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If I Could Write the Perfect Poem

If I could write the perfect poem I’d write it high above, The stars would be my letters And the first word would be love. Love because it brought me here And has never let me down, Despite the many struggles And trials that came around. The love of parents, siblings, friends And people far and wide, If I could write the perfect poem I’d say, love truly does abide. I’ve known romance and learned to dance Over mountains, rivers and streams, Sailed the oceans and prayed devotions From Delphi to The Maldives. I’ve planted seeds and pulled the weeds Around roses, petunias and Liliam regale, As bluejays, bees and dragon flies Flew by without fail. And if I could write the perfect poem I’d write it in a prayer, To the Maker of this universe Whose proof is everywhere. In snow and rain and joy and pain, In daylight, darkness and shade, In every atom and spec of space Our Great Maker ever made. In all our tears, struggles and fears From the cradle to that spirit-filled night, Every song we sing, every gift we bring Every glimmer of a wrong made right. And my poem would be a testament To the freedoms I’ve enjoyed Thanks to those who bravely fought In far too many wars. From Bunker Hill and Yorktown To the Civil War and more that followed, Too many to name, too many blood-stains On battle fields deep and shallow. And I’ve been uplifted and paradigm shifted From Apollo and Heracles, To Plato, Shakespear, Emerson and Frost And their thoughts, ideas and philosophies. I’ve run and lost races and found a few traces Of history lost in the past, In statues, graves and monuments made In shades of shadows, they cast. I’ve witnessed sunrise and sunset By land and ocean breeze, And counted stars in the darkest nights And watched comets flying free. And listened to the sounds of the ocean In a seashell held next to my ear, And watched chaos and commotion destroyed Whenever Beauty came near. I’ve laughed and cried and watched time fly Faster than an arrow set free, Climbed a few mountains and found the true fountain Of youth inside of me. And if I could write the perfect poem About the meaning of life that abounds, I’d say I’ve been blessed and do attest To all the Goodness that surrounds. © Terrell Martin, 02/09/2025

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 2/15/2025 1:29:00 PM
A lovely penned piece Terrell, really love your rhyme and flow with great imagery too. Keep writing and have a great weekend, Gordon from Scotland
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Terrell Martin
Date: 2/15/2025 8:28:00 PM
What a pleasant and most welcomed surprise - Gordon from Scotland! I can't express my appreciation enough for you taking the time to read and respond with such a positive and pleasant comment. I've traveled to many places in my life but sadly, never made to Scotland but I have the greatest admiration for your lovely land, history and people. Thanks again & plan to visit your poetry as well. God bless & All the Best, Terrell
Date: 2/15/2025 9:35:00 AM
Dear Terrell, your use of rhythm and internal rhymes (great end rhymes too!) adds to the momentum of this beautiful piece as it builds with each successive stanza into a potent energy of what inspires you.. and what inspires me too :) Your poem is a profound expression of introspection and reflection that is as relatable as it is beautiful. Your golden pen is a potent poetic force for your amazing poetic voice. "I’ve laughed and cried and watched time fly/Faster than an arrow set free" -wow! Your rich metaphors and vivid imagery takes me away. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan
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Terrell Martin
Date: 2/15/2025 1:03:00 PM
Hi Susan, beyond being uplifted and amazed, I am astounded at the level of complement and praise you have bestowed upon me and this little piece of poetry. I can say no more other than I am humbled beyond words and grateful beyond measure that you relate to my thoughts as nearly as I do. If this doesn't make us "Kindred spirits" then I know of nothing else that ever could. You are truly a Blessing of the Highest Kind. Warm wishes, Terrell
Date: 2/10/2025 6:43:00 AM
Hello Terrell, this is everything a perfect poem should be, grand yet intimate, vast yet deeply personal. I think it reads like a prayer, a love letter to life itself. I found every line holds wisdom, wonder, and gratitude. Absolutely beautiful. An inspiring testament to the journey. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
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Terrell Martin
Date: 2/10/2025 3:19:00 PM
Hi Daniel, WOW! This could very well be the most kindhearted, uplifting and inspirational assessment of my poetry I've ever received. I can't thank you enough for expressing your sincere and deep appreciation and look forward to soon be reading more of your own excellent poetry. Thanks again my friend. /// Terrell
Date: 2/9/2025 10:31:00 PM
Wow. This reminds me of myself because I took have written poems describing the many themes that inspire me. Well done, Terrell.
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Terrell Martin
Date: 2/10/2025 2:57:00 PM
Thank you, Andrea. Your thoughts about my poetry mean more to me than you know because I value your own poetic excellence so much greater than most. I'm also working on other types of poetry including sonnets and Kyrielle, both of which I know you utilize exceptionally well. Thus, you inspire me and others. Thanks again for everything.
Date: 2/9/2025 6:13:00 AM
You have written a beautiful poem on many of the things that inspire us to write, from faith to experience to the beauty of nature. There's also the ugly side to life that inspires some of the harshest but necessary poetry. If you get a chance read Susan Ashley latest. Have a great weekend
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Terrell Martin
Date: 2/9/2025 6:53:00 AM
Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your thoughts and will definitely stop by and visit both you and Susan. Until then...Write on, Terrell

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