Thornbirds

He took his place in cassock clad.
The yearning unchecked, her chances slim		
The veil she clasped around her head 
She knelt at the box where light fell dim 
Confessing the love she had for him.

The choice was made and rings changed hands
Obstructions and doubts  were shoved aside.		
In upstairs room the wardrobe stands
Where parts of his life discretely hide
Limp cassock for years has hung inside.

-----------------------------

Contest: English Quintain
Sponsor: Janice Canerdy
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Ward Avatar
March 25, 2015 at 3:56 AM
I am envisioning an alternative last line where you put "stern cassock", indicating the man had made the wrong choice... Hugs, Julia, xx
Callus Avatar
March 26, 2015 at 11:21 AM
Interesting alternative, Julia! Goes to shows that great minds do not necessarily have to think alike:) Hugs // paul
A   Avatar
July 23, 2014 at 3:53 PM
you are still one of the best... :)
Dunn Avatar
July 8, 2014 at 6:38 PM
A very interesting write, I remember the series the thorn birds, this is really a well written work here my friend, you like honesty it's not a favorite but I did enjoy it. Thank you for your comments I really appriciate you stopping by my site and reading a few.cheri
Callus Avatar
July 9, 2014 at 7:52 AM
Thank you Cherl. I love honesty and I believe that it's the basis of constructive criticism. I appreciate you reading some of my work, too. // paul
De La Luna Avatar
July 7, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Congratulations, PAul!
Callus Avatar
July 7, 2014 at 2:24 PM
Thank you Hija for the wishes and visit! cu // paul
Hoffman Avatar
July 5, 2014 at 9:56 AM
Congrats on your win Paul,nicely done
Callus Avatar
July 5, 2014 at 2:13 PM
Thank you Greg. You did extremely well with your entry, finishing in top place! cu // paul
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
July 5, 2014 at 4:25 AM
Congratulations Paul..:) so busy that I can not even say my congratulations..:) hope not too late..:)
Callus Avatar
July 5, 2014 at 4:54 AM
You are never too late, Olive_eloi:) My door is always wide open..:) cu later. // paul
Chutani Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 11:38 AM
Nice emotive write Paul and congrats for the win
Callus Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 2:31 PM
Thank you Mohan. I enjoyed your entry as well; gave me more insight into Indian culture. cu // paul
A   Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Paul, WOW... This is deep, Congratulations, life's all about the hard choices we face on a daily base. Have a happy 4th of July... LUV LINDA
Callus Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 2:33 PM
I like that 'wow', Linda! Thank you for the comments and wishes. Happy Independence Day to you. /x/ paul
A. Sharma Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 9:12 AM
Very different wonderful take Paul ! Choices u hv n decisions u take,, n for righteousness courage is required, follow the truth n listen to inner voice , makes life worthwhile,, that's what I hv learnt as of now ! Congrats on huge win !
Callus Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 1:26 PM
Hi Upma! in life we take many decisions; some choices are harder than others...that's when wisdom comes into it. Thank you for your 'sensible' comments and wishes. Have a nice weekend. // paul
Mehta Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 8:22 AM
A unique write on the Hard Choices and fine Rhyming, Congrats on the win in my contest, Paul
Callus Avatar
July 4, 2014 at 1:12 PM
Many thanks Dr. So glad you found this poem to your liking, and very pleased with being highly placed on your winners' list. // paul
Mister Roboto Avatar
July 3, 2014 at 1:40 PM
I appreciate the message you bring in this write! I must admit to being severely undereducated. three terms I MUST look up to fully grasp the piece~cassock clad, limp cassock, and last but not least and more like first, THORN BIRDS. Sadly, I don't know what the title means, but I have a good guess, which will remain unearthed at the moment, in order to retain some sort of dignity. :). I've check out some of your stuff and do enjoy it so far. KeeP writing sIr!
Callus Avatar
July 3, 2014 at 5:15 PM
Hi JSL I appreciate your honesty! Once this write was ready I needed a title, and I hit on that of a film which I had seen many!! years ago (similar topic). Txs for reading my stuff....paul
Richards Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 9:10 PM
The title drew me in, and I was not disappointed. I loved your poem of choices made, and such a complex tale it was....beautifully written! Good luck with this one, Paul !
Callus Avatar
July 3, 2014 at 10:49 AM
There were a few topics I could have tackled, but eventually the choice fell on this one...thought it might be a bit different. Thank you, Carrie; glad you enjoyed it. // paul
Chircop Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 4:00 PM
Decisions of life-The way they should be taken,wisely and without any doubt,otherwise our future would not be blissed with serenity.Great thoughts expressed in your wonderful verses,and love the title.I read that book in the maltese version ,and even in englsh.Watched it on t.v as well,a great story that was..indeed a gem.
Chircop Avatar
July 5, 2014 at 7:56 AM
Im not disappearing again..: ) I ll be haunting PS tll the end of time ;-)
Callus Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 4:41 PM
Hi Charm!! So lovely to see you in circulation again! Missed your presence. Thank you for not only stopping by, but also for analyzing and commenting. So glad you enjoyed this write. // paul [...and don't disappear again:)]
Carrillo Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 7:37 PM
A Great and sad love story. I have seen the movie three times. Those are real hard choices. Good luck in the contest.... Lucilla
Callus Avatar
July 2, 2014 at 4:30 AM
Life is made up of choices; some are taken when we are young and inexperienced, and later on we might regret a few. That is why we must never rush into things. Thanks for stopping by Lucilla. Take care. // paul
Kiser Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 12:47 PM
A lovely poem and moving.
Callus Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 2:41 PM
Thank you ML. I've been on your posts, which together with your lovely cat avatar seem to indicate that I'm addressing a female. Am I right or wrong?:) // paul
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 8:08 AM
thanks for your comment Paul, nice work here, really good xx
Callus Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 8:54 AM
Thank you Mandy; glad you liked it! cu // paul
George   Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 9:42 PM
I read the book many years ago when I was living in Vancouver and than saw the movie with Richard Chamberlan. It was such a heartwrenching story. You have written a sensational English Quintain, Paul. Sure to top the winners list. bfn Elaine
Callus Avatar
July 1, 2014 at 1:46 AM
Many thanks Elaine! Love your lovely comments:) I too remember the film...R. Chamberlan was very popular in those days. This poem was not inspired by this story, but the title was. Have a nice day:) // paul
Kendrick Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Life has many choices some can be good and some can be bad and we are free until the choice is made then we are controlled by those choices..I really like this one."The choice was made and rings changed hands Obstructions and doubts were shoved aside"..This is my favorite part of the work..I am glad that I chose this one to read today..Thanks for your visit to my page..Sara
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 4:12 PM
Hi Sara! I like your work, and I love your visits, too:) So glad you liked this poem. Thank you. // paul
United Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 7:39 AM
Wow a hard choice indeed Paul - this actually happened to my RE teacher at school - he left the Catholic church, married and went on to have 5 children. Hope this does really well in the contest. Hugs jan xxx
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 4:10 PM
Two friends of mine (past school mates) passed through the same experience; one is happily married, the other yearns to go back to his former calling! txs for the visit, Jan /x/ paul
Manassian Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:46 AM
Lovely. I loved the movie. I love this write.
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 7:10 AM
Thank you Eileen! I love your lovely comments, too ... and the new avatar:) // paul
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 5:12 AM
yes sure that's one hard choice anyone can make... my vive that you a kind soul Paul.:) To when will I take this choice I don't know yet but whoever will it be I hope that he'll see me beyond.. :) can't send my soupmail. having errors.. :(, olive eloisa here.. :)
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:36 PM
Thank you dearie Paul.. :)thank you really.. :) prayers.. :D
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 6:30 AM
Hi Olive_eloi! Yes, I hope that whoever you opt for will see all the beauty that you have within. You deserve the best:) God bless. // paul
Devonshire Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 4:31 AM
Dear Paul, making a choice to marry can be very difficult. Since my late husband died decades ago, I haven't been able to find someone who could match his wit, intelligence and kindness. You must be a very devoted husband, my friend. If I end up traveling to Europe alone, perhaps I can take the boat from Spain to Malta. It would be wonderful to meet Charmaine and see her new baby. Perhaps I could meet you and your wife there as well. Love and blessings, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
June 30, 2014 at 4:45 AM
Hi Carolyn! Now that would be a lovely occasion!! We would be most happy to meet you in person:) There are some things in life which are irreplaceable, but we must consider ourselves lucky that we were part of them. Hugs. // paul
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