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When Eyes of Turquoise Dyed the Skies

I see you ‘cross the vast expanse, a love disguised in dreamy whirl and clothed in raiment sun-spun gold as wispy cirrus wraps your dance the music of your sigh aswirl - a breeze I feel but cannot hold, but dance I will with memories though for your arms I’ll ever pine, I look to skies for bluest eyes at times behind the tapestries of cumulus both yours and mine – the realm in which my angel flies. Our love so like the lilac leaf two halves that shared a center vein, once green we were but now I fade I’m torn in half without relief the pain not washed away by rain — this heart-shaped leaf afraid and frayed. O touch me warm your slanting rays how cold my soul you left behind, to gaze through tears at beauty high to wander through the haze of days and know the planets misaligned — when eyes of turquoise dyed the sky. Alas, myself but cosmic dust yet still, the stardust gilts the rust. Susan Ashley November 20, 2022 ~ Third Place ~ Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 21 Sponsor: Mark Toney *stardust: a dreamy romantic or sentimental quality or feeling

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Nancy Kaufman

Date: 6/19/2023 12:24:00 PM

So absolutely heartbreaking and touching.

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/4/2023 8:21:00 AM

Dear Nancy, I relish your visit to my poem and treasure your heartfelt response. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this piece with me. It's a joy to see you, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Robert Lindley

Date: 6/5/2023 10:56:00 AM

If this gem placed third, I'd love too see what placed first and second! This is truly fantastic verses. You gifted beauty, intellect and true poetic heart with this fine jewel, A fav... God bless.

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/4/2023 8:28:00 AM

Dear Robert, your generous appreciation for poetic artistry never fails to shine upon others' works -- as your own poetic artistry continues to shine ever so brightly in your own works. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me and for seeing its poetic value. I am honored by both your friendship and fav, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 1/16/2023 1:46:00 AM

Amazing writing - as always when I read you, I am moved, so beautifully. I love this so. Congrats too. God bless you. Love, Gina

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/16/2023 8:01:00 AM

Dearest Gina, I am always so very honored and moved by your inspiring words. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. The soulful beauty of your spirit fills me with gratitude and elation for our friendship. Your kind congrats are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes and love.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/14/2023 12:28:00 PM

Susan, you have a remarkable command of language; these are beautiful poetry brimming with rich imagery and profound insight. For some reason, this poetry really spoke to me. I felt like I was about to pass out from stress. Honestly, I'm really blown away by your skill. Much appreciate your visit and uplifting comment on my page. Best wishes and warm hugs

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/14/2023 7:17:00 PM

Dear Lasaad, both your gracious visit and wonderful comments are truly uplifting. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me, your precious words touch me deeply and they are cherished as is your friendship. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 1/9/2023 11:41:00 AM

Back to wish you a warm salute for rising to the top of the Best New poems list. I revel in the accolades and endearing comments you receive for they affirm what a special poet you are. Plus it is nice to see kindness and affirmation returned to one who has so generously supported the poetry of others. Warmest wishes always ~ PoBro

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/9/2023 12:03:00 PM

Dear PoBro, you never fail to warm my heart like a rosy hearth on a winter's day. I appreciate for your return visit to my poem. Thank you for your acknowledgement of my poem's placement on the Best New Poem's List. Your sentiments are truly touching. May I reflect back to you the same recognition you've given me.. the shared gift of your amazing poetic artistry is so appreciated by so many here (including me of course!) and your generous support and encouragement for the PS community is inspiring. I am humbled and honored by your continued friendship. Warmest wishes always.. ~your PS-PS

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 1/3/2023 8:55:00 AM

Lovely penning Susan, really beautiful lines penned with great imagery and insightfulness. Happy New year, blessings,Gordon

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/3/2023 10:19:00 AM

Dear Gordon, I delight in your wonderful visit and relish your beautiful comments. Thank you, my friend, both are received with my truest appreciation. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes to you and yours for a healthy and happy new year.. ~Susan

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/1/2023 1:41:00 PM

Congratulations on this winner in the contest. Way to go. I enjoyed reading it. When we love for a lifetime, it is painful when in death we have to let them go. Thanks for sharing this one and for dropping by my page. Sara

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/1/2023 5:05:00 PM

Dear Sara, thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem and your congrats are heartwarming. You're welcome for my visit to your poem Beyond Reach, it was a riveting piece. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Dean Wood

Date: 12/24/2022 3:25:00 PM

Susan,. I don't check in at ps often but this poem caught my eye. It left me breathless. I am so amazed by your talent. Dean

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:24:00 AM

Dear Dean, it's so wonderful to see you! It's an honor to receive your uplifting comments, they are received with gratitude. I hope to see you become more active here again as your poetry is truly beautiful and your poetic presence has been missed. Thank you again for your lovely comments. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gracie Woodsinger

Date: 12/23/2022 4:21:00 PM

So great, Susan!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:26:00 AM

Dear Gracie, thank you for your gracious visit and uplifting comment. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Kelly Deschler

Date: 12/16/2022 3:57:00 PM

Such beautiful, romantic lines and heartfelt expressions... Simply mesmerizing! ... Keep up the wonderful writing, Dear Susan...

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:27:00 AM

Dear Kelly, it's so nice to see you! The beauty of your comments touch my heart in such a wonderful way. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman

Date: 12/12/2022 2:09:00 PM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, what can I say as wonder and awe envelopes me like "sun-spun gold" Every word, every line, every stanza is a study in the melancholy loss of a love while putting me into a pensive journey with your breaking heart. I have said it before, but your poetry sets a standard to be strived for - what a gift it is! What a treasure you are my poetry sis! I learn so much from you!! Thank you! Congratulations on yet another win! Blessings on sun-spun gold!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:36:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your heartwarming words of kindness shine with the beauty of your heart, a heart full of thoughtful friendship and inspiring poetry. My sweet sis, I treasure your fellowship and kinship as we explore poetic realms together. Thank you, dearest Sam, for lighting up my page, and my day, and for touching me warmly with your rays of sunshine. Warmest wishes for you and your family to have a happy, healthy and blessed Christmastide, may the stars shine especially bright for you always. Hugs and love sent on a perfect lilac leaf.. ~Susan <3

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/11/2022 7:45:00 PM

Back with my congrats to you and finally seeing all the kind words you left for me in your reply down here. Way to go. I bet you are marathon champ.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:20:00 AM

Dear Andrea, thank you for gracious return visit and kind congrats. I don't know about being the marathon champ. The competition is stiff and it can still go any way.. I think it will do down to the wire, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ann Peck

Date: 12/11/2022 9:05:00 AM

Dear Susan, Your poem is so extraordinarily beautiful, it's hard to find one or two lines I like best as each line touched my heart..."alas, myself but cosmic dust, yet still, the stardust gilts the rust"

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:17:00 AM

Dear Ann, the beauty of your precious comments touch me deeply. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 12/10/2022 8:47:00 PM

PS-PS, your tale of lost love has me soaring like an eagle and diving like a falcon with ecstacy and agony. Your cadence and rhyming are pristine but your emotional intensity and cloud and leaf imagery are simply scintillating. A terrific title too, captivating the imagination. Once again, your stardust has gilted my rust... a FAV. An enthusiastic ovation for your podium win and continued marathon success ~ PoBro

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/26/2022 10:15:00 AM

My dearest PoBro, no one lights up my poetry page like you do. Your heartwarming words are elating and have me smiling with gratitude for our poetic friendship. There is no rust upon your golden heart, John, just the magic of stardust. I adore your eagle and falcon analogy and the enchanting nature of your comments. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and for the high honor of your fav. It's a thrill to be running and standing alongside you in this marathon, John. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~your PS-PS

Jcb Brul

Date: 12/10/2022 7:50:00 AM

Back to read again this precious gem. The sublime sadness of loss, you exceptionally woven with great metaphor. I like the use of lilac leaf that vividly portray dainty images. "once we were green but now I fade" I will keep this to my treasured chest to read again and again for years and years to come.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 11:20:00 AM

My dear friend, JCB, your return visit is doubly delightful! I am so very deeply touched by the heartwarming feeling of your comments, they are ever appreciated as I relish your own beautiful poetry so very much. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Antony Glaser

Date: 12/10/2022 6:11:00 AM

Excellent and meaningful Like the penultimate stanza

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 11:16:00 AM

Thank you, Antony, for your gracious visit and beautiful comment. So glad to know you enjoyed my poem, especially the penultimate stanza.. I appreciate that. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Massey

