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J. Alain Paradis

Missing image
by Gregg Rowe


'It must have been cold there in my shadow'
Gregarious, the meaning of my name.
Once -- you appeared in a cameo
But in our life's background -- you had remained.

'So I was the one with all the glory'
And you were the one who carried the pain.
Fighting AIDS, became my priority
A heart operation -- joining our chain.

'Did you ever know you were my hero'
As you quietly embraced my journey.
The number of tears I saw fall -- zero
Until I exited on the gurney.

'It might have appeared to go unnoticed'
Just your presence shows you are devoted.

~~~~~~~~~~



Author notes


' It must have been cold there in my shadow '
' So I was the one with all the glory '
' Did you ever know you were my hero '
' It might have appeared to go unnoticed '

--Bette Midler:   Wind Beneath My Wings

This poem is written for my roommate, who has been my caregiver as I live with the chronic illness of HIV.  We have been best friends for twelve years now, and compliment one another in our lives.  Ontop of living everyday with HIV, a heart condition was diagnosed three years ago.  I have never seen him cry, he has been the stronger one of the two of us.  Until when I exited from the Operating Room on the morning of my surgery and he saw the tubes and machines I was connected to.  This poem is for him, a sonnet of letting him know that I know the pain he carries and his unconditional strength as he witnesses me in living.  Our friendship runs deeper than ' Wind beneath wings ', it floats on cumulous clouds and races against cosmic forces as we continue this journey together, and he reamins my rock.
Written July 11th, 2004

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Comments

1 - 43 of 43
  • Poetry-4-Life
    November 26, 2006
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    interesting poem. good luck

  • Babyblonde
    January 29, 2006
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    This is an extremely powerful piece! It shows so much admiration and love for your friend. I absolutely love how you incorporated the song lyrics in this write.

    "'It might have appeared to go unnoticed
    Just your presence shows you are devoted."

    This is beautiful.

    Congratulations on a beautiful write. Thank you for entering. Good Luck.
    ***Sarah xxx


  • deadpixie020
    June 2, 2005
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    This is so inspiring, a beautiful write with such emotion.. I almost cried reading this. I'm so sorry about the HIV and heart condition. This is a very, very powerful write. Good luck in the contest!

  • ecrivain01
    February 22, 2005
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    good job

    This is a wonderful story, and a good poem as well. Best wishes in and with everything. You might like to read my poem, "A Portal To Glory" if you get some time.

    Jim Dunlap

  • avendesora
    February 19, 2005
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    oh wow. this is an awesome poem thnx so much for entering! wow. this is very powerful


  • Sandygram
    November 26, 2004
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    AMAZING POEM

    This was so beautiful and filled with true emotion for your friend. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you both. Take care, Sandy CONGRATULATIONS


  • Lady Bird
    November 26, 2004
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    This is so sweet and touching. I love the song that you used and this poem is exactly what I was looking for in my contest. The picture is very cute and the whole poem is fabulous. Thank you for entering my contest and congratulations on your trophy.

    -Emily


  • Ivorygarden
    September 17, 2004
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    I love this, sweet man.
    I am glad you are here with us at AP. I hope you win.
    God bless you.
    Katarine


  • MagicLady silver member
    September 10, 2004
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    Gregg,
    Haven't read your words in a while. Not sure why. This is nice. Sad, but nice. Friendships can be like that. They make us stronger, they humble us. Cheryl


  • DragonessTawnya
    August 30, 2004
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    This is so lovely. I really enjoyed reading this. I love that song and you just made it flow right along with your words. Wonderful job.

    Many Blessings and Hugs,
    ~Tawnya~

  • September
    August 19, 2004
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    wow this is really good... very beautiful way to say how much he has been there in your lifei love how you incorperated the song lyrics in your poem though i have to say it was a little distracting cuz it made me want to sing...i love the way you rhymed very well done good luck with your health and good luck in my contest...much love

    ~Lindsay


  • heather 802
    August 2, 2004
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    I really liked the way you had used lyrics for a song within your poem. It broke the poem up in a way but it still read smoothly. Take care, Heather x


  • lordoftherings gold member
    July 16, 2004
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    XoMysticFaithoX:

    YThank you for reconisdering the disqualification. As you can see, this poem really means a lot to me since I have never penned a poem to Mr. Paradis and our friendship and this was long overdue. Mr. Paradis' lover passed away the year Bette Midler's Beaches movie and soundtrack came out and it remains his all-time favorite movie and musical so I knew that the lyrics were appropriate for his character. Thank you for the Bronze trophy on I Send You My Unconditional Love, a tribute poem to all my angels who have been through this journey with me. Hope I can include you amongst them. Gregg

  • beauty-of-neptune
    July 16, 2004
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    Wow I'm soo sorry. I don't know where my mind was. I even read your author's comments too. You aren't disqualified; it was obviously my mistake, so that would be totally unfair if I did. Thank you for standing up for yourself
    XoMysticFaithoX

  • lordoftherings gold member
    July 15, 2004
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    XoMysticFaithoX

    3) No rhyming. Usually I don't enforce this rule, but I'm trying to develop my own style, and I don't rhyme. HOWEVER, if you are using a distinct type of poetry (i.e. sonnet), it can rhyme, just as long as you say what form you are using.

    The form is mentioned in my Author's Notes! I apologize for misinterpreting your rule and bow out like a gentleman. Maybe I should have placed Sonnet in parentheses after the title. oops, wasn't thinking properly. Gregg
    Edited on Jul 15, 10:27 p.m. because ''.

  • beauty-of-neptune
    July 15, 2004
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    Hey I'm sorry I have to disqualify this one because it rhymes. Usually I don't make this a rule, but I'm trying to work on my style based off inspirations.
    XoMysticFaithoX


  • July 14, 2004
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    It is good to cry at times, the release is welcome. A good poem here, feelings abundant.


  • velveteen
    July 14, 2004
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    Beyond excellent!

    It was beautiful. You are lucky to have such a great friend who would support you through anything. Never lose him, and never forget to thank him. You are an extremely talented poet.


  • cherche -d -ame
    July 14, 2004
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    Gregg, as you know it is only very recently that you have come to my attention ( I believe it was by the contest that was being held )This has brought to me a few things of value , first it made me think of an unknown man to me that must have had his fair share of tribulations because of society's narrowmindedness Your illness also seems so unfair And this poem has touched me very deeply . Congratulations on the silver , even though I believe even platinum would not give it justice. May you and your partner carry this burden together ( the same as my husband and I would ) and may you have the chance to see that beauty lies in love , strength and commitment ,
    Reenie


  • angelica silver member
    July 14, 2004
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    CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SILVER TROPHY GREGG
    Edited on Jul 14, 1:18 because ''.

  • KeepingTheStars
    July 14, 2004
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    It seems you have had a little debate over this piece, but I think this is beautiful. The ending could use some work, but overall, I enjoyed this!

  • oneluckygirl
    July 12, 2004
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    A love poem for sure - one worth wallowing in, over, around and through. Have at it with one huge grin of lucky, my friend.

    Jane


  • rite
    July 12, 2004
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    shadowmaninc wrote a powerful protest against racism and bigotry ('racism is a weapon of mass destruction'). If only man could learn to appreciate the essence of other man. I guess this is too much to ask for the conditioned masses who accept all kinds of crap as long as it is dissipated by parties their conditioning allows them to categorize as authorized. But still, among an abundant amount of insanity there are some who are capable of love, willing to care for others without asking anything in return. It is how we should approach eachother and it makes me feel good it is still occurring. What is bitter, is that these weapons of mass destruction are deviced by dark minds, slaves who sold their souls to the power hungry - the absolute idiots in future history. If they do not succeed to exterminate mankind before the books will be written, i.e. Heartfelt tribute. Thanks for creating and sharing. Take care,

    Rage

  • RadCannon
    July 11, 2004
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    In no way man. Im just saying looks like your lifes hectic and everythings going on and i just wish you the best. I would love for you to find Jesus before you passed on. Man i love you is all i got to say and i want what is best. The Lord is the best of everything. God bless you and take care.

  • lordoftherings gold member
    July 11, 2004
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    Rad Cannon: I think its time you found Jesus if you havent. He is amazing and He will and can comfort both of you guys just find a guy who knows about it and talk to him. He will lead you and show you the way to happiness true bliss. God bless you and take care my friend.

    I'm really confuzzled over this response. It's almost from a left field, just what is the meaning behind this pertaining to my sonnet on friendship. At what place in the poem do I ask for help in finding Jesus? I really feel that we did find true bliss between friends: when I was wheeled out of the OR all tubed up and my friend realized the operation could have gone either way and cried for the first time. Am I missing something in this message? Gregg


  • fishingwitch2
    July 11, 2004
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    Heartwarming!

    I am so happy you have a special friend, who will stand at your side when you need him. If I could, I would hug him and tell him thank you, myself. This is true friendship, Gregg. Someone who loves you unconditionally. BIGGEST HUGS* to you, and your friend.


  • July 11, 2004
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    snuck in the back window gregg..didnt want to use your points up. hey listen gregg, you've gotta carry the beat all odds torch for awhile...can't hlep you hold it up but there are many others to help you hold it...hold it high, ok? you are lucky to have such a friend...they are rare. adios my friend, i'm off to sleep
    ~liZ

  • RadCannon
    July 11, 2004
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    That was beautiful. I liked the poem, but the meaning behind it was even more deep man. I think its time you found Jesus if you havent. He is amazing and He will and can comfort both of you guys just find a guy who knows about it and talk to him. He will lead you and show you the way to happiness true bliss. God bless you and take care my friend. Love Rad.

  • lordoftherings gold member
    July 11, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    You are correct and I have fixed the error...thank you. Also I noticed after I wrote the poem, and this is entirely my fault, the poem is a sonnet which consists of fourteen lines...making it 6 lines short of one of the requirements. I will withdraw from your contest. Gregg
    Edited on Jul 11, 10:01 p.m. because ''.


  • Jacki D
    July 11, 2004
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    Gregg,you are truely blessed having a friend like that.I can see that he is very devoted to you.And you my friend seem to be regaining your strenght at high pace.I'm so happy for you. You have been in my prayers and will remain there. Jacki


  • Rocky
    July 11, 2004
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    A brillant poem, such heart felt meaning. my heart goes out to you and your obvioulsy great carer. stay strong. and keep up such brilliant work.
    xxxrockyxxx

  • aspasia
    July 11, 2004
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    Wow! How very special he is. You both are lucky to have each other. I am sure you give him all that he needs to keephim going. He probably asks nothing of you and you of him. It is that kind of love and friendship that is so special. It will carry over into eternity.God Bless,Patty

  • lordoftherings gold member
    July 11, 2004
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    Hi Centricity: I showed it to him when he arrived home from work at 4:30, he has just finished internalizing it and reading all the comments, and as he walked away, underneath his breath he just whispered 'Utterly beautiful, thank you.'


  • hugh wyles silver member
    July 11, 2004
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    Dear Gregg,
    It is often a partner or friend who stands beside and bears as much of the pain and suffering as the patient. You have expressed this succinctly. Keep resting, keep writing, keep healing and God bless.


  • Touchof1der silver member
    July 11, 2004
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    You have the greatest gift any human being could ever hope to receive in this life. You have someone who loves you unconditionally. Good times, Bad times, Happy times, Sad times, In sickness and In health. I am sure, because of your health challenges, you understand the importance, more than most, of making every day count and letting others know how much you care about them and value them - every word you breath could be your last so you take that extra care in making sure they are kind, loving and uplifting words. I am touched by your words for another.
    Edited on Jul 11, 3:58 p.m. because ''.

  • AJtheGreat88
    July 11, 2004
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    so sad yet so hopeful that hey, there are people out there who will be the fall back on guy...good luck with the contest and keep on writing, there will always be someone to listen, even if it's a homeless guy you have to pay to listen (my funny for the day!)


  • Centricity
    July 11, 2004
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    If this doesn't win, I'll be very, very surprised. Beautiful, as usual, and as I'm sure you know. I hope you show this to him.


  • Nour Beydoun
    July 11, 2004
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    I really have no words to describe the beauty of this piece..
    Your room mate must be so lucky having you around..
    Good luck for the contest..
    Nour-

  • bdunk
    July 11, 2004
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    Great sonnet, Im sure your roommate, friend will be very touched by this. Just one thing, in the last line shouldnt it be shows instead of show? Just a thought. May the best of luck be with you in your fight again such an awful diasease. Again, great job on the poem! -Brett


  • Pusher
    July 11, 2004
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    9/10

    My heart goes out to you *hugs*, you are very strong just to be able to write this kind of thing down

  • EmptyProdigy gold member
    July 11, 2004
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    Absolutely stunningly beautiful.

    Wow, this piece is just, absolutely beautiful. I had to just stop and stare after reading it; the author's comments made it all that much, deeper, and I am truly in awe. I am glad you have someone so strong in your life to be your friend, to be there beside you, we all really need that; whether we are willing to admit to it or not.

    This piece is absolutely amazing and I am sure anyone who reads it fully agrees. Wow, again, impressive, and as always, keep it up

    ---

    P.S. - I just noticed 8 people clicked on this, I was the 3rd to comment. How crude of people, and such of a beautiful piece. Some people should be slapped, and hard(if not more than that). Sorry, I had to add this in, I find it so injust people can't take one minute of their time(if not less) to make a comment.
    Edited on Jul 11, 2:49 p.m. because 'Sudden realization.'.


  • Ava Noire silver member
    July 11, 2004
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    I'm so glad you have him in your life, as he has you in his. This is a beautiful tribute for him, and his to you was beautiful as well.

    hugs


  • Empathy-eyes
    July 11, 2004
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    Wow, this piece is rally moving! Your words show your love of your friend, and the lines
    "'Did you ever know you were my hero'
    As you quietly embraced my journey.
    The number of tears I saw fall -- zero
    Until I exited on the gurney."
    Showed the strength of him. all i can say is well done.... Wiht love and best wishes to you and your friend, Kate x

1 - 43 of 43