Suzette Richards Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Lilith is a figure from Jewish folklore and earlier Mesopotamian mythology, often portrayed as Adam’s first wife who refused to be subservient, left Eden, and became associated with demons, night spirits, and rebellion. Over time, she has been reinterpreted as both a dangerous seductress and a symbol of female independence.

Picture generated by DALL-E 2

POTD 3 June 2026

A Broad Reach

Poetry is what happens when your mind stops working, and for a moment, all you do is feel.  ~The 2nd-century Greek philosopher, Atticus.

giving lip service to trending topics
might ensure a broad reach
with ample accolades
but does the multitude 
actually read the words bleeding on your page
written to the heartbeat of fear?

history does not prepare us for the reality
where we are now adrift in uncharted waters
our voices drowned out
by a tsunami of opinions

even in the legend of Noah’s ark
the basic human need of a partner
is understood
I don’t have a need for the populace
but an innate need of you
just to sit with me
as we ignore the broader reach of Lilith’s shadow 
washing over mankind

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Daniel Henry Rodgers June 11, 2026 at 7:32 AM Dear Suzette, Congrats on POTD. I love how you move from the broad sweep of society to that single human need for presence. Strong and honest. Blessings, Daniel Suzette Richards June 11, 2026 at 9:27 AM Thank you, Daniel

Paige Hind June 8, 2026 at 5:34 PM belated congrats for POTD, Suzette :) Suzette Richards June 8, 2026 at 8:02 PM Thanks :)

Constance La France June 6, 2026 at 2:32 PM Suzette, wonderful writing and congratulations on receiving the POTD honor ~ Suzette Richards June 8, 2026 at 8:02 PM Thank you:)

Kim Rodrigues June 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM I don’t have a need for the populace but an innate need of you just to sit with me…sometimes people think they need no one. It is always good to sharpen ourselves with more than just ourselves. Enjoyed your write, dear Suzette! Congrats on POTD! Suzette Richards June 5, 2026 at 8:09 PM Thank you for the visit and wishes, Kim

Suzette Richards June 3, 2026 at 10:12 PM Thank you all for reading and the wonderful comments. Much appreciated. Su

Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh June 3, 2026 at 9:29 PM Very well done Congratulations on your POTD.

Karen Croft June 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM congratulations on your POTD

Anne-Lise Andresen June 3, 2026 at 11:54 AM - Congratulations on your lovely p.o.t.d., SuZ :) - hugs

I Am Anaya June 3, 2026 at 6:22 AM Suzette, many points to extrapolate, dear poetess, if a partner is there for us even better. I await the day my poems write themselves. Huge congratulations on POTD! Enjoy _/\_

Daniel Henry Rodgers June 3, 2026 at 5:44 AM Dear Suzette, Congratulations on POTD You’ve hit on a modern anxiety that feels incredibly heavy right now, that exhausting chase for a "broad reach" and the sheer volume of a world that feels increasingly loud but less deeply felt. After forty-four years of navigating the seasons of life alongside my wife, I’ve learned that the chaotic noise of the world fades to nothing compared to the simple grace of just sitting with the person who anchors you. You don't need the validation of the masses when you have a true partner to share the stage with. Blessings, Daniel

sara Etgen-Baker June 3, 2026 at 4:06 AM congrats on your POTD designation...deep and insightful

Tania Kitchin June 3, 2026 at 3:36 AM Suzette, back to congratulate you on POTD, a well deserved honor.

Unseeking Seeker June 3, 2026 at 1:52 AM Food for thought, deep musings here, superbly crafted as always, Suzette, warmest congratulations on POTD.

Beryl Edmonds June 3, 2026 at 1:39 AM We all need someone, if only for a little while, a reason to smile. Lovely poetry Suzette, congratulations on receiving the honour of Poem of the Day… Beryl

Tom Cunningham June 3, 2026 at 12:38 AM Quite a thought provoking verse Suzette, congratulations on your well deserved POTD honour. Tom

Karen Jones June 3, 2026 at 12:33 AM Suzette I love your quote and the poem that follows! Congratulations on potd! Suzette Richards June 3, 2026 at 2:51 AM Thanks, Karen - the POTD came as a real surprise to me.

Tania Kitchin June 2, 2026 at 3:38 AM Suzette, a thought provoking poem. These days, women in the US seem to be looked down upon regarding equality and independence through eyes of our current administration. Some still think women should be ''subservient". I enjoyed reading your poem, so well penned. Suzette Richards June 2, 2026 at 3:49 AM But after the storm, there is always light - and a period of healing we all need worldwide. Thank you for reading and your kind comment, Tania.

Paige Hind June 1, 2026 at 6:17 PM this is moving work, I love "I don’t have a need for the populace but an innate need of you"....in my favs Suzette Richards June 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM Thank for reading and your kind comment, Paige