When winning
Stay far from the hidden corners
of whispery echoes.
It is here you will hear
why you are undeserving,
not enough,
a try-hard,
entitled,
lucky and
a cheat.
It is not your hard work
or perseverance they see,
the sore losers.
It is the tall poppy-head of your talent and tenacity
that must be snipped
to grow no higher than the rest.
Do not drown in the leaky whine
of sour grapes.
This burden is not yours.
Do not harden your heart
due to casual cruelty.
Your vulnerability can remain your strength.
Instead, find the corners where the whispers
are of encouragement, admiration and cooperation.
Listen for the rustling wind that blows through the long grasses
of paths unforged.
Stretch your fingers forward to find the glass panels
left by those who cannot compete but can only deter.
If you do, you will travel so far
that the small-minded murmurs
will no longer be
within earshot.
About the Creator
Penny Fuller
(Not my real name)- Other Labels include:
Lover of fiction writing and reading. Aspiring global nomad. Woman in science. Most at home in nature. Working my way to an unconventional life, story by story and poem by poem.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Penny Fuller and writers in Poets and other communities.
Judged and Condemned
JUDGED AND CONDEMNED No trial! The law is handed down to all of us, but I have seen that the curse of being a woman is that even when the man flouts the law, somehow the woman sustains the damages. Hilarious, huh! Not at all if you are that woman.
By Gratitude LEKUNKENG5 days ago in Poets
Comments (7)
Amen, Penny.
This is wonderful. I love it. I have subscribed to you. I look forward to reading more of your works. If you are on Facebook please come join us on Vocal + Assist.
Good take on this challenge! Love the conclusion ✅
Such a powerful composition. Felt like needed this. Awesome!
Excellent poem with a great message! Loved the reference to different corners and the encouragement to listen to the voices of those who uplift you because they’re in your corner.
Yessss!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Oh my goodness, this is so beautifully done and such an important message. I adored, "Do not drown in the leaky whine / of sour grapes." Brilliant. Thank you so much for submitting this to the unofficial challenge/Sleepy Mission!! 💗💗💗
Whew I loved this so much!