Bleating and barking,
a backfire or two,
clamorous crowds
with bargaining to do;
rainbows of textiles
sniff flower and fish,
there’s artwork of veggies,
roast nuts in a dish.
Like noise
at a talent fair!
Covet the best!
Riches hire tutors,
but what of the rest?
Brilliance shines forth
through the humblest of cloth,
while that which is common
is valued as dross.
So, had I my choice,
after learning what’s dear,
I’d leave the pressed masses
and thoughtfully steer
to the bins with no lines
and no pizzazz, nor glitz:
"I'll take listening ears
and the gentlest of wits;
a heart ever full
and two strong hands to serve,
and for standing for truth
a courageous soul’s nerve."
For then I would shine
with the gracious and wise,
e'er a blessing to others
each day I arise.
(While I wasn’t formed
for the noise of applause,
for biting back words
I was given TWO jaws!)
Author notes
Option 4
If you were standing in line waiting, about to be bestowed with all your earthy attributes and talents and were told you could choose them yourself what would they be and why.
A contest entry
- Talents by Tamera.
600 points, ended September 15, 2008, 4 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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Great poem. The images of a bazaar were strong, for me, so I could hear, see and smell the marketplace of dreams. Your thoughtful musing created an oasis of peace amidst the noisy throng, and the levity of the final stanza rounded the poem off perfectly. Congratulations on the trophy.
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This is a "gracious and wise" poem indeed
Wonderful advice
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Ah, this works better! It reminds me of King Solomon in the Bible who speaks of the worthlessness of material richness and such. You take it a step further.
Your talent and goodness shine through! -
Congratulations on the Gold. I think you have already visited such a fair, and obtained the items you treasure, for that is the way I experience you.
The first, third and "tag" stanzas shine here.
The 2nd stanza is the one I question. I don't really understand the reference to teachers, and should "common’s" be "common" instead. I see it's a transition stanza from the material goods to the "spiritual" ones.
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Thank you so much for your excellent feedback. I reworked the second stanza. Does it make better sense? Again, my thanks!
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May I cut in line?
Such beautiful truths here, Diane. So worthy of the gold. The long lines are the easy lines, it's true. But as you so perfectly point out, they are the least rewarding. Their rewards can be destroyed by moth and worm.
From what I know of you, you have exemplified yourself well in the last part of this poem.
Also, I love the cute turn of phrase at the end!
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WOW WOW WOW i love market day mirthryl..ear 5p a bag who wants these great apples then..come on get your mouth around these they are very juicy..come on then 5p a bag cheap as chips..loved it..xxx
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Thank you, June! I love it when I get to the Farmers' Market! Such fun! And such YUM!
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yes i remember them days well..not like these days..didnt we have nibbles.yum yum..xxx hug*
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You make me want to yell Me too! The sentiment, rhythm , rhyme and flow are all excellent. I enjoyed reading it, and then read it aloud because it sounded so good. Congratulations on a great example of your talent.
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Thank you for entering, good luck in the contest, I will comment fully at juding very soon.
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rainbows of textiles
sniff flower and fish,
there’s artwork in veggies,
roast nuts in a dish.
Those were my favorite lines, althought the entire poem was captivating and sweet. Well done. Good luck in the contest!
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