They’ve built bridges
wanting to cross them
to conquer the other side
where the grass is greener.
They want what they can’t see
and will go to great lengths
to lay claim to the other side
where the sky is ever bluer.
Men’s dreams entice them
to reach out to distant shores
convinced what lies beyond
is infallibly better.
AP: 2nd place 2026
Isn’t our life a clever game of chess,
Where chance and actions equally pay
We can’t approach life like a naïve amateur
Each move be cautious for success to pave way
Some ties, though broken need to be mended
When a crack forms, it can be fixed with cement
Every dissension or hurt do not deserve goodbye
With a little effort, some bonds, we can easily mend
When ego masquerades as dignity or self- respect
One is hesitant for a compromise or reconciliation
A humble word or a kind gesture can heal a hurt
They can easily pave way for instant reparation.
Some relationships are extremely toxic,
Where one longs for a permanent liberation.
There, the bridge is to be burnt down,
Without any qualms or the slightest hesitation.
Life is all a question of sound selection.
If one makes choices that are dependable
One can effortlessly chart one’s way to success
Mend fences worthy and burn bridges ignoble.
With every word spoken in flame,
We burnt our bridges, played the game.
Letters to ash,
Actions too rash,
The ravine is widening, we can't turn back
Our past is broken, now we fear attack.
Burn or mend.
Instead let's speak words with grace,
Bridging the gap, reclaiming our place.
Letters take form,
Actions preform,
No turning back, it's not just a bridge rebuilt,
But a mended past, from all of our guilt
I have no desire to mend the fences,
life is now lived in past tenses:
heartbreaker
joy taker
misery maker
I was told don’t burn those bridges,
trouble only comes in smidges:
pitches
switches
stitches
The stars are not arranged for comfort,
but to sparkle, shine and extort:
take chance
moon dance
romance!
Carry on my wayward son
there’ll be peace when you are done*
life gives
love lives
forgives.
*Kerry Livgren
We often try to retrofit
The remnants of a bridge that burned
In fires that we never lit
With scaffolding of lessons learned
But if we are the only one
To put in work to reattach
We may find — when work is done —
The arsonist still holds that match
7/22/2026
Written for the Mend the Fence or Burn the Bridges Contest
I’ll burn the bridges—yes, ignite the night~
a blazing, dramatic opera staged in firelight.
Let sparks go swirling like betrayed desires,
each plank a martyr to my mighty pyres.
I rise victorious as the embers rise,
a tragic heroine with smoke-filled eyes.
Let smoke proclaim my bold, rebellious creed~
No looking back, no bridge shall I ever need.
And when I’m stranded on my lonely, self-righteous shore,
I shall sigh, “How noble to return no more.”
Then whisper to the ashes at my feet,
“Perhaps I overdid the whole retreat.”
Mend white fences until you see
Harm in lies neglect denim deceit
As one crying wolf in dark night surprise
Is beast in sheep clothing evil disguise
I tend to lend empathetic emerald ear
Until there’s a reason for caution fear
Narcissistic people cause much pain
Drop them they’re toxic as acid rain
Then burn those bridges fire red
Don’t forget they get in your head
With twisted hearts and black greed
Don’t be a victim instead break free
A beauteous new born day - Whoa is me!
Now seeing a precious opportunity in my head
The stars no longer shining glow- dawn broke
The crescent moon to rest indeed - instead
Tepid the sunshine might then enter my fragile soul
Those radiant, alluring hues bleed warmth thru my skin
Gracious the inner beauty within crept upon me - whoa is me!
Voiced too now are the chirping of birds-
Songs begin
Mountains the peak is climbed standing tall
The air to breathe - it's vivid true of imagination
Distraught !! The inevitable . A treacherous rain
Nurtured nature - Breath becoming through hydration
Bridges they say are over troubled waters
Hurting inside- turmoil of memorable reflections
Caps roll in top of the waves redundantly
The seagull, flies. Wind on the face - coming attractions
Bewildered the paths and the rocks formed with strength
The light as said to the deepened turmoil - See!
The concaves in my mind indeed I view - stay tuned
It's still all in my head . Whoa is me!
Where emerald slopes meet skies of endless blue,
And sunlight paints the quiet, crested shore,
The scent of pine and ocean breeze runs true,
A peaceful hush that asks for nothing more.
The hours slow down in waves of tranquil green,
Here, heart and breath finally rest serene.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Salt-weathered planks hum
under barefoot dawn wanderers—
tide's breath lingers long.
The bridge sighs with old stories,
rusted whispers to the gulls.
I’ve lived a life of darkness, I lived a life of shame,
I’ve lived my life, as though it were a game.
I’ve done my share of damage, with the words I’ve spoke,
where there is a fire, you always see it’s smoke.
But out of ignorance, I did do these things,
as I handed out, deaths little stings.
They say don’t burn the bridges, you may have to cross,
killing them with our words, is our final loss.
Words, what a mighty powerful force, but when we practice to deceive,
those words brings more than you truly perceive.
I lay down those weapons of darkness, the words in which I speak,
now for those words of life, each day I truly seek.
Bridges Over Troubled Waters
Sometimes we go through hardship
Lost in a cruel world
Stand strong with perseverance
Navigate together as one
With strength and stability
Through gardens of glory
Walk towards a new path of refuge
Start new and be bold
Tomorrow can be whimsical
Together under a beautiful horizon blue
Sometimes we lose our way
Just follow the river home trusting
I can’t live a day without you
I’m writing you a letter saying thank you for being so true
Bridges Over Troubled Waters
Just as long as we hold on to each other
Carry the lamp wherever you go
Patience is nourishment to the soul
My pride is bruised
My heart’s been used
My mind’s abused
I’m so confused
Your love had ridges
You burned our bridges
Ignored my wishes
Threw me like dishes
I once felt whole
you torched my soul
If heart break’s the goal
you played a good role
I sink into sadness
I echo the madness
Facedown in my mattress
Like a Hollywood actress
Romantic malpractice
Your love’s like a cactus
I’m pricked by your thorns
And I drown in your storms
You were a lesson to learn
Touched your fire til I burned
You turned my heart into an urn
Now you’re no longer my concern
Bridges
The world I know
I’m ready to let go
Implement toward change
Grow, I’m not the same
A new path
Rest in emerald soft grass
Slow to anger
No worries toward tomorrow
Over bridges
Gravity pulls
Down to earth
Be alert
Choices ajar
Beyond the stars
Be your own man
Journey through many colors
With nothing to prove
Don’t need anyone’s validation
Just be you
Every day is a blessing
Bridges connecting
Minor signs of anxiety
Sunk in the glass of lemon water
In the panic of the present time
Life flows in a calm stream
Along the damp walls of low storey buildings
My boat floats to nowhere
Under the arches of old bridges
Voices distorted by echoes ring out
What they say, what they are silent about
Is unimportant for I can't hear
I float along the quiet current
Through the cloudy waters.
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