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The Shedding Trees of Autumn

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I've heard your whispers in quiet moments amongst the shedding trees of Autumn.. I walk alone our wooded path – listening the air just as crisp as a bright-blushed Winesap but my tears not as sweet – glistening the wispy whispers haunting taunting in their gentle tug and I wonder; how easily the golden leaves let go.. with barely a breath of wind’s soft persuasion they fall away from boughs each descending like a fated swan gliding circling fluttering to their end with a taffeta crinkle - the crinkle reminiscent of a shy fire’s crackle as they settle and nestle on the forest floor I remember how we settled and nestled on the rug before the fire’s supple tongues home-made hard cider filled our mugs made from untamed fruits of wild trees our flame untamed and wild too when we were ginger-kissed and the taste of your lips saturated mine besotted with our nectar-like love till satisfied cinders in the hearth serenely died.. I walk alone now with falling leaves — was it Fall who taught you how to let go so gracefully while October’s wind trembled aspens like harp strings? I hear a thousand golden whispers of love amongst the shedding trees of Autumn. Susan Ashley August 27, 2022 ~ Second Place ~ Premiere Contest: Brian Strand Contest No 1178 Sponsor: Brian Strand ~ Second Place ~ Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 13 Sponsor: Mark Toney *Winesap: an American heirloom apple that ripens in October with a bright/dark red skin, a crisp texture, is aromatic and has a sweet-tart taste. Winesaps get their name due to their distinctive spicy wine-like flavor. Great for hard cider! Photo: CU Denver News; 2020 Guide to Fall Foliage

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Ink Empress

Date: 10/30/2023 12:17:00 AM

Dear Susan, your way with expressing and weaving emotions is beyond impeccable! i am in awe and i can feel the depth of this evocative write, your assonance and imagery, as well as descriptive wordplay that fits an autumnal theme is so very captivating. the ending really stood out for me as u questioned if its fall that teaches how to let go. how soulful is that. whenever i feel like reading something artistic and deep i visit your page! true inspirational poet you are! love this! a fave for me

Susan Ashley
Date: 11/2/2023 9:41:00 AM

Dear Empress, I truly relish the beauty and poetic insight of your ravishing comments. I am both humbled and honored by your esteemed and heartwarming presence on my poem's page. Your lovely light casts a glow upon my poem that rivals the luster of the rising sun. Thank you, sweet poetess, for your inspiring touch upon my heart. You are embraced! Your kindness and poetic artistry is treasured. The distinction of your fave is received with my appreciation, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paghunda Zahid

Date: 2/2/2023 12:23:00 AM

Congratulations Susan... Congratulations on your podium win lady... That's indeed a lovely poem. I hope you are doing great.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/4/2023 9:13:00 AM

Dearest Paghunda, I delight in your visit! Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me and for leaving your beautiful comments. Your precious thoughts touch me deeply and are cherished, my wonderful friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman

Date: 2/1/2023 10:25:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend your words and emotions fall as gently as aspen leaves in the Rockies. Your imagery - "ginger-kissed," "fated swans," "golden leaves" - each tell their story in this masterpiece. You have written amazing transitions from the forest to romance and back to the forest! I loved watching the fall aspens like "crinkled" gold leaf. You have brought me back into that time in CO! Thank you for that gift! Congratulations. Gentle blessings on fluttering aspen leaves.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/4/2023 9:10:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your soulful insight into my poem leaves me breathless! So rich and beautiful are your golden words falling upon my poem with the graceful twirl and elegance of pirouetting aspen leaves in Autumn, they swirl upon my heart as well, my dear poetry sis. I'm so glad my poem brought you back to your time in CO, and though I've never been there, this is how I imagine it would be in Fall with the aspen leaves.. so glad we could experience it together through my poem. Your precious thoughts and lovely congrats are gems to be treasured! Your friendship is cherished, dear Sam. Warmest wishes and love sent in the golden whispers of the shedding trees.. ~Susan

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 2/1/2023 7:36:00 AM

Stunning Susan, and quite beautiful! Congratulations on your win! :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/2/2023 2:26:00 PM

Dear Linda, your wonderful words and kind congrats warm my heart on this cold blustery evening! Thank you, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Beata Agustin

Date: 1/31/2023 10:38:00 PM

Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this, making me vicariously behold Autumn delight especially the shedding trees, and experience likewise the thrill of this scene: "I hear a thousand golden whispers of love amongst the shedding trees of Autumn." It's because I live in a country that is "Autumnless." God bless you.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/4/2023 8:57:00 AM

Dear Beata, the beauty of your words shine upon my heart. Thank you for your lovely comments and kind congrats, it is an honor to receive such precious sentiments. I'm so glad you shared in the ripened emotions and thrilling splendor of Autumn with me. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan

Ann Peck

Date: 11/3/2022 10:25:00 AM

Every word of this poem speaks to me, Susan, as I read with misty eyes...the leaves' giving up their berths so easily, to now walking alone, which so many of us do. Thank you for writing such beauty.

Susan Ashley
Date: 11/6/2022 7:54:00 AM

Dear Ann, it's so wonderful to see you! Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me, where upon this page, we do not walk alone but we walk in empathy with each other. Your eloquent and sensitive comments touch my heart deeply and your shining heart fills me with gratitude. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Harshita Chaudhary

Date: 10/6/2022 9:19:00 AM

"Golden whispers of love"- Such a beautiful line Susan. I am mesmerized. Every single line is glowing with emotions. Thank you for sharing :) Namaste~Harshita

Susan Ashley
Date: 10/7/2022 7:34:00 AM

Dear Harshita, it's wonderful to see you! Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me and for leaving your beautiful comments. Your precious thoughts touch me deeply and are cherished. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paul Callus

Date: 9/25/2022 2:25:00 AM

You and Nature combine your talents to offer once again a beautiful poem of high calibre, Susan. I love the imagery, metaphors, captivating phrasing, sensuality, and free verse sprinkled with internal rhyme. You confirm that poets are born, not manufactured! Belated congrats on your merited win. ~ Warm regards & hugs // paul

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/27/2022 6:16:00 AM

Dear Paul, your valued critique is always highly anticipated. My poem just doesn’t seem complete until your insights are imprinted upon my poem’s page. Indeed, I do combine with Nature for so many of my poems.. She’s a great inspiration and collaborator and far more talented than me! I am deeply touched, honored and humbled by your comments, they gently nudge forward me in my poetic growth. Thank you, my friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 9/24/2022 1:10:00 PM

susan, susan, i do believe you're one of the most talented writers on this site, and this gorgeous poem is evidence of that..such exquisite lines - "october's wind trembled aspens like harp strings" wow!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/26/2022 10:49:00 AM

Dear Charlotte, now I am the one to say "wow"! I am elated, your amazing comments are breathtaking and so uplifting. I hold your precious thoughts in very high regard as I have always considered you to be one of the most talented poets on this site. I respect and admire your artistry greatly. I am both deeply honored and humbled by your response to my poem. Thank you, for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me and for sharing your truly touching thoughts with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 9/20/2022 6:13:00 PM

Susan, things I love: 1) Autumn, 2) wispy whispers haunting, 3) with a taffeta crinkle, 4) October’s wind trembled aspens like harp strings, 5) haunting taunting in their gentle tug, 6) each descending like a fated swan, 7) untamed fruits of wild trees / our flame untamed and wild too, and 8) Susan Ashley free verse (in no particular order). This one is delicate, romantic, haunting, and sensual; a love song both to the mistress of autumnal nature and to love itself. Another Fave, congrats on your marvy win... get your sweats ready, Fall is just around the corner! Warmly ~ PoBro

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/22/2022 11:28:00 AM

Dear distinguished PoBro, I can just picture you smoking a pipe and wearing an elbow-patched cardigan sweater as you delight in your professorship, lol! Thank you, John, for your golden comments. I am filled with gratitude for your poet’s soul.. no wonder your own poetry is so soulful and extraordinary! I am humbled by your thoughts and honored by the distinction of your fav. Your visit to my poem's page leaves me feeling "marvy"! Indeed, Fall is just around the corner.. my favorite time of year! Warmest wishes and hugs, Prof PoBro.. ~ your PS-PS

Jack Horne

Date: 9/19/2022 12:02:00 PM

such a beautiful write tinged with sadness - your pen never fails to delight x

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/21/2022 6:44:00 PM

Dear Jack, your visit is a delight! So glad to walk with you amidst the falling leaves of Autumn. Thank you for your beautiful comments. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Bj Legros Kelley

Date: 9/18/2022 1:36:00 AM

So lovely, I love this so much <3 Congratulations!!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/21/2022 6:21:00 PM

Dear BJ, I relish your wonderful presence and treasure your beautiful comments. Your appreciation and congrats are so very heartwarming. I am honored, thank you, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/16/2022 10:07:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, once again you grace us with the depth and beauty of your words that fall from your talented pen like golden leaves to nestle into a poem - a thing of beauty in striking metaphor and memoir. I stand in your forest with awe listening to the murmuring of the trees there telling of your talent as a master poet! Thank you for gracing us with your words poetry sis. Sending you all the blessings of the season in golden leaves.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/21/2022 6:37:00 PM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I am truly overjoyed by your beautiful response to my poem. Your precious words elate my Autumn's heart and soul like a mug of home-made cider! How sweet your thoughts are, my inspiring poetry sis, you are ever so embracing and encouraging. Your comments, like your exquisite poetry, are works of art that touch me deeply. I am humbled and honored to read your precious thoughts. Thank you, Sam, for sharing your heart and for taking a walk in the woods with me amidst the falling leaves. Sending you love and warmest wishes on Autumn's whispers.. ~Susan

Constance La France

Date: 9/12/2022 10:00:00 AM

Susan, a truly beautiful poem and congratulations on your win in the contest, blessings ~

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/13/2022 10:24:00 PM

Dear Constance, your comments and kind congrats are uplifting and so very appreciated. Thank you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/12/2022 6:33:00 AM

Back with Congrats. Still loving it. God bless you. Love, Gina

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/13/2022 9:48:00 AM

Dear Gina, your return visit is as enchanting as Autumn’s falling leaves. Your kind congrats are treasured. Thank you, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Valsa George

Date: 9/12/2022 6:09:00 AM

Once again back to your beautiful poem on your second place win in the prestigious Marathon Mile Poetry contest. So happy for you, dear Susan......

