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Windows

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Windows

Daniel Henry Rodgers

"The lured prison of life is looking out windows and watching screens, never exited nor engaging in a life worth living." - Daniel Henry Rodgers

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I sit in stillness framed by glass the world outside dances sunlight spills like golden honey. yet within these walls I stay. regret coils..... around me tight as a noose lurking in shadows. I breathe in inhaling the vastness of the ocean's essence. I can feel it my heart beats..... steady as stone. I glance out and see islands shimmering like dreams….. clouds lazily drift by. like ghostly albatrosses. heavy with the mental wobbling weight of untold excruciating hours spent in despair. I can hear waves hum their foaming forgotten lullabies. spilling secrets from the depths..... beneath the starlit sky I sail on gliding over waveless waters alone in the stillness of the night. the salt air mingles with my thoughts hope burns a flicker caught in the tempest howl distant as fires beyond the glass a pleading prayer goes unanswered. I gaze at the world, so alive..... filled with laughter and song. joy drifts in like soft misty mist but raw regret tugs at my heart. snowflakes fall quietly..... silence calls. then Darkness Descends. Draping the earth in it’s shadowy spell. Dancing, Drumming, Devouring. hope's last flicker Dies….. echoes of a Dying breath chaos reigns supreme. I feel frozen in this shattered world where cracked glass bites into my dreams. I’m helpless. I am a silent witness to a dying light. I find myself fractured like just like the life I let slip away. I’m the voyeur of lost tomorrows. their cost carved deep into the marrow of my soul a sentencing weight I’ll carry forever.

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Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 2/3/2025 6:38:00 PM

Congratulations on POTW, Daniel. This is an amazing poem! Blessinggs, my friend. :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/4/2025 6:09:00 PM

Dear Evelyn, thank you so much for your beautiful comments. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sally Eslinger

Date: 2/3/2025 6:50:00 AM

Dear brother Daniel, congrats! I’ve been off Soup quite awhile, off all creating awhile actually. In this Chaos , being intentionally furthered by the Pres, poetry MUST take the reigns to encourage people to hear their own inner voices and then Speak, Share w/others! Therein is hope found. A pop. grown weary is the downfall of civilizations. A powerful poem! More! More! Missed you! xoxo

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/4/2025 6:15:00 PM

Dear Sally, welcome back my friend and thanks for your congrats. I fear that we will spend more time being a voyeur watching the world turn and not participating. But as you said that we poets are the voices to help the people. It is great having you back and I missed you. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George

Date: 1/25/2025 4:09:00 AM

Incarcerated within the four walls of a room, the only outlet to the outer world is a glass window. Through it, one sees the world teeming, while he battles with regrets coiling tight as a noose. This is an image of deep poignancy. You have delineated the anguish of one in whom hope dies like the last flicker of a setting sun when chaos reign. Powerful images... "I’m the voyeur of lost tomorrows. their cost carved deep into the marrow of my soul a sentencing weight I’ll carry forever." A deeply melancholic conclusion...to a wonderfully crafted poem of pain and pathos. Congratulations dear Daniel on your POTW

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2025 5:19:00 AM

Dear Valsa, your words always go straight to the heart. I’m deeply touched by your interpretation of the poem—your insight into the themes of regret, isolation, and the weight of past decisions which captures the essence of the piece so beautifully. Thank you for your thoughtful reflection and your kind congratulations; your support means so much to me! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

John Read

Date: 1/24/2025 2:41:00 AM

Hi Daniel, congratulations Daniel on your POTW.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2025 5:17:00 AM

Hello John, I was so honored and yet humbled because there are so many wonderful poets and poetry here. Thank you! Winter Blessings, MY Friend, Daniel

Deb M

Date: 1/23/2025 3:06:00 PM

Whoohoo a double whammy Daniel!! Well done you….both poems are just wonderful and so worthy of the accolades they received! Congratulations on POTW!…Debx

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2025 5:16:00 AM

Dear Deb, thank you so much for your kind words and excitement! I’m truly honored to have both poems recognized, and it feels extra special knowing they connected with you. I appreciate your support for it means the world! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/22/2025 6:51:00 AM

I agree with that statement, Daniel. So many are held captive to the world of computers, games and cell phones. Then again for so many, without the computer they would have no contact with the outside world. Thanks for sharing this compelling one with us. I was captivating. Sara K

