Blood and Sand

by Julian Gallo (writer), June 08, 2010

The games we play. The dance we do. A poem about the uncertainties in our relations with one another....

Sometimes I enter this arena straddling
the line between confidence and insecurity.
The crowd awaits me to do great things
but sometimes I am not sure what will happen
and sometimes I am not sure if I am up to the task.
I will confront you not knowing for sure your next move
yet I will try to determine, with the best of my experience
and ability, exactly what that next move will be.
Sometimes I get it right, other times not.
I will try to manipulate your charge,
for better or for worse.
Sometimes graceful, sometimes awkward.
In the midst of all this I suddenly realize that this
is essentially all sport, yet it can be dangerous,
even fatal at times.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of pride,
this dance we do,
in which one of us will ultimately be victorious,
for it rarely seems to be for mutual benefit.
It is merely a bloodsport for all the world to see.

Read more articles on: games , blood , sand , manipulation , corrida

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About the Writer

Julian Gallo is a writer for BrooWaha. For more information, visit the writer's website.

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9 comments on Blood and Sand

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By Theresa H Hall on June 08, 2010 at 03:35 pm

Julian, This reflects my mood today. I am ready to go deep inside my shell and pull all of my vulnerable bits beneath the protective armor, too. Tell me when it is safe to come outside again. Lovely prose.

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By Julian Gallo on June 08, 2010 at 04:52 pm

Thank you, Theresa :-)

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By Melody J Haislip on June 08, 2010 at 07:48 pm

It's all in the attitude. As Hamlet said to his mother: "Assume a virtue [or attitude], if you have it not." Sometimes that's all that stands between us and the world. Good, strong ending, and it's good to "see" you!

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By Julian Gallo on June 08, 2010 at 07:50 pm

Thanks, Melody. Glad you enjoyed it. :-)

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By Askcherlock on June 09, 2010 at 09:50 am

Insecurity and lack of confidence has been the bane of all writers, including the classic writers who battled these demons. Perhaps if you were not feeling these doubts, you would not be the excellent writer you have become.

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By Rebeca Lucret on June 09, 2010 at 10:48 am

This poem is certainly a "dance" in which you "manuevered" well. It speaks volumes and it validates straight across the board, on so many levels. I must say, a lot of times when I am doing this dance, it tends to be out of pride. So be it.....

Excellent poem Julian!

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By Julian Gallo on June 09, 2010 at 05:16 pm

Thank you Askcherlock! Thank you Rebeca! Always appreciated. More than you know. :-)

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