Sotto Poet Poet Sedoka

Sedoka - Slow Down

Written: May 27, 2026, for a contest sponsored by Nette Onclaud

1st place contest winner

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Red lights speak faintly—
steel rivers halt their rushing;
patience signposts the pavement

Signs hum: slow down now
wheels heed the wisdom of wind—
life breathes in the gentler lanes.

1st place winner

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Sam Kauffman June 1, 2026 at 11:10 AM Great message, my friend. Wonderful images that portray the sense of putting the brakes on rushing rivers of steel and running red lights! I can almost hear the wheels of a train as it slows down. Congratulations on your win. Sending you blessings!

Ken Allan Dronsfield June 1, 2026 at 9:13 AM What a lovely sedoka! The final line brought the entire piece home! Congratulations!!

Valsa George May 31, 2026 at 9:31 PM Back to your poem with Congratulations on your first place win.

Andrea Dietrich May 31, 2026 at 8:55 PM Wow that last line is outstanding. A profound sedoka. Congrats

Kim Rodrigues May 31, 2026 at 2:19 PM This poem moves along as it tells you to slow down! Congrats!!

Valsa George May 29, 2026 at 9:57 PM Well done, dear friend. I read a few entries. Many have dealt with this theme in a general way. You have rightly related it to traffic signs. I feel you are going to be a sure winner. All the best dear Lasaad.

Paige Hind May 29, 2026 at 7:58 PM love this, it's unusual-

Yann Rolland May 27, 2026 at 4:46 PM waw, this is great, slow down, is my favorite expression, your poetry is so unique and beautiful, thanks poet