Sara Kendrick
Date: 1/28/2025 11:18:00 PM

Okay, have a great tomorrow which is actually now here because it is the middle of the night. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2025 5:14:00 AM

Dear Sara, you’ve hit on something so true and the balance between connection and disconnection in today’s world. For some, technology is a lifeline, and for others, it can feel like a trap. I’m really glad my words spoke to you. Thank you for your thoughtful response for it means a lot to me! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/21/2025 4:14:00 PM

Daniel, I am happy for you on your POTW. Writing these lines, I recognize your past circumstances and your role as a "voyeur of lost tomorrows." Feelings ebb and flow in this sensory poetry, which explores themes of optimism and loss and the weight of regret on the human spirit. Plenty of pictures and metaphors. The part about how sunshine is like golden honey was my favorite. People no longer appreciate the natural world and appear enslaved by it. Best wishes for 2025

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2025 5:13:00 AM

Hello Lasaad, thank you so much for your thoughtful reflections. I'm glad the golden honey metaphor stood out to you, it’s one of my favorites too. You’re right; the natural world is often overlooked, yet it holds such richness if we stop to really see it. Wishing you a fulfilling 2025 as well. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 1/21/2025 9:56:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTW!! "regret coils..... around me tight as a noose lurking in shadows" I know that feeling, desire, nagging at me while indoors, like I'm missing something, and not procrastination. In my case it's hiking. ha. Delightful alliteration of "D's" in stanza 5. Deep and painfully insightful, Daniel. "Am I the only soul who does not partake in life's feast?"—James Joyce

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:25:00 AM

Dear Anaya, I always love your insights and comments for they are so full of life. I like to hike and sometimes in the Winter I do not get out as much and it eats at me that I need my nature time. Thank you so much for being a wonder and great friend. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Karen Jones

Date: 1/21/2025 2:26:00 AM

Love the view and imagery! Congratulations on potw Daniel!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:22:00 AM

Dear Karen, Thank you for stopping by to leave your wonderful comments. I am very appreciative. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 1/21/2025 1:21:00 AM

Dear Daniel, with a view from your window like that, you should never feel lonely or sad. Congratulations on receiving the honour of poem of the week… Beryl

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:21:00 AM

Dear Beryl, I am so grateful for your words and insights. Thank you so much for being a great friend. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/20/2025 7:27:00 AM

Let us not lock ourselves away by fear of the unknown…discernment and wisdom, yes, but oh what opportunities we miss to draw someone into the Kingdom of God! Back with congrats on POTW! You are indeed special, my friend!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:20:00 AM

Dear Kim, You are the best and I am very appreciative of your insights and your words. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that I got POTW. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody

Date: 1/20/2025 7:20:00 AM

Enjoy your week in the sun

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:19:00 AM

Hello Tom, Thank you so much for your words! I am now in State Inspection time of the year and it takes a lot of energy to put together and pass these inspections. It is taking away from my creative moments. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/20/2025 3:24:00 AM

- Congratulations on your p.o.t.w., Daniel :) - A window many know, the elderly, single and sick have the least social contact ... loneliness comes creeping in ... painful feeling :( - hugs

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:17:00 AM

Dear Anne-Lise, Your words ring with so much truth and the hope is that we can escape the windows from time to time and enjoy the great outdoors. Thank you for your congrats!! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Brandy Nicole

Date: 1/19/2025 5:20:00 PM

Dear Daniel, your entire poem tugs at my heart, but I must say, your note says it all. Whether stuck inside because of sickness, or because one refuses to leave social media, moments move forward indeed. Enjoy them while you can. This tender, beautiful and emotional, all at the same time. I hope you're doing well, my sweet friend. Congratulations on Poem of the Week. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:16:00 AM

Dear Brandy, what a delight to read your comment and I am thankful for your compliments for they are very fulfilling to the soul. Yes, we only have one life and that life is truly a gift so make the most of it. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Benjamin Bartley

Date: 1/19/2025 9:19:00 AM

Congrats on your POTW! Thanks for sharing!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:14:00 AM

Hello Benjamin, Thank you for your words and reading my poem. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 1/19/2025 8:52:00 AM

So go the years, the lives, the hopes and dreams, the regrets (if any). Life is a gift filled with yesterdays and tomorrows. We have only today to live it. Congratulations, Daniel, on your well-deserved POTW! :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:14:00 AM

Dear Linda, I love your statement that life is a gift filled with yesterdays and tomorrows. I work with many clients and I enjoy finding that life worth living that includes getting out and about. Thank you for your note! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 1/19/2025 7:25:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTW win. I enjoyed reading your powerful/wonderful write. As I started to read, hospitals then senior homes came to mind. This week I had a friend say, she is now a home body, not wanting to go out anymore. Is this life??? No... Each new day to each new night has light/beauty in it. The soul/body needs it. People need to wake up & smell the beauty. Have a Blessed day/week with your win as you write away..................

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:12:00 AM

Dear Paula, I actuallythought about old age homes, and I worry about the younger generation that tech is their world and is replacing much of their time to sitting and viewing as opposed to getting out and hiking and enjoying nature to its fullest. Each day does bring a new adventure that is worth exploring. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tania Kitchin

Date: 1/19/2025 6:24:00 AM

Daniel, wonderfully penned, congratulations on POTW.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/21/2025 11:10:00 AM

Dear Tania, Thank you so much for your wonderful congrats! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/19/2025 4:22:00 AM

Back with well deserved congratulations Daniel, on your poem being chosen as POTW. Tom

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 6:00:00 AM

Hello Tom, Thank You! You are the best and it came as a wonderful surprise. I am always grateful to PS and the friends I have made. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/18/2025 10:25:00 AM

Perhaps each night reminds us that we could lose the light at anytime. Suppose we live a little! When it snowed last week, I put on my layers and boots and crunched through the snow, just so I wouldn’t miss the experience! I opened the blinds so I could watch flakes falling. Why drown out God’s surprises? Likewise, the bible is available to read. We must open it and use it so it looks like the Velveteen rabbit, before we lose it.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 5:57:00 AM

Dear Kim, I always find great joy reading your comments. God does have wonderful surprises that lie beyond the windows of our world. Like you I enjoy engaging in nature and finding beauty and awe in everything He has displayed before me in nature. One of my son-in-laws asked why we do not pull the curtains down in our house and I said because God has given us His window to creation. My son then said that they did not trust anyone growing up and that the windows were always drawn shut to close off the potential for evil. Sad world that we must lock ourselves away and find out that we truly never lived. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/18/2025 10:20:00 AM

That picture alone, I could ponder! I used to use pixabay but then all my pics have gone away..makes me crazy! Back after I your poem!

Paul Bell

Date: 1/17/2025 11:43:00 AM

This sadly cries of the old folks home, sat in the chair watching other people live their lives while sadly fading into oblivion. Mind you, it could also be January, the most depressing month of the year. Can see why I drink now. Nearly summer.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 5:50:00 AM

Hello Paul, I recently was to an old age home visiting my mom who was there for only rehab. The sadness that permeated throughout the place was so obvious. I also counsel young people who are addicted to gaming and social media. And as you pointed out Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is those who find this time of year to be depressing. Thank you for your visit. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 1/17/2025 10:40:00 AM

Dear Daniel, I can feel you breathe your spirit into these lines both as one who experiences life and as a "voyeur of lost tomorrows." This poem is a sensory experience - hope and grief - the soul burdened by regret that is a life sentence in a cascade of emotions. Funny, we never really know the heavy burdens another person carries. So wonderfully written, my friend! Sending you blessings of warm sunshine on a cold day!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 5:44:00 AM

Dear Sam, I always love the sunshine in your words that are so uplifting. If we could read minds we would be shocked at what transpires in others brains. I believe that is why God never gave us that capability. May your week be filled with joy. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind

Date: 1/16/2025 8:18:00 PM

This is very ...well, ethereal? Haunting? I could feel your sea imagery- the power of them.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 5:39:00 AM

Dear Paige, I always love the way you see into the words and phrases. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Eve Roper

Date: 1/16/2025 8:10:00 PM

Wow, you brought me into this somewhat sad world looking out the windows. Very nicely done.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/19/2025 5:36:00 AM

Dear Eve, Thank you for your note and I appreciate your thoughts. Working with clients in counseling I can see how the younger generation is being more captivated by screens. I also can see the older generation staring out windows and watching tv for large portions of their time wishing for something greater. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel