Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

vagabond -

       so slowly -

I have traveled this way before
crept along this route with deliberate intention
allowing myself the enjoyments that
each next measure brings
savoring the odyssey as if for the first time …
       that mindset -
allowing me the discovery around each bend
of sensations, new and inspiring
each twist and turn offering a new reveal
a perspective or feeling or taste
that my previous numberless journeys lacked
       how many roads -
do we travel in life?
some over-and-over, in haste
and those footsteps, retraced, so often taken for granted
the world bustling by our window
without notice or regard
       yet -
each time I make THIS sojourn
it reveals something fresh and wondrous
a tremor, a flavor, an aromatic scent, heavenly
feelings, sights, thoughts, even sounds, anew
that my previous courses missed
       but, oh my -
this adventure!
never again shall I take a centimeter of
this trek as a given
for it is the wandering that matters
oh, the destination holds wonders of its own
       but -
this sublime adventure is never to be hurried
for it is made on a vista, divine
a landscape of unequaled beauty and breadth
that unfolds before me in amazement and portent
the sugary softness and voluptuous indulgence ...

       inside - your thigh.






~ 1st Place ~  in the "Strand Choice 12 Any Form Any Theme" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Judge & Sponsor.

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Constance La France February 5, 2020 at 8:50 AM Greg, congratulations on your win in the contest with this wonderful write _Constance Gregory Richard Barden June 14, 2020 at 2:19 AM That's very kind, Constance, thanks so much! <3

Sam Kauffman February 2, 2020 at 11:43 AM Hi Gregory, Congratulations on your top placement. Gregory Richard Barden June 14, 2020 at 2:19 AM Thank you very much Sam! :o)

Geoffrey Brewer February 2, 2020 at 11:08 AM The picture gave the clue right from the start, with climactic confirmation at the end. Brilliant sensual writing, Gregory. Gregory Richard Barden June 14, 2020 at 2:19 AM Many kind thanks, Geoffrey, it is so greatly appreciated, my friend! :o)

Edward Ibeh February 1, 2020 at 4:41 PM Excellent poem, Greg:-) Definitely one of the best poems you've written this year, IMO. Heartiest congrats on your top win!

Charles Messina July 18, 2018 at 7:16 PM This is such a great write, Greg! I read it once, then twice, then a third time. Each time was better! Just awesome! Gregory Richard Barden July 20, 2018 at 7:32 PM That's very kind of you to say, Charles, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed this one ... it is a favorite of mine! Blessings, my friend! :-)

Connie Marcum Wong July 11, 2018 at 2:31 PM Gregory, I didn't connect the picture and the poem together because I was excited to read your poem. When I got to the end it was a delightful surprise which made me read it all over again with new eyes. Wonderfully romantic! : ) Gregory Richard Barden July 11, 2018 at 10:22 PM Thank you so much, Connie, and that was one of my intents when writing it - to get the reader to go back and see it differently ... I LOVE to create those layers and ambiguities - so much fun! I haven't been writing for the joy of it lately, (mostly for contests), and I need to get back to that. Blessings, My Dear Poet Friend! :-) <3

Daniel Turner July 11, 2018 at 2:41 AM For that kind of journey one needs a big walking stick:) Great build up and then the dagger. Wonderful, suspenseful, and most entertaining. Another beauty Greg. Gregory Richard Barden July 11, 2018 at 10:19 PM LOL - I'm not going to touch that one, my friend, but you gave me a chuckle, (much needed) ... so pleased you enjoyed it, Dan - blessings to you! :-)