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Soft Control

True power is tempered by restraint;
wise the man who wields it with mercy
than the one who has no constraint.

   The Lion grasps firm the world
   holding power supreme in its fold,
   while silky words of soft control
   whisper to his ear.
 

She IS his true strength; Behold!

   On a bridge of illusion
   spans what he seeks to gain-
   wealth, glory, and power.
   She strokes gently the mane
   holding back fast in her hand
  mighty jaws wishing to devour.

With feline cunning-
   seeming aloof
     guiding his power
        directing his hunting,
          grace of a swan
            song of a lark.
Without a strong woman
              his might be gone;
                 Pawing at shadows
                   afraid of the dark!

Author notes

Option 3: Use the image above & write about "soulmates"


Artist credit:
"Strength" by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law

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Comments

1 - 35 of 35

  • delightfulmess silver member
    May 13, 2008

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    OH MY
    The depth and beauty in this piece is sensational.


    Delila


  • Perception
    April 21, 2008

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    This is a truly wonderful write... Brilliant in all ways. Really holds my attention... with beautiful and brilliant words. And really says something worth saying.
    Wonderful job on this one...
    Thanks for sharing


  • Blooming Poet
    March 17, 2008
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    Too long, by one line.


  • Skitzofreinian
    December 30, 2007
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    perfect


  • sidewinder silver member
    December 17, 2007

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    truth is found in these words that I see!
    now if someone would take them to heart and learn from them!

    Once again you've captured my attention my friend!
    Keep penning on one stroke at a time!
    Bill

  • Sophie 1
    December 7, 2007

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    Good job here. I believe that my fiance would agree with you. He tells everyone that he had no restraint until he met me, and that now I guide him inadvertently in everything that he does and shall do. This was a very powerful read. I could feel the emotion in it and around it. Kudos.


  • TillyMay
    November 30, 2007
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    True power is tempered by restraint.

    A simple truth lost on so many- the problem is power clouds ones thinking...it is an elixir, not for the weak of heart, or mind...
    This is an intelligent and beautiful write. You weave words like the old masters- the vivid tapestries are a wonder to behold.


  • second-born
    November 30, 2007

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    Well...I couldn't say that you're a terrible judge (for I've won bronze in your contest, hehehe)...but definitely you're a terrific writer...this is such a powerful write...you caught the attention of your readers with your opening tercet and left us here hanging in awe with the rest of the poem...glad you've told me to read your poems...stay on 'soft control' poet...


  • Angel Full Of Hurt
    November 19, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    BRILLIANT

    Absolutely gorgeous..wow frame this up and sell it..get you paid, paid, paid..it's wow..it's lovely...
    I wish i could write like that...oh well to each his own style..anyway..GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS write!


    The Lion grasps firm the world
    holding power supreme in its fold,
    while silky words of soft control
    whisper to his ear.

    this part's my favourite!

  • celadia
    November 19, 2007

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    I liked this as it was about the world. I must say I thought that in the second line 'wiser' I thought would be better as 'wise is' but other than that, it was a glorious effort.


    • Grimoire
      November 19, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      Thanx. I liked the advice, so I edited the poem, with your revision... the second line now reads 'wise' instead of 'wiser'.
      Every strong man has a strong woman beside hime.

      until immolation,
      homewrecker


  • PerfectImperfection
    November 15, 2007
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    Destined to be, as so portrayed within these lines of intrigue and fragrant endearment. You have such a mystical way with words - no matter of the genre in which you pen. The flow itself is scattered it seems, by strands of emotion as the thoughts progress. The underlying message is very vibrant, and truly poignant.
    Very nice write!


  • Jalalbad gold member
    November 13, 2007

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    you are an interesting writer. almost too deep for me to grasp. This is what makes you good. smile,
    Judy


  • poetryality silver member
    November 12, 2007

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    First off, the title draws the reader in. Loved it! Then, you move on with a different flow than I've read in previous works. That's always impressive. Th genders have none but the other and in my finite opinion should therefore compliment and support the other at best. Not always the way, for sure. Your poem spews wisdom and an understanding of commitment that seems rare these days. Love the last stanza.

    It is a wise man that knows that his woman should be given a gentle rule.

    Exquisite!



    Much Love & Respect ♥

    Renee


  • SerenityNChains gold member
    November 4, 2007

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    Interestingly enough I have this very set of Tarot and absolutely love them. You have used such wonderful imagery to describe this card, one of the best in the deck. I applaud thee bard on a job well done.

    Blessed be,
    Billie Jean

  • JustBreathe gold member
    November 1, 2007

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    Love this poem! The physical strength and hunger for power/glory of the male persona, tempered by the supportive nature and inner strength of the female. When this package comes together in real life, it is hard to beat. Excellent write

    • Grimoire
      November 1, 2007
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      Indeed. I think in lesser or greater degrees this is happening in every relationship between a man and a woman. Of course, there are the extremes, the polar opposites and the deviations from the norm. But, to me, you are very correct and I don't know who said this (If you know then please tell me so I can quote them)....."Behind every great man is a great woman".


  • Blue Rew silver member
    October 25, 2007
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    I sense that you are reaching/writing in a way that is fairly uncommon for you; that's great to see as I feel we should all as writers continue to grow & learn (outside the norm). YOu fit the image well to words here and make use of display tools very well. For me though, this speaks of two people...male & female that combine their strengths & weaknesses to conquer the unknown. What I was really hoping for with the option you've chosen is "inner strength" of an individual. Although I have to say, this does blend well with the "Soulmate" part of this competition.


    • Grimoire
      October 27, 2007
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      *Sigh*

      Changed it to option 3 : "Soulmates", instead of option "inner strength".


  • Gratitude
    October 25, 2007

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    WONDERFUL! The imagery between the words renders the picture unnecessary. A beautiful, moving poem indeed. Peace.

    • Grimoire
      October 25, 2007
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      Thank you. The picture was half the prompt and I wanted to incorporate it into the other half "inner strength". To me there cannot be true inner strength without having somebody just as strong to help.


  • harajukuprincess
    October 25, 2007

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    Lush

    so descriptive. you wouldn't even need to see the picture to know what it was about. I also like the subtle uderones that descibe the relationship between a powerful man and a truly powerful woman. what a great read!


    • Grimoire
      October 25, 2007
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      Yes, subtle but very true. Glad that you like this one.


  • CherryOnTop
    October 25, 2007
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    This is rivetting!!uch imagery and intensity.


  • Touchof1der silver member
    October 25, 2007
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    WoW! This is really impressive. I think this is different from what I normally see flwoing from your pen. It's like a total transformation for you. Whatever you are doing... keep it up! It works! Good luck in the contest Hun.
    ♥ Touchof1der

    • Grimoire
      October 25, 2007
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      Thank you. Transformation? Maybe the progession will lead me to pen a romantic, love poem someday. Hopefully to speak of the heart as well as you.
      Thanx for the flowers and the huggles,

      ted


  • 2lullabyhaven
    October 23, 2007
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    Fascinating, adorable, just wowed by your title, too. Good luck in the contestlol


  • SugarCandyKittyKat
    October 23, 2007
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    Truly beautiful...couldn't ask for better...

    • Grimoire
      October 23, 2007
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      Thanx. There is always better, at least I always give my best but am often left wondering, "how can I make this better?" I guess this time, thankfully I won't have to worry about it. Glad you liked it. Ted


  • Mallig gold member
    October 22, 2007

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    I like this, a fascinating take on this prompt! I loved the concept of soft control, his brute strength and ambition, controlled and guided by her delicate wisdom... like a good marriage! I loved the first stanza, "True power is tempered by restraint.
    Wiser the man who wields it with mercy,
    Than the one who has no constraint."
    I thought it was an awesome piece, I liked the shape of it also, how it complements the picture.

    • Grimoire
      October 23, 2007
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      Yes, indeed you have seen this one as I have meant it to be. The picture seemed to show, to me, the lionlike beast pawing the world with massive strength. However, this power is tempered, maybe even controlled on some levels by a woman........... I guess like a good marriage as you say, I wouldn't know.....all mine weren't so good.
      Thanx for the flower smileys

      Ted


  • cutiepie gold member
    October 22, 2007
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    This put me in mind of Samson & Deliah...not that I am religous, just that I remember my bible stories The artwork was beautiful and a wonderful backdrop for your verses which held my attention from start to finish. Inner strength as shown by the holding grace of the lion but I ask myself who really has the true strength Excellent

    • Grimoire
      October 23, 2007

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      True strength can be horrific when unrestrained, it must be tempered by reason, compassion, empathy, mercy. Tyrants and megalomaniacs, like Hitler for example, had strength in power (physical), but lacked strength of will (inner). The poem was written focusing on inner strength not physical strength, however the metaphor of the lion and the woman represent both types. i.e. (Lion=physical Woman=inner).
      "Behind every great man lies a great woman"


  • Asdzaa Nadleehe
    October 22, 2007
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    Interesting write.
    Best wishes with this entry..
    Peace
    ~A~


  • TheRealDeal
    October 22, 2007

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    I like the words that spill across the page here but I get a sense or feel that is all they are, just words. This almost feels a bit hollow to me as I read it. I sense no infusion of emotion. You have grandeur imagery and plenty of it to feast the eyes on but I felt like something was still missing. Perhaps it is just me or maybe the requirements are met without it here. I do like what I see though. Your words carry all the strength of which you speak.

1 - 35 of 35