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The Old Park Bench

I lay back against the slats of the old park bench
Glistening white with snow
And feel a rush of gladness as the cold penetrates,
Distracting the dreadful pain of my heart.
That you chose today to say you're leaving
Highlights my bitter tears in stark contrast to my recent joy;
Ablaze with holiday happiness,
I sink now into dark and foreboding sorrow;
As if to pass from glory to strident death.
The brilliantly shining promise lies now dull-pocketed,
Unable to claim our lives in unity; the chance now lost,
I ease the jeweled case into my hand
Letting it fall beside the bench,
Letting it join the other sparkling diamonds
Spread across this cold, fallow land.
I smile grimly at the prospect of its discovery
When sunlight will again stretch its warmth,
Melting the hiding place of its mournful nest;
Knowing it will remain hard and frozen,
Forever a reminder of my broken heart.






12/1/2018
Inspired by Picture #4
For Sara Kendrick's Contest "The Park Bench at Christmas"

Copyright © Deb Radke | Year Posted 2018

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Jan Allison Date: 12/17/2018 3:22:00 PM I had a huge lump in my throat reading your touching poem Deb I especially loved the real diamonds sparkling with the snow ones:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Deb Radke Date: 12/20/2018 8:33:00 AM Thanks so much, Jan, for reading and leaving such a positive review. I appreciate this support very much.

Sara Kendrick Date: 12/17/2018 6:52:00 AM Very creative, expressive and emotive work that you have penned on the theme of the contest. I enjoyed reading your winning work. Thanks for your participation in my contest. May this be the best Christmas season up to this point in your life. Sara Login to Reply Deb Radke Date: 12/17/2018 7:02:00 AM Thank you so much, Sara, for awarding this high honor to my poem. I enjoyed writing for this contest. I wish you, as well, a blessed Christmas season. All my best. Deb

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 12/5/2018 10:06:00 AM How tenderly you convey the contrast between joy and sadness. For me, reading this poem was akin to watching a lovely Hallmark Christmas movie. Dropping the ring into the snow, knowing it might not be discovered until spring's thaw, may be a way to push the pain aside. You have a lovely style, Deb, and I know Sara will enjoy reading your entry. Sending winning wishes your way and hopes for happy holidays. Hugs, Carolyn Login to Reply

Nette Onclaud Date: 12/4/2018 2:23:00 PM a compelling work so beautifully handled.. love the fluidity of your images, deb...huggs Login to Reply Deb Radke Date: 12/5/2018 9:06:00 AM Thank you so much, Nette. Your kind words of support mean a great deal to me. I appreciate the time you take to set forth your thoughts on my poetry.

Vijay Pandit Date: 12/1/2018 5:25:00 PM WOW! This was a ride through emotions..a blending of joy and tears..mostly tears that speak to heartbreak so close to real life. Touching lines: I ease the jeweled case into my hand Letting it fall beside the bench..Knowing it will remain hard and frozen, Forever a reminder of my broken heart. A win in my books, Deb. Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 12/5/2018 10:06:00 AM Mine too, Vijay! Deb Radke Date: 12/3/2018 8:49:00 AM Thank you, Vijay, for wonderful comments. As always, your support means the world to me and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, my friend.