Home » Poems » Gene Bourne » Too Late

Poet Lyric

Notes About The Poem

Meter - Iambic Trimeter - Cateletic

Rhyme - A B - A B

Too Late

Opinions never veer, 
Nor acting deem you wise. 
You're branded now with fear
Behind a thin disguise. 

Behavior layered deep, 
No fantasy can hide. 
The wounded at your feet 
Your conscience won't abide. 

A fire too great to quench. 
Has spread too far within. 
Were you to turn an inch, 
You'd face what you have been. 


Gene Bourne.
09-10-14

allegoryallusionanalogyangerassonancelyric

♡Like0

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

William Darnell Sr

July 7, 2023 at 10:38 AM

Hi, Gene! I'm not familiar with your writing, but great work, "Nailed it." Three lines; Behind a thin disguise, Behavior layered deep, Has spread too far within. Great penning, truly. Have a Great Day! Oh, congrats featured! Inspiring work. Best Wishes, William

Charmaine Chircop

October 4, 2014 at 8:00 AM

Its important in life to turn that inch and learn from our mistakes.We just need not to be so.stubborn.A wise advice Gene.Great poem.

Gene Bourne

October 7, 2014 at 8:16 AM

Thanks for those words, Charma, that ring so true. For many that inch is beyond their comprehension.. How often we've seen it. Thanks so much, Charma...Your friend, Gene.

Thomas Carney

September 14, 2014 at 12:26 PM

It's amazing what one can do with so little. Spot on Gene Bourne on a creative and cogent story. Don't put off what one can do now. We may never get another chance. The iambic trimeter is compact and fits the puzzled beat of iamb. To convey your story with 6 syllable lines would be a challenge for any poet, yet you make it look easy, though I know perfectly well you put some effort into this. Very good effort my friend.

Gene Bourne

September 14, 2014 at 2:42 PM

Thanks for the comment...Your PS friend...Gene

Phyllis Babcock

September 13, 2014 at 12:05 AM

An interesting poem that you have penned. Thank you for your visit to my poem. love phyl

Gene Bourne

September 13, 2014 at 6:18 AM

Dear Phyl, I was composing an email response, "mildly" disagreeing with an old friend over a question of one of thier poem's "meter" stanzas ...and the email faded and this somewhat abstruse poem emerged, thanks to a friend's stubbornness. It's strange the way poems can "invite" themselves into a non poetic situation. Your visits are always a welcome sight...Love'ya, Gene

Brenda Meier-Hans

September 11, 2014 at 7:39 PM

I really like this Gene. I don't understand it all but I love the last verse especially but do like the poem completely.

Brenda Meier-Hans

September 13, 2014 at 9:33 PM

Well thanks Gene I appreciate that you took the time.

Gene Bourne

September 11, 2014 at 8:47 PM

Hi, Brenda. This little poem began Trochaic, switched to Iambic. It also morphed from Tetrameter to Trimeter and lost a stanza somewhere in all this. Trochaic tended to be more "authoratative". Iambic softened the tone, for the message needed the harshness "toned down", a bit. That's the most I've discussed about any of my poems. I apprecate so much your comments and thanks for reading...Your friend...Gene

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty

September 11, 2014 at 5:38 AM

"Behavior layered deep" or "You'd face what you have been" honest lines. Thank you for your poem. Love.

Gene Bourne

September 11, 2014 at 7:25 AM

Dear RAJAT...I'm not sure if my first answer to your comments went through...I appreciate your critique and opinion to Danka. Hope all's well with you...Your PS friend...Gene

Danka Sikorska

September 11, 2014 at 5:14 AM

Last two verses are very strong. I think that many people want that, but they are scared.

Gene Bourne

September 11, 2014 at 7:21 AM

Dear Danka...The poem was allegorical....perhaps a warning. It wasn't meant to frighten...more of a lesson. Thanks for your interesting view of the poem...Your PS friend...Gene.

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty

September 11, 2014 at 5:49 AM

I agree Danka..but nothing is too late.. I do not think Gene's poem has any pessimistic shade...so no scare.

Too Late

Post Comments

Please Login to post a comment

Member Area

Soup Social

Member Poems

Member Poets

Famous Poems

Famous Poets

Poetry Resources