Susan Ashley | + Follow Poet |
Free verse | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

Notes About The Poem

February 14, 2025

~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 15
Sponsor: Mark Toney

~ Poem Of The Day ~
February 16, 2025

~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: Undergrowth with Two Figures 
Sponsor: Di11y Da11y

---

 

Undergrowth with Two Figures - Van Gogh

I have the rhythm of a winding road
how do I consign myself to being confined...
rows of poplar pillars prop
the rendezvous canopy beneath we meet
—I self-cajole on ooh-la-la afternoon 

yellow eyes; daffodils watching 
lean into gossip groups nodding
a prodding breeze instigating deep-freeze—
I am a sweet weed in this place of sway and betray 

with a stranger I stroll   my arranged betrothed
height of his black top hat challenges trees
much like Corinthian columns
guards of an aisle I must walk —dear God! must walk
trepidation trips down my bridal spinal column 

tiger eyes; lilies watching   wish they were me
dare they dream they could uproot their roots like me
wish they could wedding waltz like I must —like I must
but their envy-leaves remain embrace-less
—I envy lilies’ empty arms of yet unmet love

daffodils; empty-headed —laugh
they try to read my mind to fill their own
what do I care their curdled thoughts lemon tart
and orange lilies’ brocade brimstone
what do I fear of fire-breathers burn of words

undergrowth feels square heels of my lace-up boots
post impression grows more expressive than first—
beware French tongues of sundew and burdock burr

marriage-carriage rolls in ruts to Versailles
where my coerced corset of hooks and ties lie 
rhythm of a winding road dies in minuet strangle-hold

Please Login to post a comment

1 2

John Hamilton Date: 9/15/2025 10:47:00 AM This write is a feast for the eyes and all senses, typically you Sue, no wonder it's a winner, a pleasure to read as always Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/16/2025 7:50:00 PM Dear John, it’s wonderful to see you and it’s a joy to receive your uplifting comments. I’m so glad to know you enjoyed my poem, I hold your opinion in high regard, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

CayCay Jennings Date: 9/13/2025 2:56:00 AM I was transported into a time you so beautifully and eloquently painted with imagery strokes that awed me. Congratulations on your placement, Susan. Poetry hugs ... CayCay (as of now, to me, you represent the 'girl power' in this contest so go go go) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/13/2025 8:55:00 AM Dear CayCay, thank you for allowing my poem to transport you back in time... a time when women had little say over the events in their lives. Your thoughts are treasured, as are your heartwarming congrats. I'm in awe of YOUR poetic 'girl power', my dear friend. We press on in the 'marathon' together. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Janis Medders Tobechi Date: 9/12/2025 7:34:00 AM Hang in there my friend. Congratulations. @ Another fine write. Blessings of favor. Love. Janis Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/13/2025 8:50:00 AM Dear Janis, thank you for your encouragement. I'll hang in there best I can, and you hang in there too :) It's wonderful to receive your gracious visit and inspiring words of congrats. I'm honored to share the podium with you, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Toney Date: 9/12/2025 12:07:00 AM Susan, this is an ekphrastic beauty. I love the fun alliteration and delightful internal rhymes. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 15 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. We’re well past the halfway point! Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 16 has already started. You can find your current standing in my Mile 15 blog post. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/13/2025 8:46:00 AM Dear Mark, I revel in your beautiful thoughts about my poem. Thank you for the honor of my poem's placement in your wonderful contest and for your heartwarming congrats. Your tireless contest sponsorship is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Hiba Junaid Date: 3/26/2025 7:21:00 AM The perfect poem to go with this painting. The imagery is gently suffocating. A beautiful field doing wonders for the eyes, but a cage for the woman coerced to enter it and stay. The grief of women in coerced marriages is truly heart-wrenching, exactly as described here. The words here are so masterful, and each line so original, so deep, so meaningful, intricately laced together just like the corset you write about. An instant fave to me. Deserves as much recognition as possible. Love, Hiba. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/31/2025 12:02:00 PM Dear Hiba, I stand in awe of the rich, deep beauty of your insightful comments that see so clearly into the heart and soul of my poem. Your exquisite poetic expression shines whether in the expansive frame of your golden verse or in the cramped confines of the comment box. Thank you for 'feeling' the imagery and emotions of my poem. I am humbled and honored by your fave. Your precious thoughts are cherished, my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes and love.. ~Susan

