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Then and Now

Once, I saw rainbows Across the tear washed sky, Their iridescent gleam Slanting down on the waters below, Buds burgeoning on every branch, Flowers opening their delicate folds, And summer bees spiraling around Gathering nectar for frosty days. All in partial haze…. Saw radiant smiles gleaming past, Angelic babes’ innocent face. Men toiling from dawn to dusk, Going about their lives’ odyssey. Nature posing from time to time, In silken green, amber gold And in dazzling white. But... All in partial haze! Everything fleeted past, As through the window, Of a speeding train. Neither did they linger long Nor were they daubed bright In paints indelible on my mind’s canvas To call them back to mind at will. Leaving no impressions, they flashed past Never evoking thoughts of gratitude I lived my life in acute haste. Colors, shades, and myriad scenes Passed me by as common sight But now with a heavy mist, About to block my eyesight completely out And an inexorable darkness Hovering over me like a shroud, That might plunge me into darkness I regret all that I have missed seeing I resolve now to pause and see all that is lovely, Graciously created for man to enjoy. Suck in the delicious ambrosia to the lees, Thanking God as if I won’t get another chance! Dec.31.2022 ~ Placed Second~ Then and Now Poetry Contest Sponsor- Unseeking Seeker

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 1/11/2023 10:08:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, how beautifully you express the miracles around us in every season - miracles we so often take for granted until there is a distinct possibility that life might change. This is so wonderfully expressed as the veil descends! Wonderfully written dear friend. Sending you blessings of clear sight and miracles.
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Date: 1/4/2023 10:42:00 AM
So beautiful, dear Valsa--"Once I saw rainbows across the tear-washed sky..." Congratulations on your win!
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Date: 1/4/2023 8:04:00 AM
Congratulations on your win. Have a blessed day..................
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Date: 1/3/2023 10:16:00 PM
A lovely poem, Valsa. Congratulations!
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Date: 1/3/2023 6:30:00 PM
A brilliant write, Valsa! Warmest congratulations on your podium finish
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 1/3/2023 7:06:00 PM
Thank you so much Seeker friend. I feel honored . My gratitude to you for giving us an opportunity to participate in your contests....also for placing my poem high....
Date: 1/1/2023 1:56:00 PM
God gives us chance after chance to get it correct. So much of our lives are reliving lessons we have not learned. I enjoyed reading this contest entry. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
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Date: 1/1/2023 3:57:00 AM
A great poem bringing out the contrasts, Valsa:) hope this is metaphorical and your eyesight problem is temporary...
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Date: 12/31/2022 5:20:00 AM
A perfect verse for the then and now contest Valsa. We have to savor every moment. Best of luck in the and a very happy and healthy New year to you. Tom
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Date: 12/31/2022 4:56:00 AM
Then and now--good to reflect on past and enjoy the promise of future, as you have done in this poem, Valsa. Much to gleam from your two frames of references. Best to you.
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Date: 12/30/2022 10:24:00 PM
Life incorporates change. Our youth vanish as we grow old. Brilliant poem on life, dear Valsa.
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Book: Shattered Sighs