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Home » Poems & Poetry » Blogs » For Paradise, CA

For Paradise, CA - Gregory Richard Barden's Blog

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!

For Paradise, CA

Blog Posted:11/19/2018 2:31:00 AM
Image result for paradise ca
* For the good folks of Paradise, CA, who have lost so much. *

BLACK POWDER, PARADISE

I consider it ...
with indifference, at first ...
the black charcoal powder coating the sole of my boot ...
I slap at it casually and watch it drift off, spinning ...

Then it hits me ... my breath, gone ...
that drifting ash and soot -
the seemingly meaningless particles of 'nothing',
were once ... everything ...

Houses and cars and conveniences,
photos and keepsakes, necessities and documents,
lawns and trees and foodstuffs, clothes and keepsakes,
the million things unnamed that fill treasured places ...

The silly things that represent daily life and occurrence,
endless items of the mundane and commonplace,
made priceless for the memories and joys they represent,
And people ... actual people ...

Charred remains of the inestimable hearts that once thrummed here -
the embers of human beings, cherished ... irreplaceable,
that loved and argued and hoped and pondered,
Now tossed on the breeze like so much dust ...

The soot and cinders of souls,
caught in my lungs and eyes ...
remnants of Paradise ... turned to fiery, flaming hell ...
A mocking dance of black powder and ash ...

Homes and dreams and precious, precious lives,
carried to senseless, blazing oblivion
by the callous, breathy winds ...
of Santa Ana.


Copyright ©  

 


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Duet Avatar
Carole
Duet
Date: 12/4/2018 3:39:00 PM
Dear Gregory...I've been waiting to read a poem about this terrible fire and here it is: the absolute perfect description that helps those who read it express those words that have been stuck in the back of our throats, the ones that bring tears to our eyes as we ponder the irony of how Paradise can become Hell. Check *soupmail
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/13/2018 6:46:00 PM
This is such a sweet comment, Carole, and I so greatly appreciate you taking the time to read my poem and comment ... we are placed on this earth to help and love one-another, and it's the worst of times that brings out the best in people, this fire just one example. I wanted to bring some attention to that, but also do honor to those lives lost and their loved ones. Blessings, Dear Friend. <3
Haight Avatar
Sandra
Haight
Date: 11/26/2018 6:01:00 PM
A very passionate, emotional, and chilling poem, Gregory. Your words paint so well, the imagery of loss and disaster the 'black powder' monster brought to Paradise. All we can do is pray for some kind of recovery and healing for the so many affected. So sad. Sandra
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/26/2018 6:21:00 PM
Thank you very much, my Dear Friend, we have to stop finding ways to divide ourselves and realize that we are ALL here to help one-another, lift up when needed, and be open to accepting help sometimes, (which can also be a problem). We are ONE race, and love and kindness are the only true endeavors. Blessings, Sandra. <3
Cornish Avatar
Craig
Cornish
Date: 11/20/2018 8:09:00 AM
Heartfelt write honoring pain and loss Greg, I cannot come close to imagining the emotions of those it has touched and feel guilty in my own peace and happiness. God bless them and give them strength as they move on.
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/26/2018 6:18:00 PM
Amen, Brother, and I know how you feel ... we can take so much for granted at times, like the simple security of a warm place to sleep, a home to go home TO ... this is just horrific. Blessings to them, and to you for the kind comments.
Cunningham Avatar
Tom
Cunningham
Date: 11/20/2018 3:15:00 AM
This was so heart-breaking to watch on the news, may those who perished rest in peace. Well written Gregory. Tom.
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/26/2018 6:17:00 PM
Thank you so much, Tom, I so appreciate it ... they will need our help and prayers for a long time to come. Blessings, my friend!
Dietrich Avatar
Andrea
Dietrich
Date: 11/19/2018 4:27:00 PM
Oh I just mentioned this at Carrie's blog, not knowing that you had posted it here!! Excellent poem, Gregory. It speaks volumes for the tragedy in CA
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 8:10:00 PM
That's very sweet of you, Andrea, and I thank you so very much ... I hope, somehow, that this will bring at least a small amount of healing or strength to someone somewhere. Such a horrid tragedy. <3
La France Avatar
Constance
La France
Date: 11/19/2018 2:47:00 PM
Greg, your poem is so well written and so emotional, it is heartbreaking to imagine the devastation of live's and how will they recover from this, very sad ~
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 8:08:00 PM
Thank you so very much, Constance, I so appreciate it ... it's hard to see what good, if any, could come from this, but I believe ALL tragedy is for a purpose, and that those lives are not lost in vain. Blessings, Dear Poet. <3
Nicole Avatar
Brandy
Nicole
Date: 11/19/2018 2:41:00 PM
The sad truth is, the heart will never understand why. If there was something I could do- to prevent any suffering, such tragedy. I certainly would- no questions asked. (Tender sigh). I am keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Your thoughts hold so many moments and emotions. ~ Brandy
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 8:06:00 PM
Thank you so much, Brandy, and I feel your heartfelt sentiments ... it seems sometimes it's the worst things that bring out the best of humanity, and I believe there will be much healing and strength to come from this. Blessings, Dear Friend. <3
Richards Avatar
Carrie
Richards
Date: 11/19/2018 10:27:00 AM
I have been searching my heart to find my own words, and usually I can. This time it is too close to home, and those words become a lump in my throat. Thank you for writing yours for me.
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 7:46:00 PM
Sometimes things ARE just too close to home, Carrie, and I'm so sorry this has hit you so hard ... blessings and love to you and all those affected by this horrific tragedy. Please let me know if I can be of any help, my friend. <3
Wanter Avatar
Sunlite
Wanter
Date: 11/19/2018 10:20:00 AM
So powerful - you can feel your emotions in every line!
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 7:45:00 PM
Thank you very much, Sunlite - so sweet. <3
Toney Avatar
Mark
Toney
Date: 11/19/2018 8:54:00 AM
Very poignant, Greg. Your heart was touched to write this, and now our hearts are touched even more by your thoughtful, compassionate words. I know you've been under the weather and hope you're on the mend.
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 7:39:00 PM
That's very kind of you, Mark, and I so appreciate it ... some tests coming up, but feeling a bit better at present. Thank you so much for the kind words, My Friend.
Kitchin Avatar
Tania
Kitchin
Date: 11/19/2018 4:56:00 AM
What a beautifully penned tribute to those suffering from the devastation of the California fires.
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Barden Avatar
Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 11/19/2018 7:38:00 PM
Thank you, Tania - blessings, My Friend. <3

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Violin Free verselonely,muse,romance,roman
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A Peaceful I Love You Iambic Pentameterbeauty,i love you,nature,
A World of Boundless Black Sonnetemotions,
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Book: Shattered Sighs