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Open Poetry #41
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I am from... (Patricia's Challenge)
| Open Poetry #41 |
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I am from... (Patricia's Challenge) |
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icebox Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383in the shadows 
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I am from a place of darkness, having agreed to be born into fields that raised only bitter fruit, where bigotry and hatred served as food groups for the young. I am from a living workshop where earliest cognition leached pandemic slurs, hand polished and fine tuned behind manor walls of stark affluent civility, where manners were the manner whereby verbal tools were honed beyond the razor's edge. I am from people who did not suffer children to interfere with dreams they never shared, where prayers served as a substitute for understanding life, where happiness was superfluous, where ancient tapestries taught honor and duty was the only valid choice. I am from the shadows, where there was comfort in a trade taught to many learned by few, a place where poetry was hidden and "other" was a word reserved for those beyond the veil, a place for bonds of blood to draw where the world begins. I am from decisions chosen as a younger man, where turning points meant hiding in plain sight, where leaving home and family meant escaping toward the light, where memories become stories where parts are left untold, where love took more than intellect and kindness still needs learning. I am from a life that now weighs heavy on my bones. ©2007 by icebox . |
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| © Copyright 2007 icebox - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
You got me with my favorite thing... the last line punch! Or maybe there is just more gravity now, I dunno. I am from...orderly chaos.  And I wish I had some milk.  |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
"Where prayers served As a substitute for understanding life.".....Too often the case. You are a master poet, Mr. Icebox. I always seek out your poems because they offer so much food for thought. Ida |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
As does Karen, I love a last line punch in the gut...this one served it on a silver platter. "I am from the shadows, where there was comfort in a trade" Those two lines made me smile because there seems to be a trade taught to us all... Some learn bigotry, some to lie, others selfishness...the list goes on and on.. I do love you, your mind and the way you put it all together.  "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Patricia Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160Missouri |
This is an incredible writing. There is so much here to ponder. I have come back several times since my early rise this morning and will continue to read this work again and again. Thank you, Sir. Patricia |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
An absolutely magnificent 'write!' [for me, it tops the 'I am from...' queue] v. loud and strong, long-sustained applause [another poetic 'standing ovation'] for this grand-fine 'penning!' |
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Just another Pete Member
since 2007-12-06
Posts 74Scotland |
Thoughtful and soft voiced - enjoyed reading this very much. Pete |
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lucky Senior Member
since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601Idaho |
Like all of this icebox... lucky dale |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Every line packed a punch to me, building a foundation for the next one. It is like reading a parade of fine images and thoughts, each one building my anticipation until I sit back and savor the very last line. I tucked this away to read again and again. Alison |
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Rosemary J. Gwaltney Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997northern mountains, Idaho |
The first verse drew me in with sorrow at the beauty with which you describe such ugliness. All the way through, I was captivated, and then plunged into my own thoughts at the last: "I am from a life that now weighs heavy on my bones." Very much enjoyed. |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
having agreed to be born into fields that raised only bitter fruit This shows you truly remember where you come from! And with this knowledge, the heaviness of now should be alleviated ... Stand tall and feel your wings, dear icebox, you are such a great spirit! And you bring so much depth through your precious poetry. Love, Margherita |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
iceBox- I enjoyed this write  ARCTIC WIND |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
What I really liked about your take on the challenge, Mr. C., was that you took it to a deeper level than most of us are able to reach. Especially liked the last full stanza and the ending. Hope you're doing well. *hugs*....jo |
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Angel4aKing Senior Member
since 2006-09-27
Posts 1372USA |
sometimes boxing is better in the shadows....or is that dancing??? HMMMM....beats me.....a shadow is a shadow no matter what you are doing.... ~~~kingsangel~~~ |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
An incredibly intimate write, yet revealing a too-universal 'negative nurturing' background. Growing up in the SF Valley, CA, I was surrounded by a wonderful bedrock of diversity which also (sadly) included various forms of bigotry, which I could never embrace. Thank you for such an eloquently polished, profound piece of writing, m'friend. This one read alone made this 'Patricia's challenge' an all-time favorite Pips challenge for this member! I think we could have a separate book printed entitled "I AM" or "Poet Roots" and sell many copies!!! (Ron???) |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
oops, forgot to check the library box (which isn't available when you come back into edit mode) |
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
..."I am from a life that now weighs heavy on my bones" Incredible images, valient verse |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
"I am from a life that now weighs heavy on my bones." ~ That may be true, however, I do believe that adversity has helped mold you into the man that you have become. If we allow the burdens of the past to remain in the past, we are then left with only the positives that were gained by them. Dear Box of Ice, you are an intriguing enigma ~ and one helluvva fine poet! I applaud you on your contribution to Patricia's Challenge.  EA |
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Misty Lilacs Senior Member
since 2005-11-15
Posts 1060White Birch Forest |
Bravo ... I really enjoyed reading this. It was totally different from most and your use of language has me reading this over and over. hugs, Marti Home is not where you live, |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
icebox....Thank you for sharing this. |
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