Quietus

In a mire brewed betwixt puddles of hell and mute dissent a martyr wades - weighed down by chains of shame and disdain alas the thirsting self-absorbed swamp distills and swills her stewed silence and swallows the last embers from her goblet of dreamer’s fire pursed breaths are pickpocketed by the shallows in a breathless vertical twist an escapist is lost in the swirl of a chambered nautilus distanced and deserted in the dance of descent stillness belies the waterline’s greed as a heroine’s salvage is suffocated - the slick of self-appointed apathy anoints the surface and a disquieted wind rises to bend the will of reeds their flutes airing plainsong in forced supplication yet carelessly cast away like spindrift from broken crests while storm clouds blindfold wide-eyed skies stifling any play of sun on water Susan Ashley May 1, 2020 ~ Third Place ~ Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 1 Sponsor: Mark Toney ~ Fourth Place ~ Premiere Contest: Spiral Sponsor: Kai Michael Neumann

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Valsa George

Date: 6/15/2022 10:33:00 PM

Each time I read your poem, I feel that you stand head and shoulders above the average lot like us. This is indeed a gem in the profundity of thought and feeling.The predicament of the one caught between 'the puddles of hell and mute dissent' wading in the mire of despondency is powerfully delineated. Susan,hope you will find more time to enlighten your fellow poets with your mastery in your art. Thank you for the sweet comment on my poem that is always another poem in itself which I enjoy so much.

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/16/2022 5:36:00 PM

Dearest Valsa, I am humble and honored by the kindness of your beautiful comments, but there are many poets here who's creative wings let them sail to the stars, and you my sweet friend, are one of the highest soaring poetess's here. I relish your amazing artistry and I cherish the depth of your gracious heart and glorious soul. Your inspire me so, my poetry sister. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts me, they are held in my deepest gratitude. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/15/2022 3:43:00 AM

Nice to see this gem on the winners list Susan, big congratulations to you. Tom

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/15/2022 11:57:00 AM

Dear Tom, thank you for your gracious comments and heartwarming congrats. Both your friendship and your precious thoughts are treasured. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 6/14/2022 11:00:00 PM

Delighted to have the opportunity to re-visit an old friend ("old" meaning the poem, not you!) and to revel in your mile 1 victory! May there be many more of the same in this marathon, and may the unfortunate eyes who have never before seen the glory of your artistry and poetic prowess be opened to your elegant touch and golden pen. Well done, PS-PS! Your PoBro

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/15/2022 11:55:00 AM

My dearest PoBro, your golden comments are so very inspiring and heartwarming. I treasure your elegant eloquence, your genuine generous heart and the radiance of your poet's soul. Your presence is like sunshine upon the water, your essence sparkles, my wonderful friend. Thank you, John, I revel in your beautiful thoughts and kind congrats. I celebrate sharing the podium with you as I applaud your awesome win as well. Your words give me wings of elation, and how very high I soar. Warmest wishes and hugs.. your PS-PS

Mark Toney

Date: 6/14/2022 9:55:00 PM

Congratulations, Susan, on your third place win on Mile 1 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon contest. What a dark but gripping poem! Mile 2 is up and running!

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/15/2022 11:40:00 AM

Dear Mark, thank you for the honor of my poem's placement in your esteemed contest. I'm elated to share the podium with the amazing poets/poetesses on your list. Your kind congrats and wonderful comments are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/20/2020 2:52:00 PM

Susan, I notice you have not written in a while. Please, I hope to see new poems from you soon. Also, a belated congrats for you in the spiral contest.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/22/2020 7:52:00 AM

Yes, life has been extremely busy so far this year. I miss my time spent here with all my favorite poets and friends, like you, Andrea. Hopefully I will be back on a more regular basis sooner rather than later. Thank you for your lovely thoughts and for your kind congrats. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Silent One

Date: 9/20/2020 10:34:00 AM

Hey missing you great poetry, thought i would have a re read of this one.... Love the assonance...

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/22/2020 7:56:00 AM

Your return visit inspires me, Silent. Thank you for your lovely encouragement, your comments are so appreciated. Life has been extremely busy so far this year. I miss my time spent here with all my favorite poets and friends, like you, Silent One. I'm so glad to know how much your enjoyed this piece. Warmest wishes always, dear poet and friend.. ~Susan

Paghunda Zahid

Date: 9/12/2020 12:01:00 PM

Beautifully penned

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2020 3:55:00 PM

Thank you for you inspiring comment, Paghunda. It’s wonderful to make your acquaintance. I will visit your poetry page to get to know you better very soon. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 9/10/2020 3:08:00 PM

May the wind always rise at y our feet every time you write like this, amazing words penned dear Susan. Thank you for sharing.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2020 9:10:00 AM

You never fail to move me with your kindness, Pixie. Your heartwarming words encourage me to reach ever higher and I am honored to receive them. I cherish your inspiring presence, my friend. Thank you and warmest wishes, dear poetess.. ~Susan

Paul Callus

Date: 9/10/2020 8:30:00 AM

Dear Susan, I came back to reread some of your poems and realized that there is no comment of mine here, though I'm sure I had read it before! ~ Such deep, dark, poignant lines here....one has to read this offering more than once to grasp its full significance....each single word intentionally inserted so as nothing goes to waste. Metaphorically beautiful, and alliteration is discreetly yet effectively used. ~ Warm regards & Hugs my friend. // paul

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2020 9:08:00 AM

Dear Paul, your avatar is a welcomed sight and your comments are ever inspiring. I have missed being here at PS to enjoy your presence, friendship and your poetry. Your rich and textured observations encourage my continued growth as a poet and for that I am deeply grateful. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful poetry friend. Warmest wishes and hugs to you always.. ~Susan

Judy Ball

Date: 9/7/2020 11:38:00 AM

This is a very poignant piece Susan. I can see a person so weighed down by adversity that she/he can see no beauty in life. Very emotional writing. Well done. God Bless, JB

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/7/2020 12:01:00 PM

I am humbled by the beauty of your comments, Judy, and I love where my poem took your heart and imagination. I cherish your thoughtful and sentimental response, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 9/6/2020 7:37:00 PM

A superb verse, so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/7/2020 10:19:00 AM

Evelyn, your visit is always a joy and your comments always prized. I'm so happy you enjoyed my poem. Thank you for sharing your treasured thoughts with me. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Laura Leiser

Date: 9/2/2020 8:31:00 PM

I had to read this exceptional poem a few times to absorb its great depth and meaning. I’m simply amazed at your creatively woven words that set the stage, mood and tone of your subject, Susan! What a wonderful God given talent you possess and what a treat to read..a Fave, of course! :). ps. Should have received first place!!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/7/2020 10:16:00 AM

You never fail to inspire me with your kindness, Laura. Your heartwarming words encourage me to reach ever higher and your fave is an honor to receive. I cherish both, my friend. Thank you and warmest wishes, dear poetess.. ~Susan

John Hamilton

Date: 8/27/2020 8:34:00 PM

This is another masterpiece Susan I guess I just have to fave everything you write! When are we going to get another poetic offering?

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/7/2020 10:11:00 AM

John, your esteemed presence here is inspiring. Thank you for your beautiful encouragement and for the honor of your fave. Your support is sooo appreciated. I hope to be more active here soon. It's been an incredibly busy year for me so far, far busier than expected. I hope all is well with you, my dear friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

M. L. Kiser

Date: 8/13/2020 6:13:00 PM

Beautifully penned, "pursed breaths are pickpocketed by the shallows in a breathless vertical twist an escapist is lost in the swirl of a chambered nautilus -" love this. Congratulations on your win.

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/20/2020 5:25:00 PM

Thank you, M. L. It is such a pleasure to receive your beautiful and uplifting comments. They are held in my truest appreciation as are your kind congrats, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 8/6/2020 9:36:00 AM

You have a very creative writing pen. Where can I get one???? A wonderful write. Really enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day with your win........................

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/20/2020 5:24:00 PM

Paula, your wonderful comments are heartwarming and such a pleasure to receive. Thank you for your gracious visit. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Ray Zottola

Date: 7/31/2020 11:38:00 AM

I have never been able to arrange words as you do. My words seem so benign in comparison. You make them fit so well. You're blessed!

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/20/2020 5:22:00 PM

Ray, your heartwarming encouragement is such a joy to receive. My apologies for the late reply to your lovely comments that are treasured. Thank you my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Ricky Muse

Date: 6/27/2020 10:49:00 AM

Hey Susan. I pray that you are doing well. The opening lines to this poem are so aesthetic. You should've won 1st place. As always your poetry has made me think and pause to enjoy the depth and breath of our humanity. Have a great day....................peace!

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/25/2020 7:58:00 AM

Dear Richard, you never fail to inspire me with your warmth and kindness. Your heartwarming words are an honor and a joy to receive. I cherish your thoughtful pause and relish the beauty of your sentiments, my friend. I pray that all is well with you as well. Thank you and warmest wishes always, dear poet.. ~Susan

Silent One

Date: 6/26/2020 4:05:00 PM

You've not written in such a long time....We need your inspirational poems... Hope all is well .

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/25/2020 7:51:00 AM

Thank you for sharing such beautiful encouragement with me, Silent One. 2020 has not allowed me much time to pursue my creativity nor enjoy others' creativity here at PS. It's been a year that has pulled me in many different directions but hopefully one of those directions will lead me back here eventually. I hope all is well with you and yours, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Robert Lindley

Date: 6/25/2020 6:49:00 AM

Cruising by again to read this wonderfully crafted dark and somber piece. Your heroine faces forces that play and slay. Her dream shield--must- protect her- else all will be doom. A part two to this magnificent piece would be another wondrous hit, methinks. God bless..

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/25/2020 6:32:00 PM

My dear friend, your return visit and lovely comments are received with the utmost joy - your poetic sentiments are truly beautiful. It’s such a pleasure to have your shining light gracing my poem, Robert, you are inspiring. Your friendship is always and truly appreciated. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan (Soup mail)

S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 6/23/2020 9:55:00 AM

Oooh, deep sublime and eloquent, I'm carried away impressed by its awesome metaphorical poetics and descriptions. Your touch of phrase classic and absorbing. Kudos!!! .............. ---- ...Plz pleez do read and comment my newest piece, a prose and do also read the articles and data I have copy pasted in comment section below that poem so you will confirm the matter further.

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/25/2020 6:35:00 PM

Dear S. zaynab, to know that you enjoyed my poem is so gratifying to me since I admire your poetry so. Thank you for sharing your treasure thoughts with me, I am humbled and honored to receive your inspiring comments. I will be by to read your inspiring poetry very soon, my talented friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Aditi Mishra

Date: 6/23/2020 8:04:00 AM

Oh this is such a brilliant write Susan! I love the creativity of your words and how they smoothly create a whirlwind of emotions. Congratulations on your win :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/25/2020 6:21:00 PM

Thank you, Aditi, for the special brand of magic your gracious visit brings. I'm elated to receive your heartwarming comments and kind congrats, as they are so uplifting and encouraging. Your inspiring presence is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes to you, dear poetess.. ~Susan

Chuck Melugin

Date: 6/20/2020 8:20:00 AM

Your Heart! Your Pen! My awe begins! A Treasured journey through the land....of Susan!

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/20/2020 5:54:00 PM

My Heart! It Leaps! And beats with joy! Your comment a precious gem from a cherished poet... my dear, sweet friend, Chuck. Thank you so much for making my day :)) Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Arturo Michael

Date: 6/19/2020 7:13:00 PM

I love the creative way of expressing Quietus...and the supporting lines like, "pursed breaths are pickpocketed by the shallows, and their flutes airing plainsong in forced supplication...A lot of great lines

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/20/2020 5:57:00 PM

Dear Arturo, it's so wonderful to see you. I haven't been here much for the last few months and I've missed your poetry and your shining presence. Thank you for your lovely comments, I'm so glad you enjoyed my poem and now I must go enjoy yours :)) Warmest wishes, mon ami.. ~Susan

Beata Agustin

Date: 6/18/2020 1:14:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this... in your awesome poetic style. God bless you.

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/18/2020 7:39:00 PM

Your wonderful comments are heartwarming and an honor to receive, Beata. Thank you for your gracious visit. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/14/2020 6:03:00 PM

These words convey the chaos at present so eloquently Susan. A wonderful entry! Blessings xxoo

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/17/2020 7:02:00 PM

Your lovely presence is uplifting, Connie. Thank you for your insightful comments, your heartwarming words are such a pleasure to receive, my friend. Warmest wishes to you always, dear poetess.. ~Susan