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The Humblest People

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'Read Me' Poetry Contest

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First Prize

Nestled in the hills of the northeastern plain live the humblest people on earth They're the neighborly folk of Modesty, Maine plain-speaking and modest from birth Every year in cold mid-December the Humble Trophy is bestowed Friday night As far back as the townsfolk remember it has been handed to John K. Contrite Mr. Contrite, upon receiving the prize always bows, blushes and pleads, you're too kind I'm sure, my dear friends, you realize much humbler folks you surely can find It's the twentieth annual Humble Award presentation Everyone assumes Mr. Contrite will win but to thunderous applause and grand excitation the mayor presents it to Julia-Anne Schwinn Miss Schwinn is the town's first grade teacher always kind, mild mannered and sweet Some call her Modesty's finest feature so supportive and ever discrete It is my award, Mr. Contrite screams out I should win every time, don't you see? Is it not clear, beyond anyone's doubt I am the king of humility? Miss Schwinn shouts back to Mr. Contrite This trophy with me will stay! You're nobody now. Just leave, goodnight! They'll build a modesty statue to me one day! Nestled in the hills of the northeastern plain live the humblest people on earth They're the neighborly folks of Modesty, Maine plain speaking and modest from birth

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I Am Anaya

Date: 12/7/2023 10:34:00 AM

Congratulations on your win, Robert! I loved this one. I remember he was angered when not chosen as the humblest in town. Imaginative and a touch of humor and a well needed dose of reality! haha

Robert Gorelick
Date: 12/7/2023 10:41:00 AM

Beneath our cheerful veneers, most of us are quite gradual. Thanks for the congratulations, Anaya. Robert

Ink Empress

Date: 12/6/2023 11:31:00 AM

Lol ah this made me laugh. I know few like this and ive had situations like this on other platforms during judging. Some take it very personally when they don’t win. And the way you’ve written about such people is so good! I find such individuals really arrogant , and sad. Congratulations on your win. Pleasure reading this

Robert Gorelick
Date: 12/7/2023 10:40:00 AM

Ah shucks, I'm humbled by your remarks, lol. Always a sunny day when I can put a smile on a face. Robert

Silent One

Date: 12/6/2023 6:39:00 AM

Great storytelling Robert.. you write so well.. Great choice for the contest.. Congratulations on having your poem showcased..

Robert Gorelick
Date: 12/6/2023 10:01:00 AM

Thank you, S.O. I've always thought that humor and satire are good ways to display the foibles of the human condition. Hope it put a smile on your face. Robert

I Am Anaya

Date: 8/13/2022 11:15:00 AM

Another wonderful comical sketch. Love the droll humor! ~Anaya

Robert Gorelick
Date: 8/13/2022 12:25:00 PM

Sometimes comical sketches are more effective than editorial opinions. Thank you, Anaya! Robert

Heidi Sands

Date: 7/30/2022 1:41:00 PM

I enjoyed this poem. Creative and well written. I have been to Maine many times. :)

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/30/2022 1:48:00 PM

Glad you enjoyed Heidi. Maine the Pinetree State is one of my favorite parts of our country. Robert

Bill Baker

Date: 7/29/2022 1:19:00 PM

Enjoyed the poem, Robert. People that are just acting modest, will change when you take away the good stuff or trophy. Nice story in the Bible like that. It seems satan told God that Job wasn't as modest / humble / righteous as God thoughts. He said let me deal with him and you'll see. God said go ahead just don't kill him. Satan took all the good stuff away and Job still remained faithful to God. God gave him back more than he had before the challenge. Thanks for sharing my friend, Bill

Robert Gorelick
Date: 12/5/2023 9:11:00 AM

Belated thank you Bill, I don't know how I missed this. Robert

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 7/27/2022 5:06:00 PM

Robert, I loved your tale of the humble hillfolk of Modesty, Maine. It brought lingering smiles. :D

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/27/2022 5:12:00 PM

Glad I could bring a smile to your face. Robert

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/25/2022 7:58:00 PM

Nothin' like those plain-speakers. Great write, Robert! :) gw

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/27/2022 5:13:00 PM

Speaking plainly, more please! Robert

L Milton Hankins

Date: 7/25/2022 2:03:00 PM

Oh, I love this one, Robert. Loved the twist that made the story really work. More!

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:22:00 PM

Awe shucks, Milton, it was really nothing! Seriously, thanks for the compliment. Robert

Vladislav Raven

Date: 7/25/2022 7:52:00 AM

Hi Robert, I did love the twist in this one. You write on human nature with such skill. This is an excellent write. Humble until the moment of the prize giving, then the true emotions come out. Neither will be in the run for the honour the next year, that is for sure. You do know human nature. Have a wonderful Monday ..... Mike.

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:24:00 PM

It was just my little modest attempt Vladislav! Seriously, appreciate your visit and comment. Robert

Terry Miller

Date: 7/25/2022 6:55:00 AM

Wonderful, and so, so true

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:25:00 PM

Glad you appreciated it. Hope it put a smile on your face! Robert

Deb M

Date: 7/25/2022 12:10:00 AM

Humility put to the test! Really interesting cleverly written Robert! Debx

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:26:00 PM

A bit of levity now and then helps lift my spirits. Sometimes humor is the best way to get an idea across. Thank you, Debx

Valsa George

Date: 7/24/2022 9:20:00 PM

This is how true colors come out ! In a world of fake humility, are people with bloated egos! However hard they try to hide their true nature, once it will come out ! A very interesting poem Robert !

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:28:00 PM

Well, I hate to brag. Seriously, I'm glad I got my message through and entertained at the same time! Thank you, Vlasa...Robert

Michael Tor

Date: 7/24/2022 7:56:00 PM

Loved this Robert. LOL. You surely know human Nature to write such a compelling Rhyme. I love the story line you created. A gifted imagination you have my friend, humorous too. I am looking forward to reading more of your Poetry. Funny you picked Maine. I love the people there they are wonderful human beings so down to earth, that is except for Miss Schwinn and Mr Contrite lol...

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/25/2022 2:31:00 PM

A bit of levity helps now and then, when dealing with serious issues. I'll be sure to tell the people in Modesty Main, how much you enjoy, their neck of the woods! Thank you, glad you enjoyed! Robert