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Notes About The Poem

Women are like Wild Honey

Daniel Henry Rodgers

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"She was never meant to be poured neatly into glass for her love ferments, thickens, runs wild beyond the lines others draw. She was never meant to be rationed. She floods. She engulfs. She changes what she touches." - Poet

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Women are like Wild Honey

Listen to poem:

They start thick— 
not the polite kind you stir into tea
not the mild drizzle on breakfast toast
but the kind that runs hot
slow
dangerous 
coating your tongue before you grasp
the price of its pleasure.

They start golden— 
dripping off the comb 
sun pressed into their marrow 
too rich, too syrupy— 
gumming up the gears of your schemes 
too luminous for hands that flinch from light
too wild for walls meant to contain them.

You want squeeze-bottle love. 
Clean. 
No bees. 
No stingers. 
No buzz.

But they ferment in kitchens
where no one thanks them—
same way their grandmothers did
spooning fire into each serving
stinging their own tongues
just to stay sharp— 
drizzling down your better judgment staining 
Sunday shirts 
unraveling wedding vows
spilling past boundaries 
no one asked them to obey.

They get called— 
too much.
too loud.
too open.
too shut— 
like they were born to fit into your grip
instead of slipping right through it.

You try to jar them. 
Slap on barcodes: 
Best before. 
Handle with care. 
Discount if damaged 
for quick sale.

But wild honey won’t kneel— 
it contradicts logic 
defies preservation 
reason 
perfumes the air
wrecks your thirst for tradition.

You mistook raw for reckless 
Reckless for ruin 
Ruin for something to fear.

You laughed when they wept— 
like grief was a spectacle
like tenderness was weak
like softness 
was a defect to be filtered out.

But by the time you realize 
she’s the rarest thing
you ever tasted— 
she’s already sweetening 
the hands that never swatted her

And now, 
we sit here— 
jars without lids, 
spoons still sticky— 
trying to remember 
what it meant to taste something 
that never begged to be caged.

Maybe— 
the glass wasn’t meant to hold her.

Maybe—

it was meant to shatter—

to let something wild 
and feral 
flood in 
and leave you 
pleading 
for ruin.

—it’s a reckoning, 
unapologetic, 
untamed, 

final.

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Randy Freie Date: 9/15/2025 1:58:00 PM I'm speechless, I'm mesmerized, I'm humbled! I realize, after reading true poetry, just how for I have to go to reach the same heights. I doubt if I have the time or talent. Therefore, by the power vested in me by my peers, I dub thee now...Mount Rodgers! Login to Reply

Bill Baker Date: 7/15/2025 5:57:00 PM A belated Congratulations on this poem being chosen as the POTD, my dear friend. Enjoy your special day of recognition! A poet friend in Texas, Bill Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/19/2025 9:37:00 AM Hello Bill, I am very grateful for your friendship and comments. Thank You! Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Valsa George Date: 7/11/2025 12:29:00 AM These days I miss so much on Poetry Soup. After a bout of illness, when I recovered, I got swept into a world of greater responsibilities with quite a number of guests to be entertained and some urgent travels to be made. So, all I did was enter some favorite contests and comment on poets who made comments on mine. I am sorry this gem of a poem of yours went unnoticed. What a beautiful comparison of woman to wild honey. She is at once sweet and wild. She doesn't like to be caged. "but the kind that runs hot slow dangerous coating your tongue before you grasp the price of its pleasure." Wow.... what a powerful evaluation of her mysterious and complex nature. Your way of handling every subject is so unique, dear Daniel. Belated Congratulations on your POTD. Into my FAVE. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/11/2025 9:21:00 AM Dear Valsa, I pray that you are okay and that life is smoothing out a little better. My wife and I went on a several-week vacation, which was great with almost no PS time, but the day we got back, I got laryngitis that turned into a lung infection that has lasted for over a week, and I am hoping that it is almost over. I am always glad to see you back here, writing. Summer Blessings, My Dear Valsa, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough Date: 7/6/2025 8:00:00 PM I loved the metaphors. Your poem was like a beautiful love song played on guitar. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:15:00 AM Dear Hilda, You are such a great joy in my life and I am thankful for your comments. Summer Blessings, My Dear Hilda, Daniel

Regina Elliott Date: 7/3/2025 5:13:00 PM Belated Congratulations on POTD with this masterful creation, Daniel. Fascinating. Have a superb 4th of July with family! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:14:00 AM Dearest Regina, I would like to apologize for my delayed response, as I have been on vacation for several weeks with limited internet access. Thank you so much for your lovely thoughts and friendship. Summer Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/30/2025 6:03:00 AM Great narration as well. Login to Reply

Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/30/2025 6:02:00 AM A poet may write for a lifetime and never write a poem as good as this one. Bravo and congratulations on POTD. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:12:00 AM Hello Richard, you are an excellent poet, and I am sure you could create something inspirational. Thank you for your lovely comments, and I appreciate your friendship. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Danielk

Mike Bayles Date: 6/22/2025 6:23:00 AM Daniel, such a wonderful exploration of women, elusive, and of love that slips through our hands. Such a deep exploration, and I totally relate to this piece. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:11:00 AM Hello Mike, I appreciate your response, and yes, I had to take a closer look at this one. I got to spend several weeks with just me and my wife, and it certainly filled my heart. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 6/21/2025 8:46:00 AM Wow my dear friend Daniel, how well you describe a woman, and how beautifully you have chosen to compare her to wild Honey, an outstanding write - you captured the wild, reckless side yet recognize her warm loving nature- many don't know how to navigate women though they spend a lifetime with them, to never constrain them, but allow them to flourish and grow beside their partner I love how you read this poem, and it most certainly is a fav. for me. Congratulations on a most deserved POTD, I loved it. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:09:00 AM Dearest Jennifer, Ahhh, loved your note and it certainly filled me with joy. I've spent several weeks with my wife in one-on-one time, and it has been a heartwarming adventure together. Thank you for being such a great friend. Summer Blessings, My Dear Jennifer, Daniel

Charles Messina Date: 6/21/2025 5:37:00 AM Outstanding writing, Daniel. Well you know what they say about them women...ya can't live with...eh, forget it... you hit home with this write. Love this piece, my friend. Belated Congrats on POTD! Charlie Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:06:00 AM Hello Charles, Thank you so much for your kind words, which I truly appreciate. Yes, our women are our inspiration for many aspects of our lives and writings. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort Date: 6/19/2025 9:08:00 AM Daniel, you do have a wonderful and unique poetic style. For those of us who love women in general and our wives in particular, you do describe how sweet and wild they are. Doesn’t it make life so much more interesting that they are so complex? The way you go about explaining what you feel will definitely stick. Many smiles, sir!!! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:05:00 AM Hello Duke, our wives are certainly our inspiration for many of our love poems and beyond. I enjoyed my several weeks with her, where it was just the two of us. Thank you for your note and support. Summer Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich Date: 6/18/2025 3:49:00 PM Outstanding work. Love your extended metaphor. Big congrats on your POTD Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:03:00 AM Dear Andrea, Thank you for your lovely note and sorry I am late with my response. I was on vacation for several weeks and had limited access to internet. Thanks Again! Summer Blessings, My Dear Andrea, Daniel

Deb M Date: 6/18/2025 2:55:00 AM Belated POTD Congratulations Daniel....you are such a clever, creative talented man and a loving doting ubby to boot!! Ha.....captivating poem Daniel! Debx Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 7/9/2025 11:02:00 AM Dear Deb, I apologize for the delayed response, as I was on vacation for several weeks. Thank you so much for your accolades, for they fill me with gratitude. Summer Blessings, Dear Deb, Daniel

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/15/2025 8:25:00 PM Somehow I missed this awesome POTD, Daniel. Keep up the great writes, Gershon. Excelsior! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/16/2025 7:51:00 AM Hello Gershon, I genuinely hope you had a great weekend, and I am very appreciative and grateful you stopped by, read, and commented. Blessings, my Friend, Daniel

Linda Alice Fowler Date: 6/15/2025 9:16:00 AM A woman blessed with a doting husband is wild, unapologetic, and wild. Love this one Daniel. Congratulations! :) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/16/2025 7:50:00 AM Dear Linda, I am so happy that you stopped by and yes, my wife and I dot on each other. :) Blessings, My Dear Linda, Daniel

Paige Hind Date: 6/14/2025 9:20:00 PM This is so amazing, Daniel. I love "shatter" and not "hold"- all the best to you and your wife! Congrats on POTD! So deserved. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/15/2025 6:10:00 AM Dear Paige, Thank you so much for your sweet words for they truly brightened my day! Your support and kindness mean a lot to me. I feel so lucky to have friends like you cheering me on. Thanks again for celebrating this with me! Sending all my best and a big smile your way. Blessings Dear Paige, Daniel

