Notes About The Poem

April 24, 2026


 

A Pulse is Bound to Wane: an after poem


after "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down today.
Nothing gold can stay. 

after poem: A Pulse Is Bound To Wane

A pulse is bound to wane,
red rhythm vibes in vein.
A stream-bed’s liquid power
still stirs when mood turns dour.
But beats do follow beats,
like cleats on city streets,
‘til red sun siphons west
throb beneath my breast.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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

Ray Avatar
September 23, 2026 at 1:24 PM
fleeting nature of life caught in captivating lines....
Volumes Avatar
September 15, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Enchanted by this Susan. You are by far the best poet on Soup. Thats been my opinion for many years as your poems never let me down. They are always a delight to read. Best wishes, April is such a long time ago for those that wait to be tantalised by your poetic genius again. Hoping you are contented, in good health and will be writing again soon.
Smith  Avatar
September 13, 2026 at 12:18 AM
A striking, life-affirming response to Frost’s inevitable fading. The heartbeat imagery carries the poem with a compelling physical urgency, while the echoing rhymes and eight-line structure honour the original’s tight, inexorable form. “Red sun siphons west” is especially vivid—linking the body’s pulse to the day’s last light with grace and melancholy.
Daniel Avatar
August 8, 2026 at 3:56 AM
A beautiful poem, Susan, so much said in a few words, awesome, hope you are doing well, sending you love❤
Wolf Avatar
July 26, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Robert Frost and I give you two thumbs up, Susan. Hope all is well. ~ Gershon
Cohen Avatar
July 13, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Awesome, Susan! You did this justice and then some. Top notch stuff. Best to you.
Kauffman Avatar
July 10, 2026 at 12:03 PM
My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I am so sorry I missed these lines with an elegance that comes from simplicity. There is nothing simple here but powerful emotions of great depth. I always love your imagery - "cleats on city streets." Your power of observation turns into unforgettable lines of inspiration. Hope you are well. Have missed you sweet poetry sis! Sending you warm summer blessings!
Ibeh Avatar
May 30, 2026 at 11:43 AM
That's one my favorite Frost poems, and your feedback to it is sublime. In my opinion, Susan, you're perhaps the greatest ever poet of Poetrysoup. I truly mean it.
Radice Avatar
May 29, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Love it Susan but I knew I would as soon as I saw the page and words before me. I read this a few times and even read it using lines from both poems alternatively too to form a 'hybrid' work: "Nature's first green is gold, A pulse is bound to wane, Her hardest hue to hold, red rhythm vibes in vein." :) It all read so beautifully no matter how I read it. Sterling work! Cheers - Gary
Brul Avatar
May 24, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Ohhh, I love how you have woven this magical poem dear Susan..Now they are both my favourites.. Faving this!!! Stay creative. ^___^JCB
Agustin Avatar
May 18, 2026 at 4:46 AM
Thanks for sharing this... and for sharing your talent, my poetry mentor. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Ashley Avatar
May 23, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Dear Beata, I am ever grateful for your poetry friendship. I'm so happy to know we inspire each other in our creative and expressive growth as poets. Thank you for your beautiful and uplifting words. Indeed, John 3:16 dovetails with my after poem in a true and gentle way. Thank you, my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Hind Avatar
April 29, 2026 at 9:49 PM
This is beautiful work, I love how you did this. I like "til red siphons west" - interesting way to put it.
Ashley Avatar
May 23, 2026 at 8:34 AM
Dear Paige, thank you! Your wonderful visit and lovely words are inspiring. I'm happy to know you enjoyed my after poem and the "red sun siphons west" line. Warmest wishes for a great holiday weekend, my dear poet friend.. ~Susan
Etgen-Baker Avatar
April 26, 2026 at 5:33 PM
your vocabulary is outstanding as is your rhyme scheme. Your poetic voice is captivating and engaging. "After Poem" is a great idea...so honest and subtly real. wishing you well, dear friend
Ashley Avatar
May 23, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Dear Sara, thank you for your gracious visit and uplifting words. I mirrored the format, rhythm and rhyme scheme of Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay", as I composed my poem from a different but related angle to create a dialogue between the two pieces. This is my second after poem. The first was "I Wandered Weightless as a Feather" after "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud",(aka) "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed this piece. Warmest wishes for you and Bill to enjoy a wonderful Holiday weekend, my dear poet friend.. ~Susan
One Avatar
April 26, 2026 at 12:44 PM
I love your response to the poem... It gives it a human and person afeel to it.. I love how it focuses on life itself and explores decline and change.. something almost everyone goes through.. I love the way you weaved words together and your great use of vocabulary... Brilliant as always..
Ashley Avatar
May 23, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Dear Silent, thank you for gracing my poem with your poetic presence. Your beautiful insights are received with appreciation. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my after poem and what it was trying to convey. I'm greatly encouraged by your feedback. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan
Goldsmith Avatar
April 25, 2026 at 1:27 PM
What a wonderful write/read you have here.  "Good Luck"  if for a contest. Have a fun day/weekend writing away.............
Ashley Avatar
April 25, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Dear Paula, thank you! Your wonderful visit and lovely words are inspiring. Warmest wishes for a great weekend.. ~Susan
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace