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A Moment In Time

She hid the pain behind a smile as she walked slowly down the aisle. Her doubts she struggled to restrain behind a smile she hid the pain. Their chosen song the organ played, She looked divine in gold brocade a veil to match trailing along. The organ played their chosen song. Of jasmine scent a whiff she caught to mind a picture swiftly brought a one-night stand in secret spent. A whiff she caught of jasmine scent. She felt impaled by sword of guilt that entered deep down to the hilt. No breaths of healing were inhaled. By sword of guilt she felt impaled. She needed time to clear her mind erase the present, press rewind bring back the lustre, wash the grime to clear her mind she needed time. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The film’s on ‘pause’. My fingers itch to watch the rest, flick on the switch… Will it be tears or loud applause!! My fingers itch. The film’s on ‘pause’. ----------------------------------------- This poem has been published in a PoetrySoup Anthology: “Reflections on the Important Things” Nov 2023 (print) Swap Quatrain Contest Hosted by Emile Pinet Placed 4th 4th October, 2022

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Carole Duet

Date: 11/21/2023 10:32:00 PM

As usual, your deep understanding of human trials and tribulations shows so clearly in this poem.

Paul Callus
Date: 11/23/2023 3:25:00 PM

Thank you, Carole. I enjoy reading your feedback. Happy Thanksgiving! // paul

Robert Lindley

Date: 9/11/2023 5:31:00 PM

Excellent poetry my good friend. Very well thought out verses. Deep and shows a true artist at work, imho. A fav.... God bless you..

Leon Enriquez

Date: 1/2/2023 3:59:00 PM

Paul: Nicely done my friend. Trust you are well and happy. Come visit me. I have not posted poems for about a year. I have 2 recent pieces. I will post more this year 2023. Enjoy each day that comes along. All the best then, Leon.

Paul Callus
Date: 1/3/2023 1:01:00 AM

Good morning, my friend. It's been a long time since our paths crossed; so pleased to see you back in action again. Take care and all the best // paul

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 11/9/2022 4:11:00 AM

This was so cleverly done Paul, its as if you jumped into the set, and then paused, I'm on forward with this one Paul. you are very talented, :)

Paul Callus
Date: 11/11/2022 8:20:00 AM

Thank you, Vienna. I am so pleased that, a talented person like you, would like my humble offerings. Your support and encouragement are much appreciated. Have a lovely weekend, my friend /x/ paul

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/3/2022 8:16:00 AM

Sad to hear that you were not feeling well, but from your poem I can see that you feel much better. An awesome write and a very deserved win. Emotions rock 'n' roll in this wonderful creative write in which we are left in suspense, we will have to wait and see. Hugs, blessings and warm regards. Jennifer

Paul Callus
Date: 11/5/2022 8:51:00 AM

Thank you, Jenny. I am much better now, though not completely over it. Glad you liked my poem, even though I left you in suspense:) ~ warm regards ang hugs, my friend // paul

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 11/3/2022 3:14:00 AM

I lovet it, my dearest friend, Paul. I think it deserves much more! Blessings!

Paul Callus
Date: 11/3/2022 6:04:00 AM

I'm so pleased you liked it, my friend...thank you! I hope next time you'll be on the judging panel :) Best regards // paul

Susan Lawrence

Date: 10/30/2022 8:54:00 AM

Paul my friend, Just getting to this engaging write ! Love the emotions and push and pull of the heart . I want to know what happens next . Write on !! I am waiting . Big hugs and all good wishes . Have missed your poetry ! Susan :)

Paul Callus
Date: 11/3/2022 2:32:00 AM

Dear Susan, I apologize for my late reply to your lovely and encouraging comments. Health problems broke my normal rhythm, but now feeling much better. ~ [I can confirm that I have read and reread all your poems!!] Looking forward to your next offering. ~ Warm regards & Hugs, my friend // paul

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 10/23/2022 5:35:00 AM

Dear Paul, Truly enjoyed your beautifully creative poem. The challenging form matches with the unique and suspenseful theme. This brilliant poem goes to my FAVES. Your poem inspires me to try this form, which I haven't done yet. Congratulations on your win. Paul. Warm wishes ~ Mala

Paul Callus
Date: 10/23/2022 10:43:00 AM

Dear Mala, your insightful comments are such a pleasure to read, and the FAV is very much appreciated....thank you!! I am sure you will tackle this form with your usual keen enthusiasm. Warm regards // paul

Sam Kauffman

Date: 10/21/2022 12:30:00 PM

This is so deeply emotive Paul. We are not witnesses to the movie but stand in the character's shoes to feel all that she feels then are left to wonder how the movie ends. So nicely done with a great flair of creativity! Congratulations. Blessings to you.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/21/2022 1:44:00 PM

Thank you for the lovely/insightful feedback, Sam. I still have to watch the last part of the film :) Regards & Blessings // paul

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 10/20/2022 7:09:00 PM

Love it the way you extract us from the film, poised in suspense! Congratulations on your win, Paul, really enjoyed your poem

Paul Callus
Date: 10/21/2022 7:17:00 AM

I am pleased you found this to your liking.....thank you for the comments and congrats. Regards // paul

