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My Contests - 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!


My Contests

Blog Posted:3/1/2020 7:06:00 PM

Image result for no hate

 

PLEASE NOTE:

If you don't care for my placements ...

If you expect me to NOT judge blind ...

If you expect nepotism because you are a friend of mine, (which would require the previous) ...

If you expect me to place someone lower because you are a friend of mine and they are NOT ...

If you expect the above because you've had "issues" with someone ...

If you think I don't know good poetry or am not fair ...

If your feelings get hurt because I don't place you where you'd LIKE to be placed ...

If you just plain do not like me or my sponsorship in ANY way ...

Then PLEASE do NOT enter my contests!

I am really quite weary from all the negativity we've had here of late, but even MORE so the negative Soup Mails I get because I strive to be fair with my contests, and place poems SOLELY on their quality and how they affect me, (I know that's contrary to many, but I will not be lowering my standards simply because it's common practice). Thank you so much for understanding, Dear Poets ... I pray we can get beyond it all, cuz this place really DOES have potential. Blessings, All. <3

 

 - the bard

 



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Date: 3/2/2020 4:04:00 PM
It saddens me to learn of this sort, as I received much polite soup mail, with one being polite as to my reasons of theirs not being placed. Though I am a recipient of three direct targets of their ire, only one haunts me knowingly and its personality is manifested for all to see. Such brazen ego attacks even to the mildest of my right to post, they are not spared its inhumane lashing, further victimizing neath the guise of pretense as to a true contest should be, favoring tradition in lieu of modern. Are our post been screened? Btw, I saw your contest list is up--CONGRATS!--to all winners, and with my grain of salt, I move on, Blessings my friend Greg, win or lose, --FRIENDS! -- Aloha!~@wk
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Date: 3/2/2020 3:55:00 PM
I have long been aware of the issues tainting contests and equally aware it's (to me) an acceptance issue. Keep being the you that best fits you and leave the rest alone. Be who you are as a sponsor and all else because only you must live every moment with your actions, views, etc. To thy self be true in all things, right? Contests break down to people and everyone of those people has a personality and feelings that are theirs to carry, you must likewise carry yours so meet your own 'carry-able' criteria when sponsoring. As long as contests come down to individuals as writers and sponsors there's no way all on Soup will be content. We're people and people always act like people ..
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Dietrich Avatar
Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/4/2020 12:28:00 PM
I think that is what she is doing. meow meow.
Date: 3/2/2020 4:40:00 AM
Well said Greg. I too have experienced back lash from judging contests. They have been more subtle by PS members leaving comments that a person's poem should have placed higher or placed period. It does cast a negative feeling again on PS. I think that PS members should be happy that there are some of us who like to run contests and it adds both fun and challenges to PS. I think that if people are emailing you about wanting a placement dishonestly they should be reported. Thank you for sponsoring your contests!
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Dietrich Avatar
Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/3/2020 7:02:00 PM
Typo on end... AS I do
Dietrich Avatar
Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/3/2020 7:00:00 PM
Tania. Once in while I will tell someone that if I were judge I'd have placed a certain poem higher. It's my way of telling that person how much I liked their poem. I would never put a negative comment to wins I dislike. For me, that would be going too far. I have seen people do this to lower placing entries In my own contests. Though I do not agree, i just think. " to each his own" & dont let it bother me. You are a judge I see as fair. Who often thinks ss I do!
Date: 3/2/2020 1:48:00 AM
Sorry Greg, I've never been harassed either, I have been questioned as to why a poem didn't place. Everyone that has contacted me have always been polite. Hugs Eve
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Date: 3/2/2020 1:07:00 AM
(2) contd I try to turn around my contest so that disaapointment dissipates quickly by providing another opportunity to showcase in 'my gallery'.In 95% of entries to my contests there is always some poetic merit,hence my prolific use of HMs, as my desire is to encourage(as I once was myself here at PS)and showcase poetry that perhaps as been missed.Greg my contest sponsor credo here being subjective is therefore 'never complain or explain' It has stood me in good stead for 690 contests.
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Date: 3/2/2020 1:06:00 AM
(1)Here is my approach Greg (for my choices ,)they depend on my mood,as I enter the poetic gallery,'does the poem instantly appeal there and then at that 'arrested moment'( as Pollock put it).I am an imagist at heart,so 'show,dont tell'is always my credo.( whether short or long). I like wit,enigma and humour,sport,art,history,but not politics or 'pc' in poetry .
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Date: 3/1/2020 11:14:00 PM
Ouch. I'd like to think that everyone judges blindly and gives credit where credit is due. Then again, I'd also like to believe that we're one big happy family and everyone encourages each other and gets along. Line xx
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Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 3/2/2020 8:22:00 AM
LOL 8-)
Date: 3/1/2020 10:57:00 PM
Nice post. It's all about the challenge of creative writing and people need to respect the judges' decisions even if they disagree.
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Date: 3/1/2020 10:20:00 PM
Sorry to hear that has happened to you, Greg. I agree with you 100% on your statements. Most of the poets here are as genuine as you and understand this blog. Unfortunately, some things will never change. Let's not sweat the little things...life is too short to worry about insults or negative comments from some idiots that stir the pot. Blessings my friend. Keep up the great writing!
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Date: 3/1/2020 9:32:00 PM
Sorry that happened to you, Greg. I'm like Edward here. Usually, if I ever got a Soupmail about my judging, it would be someone wondering why they did not place, and I am ready to explain to them why because i have a process of judging. And like Craig says, many serious life events pale in comparison to a contest placement.
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Date: 3/1/2020 8:46:00 PM
I can't believe you get negative soupmails, Greg. I've gotten polite ones from a few people simply wondering why they didn't place, but never negative ones. Don't sweat the trolls, my poet brother, block em'!:-)
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Date: 3/1/2020 8:13:00 PM
Sorry Greg, I've never been harassed either, I have been questioned as to why but that's okay, there's a difference and I'm happy to answer a question about their poem but not questions about others. Too much time and consideration is spent making the choice and angst to be honest, yet if someone wants to know for their reference or for future what I'm looking for I'm happy to tell them. Besides, yes, egos are struck by anything negative but someone close to me/my family is dying of cancer, your Dad just passed away....I think many priorities in life make placement in a poetry contest pale in significance.
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Messina Avatar
Charles Messina
Date: 3/1/2020 10:14:00 PM
Well said, Craig. I am so very sorry about the person who is close to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Date: 3/1/2020 7:25:00 PM
It is down to your personal opinion of a poem so never change the way you judge the contests Greg, I'm sorry you have had issues after you have gone to the trouble of putting up the contests to inspire people to write:-) To be honest I enter fewer and fewer contests these days. Hope your current contest is a success:-) hugs jan xx
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My Past Blog Posts

 
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
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Date Posted: 11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM

My Recent Poems

Date PostedPoemTitleFormCategories
5/11/2024 odic fail Free verseanalogy,break up,creation
5/11/2024 implement Free verseanalogy,art,creation,insp
5/11/2024 how paints a poet? Free verseanalogy,appreciation,beau
5/11/2024 the good fight Rhymeage,analogy,father son,lo
5/5/2024 no poet, am I Rhymebeauty,god,imagery,poetry
5/5/2024 tethers Free verseanalogy,break up,feelings
5/5/2024 codependency Free verseanalogy,dark,life,light,m
5/5/2024 leau de la vie Free verseanalogy,appreciation,wisd
5/5/2024 dance, divine Free verseage,appreciation,beauty,l
5/5/2024 but a moment Free verseanalogy,appreciation,beau
4/6/2024 sift, the sands Rhymeanalogy,appreciation,beau
4/6/2024 limbo Free verseanalogy,loneliness,loss,l
4/6/2024 hideaway Free verseanalogy,dark,death,desire
4/6/2024 call Free verseanalogy,love,memory,mom,m
4/6/2024 NYA - North Yarmouth Academy Rhymeanalogy,high school,memor
4/6/2024 effluvium Free verseanalogy,break up,feelings
4/6/2024 flock of phantoms Free verseanalogy,heartbreak,life,l
4/6/2024 footfalls Free verseanalogy,death,life,
4/6/2024 analogy allergy Quatrainanalogy,introspection,poe
4/6/2024 denied inside Rubaiyatanalogy,introspection,
2/13/2024 LQQK Free verseanalogy,beautiful,beauty,
2/13/2024 bird in the hand Monorhymeanalogy,guitar,music,
2/4/2024 artistic priority Dramatic Monologueanalogy,art,beauty,creati
2/4/2024 last turn Free verseanalogy,art,books,literat
2/4/2024 divinity descending Free verseanalogy,appreciation,beau
2/4/2024 one size fits all Free verseanalogy,appreciation,life
2/4/2024 dechue Free verseintrospection,love hurts,
1/25/2024 moonspeak Free verseanalogy,kiss,love,metapho
1/25/2024 whale words Rhymeadventure,analogy,languag
1/25/2024 becalmed Free verseabuse,analogy,murder,ocea
1/25/2024 scoundrel Rhymeanalogy,humanity,imagery,
1/25/2024 shell Free verseanalogy,beauty,love,passi
1/25/2024 mightier Free verseanalogy,creation,perspect
1/25/2024 sight unseen Free verseanalogy,emotions,introspe
12/30/2023 luna sea Free verseanalogy,metaphor,moon,rom
12/30/2023 wail hunt Free verseanalogy,dark,horror,howl,
12/30/2023 worldly Rhymeanalogy,creation,imagery,
12/30/2023 currency Free verseage,analogy,introspection
12/30/2023 strings Free verseanalogy,science,
12/30/2023 the way Free verseanalogy,imagery,introspec
12/30/2023 jmaa el-fnaa Free verseanalogy,city,imagery,trav
12/16/2023 marley’s maxim Free verseanalogy,christmas,dark,
11/25/2023 a farewell, frozen Free verseanalogy,break up,farewell
11/25/2023 admit one Free verseaddiction,analogy,imagery
11/25/2023 all that is between Free verseanalogy,introspection,wis
11/14/2023 blue-eyed midnight Free verseanalogy,beauty,dark,fanta
