Victor Buhagiar Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

J with Four Options Poetry Contest

Sponsored by: Constance La France 

 

First option out of four.

 

Written 31 July 2025

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The Jagged Edges

Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.  
Proverbs 16: 18

      she stood tall on the jagged edges of the cliff
face worried as she noticed the rough seas
whilst above high dark clouds rumbled
though the sun shone straight at her face
could it enlighten her about what had happened

      thoughts came and went, as she remembered
the letter he had sent her and wondered
        was she deceived by her soldier and sister
he insulted her refusing to marry him
and she insulted him back vowing
          she would never marry him come what may

      still thoughts rumbled inside her mind
was he really proud or was she prejudiced
          the jagged edges of a knife pierced her soul
could there have been some half-truths in his insults
she still hated him but admired his handsome face
      facts churned in her head and confused her even more
could she face those jagged edges of truths

      she turned and walked down the rough cliff
her soul lacerated with truths and pride

Placed 1

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Brenda Chiri August 20, 2025 at 10:32 AM Victor congrats on your win!;)

Constance La France August 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM Victor, congratulations on your win in my J With Four Options contest. Your poem is beautiful and so well penned. I love the quote and image, Constance

Paula Goldsmith August 19, 2025 at 11:48 AM Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful/powerful "The Jagged Edges" write. What a great picture. Love how you added Proverbs 16: 18. So Very True... Have a blessed day with your win.......

Tania Kitchin August 5, 2025 at 3:32 AM Victor, a captivating poem. Best of luck in the contest. -hugs

Brenda Chiri August 4, 2025 at 10:24 PM Well written my friend! Good luck in the contest reads like a winner to me!:)

Anne Winter August 2, 2025 at 11:34 PM Dear Victor, a very thoughtful poem filled with so much depth and meaning. The writing is breathtaking and splendid. You write so brilliantly. My best to you, Anne

Michael Tor August 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM Heartfelt piece my friend. Clever Victor how you wrote this great submission. My best wishes for the contest. Still working on my brother's house will be back when finished.I have to catch up to all my Dear friends poetry. I hope you and your daughter are well. Miss you Victor.

Paige Hind August 2, 2025 at 2:30 PM Very raw. You described "jagged" very well.

Bill Baker August 1, 2025 at 4:33 PM Dramatic and engaging poetry, Victor. It is so real, the thoughts we should think when our sudden rage, or theirs, causes us the rant about half-truths and cause knee-jerk reactions from others. As we later contemplate the options and intents of words blurted out in anger ... often the truer version of those words is given to us from a higher source. a FAV for my list, my friend. Good luck in the contest! Bill

Besma Riabi Dziri August 1, 2025 at 10:50 AM Such impressive poetry! As if reading an excerpt from a novel.. Dear Victor, you have adeptly sown the seeds of suspense and wonder into your avid reader mind and soul.. I am relishing another wondrous side of you.. digging deeper literally and metaphorically to render a so wonderful poetry that lends itself to many a reading! I have so much enjoyed your rendition of the state of pride and hurt in a so dignified beauty.. God bless you. My deepest regards.

Valsa George July 31, 2025 at 9:49 PM As she gave him tit for tat, she needn't feel defeated. Yet his denial to marry her is tormenting. It's quite natural. A very emotive poem. All the Best, dear Victor!

Evelyn Judy Buehler July 31, 2025 at 8:42 PM Powerful and beautiful, your poem captivates with its portrayal of pride and its consequential inner turmoil and pain. Very nicely written, my friend. :)

Charles Messina July 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM Awesome poetry, Victor. BOL in the contest. Hope you are doing well my friend. All the best... ~CM

CayCay Godwin July 31, 2025 at 3:56 PM How emotive and dark, a piercing and dramatic piece, Victor. This is one of those poems that is hard to shake off after reading. Good luck in the contest. I've sent you a SoupMail. Poetry hugs .... CayCay

Andrea Dietrich July 31, 2025 at 12:50 PM very interesting take on jagged edges. Nicely done!

Joseph P. DiMino July 31, 2025 at 11:31 AM Always two unspoken sides in every argument. Cooler heads usually prevail. But, not always. Excellent write.

Joseph May July 31, 2025 at 9:47 AM The truth is powerful, Nicely penned

Maria Williams July 31, 2025 at 7:32 AM Dearest Victor,your poem cuts deep—raw and beautifully conflicted. The imagery of jagged cliffs mirrors the sharp emotional terrain she’s navigating—betrayal, pride, truth, and pain all entwined. I love how her inner storm reflects the chaos of nature around her. It’s not just a breakup—it’s a reckoning.Good luck in the contest...Hugs

Kim Rodrigues July 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM Great write through and through. A fave!

Sara Kendrick July 31, 2025 at 4:19 AM If a person wants to share negativity about a person's character, never do it in anger, but in a loving atmosphere where the person might learn and grow. It would be better to let God reveal their faults to them and show them the way to improve. If it was motivated from a movie scene, it turned out okay in the end, but sadly life isn't like that most of the time. LOL..Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Sara K

Eileen Manassian July 31, 2025 at 4:05 AM Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy. This picture is from Pride and Prejudice. If this was your inspiration, you did well, indeed. It's one of my favourite classics and you caught essence of wounded pride well. Blessings

Sotto Poet July 31, 2025 at 4:03 AM Complex interplay between love, pride, and self-identity in the face of conflict. Feelings of hate and admiration highlight the complexity of romantic relationships.

Anne-Lise Andresen July 31, 2025 at 2:58 AM - He was full of critical attitudes and negative qualities ... she made a good choice - An excellent poem, Victor :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - (S- mail reply) - hugs

Bj Legros Kelley July 31, 2025 at 1:56 AM Glad she got away!

Tom Cunningham July 31, 2025 at 1:23 AM He managed to make her feel bad about herself and nearly succeeded thankfully she saw through him. Tom PS Soup mail.