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Rebirth of the Third Angel

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December 6, 2020

~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: No 1305
Sponsor: Brian Strand

Dedicated to Louise with love
who tragically died in a house fire..
this is how I imagined her journey to be

February 4, 1934 - October 23, 2019

*now in the loving arms of her lifelong friends, her beloved soul sisters,
my mother, Alice, and Catherine,
each devoted to the other always and forever*

A body abandoned needs to mourns its last breath in death a heart cast aside still aches to meet its last beat and a free spirit yearns for a winged monarch moment to fly in the spirit of freedom… opportunity flares a tongue snaky and bittersweet.. a flicker grows flames that twist passion’s kiss with kismet a chance to escape on a breath of air an exhalation; warm incense offered to vesper - the wish of a scent to slip through the keyhole above the hiss of heat and gasps of air rushing combustion to a roar airy mystics spoke in the eerie smoke w h i s p e r s urge the purge of perishable pain unclasping lonely-linger’s grasping fingers soft-spun knit and purl unravels as vintage yarn twined with sun and rain unties - aging rays fail to stave Winter’s grays and the ethereal thread of an earthly creation releases its tendril from the spinning wheel’s weave of circular seasons from seed to harvest and warmth to chill vestiges of sisterly hands cup a ceded sigh chrysalis celebrates destined to re-emerge a butterfly terminal tremble of a twilight trill is hushed vulnerability swaddled cradled by clouds of silver and gold a mortal’s surrender consummates upon the pyre - cinders cleansed of tears and cries and vices but never the dreamy intrinsic colors of the opal’s unfurling blaze she ascends a flash of embers relieved of ash taking fire to the skies with a tigress torch igniting molten pools spooning the spine of the western shadow heralding an awakened afterglow to the afterlife - lamplight gilds mare’s tails hooking heavens pathways adrift from the burning thurible of a trinity on the cusp of rebirth... incense rises upon a heated atmosphere riding the riddle of the four winds beyond realms of soil and salt - reason and logic yonder the profound truth of the-not-humanly-known seeing past reflections within mere margins of a mind’s mirror accepting the enlightening throb of the enigmatic pulse of creation becoming one with the ultimate mystery the wish of a scent to slip through the keyhole fulfilled with exchange of gifts - the offering of her sunset shroud for the white mantle of sunrise

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Sam Kauffman

Date: 5/1/2024 10:13:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I sit in absolute wonder and awe as your poetic talent, use of imagery and metaphoric delight pulses through each line along with exquisite alliteration. Each carefully chosen word, each carefully articulated thought creates a realm of the sunrise after the pain of a "sunset shroud." It is a beautiful tribute. Congratulations on your top win! Sending you blessings on the sweet incense of comfort and newborn joy.

Susan Ashley
Date: 5/2/2024 7:56:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, it's so wonderful to see you! It seems like life has us going in different directions and our poetic paths haven't had the chance to cross much in recent times. Unfortunately, my time here at PS has been sporadic for the last few months.. sigh.. but I relish and rejoice in your amazing comments that lift my spirits to beyond the wild blue yonder :) Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this very personal poem with me. Your thoughts are as precious as priceless gems! My poem and my spirit are graced with the beauty of your empathy and your golden rays of friendship. Thank you my sweet poetry sis for your presence here and for your kind congrats, both mean the world to me. Warmest wishes sent to you on the white rising rays of sunrise.. ~Susan

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 3/29/2021 5:40:00 PM

What a great tribute to Louise!

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/31/2021 8:41:00 AM

Hello Jennifer, thank you for your kind words and for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Your lovely presence is truly appreciated, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Eric Ashford

Date: 3/11/2021 1:25:00 PM

Hi Susan, I am reading your poetry with great appreciation and enjoyment. eric

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2021 3:56:00 PM

Thank you, Eric ...and it is with great appreciation and enjoyment that I read your heartwarming comment. It's such a pleasure to see you, mi amigo. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Edward Ibeh

Date: 3/11/2021 4:24:00 AM

What an excellent, poignant tribute to a cherished soul. My deepest condolences, Susan. [Hugs]

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2021 3:58:00 PM

Dear Edward, your lovely comments touch my heart. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this very special poem with me, and for your kind condolences. It's a pleasure to see you, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 3/10/2021 4:04:00 PM

What a moving missive. This one is an exceptional piece. You took us on a fantastical journey. So sorry for your loss Susan. I’m sure she is smiling down on you. Hugs Richard.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2021 4:02:00 PM

Dear Richard, thank you for your uplifting words and for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Louise was always smiling, and it makes me smile to still think she is. Your kindness is appreciated, my friend, as are your warm condolences. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Catherine Deslippe

Date: 3/10/2021 1:48:00 PM

Susan, you have the ability to write deep within your soul, capturing which many writers are not able to do. The way you describe Louise is truly sad but at the same time beautiful. I am honored to read your writing and look forward to reading more. I am deeply sorry for you loss.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2021 4:09:00 PM

Dear Catherine, I am humbled by your generous comments and it is an honor to receive your beautiful thoughts. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this very special poem with me. It is my wonderful pleasure to make your acquaintance and I look forward to reading your poetry as well, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paul Callus

Date: 3/9/2021 5:28:00 AM

Dear Susan, I just had to stop and read this beautiful dedication once more. It is so very touching, and the poetical way you treat this subject is superb. On my earlier read I failed to mention the excellent job you did with alliteration; the reader can feel its effect without realizing its presence....till it suddenly hits him! ~ Warm regards & Hugs my friend. Hope you're keeping well. // paul

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2021 5:13:00 PM

Dear Paul, your return visit is a delight. Your extra time spent with my poem is truly appreciated. All is well here, just busy as usual. I hope all is well with you and yours, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet

Date: 3/7/2021 1:28:00 PM

I enjoyed reading your verses; it's similar to looking into a nice stream of actions with fantastic imagery related to life, death, and emotions. Great poem, Susan. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. We have the same writing tendency; please look at my page and give me some feedback. Thanks

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/7/2021 8:00:00 PM

Dear Lasaad, your comments are beautiful and are truly appreciated, as is your kind condolence. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I'll be sure to look at your poetry page very soon.. it would be my pleasure. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Greg Gaul

Date: 3/6/2021 10:48:00 AM

Susan, you have, in fact, slipped through the keyhole. The self-created metaphysical warp that now exists between you and your friend. In poetry, you have crossed over the emotional bridge to rejoin your friend. It's a forever thing and we are the privileged observers in this sentient bond. Your poetic devices, alliteration, internal rhyming of all varieties, are just a few. A couple other notable ones are sunset shroud and urge the purge of perishable pain. Gasp. Good stuff. You are a wonderment.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/6/2021 12:00:00 PM

Dear Greg, your comments are rich and deep. I find reassurance in your thoughtful comments. To feel that this ethereal bridge, this connection exists and is then recognized as such by another is beyond what mere words can convey. It's becomes more than just my imagination. You did more than just share in the experience of my emotions, you shared in the transcendent experience of this emotional journey. It is a humbling honor to receive your valued comments, thank you my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 2/26/2021 11:49:00 AM

WOW!!! What a beautiful and lovely write. I am so very sorry for your loss. May you be blessed.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 9:11:00 AM

Dear Paula, thank you for your kind words and for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Constance La France

Date: 2/22/2021 3:53:00 PM

Susan, so sorry for your loss. You have penned a beautiful tribute, so emotional, it touched my heart _Constance

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 9:10:00 AM

Dear Constance, I am heartened by your soulful presence and beautiful comments. I'm so glad to know my heart touched yours. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Carol Louise Moon

Date: 2/8/2021 11:07:00 PM

Dear Susan, I too am late in reading this, but it has really touched my heart. I rejoice that you see her as freed to continue her journey! I especially like the sixth stanza, (and for me it is a stand-alone stanza, as well): starting "she ascends... " I think of my mother, too, who did not die in a house fire, but left this earth on a count of cancer and pain. I rejoice in their rebirth!! Beautiful poem, Susan.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 9:06:00 AM

Dear Carol, I am gladdened by your thoughtful presence and beautiful comments. I'm so sorry to know of the loss of your beloved mother. That we both rejoice in the belief of spiritual rebirth is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my condolences and my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Harry Horsman

Date: 2/8/2021 5:33:00 AM

Oh dear, so sorry i'm so late to read this, Susan. the dedication superb, the detail profound. With so much love i'm sure she will be happy, with Alice and Catherine

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 9:02:00 AM

Dear Harry, I am heartened by your wonderful presence and beautiful comments. Your reassurance is lovely and truly appreciated. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Pashang Salehi

Date: 2/6/2021 11:46:00 PM

So sorry... beautifully done.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 8:59:00 AM

Dear Pashang, thank for you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Eve Roper

Date: 2/1/2021 3:38:00 PM

Great written tribute, Susan , enjoyed reading my friend. Hugs Eve

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 8:57:00 AM

Dear Eve, thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. I relish your precious thoughts always. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Elaine George

Date: 1/31/2021 4:56:00 AM

A MAGNIFICENT TRIBUTE dear Susan. I am certain she heard every word of it. ~ Elaine

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 8:55:00 AM

Dear Elaine, I am gladdened by your lovely reassurance and beautiful comments. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

L. J. Carber

Date: 1/22/2021 10:36:00 AM

You have that rare ability Susan, even for a poet,to make hundreds of words dance as though they were one....

