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sea of trees

About Gregory Richard Barden
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Welcome to my page!

I am a man of many interests - TOO many, I think, lol - and because of that I never gave writing the attention I should have when I was young. I started writing poetry in December of 2016, and joined Poetry Soup at the same time. I am currently working on an R&B/Soul album for a major label, so, as has usually been the case, poetry does not get the time I'd like to give it, (though I plan to change that in the future, and write a book-or-two, a sci-fi novel and an autobiography) ...

I like to incorporate classic styles and phrasing into a modern frame when I write poetry, and try to cover a wide range of genres, but I enjoy the darkly sensual the most, despite its limited audience. I hope you'll give my rather unusual style a chance, read a piece-or-two, and leave a comment, if you'd be so kind. I also hope you'll visit my music web site as well, (at the following address under my moniker "Bahku") - mostly (very) old recordings there, but also a snippet of the first single coming, and more new stuff soon!

www.bahku.com

Thanks for stopping by my page - blessings!


Blog Posted by Gregory Richard Barden: 12/7/2020 12:48:00 AM

Drowning in a Sea of Trees: Understanding Aokigahara, Japan's "Suicide  Forest" - Unseen Japan
(for Aokigahara ... the souls lost)

          ~

SEA OF TREES

jade canopy
waving while it whispers

     (the lush secret, compelled
          delicious word of myriad words)

casting its shadowed merriment
at a woven briar carpet

     (colored strings, winding ... waiting)

tangled labyrinth so deep and dark
that dew still clings mid-day
yet leafy tresses tickle azure
sopping sun like thirst
bright and warm above

     (straight trunks like steady soldiers)

to fingery tendrils
digging deep to find purchase
dark earth, cool as death
rich with rooty rot -
nature's marrow to breathe the branches

     (Fuji's frilly garden skirt)

listen, tender ...
soft now, the word of mys'tries
this forest hushes all
yet stars still glisten its black heart
its desire, a mossy coat

     (dour ... waiting)

hear the voice, low
the breath of breaths, murmuring
it begs, come ...
in a thousand gentle lullabies
with the language of the ages and the ends

     (voice sweet as angels)

it calls ...
to the misty meandering
the dire dalliance - the grandest adventure of all
that dazzling dream ...
that never wakes.

Copyright © , November 6, 2020



Please Login to post a comment
Date: 12/29/2020 4:36:00 AM
Gift me a sea of trees! Love it, Greg!
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Date: 12/13/2020 10:20:00 PM
Thank you all so kindly! <3
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Date: 12/8/2020 10:31:00 AM
Love the poem and the picture you put with it. I saw a movie last month about the sea of trees. I think it was on Netflix, or maybe it was HULU. Anyway, I had not known about it before then. The movie is REALLY nice, and I knew immediately what your poem would be about from having seen that movie!
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Date: 12/7/2020 8:02:00 PM
Gorgeous, dreamy imagery, Gregory! Your talent shines in this lovely poem! Thanks for sharing! :)
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Date: 12/7/2020 1:25:00 PM
I would also like to say that I’m very sorry for your loss my friend. I had a goldfish for a pet as well. To this very day I still miss that little guy. Your beautiful poem reminds me of him.
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Date: 12/7/2020 1:11:00 PM
Greg, your poem is truly excellent and perfect , so dreamy in everyway possible, I love it ! You are a talented writer _ Constance
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Date: 12/7/2020 12:43:00 PM
And this poetic gift is a fav my friend. One that has surely been born from then pen of a master poet... Definitely a true masterpiece my friend. This true gem has now inspired me to write today. As such your magnificent piece has led another to the well of memory. To the altar of poetry and its healing and beautiful blessings of positive energy and life .... << And this poetic gift is a fav my friend. One that has surely been born from then pen of a true master poet...
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Date: 12/7/2020 10:26:00 AM
Spectacular, Greg:-) Then again, your writes are always on point! Should do well in the contest...
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Date: 12/7/2020 7:49:00 AM
love it
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Date: 12/7/2020 5:48:00 AM
Wow! That's amazing! Good luck in the contest!
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My Past Blog Posts

 
'MELANCHOLY MOON' Now Available!
Date Posted: 8/22/2024 6:35:00 AM
FOR CONNIE
Date Posted: 9/17/2022 12:57:00 AM
NINE-ELEVEN (never forget)
Date Posted: 9/11/2021 5:30:00 AM
SPINDRIFT
Date Posted: 3/4/2021 3:58:00 AM
FOOL OF A POET
Date Posted: 2/16/2021 2:36:00 AM
sea of trees
Date Posted: 12/7/2020 12:48:00 AM
To War, From Youth
Date Posted: 10/17/2020 4:29:00 AM
Shadow Man (For Dad)
Date Posted: 9/18/2020 7:39:00 AM
Rithimus Divisa - Copy & Paste
Date Posted: 9/9/2020 6:21:00 PM
To Heal A Vacant Heaven
Date Posted: 7/25/2020 11:34:00 AM
Thank You, Soupers
Date Posted: 6/25/2020 11:49:00 AM
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Date Posted: 6/21/2020 8:48:00 AM
Many Thanks, Brian Strand
Date Posted: 6/17/2020 2:55:00 AM
TIMELY TENNYSON
Date Posted: 4/8/2020 5:24:00 AM
Thinking Of You
Date Posted: 3/24/2020 1:54:00 PM
My Contests
Date Posted: 3/1/2020 7:06:00 PM
Arbitrium Divisa 7 Results
Date Posted: 2/29/2020 7:57:00 PM
Happy Valentines Day!
Date Posted: 2/14/2020 10:09:00 PM
Sound Of Sense
Date Posted: 2/3/2020 1:47:00 PM
Arbitrium Divisa 5 Finalized
Date Posted: 1/14/2020 4:27:00 AM
Cow Poetry
Date Posted: 1/12/2020 2:14:00 AM
* MERRY CHRISTMAS *
Date Posted: 12/25/2019 2:42:00 AM
Christmas Concert - Video UPDATE
Date Posted: 12/11/2019 4:55:00 PM
Christmas Concert - UA Schola Cantorum
Date Posted: 12/10/2019 5:45:00 PM
Three Years - Thank You
Date Posted: 12/6/2019 7:01:00 PM

My Recent Poems

Date PostedPoemTitleFormCategories
7/27/2025 little sandpiper Rhymeanalogy,bird,metaphor,
7/27/2025 one kiss Free verseanalogy,kiss,
7/27/2025 oh yes i think Rhymeanalogy,love,metaphor,
7/27/2025 limbo Free verseanalogy,relationship,
7/27/2025 take me home Free verseanalogy,sensual,
7/27/2025 i’m a scoundrel Rhymeanalogy,love,passion,rela
7/27/2025 perfect storm Rhymeanalogy,metaphor,passion,
7/27/2025 mon cygne noire Free verseanalogy,dark,passion,sens
7/27/2025 fool of a poet Rhymeanalogy,introspection,lov
7/27/2025 a match in the dark Free verseanalogy,dark,fantasy,
7/22/2025 valentined Rhymeanalogy,valentines day,
7/22/2025 back to the stars Rhymeanalogy,Lullaby,
7/22/2025 the fairest Rhymeanalogy,metaphor,women,
7/22/2025 evanesce Rhymeanalogy,death,introspecti
7/22/2025 temet nosce Free verseanalogy,dark,introspectio
7/22/2025 love’s last press Free verseanalogy,death,love,passio
7/22/2025 pounded again Free verseanalogy,health,pain,
7/22/2025 opus Free verseanalogy,metaphor,passion,
7/22/2025 mirror Rhymeanalogy,passion,sensual,
7/22/2025 cache Free verseanalogy,introspection,
7/20/2025 a bird and a boy Rhymeallegory,analogy,bird,chi
7/20/2025 no poetry Rhymeanalogy,poetry,writing,
7/20/2025 into darkness Rhymeadventure,analogy,friends
7/20/2025 orchid Free verseanalogy,appreciation,beau
7/20/2025 beyond limit Quatrainanalogy,forgiveness,intro
7/20/2025 adieu Free verseanalogy,friendship love,m
7/20/2025 my eyes turn back Free verseanalogy,introspection,lov
7/20/2025 bon apetit Free verseanalogy,passion,sensual,
7/20/2025 hushed Free verseanalogy,lost love,passion
7/20/2025 i 2 u Free verseanalogy,passion,sensual,
5/25/2025 Gorham Rhymeanalogy,history,home,memo
5/25/2025 burial borne Rubaiyatanalogy,death,fantasy,sci
5/25/2025 spiritus ignis - for California Rhymeanalogy,fire,tribute,
5/25/2025 quenched Free verseanalogy,passion,romantic,
5/25/2025 chateau Free verseanalogy,lost love,memory,
5/25/2025 ghost again Rhymeanalogy,poetry,writing,
5/25/2025 a quiet carol Free verseanalogy,christmas,
5/25/2025 sacchariferous Free verseallusion,analogy,candy,im
5/25/2025 reprisal Free verseanalogy,wisdom,
5/25/2025 then Free verseanalogy,introspection,met
5/5/2025 frost-byed Free verseanalogy,break up,goodbye,
5/5/2025 travel light Epicanalogy,child,war,
5/5/2025 the good fight Rhymeanalogy,death,dedication,
5/5/2025 on the breath of hopes Free verseanalogy,children,love,wis
5/5/2025 let me Free verseanalogy,love,passion,sens
5/5/2025 if but stone Free verseanalogy,heartbreak,histor
5/5/2025 whale words Rhymeanalogy,language,nature,s
5/5/2025 l’eau de la vie Free verseanalogy,introspection,
5/5/2025 words back Rhymeanalogy,metaphor,
5/5/2025 cool, cruel curse Free verseanalogy,fantasy,horror,
4/8/2025 this old coat Quatrainanalogy,clothes,loss,love
11/29/2024 g’night Free verseanalogy,death,loss,mom,mo
11/29/2024 nacre grace Free verseanalogy,metaphor,moon,
11/29/2024 immersed Free verseanalogy,life,senses,
11/29/2024 soucouyant Free verseanalogy,dark,fantasy,horr
11/29/2024 divine Free verseanalogy,love,metaphor,
11/29/2024 I luv u Free verseanalogy,love,
11/29/2024 frozen farewell Sonnetanalogy,break up,love hur
11/29/2024 ode of odes Free verseanalogy,introspection,
11/29/2024 voyeur Free verseanalogy,break up,poverty,
11/29/2024 life story Free verseanalogy,introspection,lif
11/7/2024 nevermore Free verseanalogy,creation,death,hu
11/7/2024 point blank Free verseanalogy,love hurts,metaph
11/7/2024 last moon Free verseanalogy,death,love hurts,
11/7/2024 mon cygne noire Free verseanalogy,dance,dark,passio
11/7/2024 but a shell Free verseanalogy,home,house,
11/7/2024 a crow’s command Rhymeanalogy,history,sea,
11/7/2024 sky scraper Free verseanalogy,history,sea,
11/7/2024 moonflower Free verseanalogy,introspection,
11/7/2024 bankrupt Free verseanalogy,break up,
11/7/2024 angry child Free verseanalogy,candy,child,mothe
8/22/2024 tell her you saw me Epicadventure,analogy,anxiety
8/22/2024 on tranquil lake Rubaiyatanalogy,beautiful,bird,in
8/22/2024 flock of phantoms Free verseage,analogy,lost love,wis
8/22/2024 then Free verseanalogy,lost love,metapho
8/22/2024 rhetorical Free verseanalogy,heartbreak,lost l
8/21/2024 unquenched Free verseadventure,analogy,science
8/21/2024 apathy, delivered - se7en Free verseallusion,analogy,film,hor
8/21/2024 aching sky Rhymeadventure,analogy,fantasy
8/21/2024 summer game Rhymeanalogy,children,insect,w
8/21/2024 a dance with mad molly Personificationanalogy,drug,metaphor,
8/20/2024 what it's worth Free verseanalogy,death,father,fath
8/20/2024 windows Free verseanalogy,introspection,wis
8/20/2024 precious little shadows Free verseanalogy,child,children,de
8/20/2024 legacy Rhymeanalogy,humanity,time,
8/20/2024 but to ask Rhymeanalogy,introspection,lif
8/16/2024 twixt thy wavy lines Free verseanalogy,old,
8/16/2024 world's greatest toy Limerickanalogy,humorous,
8/16/2024 mom Rhymeanalogy,mother,
8/16/2024 call Free verseanalogy,death,mother son,
8/16/2024 dear mama Rhymeanalogy,mother,mother son
8/16/2024 trickle Free verseanalogy,children,
8/16/2024 valhalla weeps Free verseanalogy,fantasy,mythology
8/16/2024 love, to love Free verseanalogy,parents,soulmate,
8/16/2024 ingrained Personificationanalogy,imagery,
8/12/2024 and I’ll recall Rhymeadventure,analogy,science
8/12/2024 u r a superhero Free verseanalogy,appreciation,imag
8/12/2024 sarikha Free verseanalogy,passion,sensual,
8/12/2024 a song for oppy Free verseanalogy,science,
8/12/2024 scribbled Rhymeanalogy,poets,writing,

