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To Myself As a Child

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* This is me at age three, where we lived year-round on Sebago Lake in Raymond, ME. *

There, so long ago ... Precious little one, hair of platinum! If I could but speak to you from the "now", From the heart of the man you will come to be ... Oh, you have a pure spirit there, little one, Full of love and energy and uncommon tenderness, (For such a wee, wobbly, skinny little lad) ... Fascination, rife, for every particularly wonderful thing, Like stars, the sea, and clean, white seersucker shirts, (three times-a-day). A loving mother and older siblings to nurture you, And a father who sacrificed all to work long hours and provide, His sweat and varicose legs and lack of engagement The payment for opportunities and education that so many never realize. Yes, little one, clutch steadfast the child's heart that thrums within, Above all else, save love, it will guide you back ... You are a free spirit, and you will chart paths through life's thickest brush, You will rebel away from the median, and choose poorly in emotion, You will experience and learn and feel and gain SO much, But you will fall even further, and lose almost all, I'm afraid ... I can not keep you from the seams of Hell, little one, that is your destiny, But the glimmer of love and your child's heart will wind you home, The same heart that will crush with the pains of loss and lessons ... But trust it always, little one ... trust it ALWAYS, And here you will be, looking back with wonder and gratitude ... On a full, rich, extraordinary life. ** FOURTH PLACE in the "What Child Is This" Poetry Contest, Craig Cornish, Sponsor. **

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John Hamilton

Date: 10/20/2017 8:43:00 AM

Back with congrats on a great placement in Craig's contest, this is a special write!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/20/2017 3:36:00 PM

Many kind thank you's, John, and blessings to you, friend! :-)

Eve Roper

Date: 10/18/2017 6:37:00 PM

Wonderful write, Gregory, congratulations on your win!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/20/2017 3:36:00 PM

Thank you so much, Eve - I greatly appreciate that! :-)

Alexis Y.

Date: 10/18/2017 3:20:00 PM

Hi Greg, I see why you placed so well. Congratulations on your placement in the contest:-) Alexis

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/18/2017 4:39:00 PM

That's very kind of you, Alexis, and I so appreciate it - thank you, Friend! :-) <3

Darren White

Date: 10/18/2017 12:17:00 PM

Awww Greg, so well deserved, this win :) Congrats.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/18/2017 4:39:00 PM

Thank you, Buddy, so much appreciated - I see you won as well, though I haven't got to my commenting yet today, congrats! You AND your poems are favs of mine! :-)

Joanna Daniel

Date: 10/17/2017 7:44:00 AM

Lovely and honest, Greg:) wonderfully written, just what Craig was looking for:) that picture is really a cute one:)

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/17/2017 9:05:00 PM

Thanks so much, Jo - I so appreciate it! Hoping you're right! :-)

Darren White

Date: 10/17/2017 2:38:00 AM

Greg, you were a cutie <3 Good luck in the contest with this awesome write

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/17/2017 9:04:00 PM

Awww, thanks so much, Buddy - much appreciated! :-)

John Hamilton

Date: 10/16/2017 4:18:00 PM

Such a nice letter to self, I found this piece to be very honest in it's awareness of self, and lessons learned through a lifetime. You have a special talent Greg, this should do well in the contest!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/17/2017 9:03:00 PM

So kind of you, Buddy, and I so appreciate it - glad you enjoyed it! :-)

Becca Teagan

Date: 10/15/2017 3:07:00 PM

This is awesome, Greg! You did an great job with this.

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/16/2017 12:34:00 PM

Awww ... thank you so much - now I'll have to send you flowers! ;-) <3

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/16/2017 12:33:00 PM

Thank you so much, Becca, I greatly appreciate the kind words, and I'm pleased you liked this one! :-)

Becca Teagan
Date: 10/15/2017 3:09:00 PM

ps you're such a cutie!!! (you were back then, too lol)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/14/2017 5:55:00 PM

Oh, this is SO nice, Gregory, and to know what you said, that the glimmer of love and child's heart will wind you home. That is wonderful!!!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/14/2017 8:45:00 PM

Blessings for your kindness, Andrea, that's so nice of you to say! Thank you so much! :-)

Nette Onclaud

Date: 10/14/2017 3:00:00 PM

so in touch with your inner child, greg...how splendid can this be; i go wow!... huggs

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/14/2017 8:45:00 PM

Yes, it's called "immature", Nette, (or foolish, as my mom would say, lol), and I make no excuses - I'm thankful for it, even if it does make me seem a bit childish at times, lol. So pleased you liked my poem, my friend - thanks so much for the sweetness! :-) <3

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib

Date: 10/14/2017 10:40:00 AM

What a tender letter to the little you Greg, a testament to the wisdom you have gained in this sweet life. A wonderful entry for this contest, my best to you dear poet :) xomo!

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 10/14/2017 8:39:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Xomo, that's very sweet of you, my friend - I greatly appreciate your kindness! :-) <3