Brandy Nicole Date: 6/14/2025 7:06:00 PM Dear Daniel, the way you separate your thoughts in this way is brilliant. :) I would also like to add, your voice leaves me in awe. (I'm blushing saying that). There's so much truth within, my sweet friend. Honey- an amazing word to describe a woman. She's all that and sooooo much more. I really like this thought: ' born to fit into your grip instead of slipping right through it. ' So true ! My heart is smiling after reading and listening to your words. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/15/2025 6:07:00 AM Dear Brandy, Your words mean the world to me truly. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement; it’s a gift I treasure. I’m honored by your praise and so grateful for your friendship. Your heart shines through every message. Sending you a big, heartfelt hug right back. Blessings, My Dear Brandy, Daniel

Jan Allison Date: 6/14/2025 3:23:00 PM very cleverly written Daniel - I will smile if my hubby called me honey now! hugs Jan xx many congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 4:04:00 PM Dear Jan, Your note made me smile. My wife of 43 years this month has all kinds of cute names that I have called her over the years, and honey is definitely one of them. I have three sisters, three daughters, three granddaughters, and my wife is one of three girls, and each of them is special and unique, and I love them dearly. I think your husband should call you Honey. :) Thanks for your wonderful note. Blessings, My Dear Jan, Daniel

David Kavanagh Date: 6/14/2025 2:56:00 PM Congratulations on a very tempting PODT Daniel, so much sweet and sticky material flowing smoothly here, A cornucopia of honey and women, the stuff of dreams for sure, cheers David Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 4:00:00 PM Hello David, what a pleasure it was to see your note, and I am thankful you stopped by to read and comment. The women in my life, including my three sisters, three daughters, three granddaughters, and my wife, who is one of three sisters are my inspiration. My wife and I have been married for 43 years this month, and she has received at least three poems directly from me every year since we started dating, which gives her over 100 poems. Many she still has saved in a box. Thanks again, David, and have a great weekend. Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 6/14/2025 11:03:00 AM An endearment such as honey is wide-spread (Lol) all Americana. I'd like to think of a woman with her honey on a honeymoon-Shangri-La, romantic hand-holding breakfasts together! Congratulations on Your POTD, Daniel! I especially like the part about him mistaking raw for reckless. Ty for sharing a positive message Be grateful for her for she is a rare honey ~ Enjoy your day! "No Kings Day" ;) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:54:00 PM Dearest Anaya, Your words brought such a smile, so warm, playful, and full of that beautiful light only you can shine. I love how you took the honey metaphor and made it somewhere so sweet and romantic and what a lovely image! Yes, be grateful for the rare honey in our lives. Thank you for celebrating this with me, my friend. Sending you joy and hugs on this “No Kings Day”! Blessings, My Dear Anaya, Daniel

Jim Slaughter Date: 6/14/2025 10:16:00 AM Spot on, Daniel, and congrats on POTD. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:51:00 PM Hello Jim, Thank you for coming, reading, and commenting. Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Paula Goldsmith Date: 6/14/2025 8:38:00 AM Back with Congratulations on your POTD win. A wonderful write I enjoyed reading again. Have a blessed day with your wonderful win................... Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:50:00 PM Dear Paula, Ahhh, I am so blessed to have you as one of my PS friends whom I appreciate so much. Blessings, My Dear Paula, Daniel

Abdullah Alhemaidy Date: 6/14/2025 8:03:00 AM Very interesting read! Congratulations on your POTD. Have a nice day ~ AA Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:49:00 PM Hello Abdullah, Thank you for your most kind words and I am grateful. Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Mickey Grubb Date: 6/14/2025 7:41:00 AM Daniel, this is so cool. Very well written...clever. Made me think of how much I love and appreciate my wife! Congrats, my friend, on your POTD. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:48:00 PM Hello Mickey, Thank you for your beautiful note. My wife and I will have been married for 43 years this month, and I always know that she is the reason our family is as close as it is. She loves, cares, and does whatever it takes to meet the needs of many people. Thanks again! Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues Date: 6/14/2025 7:29:00 AM You know I love this! Don’t try to figure a woman out. She holds the secrets in her inner being. She was made, not as honey, but is in that mysterious way sweet, wild, savvy, flirty… Treat her well, not like a temporary treat, but like a gazillion-course dinner. She will surprise you…she rises to the occasion and lays down her life for those she loves..there’s a trip wire (caution!) Congrats on POTD! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 6/14/2025 3:46:00 PM Dear Kim, Thank you so much for your lovely note. God has blessed me with three sisters, three daughters, and three granddaughters. My wife is one of three girls, and I see the love and care that they put into their family. Each one is truly uniquely made, and I appreciate each one of them for who they are. Being a counselor who sees many marital couples shows how unappreciative one spouse can be of the other. All this influenced me to write this poem. I am grateful for POTD. Thanks Again! Blessings, My Dear Kim, Daniel

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