the contest... Gina Gregory Richard Barden November 19, 2019 at 11:30 PM Thank you so very much, Regina, this means a lot to me. Blessings! :o) <3