Trina Layne Date: 3/16/2025 11:05:00 AM Susan, what a wonderful imagination you have! I remember seeing this challenge. I thought about it, but then I hesitated. I love how you personified aspects of the environment and brought them into this unfolding drama. Congrats :) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/21/2025 7:09:00 AM Dear Trina, I relish your thoughtful comments! It's wonderful to know what you loved about my poem. I'm uplifted by your gracious visit and appreciate you, soulful poet. Your poetry is so creative and intriguing that I have no doubt your would excel in any contest your would chose to write for. Thank you, my friend, for your kindness and warm congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Laura Breidenthal Date: 2/24/2025 11:54:00 AM Wow - I'm entranced - enough said!! Always, Laura Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/1/2025 7:47:00 AM Dear Laura, soulful poet, it's wonderful to see you! I'm deeply touched and appreciative to know my poem had the power and persuasion to "entrance" you. I'm both humbled and thrilled! Your comments are truly gratifying, my dear friend, thank you kindly. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Terrell Martin Date: 2/23/2025 9:04:00 AM Wow! How did I not see this POTD the other day? Sometimes I'm like a blind man wandering in the dark but when I come across a poem as far-reaching, uplifting and moving as this one it turns on the light and I can see again. Bravo / Kudos and Blessings a Bunch Dear Susan Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/1/2025 7:45:00 AM Dear Terrell, your gracious comments bring a smile; you are definitely not "a blind man wandering in the dark", rather you are a very insightful person and poet whose splendid artistry and friendship I truly appreciate. Thank you for your uplifting words, my inspiring poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

thriveni c mysore Date: 2/23/2025 12:15:00 AM your poem should be etched below the original painting! Oh how well you have researched to write these measured words. Gifted you are dear poet. Congratulations on POTD. three cheers!!! +FAV Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/27/2025 9:36:00 AM Dear Thriveni, I am both humbled and honored by your heartwarming words. Thank you for the delight of your visit and for your kind congrats. The distinction of your fav is truly and deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Ink Empress Date: 2/20/2025 5:25:00 AM Dear poetic soul susan, you really have a way with words, how youv personified elements of nature and how youv paired some words together and how youv painted imagery throughout is truly artistic and so very captivating! I cant even praise enough this masterpiece! Its truly impressive! And all i can do is give this a fave to show you how impactful this interpretation is! Pleasure reading this gem! Congratulations on your win! Sending you light always Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/21/2025 7:50:00 AM Dear Ink, soulful poetess, thank you for your gracious visit. I am humbled to receive your esteemed comments and kind congrats. The honor of your fave touches me deeply with appreciation for your friendship and for your amazing golden pen. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Kim Rodrigues Date: 2/19/2025 5:17:00 AM Wow! Fantastic and lovely imagery, Susan! A fave for me! Congrats on POTD! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:40:00 AM Dear Kim, I revel in your enjoyment of my poem. Thank you for your inspiring words and kind congrats. The high honor of your fave is embraced with appreciation. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan.

David Kavanagh Date: 2/19/2025 5:11:00 AM Spellbinding imagery Susan with an underlying story to match, it’s quite amazing how you contrived this beautiful period drama poem, from just looking at the painting, congratulations cheers David Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:54:00 AM Dear David, thank you for your inspiring comments and kind congrats. Indeed, it is a "period drama poem". I was reflecting upon the social, physical, emotional constraints women endured during this time in history when Van Gogh painted this scene. Some of which is still seen in societies today, to lesser or greater degrees, unfortunately. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Terry Miller Date: 2/19/2025 12:42:00 AM Such a good interpretation, congratulations Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:42:00 AM Dear Terry, thank you for your gracious visit and kind words. Your congrats are appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Deb M Date: 2/18/2025 11:11:00 AM Susan you are a true poetic artist….everything you write is so wonderful! No surprise you received POTD….So well deserved….Congratulations my friend! Debx Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:59:00 AM Dear Deb, my lovely poetry friend, I am honored by your visit and humbled by your heartwarming words. Thank you for sharing in the imagery and emotions of this scene with me. Your thoughts and kind congrats are embraced with appreciation. Warmest wishes, sweet poet.. ~Susan

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 2/18/2025 7:57:00 AM My dear friend Susan, your flower power in this poem is incredible - only you dearest poet could make them all spring to life - a fascinating poem, which very deservedly received the accolade it was bestowed, POTD - Congratulations Susan, I hope you and your lovely family are all well An absolute fav for me. Love,hugs and kisses Jennifer. Login to Reply