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 8:53:00 AM

Dear L. J.., I am very touched and humbled after reading your beautiful comment. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

M. L. Kiser

Date: 1/19/2021 1:43:00 AM

Wow, a beautiful dedication. This is so ethereal and tender; so well crafted with wonderfully bold imagery that expresses this passing well.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/3/2021 8:50:00 AM

Dear M. L., I am heartened by your wonderful presence and beautiful comments. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/8/2021 5:20:00 AM

- Happy New Year, Susan ... hope all is well with you in the new year :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/9/2021 8:23:00 AM

Thank you for your heartening New Year wishes, Anne-Lise. I am busy but all is well, thank God. I wish you a beautiful 2021 full of happiness, inspiration, health and love, my dear friend. Sending you an armful of hugs for the new year.. ~Susan :)

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 1/2/2021 4:55:00 AM

Your beautiful poetry stirs do much love within me, Susan. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. This dedication is quite amazing. Always, Laura

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/7/2021 9:07:00 AM

Dear Laura, your lovely presence fills me with uplifting inspiration. Thank for you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. I relish the heartfelt beauty of your precious thoughts, my dear friend. It's such a pleasure to see you! Happy new year to you and may it be filled with happiness, health, inspiration and an abundance of blessings. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ricky Muse

Date: 1/1/2021 10:59:00 AM

Really like this poem Susan. A wonderful, touching tribute to a friend. You immortalized her. Thanks for sharing..................peace!

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2021 9:24:00 AM

My dear friend, Richard, I am heartened by your golden presence and your beautiful comments. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets like you, Richard. Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy new year.. ~Susan

Eve Roper

Date: 12/27/2020 9:25:00 PM

Deep verse, Susan, great imagery with heartfelt emotions. A great tribute to Louise loss. Just love it. Happy New Year. Hugs Eve

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2021 9:09:00 AM

Eve, thank you for your touching and beautiful response to my poem. I truly appreciate your warm sentiments. I hope your Christmas was joyous and may your new year be filled with happiness, health and an abundance of blessings. I pray that your recovery from covid is complete as well. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets, like you, dearest Eve. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Akkina Downing

Date: 12/27/2020 8:47:00 AM

Just reading this moving tribute again...

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2021 9:04:00 AM

My beautiful poetry sister, thank you for stopping by to read my poem again.. your thoughtful, golden presence allows this piece to shine ever brighter. Please accept my apologies for my late reply as life's obligations have kept me away from my favorite friends and poets, like you, dearest Kina. I hope your Christmas was joyous and may your new year be filled with every happiness and an abundance of blessings. Warmest wishes, love and hugs to you my awesome poetess.. ~Susan

Beata Agustin

Date: 12/25/2020 3:04:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this tribute. Cheering you with blest Christmas spirit, while sharing you "... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you.

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2021 8:58:00 AM

Thank you, Beata. I hope you had a joyous Christmas! Your beautiful comments are inspiring and truly appreciated. May your new year be filled with happiness, health, love and peace, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman

Date: 12/24/2020 11:46:00 AM

As always, truly amazing dear friend in rhythm and rhyme! I stand in awe of your brilliant mind, your compassionate heart and always amazing pen! You are truly gifted my friend. I couldn't let Christmas go by without sending you all the blessings of the season. Merry Christmas. May you find comfort on the weary road, joy in a rising star and peace!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/24/2020 7:42:00 PM

My truly inspiring and dearest friend in rhythm and rhyme, I am truly blessed to enjoy such a wonderful and rewarding poetic fellowship with you. There is always such warmth and thoughtful beauty in your deeply touching comments. Thank you, Sam, for your Christmas cheer, I am happy and honored to be your friend. You are cherished, as are your lovely comments. Merry Christmas, and as you said it so beautifully, may I reflect your wondrous words back to you.. may you find comfort on the weary road, joy in a rising star and peace, as well, my sister in poetry! Love and hugs.. ~Susan