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Snake In the Grass

I wonder ...

Could this be mine -
this shadowed heart, a-thrum?
It begs me stop, for its cold intent ...
your words, those phrases I have ached for,
(stolen by me in secret, hidden among your precious roses),
given to another on a golden tray of kisses -
their keen edge like the beak of a chisel
to rend the rocky pounding in my chest and mind,
and leave all faiths and fancies in ruin.

I am a petty little beast,
tucked away in the dark and dirt ...
fitting that my sordid spying be done here,
where the fruit of your favors blooms so sweetly.
But, like the blood of our love, (that now courses and weeps at once),
it hides the thorns that rake my skin -
that sign this bent deed upon me in crimson -
that answer the question that has haunted my existence -
and turned me to this snake ...

In the grass.





~ 1st Place ~  in the "N-A Rerun 5" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor.

Written December 31, 2019
N/A'd in the "Listening In" Poetry Contest
Judged January 12, 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Allison Avatar
February 27, 2020 at 4:17 PM
I'm amazed this got an n/a first time round and Greg I am delighted to share the podium with you - it is a rarity for me to place with you except in contests where everyone gets top 2 places. my congrats to you:-) hugs Jan xx
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:59 AM
You are and will ALWAYS be one of the poets here that I aspire to, Jan, as you have a command of so many elements - the things that set quality poems apart from the rest, and you are one of the kindest and most joyous people I know - I'm proud to share any podium with you, Dear Poet! :o) <3
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 27, 2020 at 1:55 PM
I am so happy to see this poem receive its deserving First Place Greg! Congratulations! xxoo
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:56 AM
That's very kind of you, Connie - blessings, Dear Poet! :o) <3
La France Avatar
February 22, 2020 at 10:50 AM
Greg, great entry and congratulations _Constance
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:56 AM
Thank you very much, Constance.
Kauffman Avatar
February 19, 2020 at 9:47 PM
Congratulation Gregory on your win.
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:55 AM
Thank you so much.
Dietrich Avatar
February 19, 2020 at 11:31 AM
Congratulations for finally getting a great win, Greg, with this one. I just love how you ended this with your becoming the snake in the grass!
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:55 AM
Many kind thanks, Andrea, I greatly appreciate it, Buddy! :o) <3
Watt Avatar
February 19, 2020 at 11:20 AM
Great to see this come in at #1 in Dear Heart's contest, Gregory. I admire the craft that goes into each of your poems. I love the line "like the blood of our love that now courses and weeps at once." I enjoy your pictures too ~ John
Barden Avatar
March 1, 2020 at 1:54 AM
Thank you so very much, John, your opinion means a lot to me ... blessings to you for your kind and honest comments, my friend! :o)
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