Arlo Parker Date: 2/17/2025 10:21:00 AM Such a well crafted piece and so deserving of POTD, Susan. Congratulations! =;o) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:43:00 AM Dear Arlo, it's wonderful to see you! Thank you for your inspiring words and kind congrats. Both are appreciated, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 2/17/2025 7:13:00 AM susan, what can i say? so many great lines in this - i particularly like that second stanza - and i like the way you've linked that ending line back to the opening one, something i often like to do myself..belated congrats on potd, funnily enough mine is potd today so that's nice that we've both had potd with our van gogh poems, especially as we build and compose our poems in a similar way :) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/21/2025 7:42:00 AM Dear Charlotte, your gracious visit is truly appreciated, as are your esteemed thoughts about my poem. I relish your review! I do like to link the end with the beginning when I can and I have noticed that linkage with your poetry too. So glad both our Van Gogh poems enjoyed the POTD spotlight back to back. Belated congrats to you, my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Hilda Greenhough Date: 2/16/2025 9:54:00 PM Congratulations on POTD. This is a clever poem where all living things come alive. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:44:00 AM Dear Hilda, my wonderful poet friend, thank you for sharing in the imagery of this poem with me and for your heartfelt congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Toney Date: 2/16/2025 8:31:00 PM Brilliant! A Fav poem for me. Congratulations, dear Susan, on Poem of the Day. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 7:49:00 AM Dear Mark, it's always wonderful when your kind presence graces my poetry page. Thank you for sharing in this poetic vision with me. Both your heartwarming congrats and fav are embraced with appreciation. I'm feel truly honored, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Brandy Nicole Date: 2/16/2025 3:36:00 PM Dearest Susan, the images you paint with your words leave me in complete awe. I feel like I'm there- in the painting. This thought pulls at my heart: ' I am a sweet weed in this place of sway and betray. ' Such a beautiful, yet emotional metaphor, indeed. So many can relate. You truly have created a masterpiece, my dear friend. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply

Me Me Date: 2/16/2025 10:35:00 AM If we could say all the positive and intriguing things about ourselves like we do about flowers the world would be a much better place……Very creative indeed…. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 8:13:00 AM Dear Me Me, it's a pleasure to meet you! Indeed, your words are treasured and true. Thank you for sharing in my vision of the Van Gogh painting. This scene made me think about how women were oppressed in European society in the days of monarchy and strict customs.. maybe we haven't advanced all that far since then.. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

I Am Anaya Date: 2/16/2025 10:26:00 AM Van Gogh would be intrigued dear Susan. Your dramatic metaphors striking, the message is clear and cleverly stunning, the strangle-hold men had on women, the way of world? shall it be once more in today's growing authoritarianism? No whimsy here, pure intellect and emotionally charged well, tears flow along with my admiration. So delighted to see your lovely face today. Congratulations on Poem Of The Day, Susan Ashley! Our tradition lives on "À votre santé" ~clink! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/19/2025 8:08:00 AM Dearest Anaya, my sweet poet friend, your visit is sheer delight! Your precious comments are uplifting and insightful... "growing authoritarianism" a real threat for sure. I am humbled and honored to receive your thoughts, they are treasured, and I embrace you with appreciation in poetry friendship. And, I revel in your heartwarming congrats! Indeed, our tradition lives on "À votre santé" clink! Warmest wishes, and may your soulful pen continue to outshine.. ~Susan

Paige Hind Date: 2/16/2025 10:12:00 AM Yay! Congrats on your POTD! So worthy of it ! <3 Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/17/2025 12:55:00 PM Dear Paige, my lovely poet friend, thank you for your considerate return visit and kind congrats. I think you were my good luck charm for potd :) Thank you for your sweet words. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Zyrool Gifford Date: 2/16/2025 10:10:00 AM Congratulations on your POTD win, Susan. It’s Beautifully written and an enjoyable read. Enjoy your day. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/17/2025 12:52:00 PM Dear Zyrool, my day is made even more enjoyable by your gracious visit and kind congrats. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts. Your poetic spirit here is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 2/16/2025 7:25:00 AM Dear Susan, your poem is a masterpiece! The way you write themes of confinement, nature, and societal expectations is captivating. Congratulations on getting POTD! Your use of imagery and metaphor, inspired by Van Gogh is truly evocative. Thank you for sharing this beautiful work! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/16/2025 8:18:00 AM Dear Daniel, I revel in your enjoyment of my poem. Indeed, I used natural imagery to reflect the sniping upper class, social/emotional confinement and societal expectations to touch upon conditions young women faced at that time in European history, particularly France, which is where this scene was painted. I’m not sure if this will resonate with DD, but I hold out hope. It was a wonderful challenge nonetheless. Thank you for your beautiful comments and kind congrats. Your insight into my poem is treasured. Warmest wishes my dear poet friend.. ~Susan

1 2