Constance La France

Date: 10/20/2022 3:52:00 PM

Paul, a wonderful write love that suspenseful ending and congratulations on your win in Emile's contest, blessings

Paul Callus
Date: 10/21/2022 7:16:00 AM

Thank you, Constance. Always a pleasure to have you stopping by. Have a nice weekend. // paul

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 10/20/2022 2:08:00 PM

It seems she had a couple of moments in time Paul ;) I'm waiting with bated breath! Congratulations on your win!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/21/2022 7:07:00 AM

Thank you for visiting and commenting, Linda. Congrats are also appreciated :) Regards // paul

Jenna Logan

Date: 10/20/2022 1:41:00 PM

Well written and congratulations on your poem being placed on Emile's winning list, Paul.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/21/2022 7:06:00 AM

Thank you, Jenna. I enjoyed your winning poem, too. Regards // paul

Emile Pinet

Date: 10/20/2022 11:42:00 AM

Congratulations Paul! Your poem earned you a distinguished place in my contest. This form is very challenging and tough to judge, but your poem made my list, very well done my friend, Emile.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/20/2022 12:55:00 PM

Thank you, Emile. It was a pleasure tackling a Swap Quatrain for the 2nd time ever. ~ Best regards // paul

Kelly Deschler

Date: 10/12/2022 4:50:00 PM

That ending was unexpected... A cliffhanger, I like that... You did a great job with this complicated form. Well done, Paul... Best wishes for the contest!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/13/2022 6:36:00 AM

Indeed, a cliffhanger it is, Kelly! I leave it to the reader to try and reach an adequate ending... Thank you for stopping by. ~ Best regards, my froend // paul

Brandy Nicole

Date: 10/12/2022 11:24:00 AM

Guilt will definitely break a person down, causing them to sigh and frown. It can even leave them feeling empty inside. Your thoughts wrap around this emotion so well, my dear friend. My heart is touched deeply. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy

Paul Callus
Date: 10/13/2022 6:29:00 AM

You read and 'translate' my poem pretty well, dear Brandy. As usual, your pleasant, insightful visit is truly appreciated...thank you. ~ Regards & hugs // paul

Jack Horne

Date: 10/12/2022 6:26:00 AM

love this, my friend - very powerful piece

Paul Callus
Date: 10/12/2022 11:04:00 AM

Thank you, my friend. Glad you enjoyed. ~ Regards // paul

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/7/2022 12:54:00 PM

Masterful write Paul. Images flashed in front of me recreating the scenes as I read your poem. And the turn in the fourth stanza spells the essence for me. A theme one can relate to. Best to you.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2022 1:13:00 PM

Thank you for the visit and comments, Vijay. Pleased that you enjoyed. ~ Best regards // paul

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/5/2022 8:27:00 PM

Great set-up for us, the reading audience, Paul! Kudos, Gershon

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2022 11:14:00 AM

Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting, Gershon. Hope you are keeping well. Regards // paul

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 10/5/2022 1:06:00 PM

You have just given me a moment in time to rejoice your fine poetry, Paul! A poet of insightful artistry and a rhymer who masters the music of words! So spontaneous is the flow of your touching and amazing poetry! Thank you so much for carving such an outshining gem! Stay always blessed with the gift of fine poetry. My deepest regards and blessings

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2022 11:12:00 AM

Thank you so much for your insightful comments, Besma. Your sincere comments are always a pleasure to read. ~ Warm regards & blessings dear friend // paul

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/5/2022 12:45:00 PM

wow, that is quite a circumstance to write about. REAlly well done, Paul. Don't you love the swap quatrain form?

Paul Callus
Date: 10/7/2022 10:57:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea. This is only the 2nd time that I've written a Swap Quatrain, but it will certainly not be my last :) Regards // paul

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/5/2022 5:12:00 AM

This form is so difficult and yet you did it magnificently. I am not good at rhyming and then have a fourth line so complicated. So I steer away from contests these days. Add to that I have many problems to cope with. I wish you luck with the contest.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2022 5:39:00 AM

Thank you for reading and commenting, Victor. I too have been avoiding contests, but would rather not go into that!! Hope you are keeping well, my friend. ~ Regards // paul

Speaks Volumes

Date: 10/5/2022 1:41:00 AM

Her overwhelming guilt is felt by the reader in your heartfelt poem Paul. A touching experience reading this, I was moved.

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2022 4:13:00 AM

Thank you, Wendy; your visit and feedback are truly appreciated. Regards // paul

Valsa George

Date: 10/4/2022 9:36:00 PM

Swap Quatrain is indeed a difficult form. It needs much forethought and planning when it comes to the fourth line. But you have done it so masterfully, Paul. All the Best in the contest!we9

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2022 4:03:00 AM

You are right, Valsa; definitely not a straightforward quatrain. Thank you for stopping by with encouraging comments. Regards // paul

Laura Leiser

Date: 10/4/2022 6:23:00 PM

Wow, this really paints the picture of the woman’s guilt and struggle so well! Great use of the poetic form to bring out the emotions…powerful! Good luck in the contest, Paul!

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2022 4:01:00 AM

Thank you for your lovely feedback, Laura. Regards // paul