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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Like Living in a Goldfish Bowl (11/07/13)
All around me I see life
It’s in the air I breathe
I can sense the wondrous dreams
But they’re trapped within the unseen

People gather around and I
Can only wonder and stare
Non-participation has for me
Left life running past outside

I’ve been here what seems like
Forever, forever watching, sad
I have the beauty of life within
But life, it just passes me by

And like a goldfish swimming round
And round and round and round
Smiles and joy and merriment
Belong to those through glass

With sunrise, surrounds become intense
The light reflects what I’m missing
With sunset, surrounds become muted
And emotions are readied for sleep

I thank the Lord for loved ones near
I pray for soon release
I’m like a goldfish swimming round
Unable to escape clear confines

But there is love within the bounds
For He has placed daily blessings
Shelter, nourishment and eyes to see
And boundaries for the present season

Yes this bowl, it has a name
And that would be chronic illness
Keeps me from life’s continual movement
But each breath is enough for me
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This article has been read 777 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
11/14/13
Oh so powerful and moving! This poem captured the reader and allowed us to feel the pain, anguish, and emotions surging through the MC.

An altogether expressive work of art.

God bless~
Kon Michailidis
11/15/13
I was pleasantly surprised how this poem without punctuation read so smoothly. It's gentleness and pathos was so real. Beautiful! If this is autobiographical, I am so glad you could share it with us. It also made me think that the 'chronic illness' of sin also has that effect of keeping our lives in a goldfish bowl. Well done! I expect a prize.
Donald Standeford
11/16/13
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
Colin Swann
11/16/13
A deeply meaningful free verse poem. Thanks for sharing your skill!
Colin Swann
11/16/13
A very meaningful free verse poem. Thanks for sharing your skill with us!
lynn gipson 
11/16/13
This touched me so deeply because I feel just as that goldfish does sometimes. Inside looking outward, and I know that feeling that chronic illness brings. I have been there, and it is as life goes on all around you.

This is a beautiful poem, and you and I took the topic to mean to same thing. Blessings!
Danielle King 
11/16/13
A gentle and moving reflection on your life of pain. Reminds me to thankful for my good health and well-being. So many times we take these things for granted. A lovely poem and an interesting take on the topic.
LaVonne Wood
11/17/13
I've wondered if a goldfish feels trapped within that bowl. They seem so content. But maybe we sometimes learn to be content with our surroundings. Then it takes Christ to let us know how much we should accept.

I've never felt trapped by illness, but feel for those who are. Thanks for sharing! Blessings!
Jules St. Jermaine 
11/20/13
A very nice poem. I felt your pain. Keep writing and God Bless!
C D Swanson 
11/25/13
Congrats! God bless~