11/8/2023 vaults veneer Rhymeanalogy,appreciation,beau
11/8/2023 my darling boy Rhymeage,fate,growing up,growt
11/3/2023 butter from blood Free verseanalogy,beach,beauty,imag
11/3/2023 Dark Hours Rhymeanger,death,society,viole
10/17/2023 Covenant Free verseanalogy,dark,death,deep,g
10/16/2023 Daybreak Rhymeanalogy,appreciation,joy,
10/5/2023 But a House Free verseage,imagery,introspection
9/22/2023 Her Willow Weeps Personificationanalogy,death,grief,loss,
9/19/2023 Dear Mama Rhymegrief,heartbroken,loss,me
9/19/2023 Little Lambs Free verseanalogy,child,children,gr
9/12/2023 Princess Free verseanalogy,cat,grief,loss,lo
9/12/2023 Drift Free versebest friend,death,grief,l
9/12/2023 Lawless Land Free verseanalogy,dark,dream,fear,n
9/12/2023 Webs Free verseanimal,introspection,life
9/12/2023 My Pretty Girl Rhymecat,loss,love,pets,
8/18/2023 Blind Time Free verseanalogy,introspection,lif
8/18/2023 To Be Free verseanalogy,introspection,spi
8/16/2023 Driftwood Free verseanimal,hope,journey,metap
7/30/2023 Mom Rhymeappreciation,love,mother,
7/22/2023 Meh, Said God Free verseallegory,analogy,creation
7/22/2023 Clavier Rhymeanalogy,metaphor,music,
7/22/2023 The Call Free verseanalogy,dark,death,intros
7/9/2023 Fathoms Rhymeanalogy,death,grief,heart
7/9/2023 Ago Free verseanalogy,break up,love hur
7/9/2023 Singularity Free verseanalogy,introspection,lov
6/24/2023 Scribbled Rhymeintrospection,longing,lov
6/8/2023 Deliciously Malicious Rhymeanalogy,anger,passion,rom
6/8/2023 Drawn Free verseanalogy,imagery,lost love
6/5/2023 Berth Free verseage,analogy,blessing,deat
6/5/2023 Lopped Rhymebetrayal,love hurts,
6/5/2023 Timbre Free verseanalogy,care,introspectio
6/5/2023 Deserted Free verseheartbreak,heartbroken,im
6/5/2023 She Wore a Yellow Jacket Free versedark,death,drug,imagery,m
6/5/2023 Done Free verseconflict,pain,sympathy,
6/5/2023 Solo Sail Rhymeanalogy,introspection,lif
5/4/2023 Retrograde Free verseanalogy,beauty,love hurts
4/27/2023 Wrap Free verseaddiction,analogy,dark,su
4/27/2023 Kaput Rhymefunny,humor,satire,
4/27/2023 Just Write Free verseanimal,muse,writing,
4/27/2023 Then Rhymefamily,memory,nostalgia,
4/27/2023 Yet Rhymeanalogy,dream,heartbreak,
4/27/2023 Octopus Rhymeanalogy,body,passion,
3/15/2023 A Small Thing Rhymeappreciation,beauty,death
3/14/2023 Doppleganged Free verseallusion,analogy,characte
3/14/2023 The New Face of War Rhymeangst,holocaust,horror,vi
3/8/2023 Sideways Free versebreak up,imagery,love hur
3/6/2023 Neglected Rhymeage,analogy,appreciation,
3/6/2023 Wig, Out Rhymeage,funny,hair,humor,
2/23/2023 Reflects Free verseanalogy,dream,first love,
2/22/2023 Wake Me, Not Free verseanalogy,dream,lost love,m
2/14/2023 Away and On Rhymeage,life,wisdom,
2/14/2023 Aetas Free verseage,life,wisdom,
1/28/2023 The D Word Rhymeloss,mental illness,
1/28/2023 Straight On Rhymeadventure,analogy,death,f

My Photos


Fav Poems

PoemTitleFormCategories
A Midsummer Night's Beach Free versebeauty,color,creation,sea
Highveld Storm Rhymebreak up,longing,
Never Shame a Woman Quatrainpassion,women,
Zest May Our Love Say Dizaindesire,devotion,love,roma
The World Around Us Rhymeearth,environment,war,
The Ride Iambic Pentameterimagination,memory,sad,
Love of Nature Coupletnature,
Aurora At Dawn Rhymebeauty,inspirational,morn
Surely, I Shall Prosebirth,death,
A Prince For Roseanne Rhymefantasy,
Picture Perfect Rhymeamerica,corruption,deep,p
Cry For Wind Quatrainanalogy,animal,beautiful,
Violin Free verselonely,muse,romance,roman
It Don'T Really Matter Rhymefun,humor,love,
Behind Closed Doors - Emotive Write Rhymeabuse,bullying,house,lone
Broken Soldiers Rhymeage,humanity,soldier,
A Candid Rainscape Free verseflower,imagery,nature,rai
White Rainbows Imagismcolor,garden,imagery,
Gutter Pavement Runway Flight Free verseaddiction,appreciation,da
Time Lost In the Current Verseemotions,fear,ocean,
Lost Childhood -Part 4- Rhymeabuse,child,child abuse,c
Amethyst Fate Ottava rimaflower,imagery,metaphor,
Freedom Is Written In Stars and Moon Free verseabuse,change,dark,freedom
Yet Not Broken By the Blues Free verseanti bullying,holocaust,m
The Potter and the Clay Narrativechange,character,conflict
Love Lies Bleeding Rispettoflower,metaphor,
Diamonds From the Sky Blank versebeautiful,beauty,desire,e
As I Journey East Free versebeauty,journey,
When Her Roses Bloom Romanticismlost love,rose,
Starshine and Silhouettes Rhymebeauty,dance,desire,image
Hollow Man Rhymehappiness,introspection,i
From Glory To Dust-2 Acrosticangst,confusion,corruptio
As the Year Matures Monorhymejune,
I Dance Prose Poetryabuse,dance,music,pain,
Worlds of Ice Free versedream,love,memory,sleep,w
Touch -Sharon's Acrostic Contest Acrosticspiritual,
Pondering Castle Ruins At Dusk Free versebeauty,betrayal,
Love Will Come To You Lyricintrospection,longing,lov
Rainless Clouds Pantoumblue,sad,
Lake's Music Free versepeace,river,song,
May Showers Contest Haikunature,rain,
Late Summer Nights Dream At the Cat In the Hat Coupletimagination,nonsense,
Still I Run Villanelleautumn,death,truth,
Nestled Under Your Wings Free verseimagery,inspirational,upl
When I No Longer Love You Romanticismlove,romance,
My Solitary Wandering Free versememory,solitude,
Corridors of Uncertainty Chokaintrospection,
Autumn Royal Rhyme Royalautumn,sad,
Miss Allegheny Mountain Monorhymeimagery,mountains,nature,
Mawu Amongst Stars Sonnetbeauty,magic,memory,
Under the Stars Romanticismautumn,love,poetry,romanc
Landscape - Beach Scene Quatrainart,
Poetry Rhymeart,meaningful,poetry,poe
Hoping That It Might Be You Lyricfriendship love,hope,long
In Silence Personificationautumn,death,
Snow Birds Softly Sing Versebeautiful,bird,dance,dece
His Evening's Mystery Lyriclove,mystery,
Skipping a Stone Quatorzainimagery,nature,
Realization Sonnetlife,
Real Men Wear Pink Rhymecharacter,funny,humor,per
Despicable Free verseabuse,evil,girl,
Poets Rhymeappreciation,encouraging,
What Poetry Is Free verseimagery,poetry,words,
Dance of the Firebird Free versebeautiful,dance,sensual,
A Lullaby Rhymeloneliness,lost love,natu
I Am Every Woman Biobeauty,deep,emotions,enco
Unsettled Sea Rhymenature,sea,sky,
Midnight Romance Sonnetdesire,dream,imagery,long
Fated Hell Monorhymedeath,destiny,evil,
From Sunset To Sunrise Rhymelove,
A Peaceful I Love You Iambic Pentameterbeauty,i love you,nature,
As Cold Sudden Rain Haikulove,nature,
Shadow Free verselost love,
Saturated In Solitude Rhymesolitude,
You Echo, Silent Still Free verselost love,
O, the Murmuring Waves Versespiritual,
Christmas Time Rhymechildhood,christmas,night
In Hindsight Rhymeage,love,
Ulan At Sinag Ng Araw: Pagmumuni Ng Isang Tulirong Isip Free verseangst,feelings,introspect
Valentine's Day Proposal Rhymemarriage,proposal,romance
Of Wizards and Wands Rhymejourney,
Penny Hearts Rhymefirst love,valentines day
A Daydreamer's Love Rhymelove,passion,
Collateral Damage Dramatic Monologuecharacter,courage,freedom
To Weep In Misery of Bitter Truth Free verseabsence,death,lost,memory
Groundhog Day Sonnetnature,winter,
A Gift of Love Sonnetlove,mother,
Absinthe Leaves Ekphrasisautumn,imagery,sky,tree,
A World of Boundless Black Sonnetemotions,
Floccinaucinihilipilification and Very Little Bread Rhymeappreciation,art,characte
The Dark Side of Canada Free versehow i feel,
Falling From the Heights Sonnetdeath,
I Wanted To Lyricfather,feelings,forgivene
A Tear-Ful Conversation With My Daughter Free versei love you,i miss you,mot
There'Ll Be No Rain Sonnetchristmas,weather,winter,
Insomnia Rhymeanxiety,imagery,lonelines
Rain Harp Quatrainblessing,imagery,miracle,
Goodbye Darling Peter Pan Rhymechange,growing up,love,mi
In the Dead of Night Free verseflower,romantic,sensual,s
Bridging Heaven and Earth Rhymebird,flying,jealousy,

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 Thompson 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: Shattered Sighs