A Bittersweet Victory
The hard truth of Heaven’s Curtain
I’ll take the prize.
I’ll take the accolades,
and I’ll take the congratulatory messages from fellow creators and friends.
But I’ll take it all with a tear in my eye,
and a pang of guilt in my soul.
And I’d give it back in a heartbeat
to have never had a reason to write it,
and for your stilled heart to beat again.
**
Thank you to Vocal for choosing me as a finalist in the haiku category of the Vocal awards, and extra special thanks to my fellow creators for voting “Heaven’s Curtain” in 2nd place. I am truly grateful for your support, and I want you all to know how much I appreciate you.
I realize the short poem above is not exactly brimming with positivity. The truth is, I have a love/hate relationship with Heaven’s Curtain. While I am proud of the acknowledgment the piece has afforded me, I mean every word I wrote above. I’m also aware that there are probably hundreds of other Vocal creators who have written pieces they wish they never had a reason to write, and I empathize.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Finally, for those who are not aware (though most who follow me are), Heaven’s Curtain was taken from a longer poem I wrote two years ago while standing on my balcony looking at the moon. Here is the link, if you’d like to see it.
About the Creator
Cathy holmes
Canadian family girl with a recently discovered love for writing. Other loves include animals and sports.
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More stories from Cathy holmes and writers in Poets and other communities.
Songbird
There is always pain in life. It seems as if life isn’t worth living if there isn’t pain involved. To grow is to know pain. To love is to know pain. To learn is to know pain. Children are cruel. They poke fun at anything they can notice that is different about another. They migrate into groups of the haves and the have nots, but on the outskirts of those groups are the undesirables. The ones that don’t fit into any mold offered to them.
By E.N. Gussler5 days ago in Humans
Comments (32)
Excellent effort! Keep up the superb work—congrats!s
I empathize with you, my friend. It's tough when our writings stem from challenging experiences. Your special piece truly deserves the acknowledgment. And kudos on the win and being featured as the Top Story! Your heartfelt poem adds a beautiful touch. Well done!
Beautiful!
Ach, my heart. Buddy, I feel for you...for different reasons there's lots I've written I'd rather not had the experiences to write them. This was a speccial piece and I'm glad you got the acknowledgement (oh, for giggles...you would not believe how many times I tried to type that word). Also love this little heartfelt poem too! Well done on the win, again and on Top Story!
I'm sorry you had to write it but your love bleeds through the verses. Truly beautiful work. Congrats on the well deserved win and acknowledgement!
Cheers!! Congrats on another great win!!
💚😔
Back to say congratulations for your Top Story!
Cathy, I felt this…. I remember reading your haiku a while ago and feeling a pang in my heart. I recently won an accolade for a poem of mine that was published in a book and on a wall in a former university. We had the unveiling tonight. It was about my Dad’s cancer diagnosis. I had a similar thought. I would have traded everything for his health. I don’t want to make this about me, but wanted to share that I understand where you’re coming from. I hope writing it has brought you some solace, and the fact that it resonated with so many, has helped you to know you are not alone. Sending you lots of love. <3
Im sorry you have a reason for these pieces but they are so beautiful and heartfelt! I think your pain has really pushed your talent to blossom, the world would be a lot less beautiful without your work in it! 💚
I understand that feeling as well. I'm glad you wore it though! Congrats on top story too!
I definitely understand why you feel this way. ❤️❤️❤️. I’m glad that you wrote it and shared it with us!
Sweetest story ever 😍. Congratulations on your top story. Send blessing
I love your very beautiful poetry and your truly sweet and kind ways, you deserve the best and I appreciate your always wonderful thoughts and support. Congratulations on your well deserved recognition 💓🥰☺️👌👏
This is a beautifully introspective. Well done and congrats even if it's bitter sweet it's deserved.
Real heart sharing moment. Heartily encouraging. Good piece.
Back to say CONGRATS!!🎉 💕
Hang in there. 🙏Congratulations on to story.
My heart hurts for you ever having to write it but I'm so happy that your beautiful beautiful piece placed. Congratulations, it is very well deserved my friend!!
I'm sorry Cathy. I understand that you wish you never had the reason to write that. Bittersweet victory indeed. Sending you lots of love and hugs! 🥺❤️
Prayers & blessings, Cathy.
Lovely poem and congratulations on being a finalist! Your haiku is stunning. 🩵
We all write about many things for many reasons. In the end, it's all about expressing your feelings and being able to share them. Congratulations!
💙
Sometimes this is how we deal with the pain, think about others who have no release. You turned it into a thing of beauty, and let us share in your sorrow. Cathy, This is one of the best "thank you" messages anyone has written.