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/13/2022 9:39:00 AM

Dear Valsa, my sweet friend, your return visit and elegant words bring me a sense of elation. Thank you for sharing your kindness with me, you are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Christuraj Alex

Date: 9/11/2022 8:22:00 PM

"fire’s supple tongues", "untamed fruits" - Beautiful. Congratulations!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2022 8:19:00 PM

Dear Christuraj, your visit is a delight! Thank you for your gracious comments and kind congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Toney

Date: 9/11/2022 8:06:00 PM

Susan, you're prepping me for my favorite time of year! Your poem is a masterpiece! The more I read this poem the lovelier it becomes. I love the way you turn stanza 3 into a metaphor for the cherished relationship in stanza 4. A Fav for me. Congratulations on your second-place podium finish on Mile 13 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 14 has already started!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2022 8:18:00 PM

Dear Mark, thank you. I am honored by my poem's placement in your esteemed contest and by the distinction of your fav. Your uplifting comments and heartwarming congrats are cherished. It's wonderful to know that we share a love of Autumn as our favorite time of year, it's truly beautiful here in Southern New England! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Harry Horsman

Date: 9/11/2022 7:20:00 PM

Like dollars from heaven the whispering wind gently waltz the autumn leaves to the ground. The Poem Susan, just made me think this way as i read through your magical words. Congratulations in the marathon. Harry

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/12/2022 8:07:00 PM

Dear Harry, thank you for experiencing the magic of falling leaves with me. Your beautiful thoughts and heartwarming congrats are treasured, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ann Peck

Date: 9/10/2022 10:24:00 AM

Ah, Susan, so lovely and wistful. ~ when we were ginger kissed...was it Fall who taught you to go so gracefully...there is such beauty in your words, every line.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/10/2022 11:15:00 AM

Dear Ann, I so appreciate your gracious visit and your heartwarming response to my poem. Thank you for your beautiful comments and for sharing in the emotions of this piece with me. Your golden presence here is treasured. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 9/10/2022 4:18:00 AM

The messages of Autumn leaves clearly stated. The beauty of loss and renewal so artfully composed. Reads like a winner to me. I am the consummate lover of Autumn poems. Love, SuZ

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/10/2022 9:09:00 AM

Dear SuZ, I am honored by your visit and by your beautiful response to my poem. I adore the Autumn season most of all and, like you, I love Autumn poems too. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of falling leaves with me. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/9/2022 8:15:00 PM

Utterly fantastic writing, susan. I bet you get a win for the unique way you describe the falling of leaves and then relate it to love. Not many poets are capable of this type of exquisite writing!

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/10/2022 9:05:00 AM

Dear Andrea, I'm filled with elation and gratitude for your uplifting response to my poem. I am both humbled and honored by your precious thoughts. Thank you, my friend, your encouragement inspires me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Valsa George

Date: 9/6/2022 9:15:00 PM

Susan, what a melange of feelings of love and longing! As the wheezy wind makes the autumn leaves fall and settle on the ground, memories of a passionate love rise, tickle and tease your heart. This poem has the flavor of cider and the sweet intoxication of wine, also the tangy sweet tartness of winesap, lifting one to an ethereal plane.This poem is an exercise in 'letting go' like the autumn leaves! Into my Fav.

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/6/2022 9:54:00 PM

Dear Valsa, oh how I value your beautiful response to my poem, the depth and breadth of your comments take my breath away. My sweet friend, I cherish your poetic friendship and your tender poet's soul that shines ever so brightly in both your lovely comments and in your beautiful poetry. I am honored by your fav.. thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Wilma Neels

Date: 9/5/2022 11:46:00 AM

This is a beauty Susan, such a privilege to be reading it tonight. Have a great week ahead :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/6/2022 9:02:00 AM

Dear Wilma, I am honored by your visit and by your beautiful response to my poem. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of falling leaves with me. I hope you have a wonderful week too. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/31/2022 2:16:00 PM

Wow!! Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. I enjoyed reading it today. Thanks for sharing and for the visit to my blog. Sara

Susan Ashley
Date: 9/6/2022 9:05:00 AM

Dear Sara, thank you for your beautiful response to my poem. Your lovely thoughts are appreciated. You're welcome for my response to your blog. I continue to hold you, your son and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Though it may seem slow and there may be setbacks, I hope your son is moving towards a full recovery. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan