In the solitude of evening,
silently cradled in reflection,
I summon strength of faith and hope
to conquer each imperfection.
Life has tested my endurance,
no one cares or hears my cries,
while I stay staunch and steadfast
against these burnt sienna skies.
Once sheltered by shame and sorrow,
cursed and crippled, I would cower.
Too long, I was the weakened one,
I found my freedom, found my power.
Hatred has held me hostage,
my integrity has been impaled.
I now measure my momentum
by the mountains that I’ve scaled.
I know I’m not infallible,
continue to learn from each mistake.
Still stumble with stupidity,
but my honor, I won’t forsake.
My wisdom will be my weapon
and my potential holds my pride.
Courage remains the catalyst,
my determination doesn’t hide.
Abandoned by my family and friends
they laughed like I was a joke.
Outstretched arms that hold me now,
are barren branches of this old oak.
When evening's solitude creeps near,
reflections cast from shallow pools,
I remember those who’ve hurt me,
I have no pity for those fools.
Sweet Summer Breeze has ended
and Autumn’s Chill is in the air,
I’m alone, cradled by silence,
writing words I need to share.
This life was my enigma.
I’m meant to be here, I know why.
So I can stay staunch and steadfast
against this burnt sienna sky.
Author notes
This is a combination of image interpretation and personal reflection. Behind this image lies a life.
My life has not been an easy one and I’ve seen through more emotional turmoil than one person should ever have to live. I’ve been at the receiving end of much hate and pain, and not only have I made it through, I’m the strongest woman you’ll ever meet. I WILL NOT be broken. This is me.
This piece is written in a combination of how I normally write and the style of Sara Teasdale, who was my assigned author in last round of this contest. I greatly admire her work and her rhyming style. I have included the title of my winning entry from the last round (Sweet Summer Breeze) and the title of this piece (Autumn’s Chill) in the ninth stanza, as sort of a proclamation of strength for living through Hell and making it to the final round of this contest. I’m honored to have made it this far in the competition!
Winning piece for Best of the Best Season Two
-Ink Artist-
3) Put "Amaze Me" in your any notes box, so I know you've read this. I'll worn you once if it's not there, but if I have to again, I'll DQ you. Seriously.
In a list
- ~Honorable Mentions • next in list
- ~Gold • next in list
- ~AP Best of the Best 2-Winning Pieces • next in list
A contest entry
- Quick Draw Contest INVITE ONLY by B Chandler.
300 points, ended February 26, 2007, 2 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Kindred Writer's (INVITE ONLY!!!) by PerfectImperfection.
600 points, ended March 25, 2007, 16 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 65 of 65
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Thank you so very much for entering!!!
[Rest of comment withheld until the end..
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The rhyme and flow here is impeccable, easily the word 'Endearing' comes to mind... An embrace of life lived, and pains defeated; with courage to lead you through the next. The picture here is a great representation of the poem itself.
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3 claps...9pts
Reward from The Poetic Bandits reading list
~Lilac
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I love the reptition of 'burnt sienna sky' ... this is a beautiful poem of self acceptance and love ... you certainly show that you are a very strong person in being able to put these thoughts down on paper. This is an uplifing and inspiring write ... thankyou so much for sharing it. And it was very deserving of the trophy.
Stay strong and keep writing
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Thanks for the great comment, Polly! It is most appreciated, my friend!
~Lori
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You have endured, and so it seems to be the same with your poem. As always you've made it nearly impossible for me to give you a constructive critique, but I can mention that this write is faithful to your assigned style, with of course personal flare. The recursive "burn't sienna skies" automatically reminds me of a certain painiting(don't ask which one, because i have no idea who it's by or what it's called) where there was a single person standing on a stone in what seemed an endless body of water reflecting a golden sky. I imagined that that solitair standing out on that stone could have experienced your words quite coincidently.
-Mal
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Thanks for the great comment, Mal! Some silly girl forgot to pay her membership on time and my pic didn't show when you read. Check it out and see why 'burnt sienna skies' was the phrase that came to mind when writing this piece.
~Lori
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Excellent
This is Excellent. Your really have written an amazing poem here, The hate & pain you have been faced with has not destroyed you, you would not let it. You transformed that negative energy into positive and you have come out of it much stronger, in fact so strong, you will not be broken. Wonderful job on this piece. Amazingly crafted, with beautiful flow and tone. You absolutely deserved the gold. Congrats and God Bless!
Love & Light
Debbera
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Thanks Debbera for you wonderful comment on this piece! It is most appreciated!
