First place - Elysian Poetry Biweekly Awards
Second place - Summer Magic Monthly Poetry Awards
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"Together we're free, running wild in glee, and Beautiful, it's you and me, forever flying full happily."
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Life is a journey full...
Poet's Note: I wrote this first Special Edition poem, "Dear Hopeful", for a dear friend of mine and their family during a time so raw and weighing: grief. Death tends to either feel so far away, or far too close, and grief itself could be associated with many things, the loss of anything, whether a possession, a loved one, or even happiness. Since this is a Special Edition poem, it's generally a lot more specified, but there aren't many of us who don't yet know what grief feels like, though we all respond to it in different ways. But remember, true love withstands all time, and those whom you love, would want you to live each day to the fullest! Even if they aren't there to live them with you. And even though they feel so very far away... there is hope for a day when all will be restored. This one isn't signed "From, Rea" at the end, since it just didn't quite fit. But... I think that makes it all the more powerful.
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Dear Hopeful,
Three strokes of midnight, still awake, Blinking at the ceiling, haven't slept for days; Numb or too shattered, the line's undefined, All you know is you just can't close your eyes.
Nightlight's beaming, but the shadows still loom, Deep within the glow of those blooms; Like petals falling, drifting off on the breeze, With the memories guilty of stealing your sleep.
Buried under warmth, you're still cold, Missing the love that made you a home; Restlessly shifting, whether to scream or to cry, Or glare at Heaven and just shout out 'why!'
Fight or flight, run or just unfold, Tearing at your heart like your soul; Pillows flying or bearing tears as they shed, Over and over, as reality has been set.
Again and again, say you're strong, The sympathy is wearing you down; Their tear stains, the 'I'm sorrys' drive it home, Cause in this embrace you've never felt so alone.
Flashbacks, a cinema in your brain, Replaying all the moments you'd change; Whispering apologies for harsh words, But knowing you can never make it right anymore.
Wanting to move, forget, but dreading morning, Each day another round of anguished mourning; All around you, long faces, pitiful looks, But every hug, soft smile, only empty gestures.
So lost, so angry, so aghast, You're just a mess, emotional wreck; Withdrawing, falling further beneath the storm, Waves coursing through, in this tide you have drowned.
This narrow road, nowhere through but through, But every shaky inhale's repeating the truth; Not just a moment, a fleeting time to withstand, Nothing will ever be the same again.
Inexplicable, you simply don't understand, God, how could this be your perfect plan? The good work started, was this your purpose in mind? Or are you just another white lie?