My Photos


Fav Poems

PoemTitleFormCategories
Highveld Storm Rhymebreak up,longing,
A Midsummer Night's Beach Free versebeauty,color,creation,sea
Zest May Our Love Say Dizaindesire,devotion,love,roma
Never Shame a Woman Quatrainpassion,women,
The World Around Us Rhymeearth,environment,war,
The Ride Iambic Pentameterimagination,memory,sad,
Love of Nature Coupletnature,
Aurora At Dawn Rhymebeauty,inspirational,morn
A Prince For Roseanne Rhymefantasy,
Surely, I Shall Prosebirth,death,
Violin Free verselonely,muse,romance,roman
Picture Perfect Rhymeamerica,corruption,deep,p
Cry For Wind Quatrainanalogy,animal,beautiful,
It Don'T Really Matter Rhymefun,humor,love,
A Candid Rainscape Free verseflower,imagery,nature,rai
Behind Closed Doors - Emotive Write Rhymeabuse,bullying,house,lone
As I Journey East Free versebeauty,journey,
White Rainbows Imagismcolor,garden,imagery,
Broken Soldiers Rhymeage,humanity,soldier,
Time Lost In the Current Verseemotions,fear,ocean,
Lost Childhood -Part 4- Rhymeabuse,child,child abuse,c
When Her Roses Bloom Romanticismlost love,rose,
Amethyst Fate Ottava rimaflower,imagery,metaphor,
Love Lies Bleeding Rispettoflower,metaphor,
Yet Not Broken By the Blues Free verseanti bullying,holocaust,m
Freedom Is Written In Stars and Moon Free verseabuse,change,dark,freedom
Lake's Music Free versepeace,river,song,
Diamonds From the Sky Blank versebeautiful,beauty,desire,e
Pondering Castle Ruins At Dusk Free versebeauty,betrayal,
As the Year Matures Monorhymejune,
When I No Longer Love You Romanticismlove,romance,
Gutter Pavement Runway Flight Free verseaddiction,appreciation,da
Autumn Royal Rhyme Royalautumn,sad,
Still I Run Villanelleautumn,death,truth,
Starshine and Silhouettes Rhymebeauty,dance,desire,image
Under the Stars Romanticismautumn,love,poetry,romanc
Skipping a Stone Quatorzainimagery,nature,
Realization Sonnetlife,
Hollow Man Rhymehappiness,introspection,i
Touch - the healing Acrosticspiritual,
His Evening's Mystery Lyriclove,mystery,
The Potter and the Clay Narrativechange,character,conflict
Late Summer Nights Dream At the Cat In the Hat Coupletimagination,nonsense,
From Glory To Dust-2 Acrosticangst,confusion,corruptio
Hoping That It Might Be You Lyricfriendship love,hope,long
Nestled Under Your Wings Free verseimagery,inspirational,upl
Corridors of Uncertainty Chokaintrospection,
As Cold Sudden Rain Haikulove,nature,
In Hindsight Rhymeage,love,
I Am Every Woman Biobeauty,deep,emotions,enco
Dance of the Firebird Free versebeautiful,dance,sensual,
Shadow Free verselost love,
Worlds of Ice Free versedream,love,memory,sleep,w
A Lullaby Rhymeloneliness,lost love,natu
May Showers Contest Haikunature,rain,
My Solitary Wandering Free versememory,solitude,
Miss Allegheny Mountain Monorhymeimagery,mountains,nature,
A Peaceful I Love You Iambic Pentameterbeauty,i love you,nature,
Rainless Clouds Pantoumblue,sad,
There'll Be No Rain Quatorzainchristmas,weather,winter,
Landscape - Beach Scene Quatrainart,
Christmas Time Rhymechildhood,christmas,night
Poetry Rhymeart,meaningful,poetry,poe
A Gift of Love Sonnetlove,mother,
From Sunset To Sunrise Rhymelove,
Penny Hearts Rhymefirst love,valentines day
I Dance Prose Poetryabuse,dance,music,pain,
A World of Boundless Black Sonnetemotions,
A Daydreamer's Love Rhymelove,passion,
Mawu Amongst Stars Sonnetbeauty,magic,memory,
What Poetry Is Free verseimagery,poetry,words,
Saturated In Solitude Rhymesolitude,
Snow Falling Free versebeauty,winter,
Fated Hell Monorhymedeath,destiny,evil,
Midnight Romance Sonnetdesire,dream,imagery,long
Laws of Attraction Free verseabuse,addiction,forgivene
Real Men Wear Pink Rhymecharacter,funny,humor,per
Groundhog Day Sonnetnature,winter,
A Tear-Ful Conversation With My Daughter Free versei love you,i miss you,mot
Poets Rhymeappreciation,encouraging,
Crystal Blue Waters Rhymenature,
To Know She Still Loves Me Rhymelove,
Summer Love Sonnet Sonnetappreciation,nature,summe
O, the Murmuring Waves Versespiritual,
Of Wizards and Wands Rhymejourney,
In Midst of Life - Fragility of Dreams Quatrainassonance,death,
Absinthe Leaves Ekphrasisautumn,imagery,sky,tree,
Aspiration Free versehope,
On the Muzzle of the Cat- In My Bed Lying, Quatraincat,
Unsettled Sea Rhymenature,sea,sky,
The Astonishing Serenity of Eventide Rhymebeauty,nature,
Life Lessons From 'The Notebook' Rhymeinspirational,life,love,
Once Upon a Purple Sunrise Free versememory,morning,summer,
Memories, In the Silent Dust Prose Poetrychildhood,nostalgia,old,
In the Dead of Night Free verseflower,romantic,sensual,s
Despicable Free verseabuse,evil,girl,
I Wanted To Lyricfather,feelings,forgivene
Rain Harp Quatrainblessing,imagery,miracle,
Collateral Damage Dramatic Monologuecharacter,courage,freedom
The Dark Side of Canada Free versehow i feel,

Fav Poets

PoetCountry 
Jannie Breedt South Africa Flag South Africa Read
Robert Lindley United States Flag United States Read
John Hamilton Canada Flag Canada Read
Terry O'Leary France Flag France Read
Joanna Daniel India Flag India Read
Kim Rodrigues United States Flag United States Read
Dale Gregory Cozart United States Flag United States Read
Freddie Robinson Jr. United States Flag United States Read
Andrea Dietrich United States Flag United States Read
Line Gauthier Canada Flag Canada Read
Connie Marcum Wong United States Flag United States Read
Janis Medders Tobechi United States Flag United States Read
Alexis Y. United States Flag United States Read
Jan Allison Isle Of Man Flag Isle Of Man Read
Brandy Nicole United States Flag United States Read
Laura Leiser United States Flag United States Read
Sandra Haight United States Flag United States Read
Charles Messina United States Flag United States Read
Becca Teagan United States Flag United States Read
P.S. Awtry United States Flag United States Read
Edward Ibeh United States Flag United States Read
Mark Toney United States Flag United States Read
Gregory Richard Barden United States Flag United States Read
Gary Radice United Kingdom Flag United Kingdom Read
Sam Kauffman United States Flag United States Read
John Watt United States Flag United States Read
Timothy Ray United States Flag United States Read

Book: Reflection on the Important Things