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The Shape of Beauty

When the bloom departs the rose And faded petals reign What then, the shape of beauty What is there to remain When the wounds of life’s assault Surrender scars account What then, the shape of beauty What image to surmount Who then, must expound the key To render figure fair Can we not see past the thorns To inner grace laid bare

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Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 12/18/2018 6:31:00 PM

Oh, this is exquisite, Mike, and I have to fav this one! The tempo, refrain, imagery, metaphor, word use, phrasing - all elements are just superb, and woven into a tapestry of creativity and wisdom that touches deeply. Just adore this write - nicely done, my friend! :-)

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/18/2018 7:57:00 PM

Thank you so much Greg, I am so happy that you liked it , I really appreciate the compliment!!!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/18/2018 2:28:00 PM

Sigh. Inner beauty and strength are where it's at. If only we could always see past the external glitz...AND very ironic that Edward Ibeh appears in the comment below this one, as he has a contest, "Would you still love me?", that your poem just speaks to. (It would need to be tailored to the contest requirements---but you've nailed the essence of his theme)...Just a thought. At any rate: Wonderful, wonderful, write! Season's best, Gershon

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/18/2018 3:01:00 PM

Seasons best to you as well Gershon, Thanks so much !!

Edward Ibeh

Date: 12/14/2018 8:48:00 PM

Stellar write, Mike;-) Very well-written. Happy holidays!

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/15/2018 8:10:00 AM

Thank you so much Edward anf Happy Holidays to you as well !!

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/14/2018 12:20:00 PM

The longer we live, the more we realize that it is not the bloom that makes the rose so precious, but its potential and inner strength. Congratulations on your win in Brian's contest, Mike! Best wishes, Carolyn

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/15/2018 8:11:00 AM

Thank you so much Carolyn, wisdom does come with age. I appreciate you kind comments xxoo

M. L. Kiser

Date: 12/14/2018 6:35:00 AM

Remarkably beautiful; I do love roses and they are a great metaphor. Thorns are the tiny hindrances and difficulties of life; but they're small and can be seen past. Well penned.

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/14/2018 9:13:00 AM

Thanks so much MLK xxoo

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/13/2018 3:01:00 PM

Deep write..I feel the essence of your poem: Can we not see past the thorns To inner grace laid bare. Well written, as always Mike.

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/13/2018 3:21:00 PM

Thank you so much Vijay !!

Heidi Sands

Date: 12/13/2018 1:44:00 PM

Wow, what a beautifully written descriptive poem. Good flow too Mike :) Have a nice day!

Mike Gentile
Date: 12/13/2018 2:07:00 PM

Thanks so much Heidi xxoo