Speaks Volumes Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Wabi-Sabi

"Dead leaves lay still, even the last flower is withered: yet there is a beauty in decayed imperfection." Taken from a quote by _Constance La France

On an orbital rotation around our planet every day, nothing stays the same. We change our surroundings change, our thoughts change, constantly evolving into what we are and what we will be tomorrow.
Everything changes. Some things grow bigger or older, some are renewed, restored or replaced, some break or decay. Nothing stays exactly the same. Therefore we are never finished changing. As it was intended, or broken, still nothing is perfect forever. Regrettably Rolls Royce rust.

Aren’t you ashamed of me?”, said the pot with the crack. 
“Every day you carry me, yet I only bring half the water back.” 
The old woman replied. ”Didn’t you notice I carry you on the same side? 
You do a great job and I always carry you with much pride.
You see every day, as I walk back you water each flower. 
All these beautiful flowers are because of you."
Knowing a fault and making use of it, not alienating the item because of its fault but accentuating it, creates joy.
"When you were perfect, I loved you when you were not, I loved you more.” 

The old woman kept the withered pressed bouquet, it’s in a box displayed on the shelf. From their wedding day, glorious red roses, now in decay. She smiles as she remembers its beauty and that of herself. 
The flowers she kept, emphasizing their imperfections caused by age, give her joy.
She loved them when they were perfect, their beauty actually means more to her now that they are not perfect, as their remnants have lasted all these years.
 
All things must be looked upon as spiritually one and of use either aesthetically or practically, (or able to be recycled).

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Terry Miller January 5, 2024 at 2:28 AM "When you were perfect, I loved you when you were not, I loved you more.” - Perfection! Speaks Volumes September 7, 2025 at 8:14 AM Thank you Terry.

Sotto Poet December 8, 2023 at 1:37 PM What a poignant, articulate, and astute composition, my dear, SV. I admire your approach to the theme; I notably adore the personification of the jar and the story of the elderly woman with the broken pot. Amazing and ingenious. Your use of imagery emphasized the radical nature of change. As always, your skillful use of language narrates your story so beautifully. You possess a linguistic ability that is tender and insightful. Speaks Volumes December 8, 2023 at 1:57 PM My dear friend, its lucky I enjoy the effort I put into the things I write. Its my interpretation of the contest and I already know its destined for an N/A as it mentions a cracked pot, which Craig states not to do as it will result in a not applicable verdict. But I enjoyed writing and of course enjoyed yours and the other beautiful comments. Thank you, Las...... Wen

Charlotte Puddifoot December 8, 2023 at 7:23 AM i like this approach to the theme, but i think i would label it 'narrative' or 'prose poetry'..craig's contest is quite a 'cluttered' theme, so anyone who attempts it is brave! thanks for your kind comment on my work :) Speaks Volumes December 8, 2023 at 11:43 AM Thanks Charlotte. I am always willing to take good advice and I gratefully took yours regarding the form. Its an exercise in persistence from me. I know if I keep attempting his contests one day, I will come close to achieving what he expects. I will be around for another couple of years so I have plenty of time. Thanks for your comment and advice. Its appreciated. Best wishes from Wen.

Hiya Sharma December 8, 2023 at 5:09 AM "When you were perfect, I loved you when you were not, I loved you more.” Oh my, this is such an adorable piece dear SV. Your way of conveying these expressions really intrigued my heart and kept my attention captivated throughout. Very true as you said that everything in this world keeps on changing and evolving..But to find people who always stay by our side when we are discovering a new side of us everyday, I think that's a blessing.. I love that ending part too.Best of luck in the contest :) Speaks Volumes December 8, 2023 at 5:39 AM Hiya you are such a dear. Thank you for your charming comment. I am probably way of the Wabi-Sabi mark with this one, but it was fun to put my best try forward. Your words were like sweet music as I read them. Very much appreciated. Best wishes sweet one

Ink Empress December 8, 2023 at 3:37 AM Ah i tried commenting and somehow it vanished , just wanted you to know how much i loved your take on wabi sabi and storytelling especially the line “ When you were perfect, I loved you when you were not, I loved you more.” “ touched my soul. And to be loved when broken too is a blessing really. Goodluck for the contest. Pleasure always reading you Speaks Volumes December 8, 2023 at 5:47 AM My favorite saying these days is " A friend is a spell checker" I fixed it ! Thanks so much for pointing it out. I read it several times ( getting old). Empress you have a way with words, I am sure you can turn their rudeness around and aim it right back at them ( in a poetic way of course) ;) Ink Empress December 8, 2023 at 4:00 AM Hahaha mob you are so cute. Ah i cause no violence, but sometimes I might get a bit upset when some get rude in comments to my crazy poems lolol. I am so glad i came here too thanks to the silent one, i got to meet poets like you. Ah i hope you will win with this one. I wasnt sure if the line should have “ notice “ or noticed” but otherwise i found this poetically perfect rhyming queen. Speaks Volumes December 8, 2023 at 3:48 AM Thank you sweet Empress, I never quite hit the nail with Craig's contests, but one day my imperfections will diminish enough to be closer to his requirements. Its fun trying. Thank you for your encouragement. True confession: I was worried when "your mob" arrived, but I am so glad you are all here. You have added a breath of fresh air and a tasty new flavor to soup. Its great having you around. :)