Date: 12/9/2022 4:34:00 AM

A stellar piece of writing Susan, the metaphoric script flows in rhythm with the heartbeats of two lovers. I also responded to your soup mail...congrats on the placement!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 11:13:00 AM

Dear Mark, I am elated by your tender response to my poem. Thank you for your inspiring words and for your kind congrats. It's wonderful to share the podium with you once again, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Lin Lane

Date: 12/8/2022 11:13:00 AM

Susan, I was so impressed with the lines about two halves of a leaf, separated by the dividing vein. One could not exist without the other, and so I find it to be when love is lost. There's a withering in heart and spirit. Congratulations on crossing the finish line of Mile 21.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 11:10:00 AM

Dear Lin, the beauty of your soulful response to my poem touches me deeply. I relish your expressive nature, both in your comments here and in your impassioned poetry. Thank you for your kind congrats, it's been a pleasure running these miles with you. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/8/2022 6:15:00 AM

Superb poetry, as always, Susan. BIG congrats on your win in Mark's contest. Well deserving of all the accolades you have received.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 11:01:00 AM

Dear Vijay, it's such a delight to receive your beautiful comments and kind congrats. Your precious thoughts and friendship are deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday season, my friend.. ~Susan

Christuraj Alex

Date: 12/8/2022 5:40:00 AM

"our love so like the lilac leaf two halves that shared a center vein" - Beautiful. Congratulations!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 10:58:00 AM

Dear Christuraj, both your lovely visit and heartwarming congrats are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Valsa George

Date: 12/7/2022 7:51:00 PM

"our love so like the lilac leaf/ two halves that shared a center vein, " Love this intensely passionate and slightly melancholic poem of romance. I wonder how I missed this as POTD. However glad I could now read it and enjoy . You have a unique way of expressing emotions in such a way, equally piercing and soothing. Congratulations Susan on your great win

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 10:56:00 AM

Dearest Valsa, your response to my poem is beautiful and I cherish your thoughts and heartwarming congrats. Although I wish it would have, this poem did not receive POTD honors.. But, my sweet friend, I relish knowing that you thought it was worthy of such an honor, that is in itself, a grand honor indeed! Thank you, dear poetess, you are inspiring. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Silent One

Date: 12/7/2022 12:47:00 PM

You have the most amazing way with words.. This is one of the most romantic poems I have read, especially from your pen... Where do I start with my favourite verses there are so many... Your descriptions are so vivid and so poetic with your word usage... I really liked this stanza: our love so like the lilac leaf two halves that shared a center vein, once green we were but now I fade I’m torn in half without relief the pain not washed away by rain — this heart-shaped leaf afraid and frayed

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 10:49:00 AM

Dear Silent One, my inspiring friend, it's such a joy to receive your exquisite comments. You were one of the very first here to encourage me in my growth as a poet. I learned so much from reading your amazing poetry, receiving your comments and participating in your contests. You are a gifted poet, a wonderful mentor and a lovely friend, and I hold your friendship in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday season.. ~Susan

Mark Toney

Date: 12/7/2022 10:36:00 AM

Susan, I love the stanza that begins, "our love so like the lilac leaf ~ two halves that shared a center vein ..." Your poetry is simply sublime! A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your podium finish on Mile 21 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 22 has already started.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 10:42:00 AM

Dear Mark, thank you for my poem's placement in your wonderful contest and for the honor of your fav. It's a joy to share the podium with such gifted poets. Your lovely comments are heartening and your congrats a delight! Your continued sponsorship is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy Holiday season.. ~Susan

Eileen Manassian

Date: 12/6/2022 6:48:00 PM

What beautiful imagery! You're so talented. The rhyming is so natural. Loved the internal rhyme in the stanza before the last and the strong finish. Thanks for your visit to my page. Much appreciated.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/14/2022 10:33:00 AM

Dear Eileen, it's so wonderful to see you! I am humbled, honored and elated by your beautiful comments, especially since I hold your exquisite poetry in such high regard. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts with me, and you're welcome for my visit to your page. I relished your passionate poem "I Want You". Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 12/6/2022 12:05:00 PM

Lovely penning Susan, with nice rhyme and flow with good imagery too. Great stuff! Blessings,Gordon

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/10/2022 10:26:00 AM

Dear Gordon, it is so wonderful to see you! Thank you for your gracious visit, your beautiful comments are a joy to receive. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan