Gregory Richard Barden Poet Acrostic

Notes About The Poem

Sign of the Times

S o many tears are paid with precious blood,
 I mbued with promise, chaste and innocent,
  G one quickly with a brash and frantic flood,
   N ot worthy of their hopes or grand intent.

O h, how can any mind with senses, rife,
 F ind pathways to such twisted rationale ...

T o wholly disregard the worth of life,
 H ot on the heels of infamous morale?
  E ach time a senseless killing claims a soul,

T he questions start again of who's to blame,
 I nside the brittle bones of hate's control,
  M ore marrow, scalded by an ancient flame.
   E mpires are built and crushed, as Time defines ...
    S o sad, we always fail ... to read its signs.




~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Sign Of The Times" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Sponsor.

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John Lawless May 2, 2018 at 4:28 PM Beautifully done Gregory. The final couplet is perfect.... Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:43 PM Thank you very much, John ... I'm pleased you liked it. Congrats on number one, my friend!

Kai Michael Neumann May 2, 2018 at 4:35 AM This poem touches me deeply. Congratulations on your win. Reading such poems on the soup, makes me think that there is at least a significant minority out there, of people speaking up. Apart from the cleansing aspects of poetry, we as poets have a responsibility to point out the signs of the time. Kai Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:41 PM Thank you so very much, Kai, this comment means a great deal to me ... I agree that we have such a responsibility, and that we can be a powerful voice in this world, even if one read-at-a-time. I am very proud of this one, on many levels, but message most of all. Blessings to you, My friend! :-)

Line Gauthier May 1, 2018 at 10:32 PM As promised, back with congrats, Gregory. Well done. Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:37 PM Many thanks, Line!

Geoffrey Brewer May 1, 2018 at 9:50 PM An anguished protest, beautifully formed. Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:37 PM Blessings and thanks to you, my friend - so pleased you enjoyed it! :-)

Juliet Ligon May 1, 2018 at 7:23 PM Thought-provoking poem, Gregory. I especially enjoyed the last two lines. Congratulations on your placement! Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:36 PM Thank you so much, Juliet - I greatly appreciate the kind comments! :-) <3

Susan Gentry May 1, 2018 at 6:31 PM Back to congratulate you on your win. :) Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:36 PM Thank you, Susan ... much appreciated! :-)

John Hamilton May 1, 2018 at 3:28 PM So many good things to say about this poem Greg...first of all you turned an acrostic into a sonnet!!!and a rhyming English sonnet...my fave...and your singular phraseology...just matchless, congrats on another fine win!! Gregory Richard Barden May 2, 2018 at 6:35 PM Thank you very much, John, I'm pleased that you enjoyed my Acrostic and am grateful for my placement.

Susan Gentry April 27, 2018 at 4:38 PM An acrostic both painful and shameful in its truth. Good luck in contest. A winner! Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:44 PM Many kind thanks to you, Susan ... I appreciate that, my friend! :-) <3

Janis Medders Tobechi April 27, 2018 at 11:29 AM Acrostic, sonnet, iambic pen all in one with a message for our times most important. This is a wonderful write Greg, which definitely will challenge the judging. Love the sonnet. Congratulations already. Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:43 PM That's so very sweet of you, Sian, and I'm so glad you enjoyed my Acrostic ... I put a lot into this one! Blessings, my friend! :-) <3

Sandra Haight April 27, 2018 at 10:18 AM Such a beautifully written Sonnet buried inside an Acrostic, Gregory. And added to that, so much that pains the heart and stirs the mind. Best wishes for the contest. Sandra Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:42 PM I'm so pleased you enjoyed this one, Sandra ... thank you so very much, my sweet friend! Blessings! :-) <3

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart April 27, 2018 at 8:29 AM Fantastic Arcostic, to the marrow, one to chew on. Good luck in the contest! Mo Hugs <3 Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:41 PM Thank you very much, Dear Mo - I appreciate it! :-) <3

Line Gauthier April 27, 2018 at 7:07 AM A beautiful poem, Gregory. I'll be back with congrats. Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:41 PM Thanks so much, Line! :-)

Harry Horsman April 27, 2018 at 4:37 AM How true this poem is, brings up so much in reasons why,,,love the poetry, and the form..your pen is mighty. Gregory Richard Barden April 28, 2018 at 7:41 PM That's very kind of you, Harry - I'm so pleased you enjoyed my Acrostic, my friend! Blessings! :-)