Premiere Contest WinnerSwing Set

the sun was fixed in the sky
like a fugitive in an orange jumpsuit
radiating anger.
the evergreen forest was shedding
to carpet the steeled winter
earth. pinecones and needles in
a mosaic of brown and green. 
the swing set sat neglected
chains rusted, slack like 
abandoned moorings. 
it creaked under the stress
of your weight, unsure of itself.
its chains, yawning after years
of hibernation, start to sway,
back and forth, picking up
speed and confidence.
In a flash you’re off the
swing,  gliding through thick,
wet air to land on your
hands and knees in the
mulch. The intractable wood
opens the soft flesh of your
palms. The strawberry red
blood glistens in the late
Sunday light.
A dog barks indifferently
at the sun as it sheds its
cumbersome bonds and
falls back into the earth.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Emate Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations Corey on your trophy win. A nostalgic poem, full of imagery.
Bryan Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Thank you so much for saying so! That means a lot.
Kendrick Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:08 AM
Congratulations on this great winning work. Way to go. So descriptive of childhood. Sara
Bryan Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Thank you so much, Sara! That's really kind of you to say, I appreciate it : )
Fowler Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 10:31 AM
Congratulations Corey! This is a brilliant verse and study in imagery and nostalgia. :)
Bryan Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:27 AM
Thank you so much Linda! Imagery is my favorite aspect of poetry so that means a lot. I really appreciate the comment : )
Ashley Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 10:17 AM
Dear Corey, your vivid poem is full of lush imagery, vibrant metaphors and melancholy beauty. A poem where age and pain and loneliness is captured and portrayed in a winter frame of cold indifference with heartfelt eloquence. Congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Brian’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Bryan Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 11:26 AM
Thank you so much! I love the phrase "melancholy beauty". I really appreciate the comment and big shout out to Brian for sponsoring!
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