~Lori
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WELL DONE
This poem inspires those who have been hurt to stand up for themselves,I am proud of your strenth,your courage and determination.You can now say you are a wise one and better than those who need to hurt to feel like they are a live
Keep up the good work
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Thanks so much, Tender wolf, for your wonderful comment on this piece! It is most appreciated!
*bug*
~Lori
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Exceptional penning...
I feel priviledged to read something so personal...so painful and saddening, yet also full of hope strength and pride...this truly deserved the GOLD, without reading any other entries in the contest...this is a magnificent piece of writing, written eloquently and poetically...it is engaging and emotive, well metered and rhymed...I am so sorry that life has not treat you good and that you have been badly let down from those who should have cared and loved...
You have emerged much stronger when most people in the same boat wouldn't, I only know you from reading your poetry but I have this sense of pride wash over me when I read this poem, I feel proud of you for climbing that mountain without tumbling back down
Love and smiles
~Lilac
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A sincere thanks for your lovely comment, Lilac! You always put a smile on my face with your beautiful words! Much appreciated, my friend!
~Lori
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Congratulations on the trophy. This is very beautiful and deeply touching in it's meaning. Well constructed with beautiful flow and a wonderful reflection of ones life. Vivid imagery and thought provoking through out.
A pleasure as always, for your write with such eleagancy and grace.
Thank you for sharing a piece of you, dear poet!
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Thanks mystic for your beautiful comment! It is truly appreciated, my friend!
~Lori
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This is full of meaning and beautifully written. Congratualations on a well deserved trophy, and even more so on coming through your hardships. Good luck to you always. Charlynn
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Thanks so much for the wonderful comment, Charlynn! It is greatly appreciated!
~Lori
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Wow this is beautiful. Congrats on your golden trophy. All the best in your future writing. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger
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Thanks for the great comment, Lady Altheia! Much appreciate, my friend!
~Lori
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First of all--- WOW!
Ok, with that said and done, i love this verse----
Life has tested my endurance,
no one cares or hears my cries,
while I stay staunch and steadfast
against these burnt sienna skies.
This poem has really great rhyming and you are pretty much perfect with your meter. I love reading rhyme poems that flow as well as this one. awesome job!
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Thanks so much Amethyst! Your beautiful comment is very much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the read!
~Lori
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Fantastic Write
What more can I say?...I love it. the style and flow of this piece is just Fantastic..Pen On
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Thanks jag! Your wonderful comment is much appreciated!
~Lori
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Aah but I knew it all along,
each line a brief reflection,
the strong admire the strong.
Lori you write such beauty from a saddened soul.
I love to read for you.
Ronn
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Thanks so much, ronn! Your wonderful comment is greatly appreciated!
~Lori
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Can see why this one has won a Gold Trophy! It's beautiful to the core. Besides all the harsh winds that blow in life, you seem to have some admirable strength all along. Very inspiring too! Hope it touches many other people's hearts like it has done mine.
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Thanks so much Spring Dale! Your wonderful comment is greatly appreciated!
~Lori
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the pure raw strength it takes to conquer life's twist and turns, I find much wisdom in these words great inspiration a true look at really living live on life's terms...A grand stand poem penned here Congrads on the gold...
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Thanks blondone for your lovely comment on this piece! I truly appreciate it!
~Lori
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This brought tears to my eyes. To have been through so much and survived proves you are strong as a rock! Congratulations on the Gold. You have a beautiful poem here and when it comes from within, that makes it even more better because it becomes like a mirror reflecting your thoughts. I loved the poem because at the moment I too am going through a lot of testing times and at times I break down and then pull myself up together. You have wonderful rhymes in this poem, excellent rhythm, lovely use of assonance and alliteration. And, ohhh...I just love 'sienna skies'. The seventh stanza touched me most.
All the best in life,
Charishma -
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Thanks for the wonderful comment on this piece, Charishma! It is very much appreciated! Glad you enjoyed the read!
~Lori
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Loved the picture and the poem too - can see why you won gold with it - good rhythm and rhyme and flow. Sentiments well expressed in these lines.
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Thanks grannyeri for the wonderful comment! I truly appreciate it!
~Lori
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Lori, first of all congratulations on the beautiful trophy!! This was so well deserved. I really am touched by your story in this amazing write. You seem to have been through so much hurt and heartbreak. I am glad to see that your healing has begun . I wish you every happiness my friend!!!
GBY
Silver
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Thanks Silver for your wonderful comment on this piece! I truly appreciate it!
~Lori
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Well Done!
Lori,
This is a poem which speaks as from one who has suffered and survived to rise above the rejection and mistreatment of others. This poem is a song of self-reliance and strength in the face of all odds. Congratulations on the well deserved trophy. Well Done!
