Edward Ibeh Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

F Form- Free Verse (Written My Way) Poetry Contest, Sponsored by Constance La France. Date written: 07/29/2024

Stoic - POTW

"Bring it, life, all your adversities...they only strengthen me!" - quote by  poet.



oh, adversity... 

haven't you exhausted 
               all efforts 
to knock me off my equilibrium,
to make me 
        cry a river?

you came to break me in two
yesterday 
            with bells on;
jiggling around your ankles. 
instead, all you got in return was 
         only....a shrug.

you saw no sign 
           of weakness on the surface 
                    or deep within me. 
you waited for tears 
that never came. 

you kept on poking
             yet your needle pricks 
didn't make me wince 
               you stabbed me with daggers 
that never punctured my skin
               or made me bleed....

are you disappointed? 

surprised that your sharp weapons 
               cause me no pain, 
but instead, tickle me?
go ahead, keep making me 
          stronger.....

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Tom Cunningham September 8, 2024 at 11:54 AM Back with congratulations to you Edward on being number one, we'll deserved too. Tom Edward Ibeh September 12, 2024 at 5:07 AM Thank you very much, Tom:-)

Constance La France August 7, 2024 at 1:17 PM Edward, congratulations on your win in my contest, I enjoyed your poem a lot, well done I liked the quote also, Constance Edward Ibeh August 8, 2024 at 4:34 AM Thank you so much for the congratulations and my placement, Constance:-)

Crystol Woods August 7, 2024 at 11:39 AM Oh yes I love this! Adversity personified! Love this idea and you've written it so well. I can feel your distain in every word. It is true, Adversity is the weight we bench press and each lift shreds muscle and build it back tougher and stronger than ever! Some of us are totally ripped on the inside! Lol Excellent!! Xo Edward Ibeh August 8, 2024 at 4:33 AM Thank you so much for the awesome feedback and the fave, Crystol:-) Most obliged. Crystol Woods August 7, 2024 at 11:40 AM Fav!

Benjamin Bartley August 7, 2024 at 7:48 AM Congrats on this well-deserved POTW. The ending is fantastic. Thanks for sharing. Edward Ibeh August 8, 2024 at 4:32 AM Thank you very much, Benjamin:-)

Unseeking Seeker August 6, 2024 at 2:53 AM Wow! Inspirational words, Edward. Indeed, if eye be nonchalant and heart tranquil, we are immune from fickleness of fate. Warmest congratulations on POTW for this uplifting poem, superbly penned. Edward Ibeh August 6, 2024 at 8:06 AM Thank you, Seeker. I appreciate your wonderful feedback and congratulations, my friend.

Beryl Edmonds August 6, 2024 at 1:45 AM An interesting, inspiring poem Edward, congratulations on receiving poem of the week… Beryl Edward Ibeh August 6, 2024 at 8:04 AM Thank you very much, Beryl:-)

Karen Jones August 6, 2024 at 12:09 AM An empowering potw! Congratulations Edward Ibeh August 6, 2024 at 8:04 AM Thank you so much, Karen:-)

Kim Rodrigues August 5, 2024 at 5:09 PM A great way to look at life! Be strong! Congrats on POTW! Edward Ibeh August 6, 2024 at 8:03 AM Thank you very much, Kim:-)

Ink Empress August 5, 2024 at 8:39 AM Back with Congratulations on your POTW. Well deserved EI Edward Ibeh August 5, 2024 at 4:09 PM Thanks again, Inky:-) God bless

Daniel Henry Rodgers August 5, 2024 at 6:01 AM Hello Edward, A big congratulations on getting POTW! I have always been a fan of Stoicism and have read many philosophers who promote this lifestyle. I think what I really liked about your well inked piece is that it conveys such a strong message of resilience and unwavering determination. As a true stoics, we do challenge adversity, refusing to be broken or defeated but yet, as you put it, remain steadfast. - Blessings my Friend, Daniel Edward Ibeh August 5, 2024 at 4:08 PM Thank you very much for the insightful feedback and congratulations, Daniel:-) I'm glad you liked my poem, my friend.

Hilda Greenhough August 4, 2024 at 10:21 PM I enjoy this poem. It has a feeling of strength. Edward Ibeh August 5, 2024 at 4:03 PM Thank you very much, Hilda:-) I'm glad you did, my friend.

Brandy Nicole August 4, 2024 at 4:11 PM ' go ahead, keep making me stronger. ' A wonderful attitude to have. :) My heart is smiling, Edward. There will always be trials and tribulations in this life, but the key is to grow from them. Your thoughts are so beautiful and uplifting. Congratulations on Poem of the Week. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 6:38 PM Thank you very much, Brandy. I appreciate the feedback,congrats and visit, my friend.

Paula Goldsmith August 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM Congratulations on your POTW win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful "Stoic-Life" write. What a great quote. So True.... Have a blessed day with your win.......................... Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 6:40 PM Thank you so much for your visit and congratulations, Paula:-)

Linda Alice Fowler August 4, 2024 at 9:06 AM Fabulous Edward. I've made this a fav. Congratulations on POTW! :) Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 12:07 PM Thank you very much, Linda:-) I appreciate the fave!

Nancy Kaufman August 4, 2024 at 6:05 AM Hi Ed, This stoic poem is a great testament to adversity making one stronger and is so well done. Congratulations on the honor of POTW! Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 12:07 PM Thank you so much, Nancy:-)

Tania Kitchin August 4, 2024 at 4:52 AM Ed, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTW. Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 12:05 PM Thank you very much, Tania:-)

Tom Cunningham August 4, 2024 at 2:02 AM A powerful verse Edward, congratulations to you on the honour of POTW. Tom Edward Ibeh August 4, 2024 at 12:05 PM Thank you very much, Tom:-)

Nette Onclaud July 30, 2024 at 12:09 PM a powerful ride through life-s adversities, Ed.. thankyou for being here on soup...it feels safe knowing people like you are still around after my 4 - year absence from the site!...huggs Edward Ibeh July 31, 2024 at 11:57 AM I'm so glad you're back, Nette! Thank you very much for the kind words, my friend.

Valsa George July 29, 2024 at 9:28 PM "you kept on poking yet your needle pricks didn't make me wince you stabbed me with daggers that never punctured my skin or made me bleed...." I love the spirit of resilience these lines strongly reflect. Some grow stronger with every adversity. I feel you are one such strong willed man.... dear Edward. How I wish I could be like this. A gentle whiff of adversity can blow me off. This poem is so inspirational. All the Best dear friend. This goes into my FAVE Edward Ibeh July 30, 2024 at 5:12 AM Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback and the fave, Valsa. God bless.

Ink Empress July 29, 2024 at 5:29 AM Strength amidst all the adversities youv depicted so well here dear EI, i love the voice of your poem, which is strong and shows resilience! And flows so well. With excellent lines. Especially love “ you kept on poking yet your needle pricks didn't make me wince you stabbed me with daggers that never punctured my skin or made me bleed....” love that!! Fave it is! Best wishes always. And sending you and your family light Edward Ibeh July 29, 2024 at 5:32 AM Thank you so much, Inky:-) I greatly appreciate your comments and the FAV, my friend.