Dennis
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Thanks Dennis! Your beautiful comment is very much appreciated!
~Lori
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You are such an inspiration to me and to so many others. I so loved this write. Just excellent in every way
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Thanks so much, once again, Theresa! Your encouragement is inspiring! Love ya hun! :0
~Lori
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Beautiful. The flow was really nice, and the rhymes for the most part worked really well. It's a strong personal statement as well, and a very impressive read.
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Thanks Minorchar for the great comment! It is very much appreciated!
~Lori
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Wow! I'm seriously impressed by this brilliant poem! The wording and style are admirable, the flow was flawless and the rhyming very good. And it was so full of emotion.
This piece is really outstanding - congrats on the gold trophy!
Keep up the excellent work!
*hug Annie *
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Thanks Annie for the great comment! I really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the read.
~Lori
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Hi sis. I just wanted to congratulate you on winning Gold. It is well deserved and an outstanding piece. I enjoyed reading this beautiful work a second time.
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Thanks Shelley! You would have thought I'd manage to be the Best of the Best!
~Lori -
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My pleasure. You're most welcome. It is a beautiful poem.Shelley
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This is so sad and as caught me off guard, it as managed to bring a lump to my throat as its content reflects on my past life as well. A beautiful poignent piece well deserving of gold. Val
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Thanks Val for the great comment on this piece! It is greatly appreciated!
~Lori
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Wow Lori what a beautiful write, You are a strong and resilent woman and your poetry and writes are a wonderful expression of yourself. Congrats on the gold you are so deserving of this. Your poems are written so well and truly are masterpieces. Thanks for sharing lil sis.
your big bro,
Charley.
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Thanks big bro for your beautiful comment! You don't know how much it means to me.
~Lori
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Really nice rhyme and quite a polished and profesionl write. No wonder the gold. And "Once sheltered by shame and sorrow"... I had nothing to do with that. Lol.
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Thanks for your great comment on this piece, sheltered! It is very much appreciated!
~Lori
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A lovely write. Beautiful imagery. Good flow, rhyme and tone. Lovely expression of feeling. Good word choice. Strong alliteration. You've blended your reflection with the seasons very well. Well crafted and a much enjoyed read.
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Thanks for your lovely comment on this piece, Shelley! It is very much appreciated, my friend!
~Lori
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95
This is beautiful the way you have woven the scenery with your life. you have shown quite abit of self in this write as which was askked of you, thank you. Tthe flow i pure silk and thte rhyme simple but perfect i did not feel it forced anymore and it was gentle throughout not over powering anything. the few metaphors you ued worked well with picture and thought. the few alliterations wroked and were subtle. I would have liked to see a bit more or some assonance but personal like only. Also a bit early metaphors but toward the end they were strong. Again you have shown yourself proud with your entry and good luck in the judging.
love and light
Blaze
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Thanks Blaze for your wonderful comment and kind review of this piece. It is greatly appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the read and thanks for your scoring to award me the gold in this contest. Looking forward to competing with you in the future, my friend!
~Lori
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This is an amazing piece, it reads so smoothly, with such style and grace! While reading this, I noticed NO odd spots... or anything that could even possibly take away from this piece... It seems that each and every word was particularly chosen and placed just to 'wow' the reader...
This is outstanding writing and your author comments makes this piece even more powerful!
Indeed, you are strong and I would label you an overcomer!
Best of wishes to you in this contest!
~Melissa
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Thank you so much, Melissa! Your beautiful comment is greatly appreciated, my friend! Glad you enjoyed the read!
~Lori
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B EA U T I F U L
I see we are on a similar journey this year. Most of my own pieces are forgiving, healing and moving forward with a new found freedom. This piece though holding some sadness, radiates light and hope. You have a very resilient spirit and I can see it! Beautiful piece, eloquently penned with your talented touch. Best of luck in the contest, my pleasure to read and bookmark ~Tia
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Thanks Tia! Sorry it's taken so long to send a thank-you. I've been very busy lately. I appreciate you taking time to read and glad to hear that you can relate to this piece in a positive way!
~Lori
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you always have such wonderful words with beautiful interpretations. Just the very VERY slightest bit bumpy in places, but nothing to really throw the whole thing off kilter to be certain. As always, you are a magnificnet artist!! Best of luck in this and all of your endeavors. Hetohke'e *
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Thanks for the great comment on this piece, Lady! Much appreciated!
~Lori
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I can see why you made it this far. This is an amazing and brilliant write. So full of emotions. Wow is all I can say. Good luck in the contest
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Thanks Theresa! Your encouragement means more than you know, my friend! Thanks for your lovely comment and applause!
~Lori
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