Acorn

Stay - One more golden morning – Linger - One more silver night – Abide tiny child born of my desire To encourage a new life; Watch with me the amber moon Peek through moonbeams rising up so large We could touch it's creamsicle face - Sleep caressed within the shelter of soft umber leaves, Preparing for their final journey, To sing a last duet with you, This last autumnal aria, no more with choruses, just two thin voices To a harp song strummed through my oaken limbs; Now see the changing cloud ships Gather - carrying cargoes full of rain - To scuttle ‘cross the sunrise When breezes turn from summer zephyrs To blustery torrents, tinted with icy dew; As you sail away, soaring on their roller coaster wings, I leave a kiss upon your face in sunlight that taught your heart to beat – Watching with a blessing on my lips - My empty arms still remembering your round, smooth face - As you ride the vagabond winds Following their air-born trails to find your place Where you nestle deep within a warm and richly decorated nursery – A birthing place – For when you labor I stand a silent sentinel alongside ancient family, A vigil as the silent snows blanket your dreams of mighty forest oak - To wake in seasonal celebration When, re-formed, your first leaves appear; No farewell now only adieu, my little one, until we meet again.

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Susan Ashley

Date: 3/25/2023 8:23:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, congratulations for your excellent final placement in Mark's Marathon contest. It is such a pleasure to partake in the endearing beauty of this creative and captivating gem once again. The emotional enchantment flourishes within me with every read. Such tender vibrance trembles my heartstrings and takes my breath away! I am honored to share the podium with you, my sweet and ever so talented sis. Warmest wishes sent on cumulus "cloud ships" (so love that!) laden with hugs and joy.. ~Susan

Lin Lane

Date: 3/5/2023 2:52:00 PM

I was very pleased to see your name on the list of marathon winners, Sam. Well done.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/6/2023 9:29:00 AM

Thank you so much for your kind words Lin! It is an honor to be on this list with so many of Poetry Soup's top poets! This was an amazing contest that brought to the fore so much talent here in the soup! What an honor to stand on the podium with so many multi-talented poets! Inspirational and motivating! Sending you bunches of blessings and much joy!

Mark Toney

Date: 3/4/2023 1:39:00 PM

Sam, after 267 days, 27 contests, and 945 submitted poems, we've reached the finish line of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Congratulations on placing 17th overall in the marathon! Thank you so much for contributing to the success of the contest. There is no provision to denote this in the Standard Contest other than Honorable Mention. The poems of the 28 qualifiers can be accessed from my current "Finish Line" blog post, along with the top 15 placements and their overall stats. Write on!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 3/6/2023 9:25:00 AM

Mark, what fun your marathon was. It took me awhile to get into the spirit but, after I got with the program, it was such a rich and rewarding experience. So grateful for my final placement and for all that you did in your sponsorship of this very creative contest! Many thanks and a multitude of blessings coming your way. It was truly an honor to be on the last qualifiers list and to be placed among the top winners! Hope you will take a well earned rest!

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 2/12/2023 3:38:00 PM

what a gorgeous poem, fully deserving of its first place win! stunning, vivid imagery..you are an outstanding writer

Len Gasun

Date: 2/5/2023 6:37:00 AM

This is an exquisite poetry my dear friend Sam. Your acorn personification poem is so touching and endearingly beautiful. A mother's love is so great and immeasurable that even at times of separation with her kids, she's always there waiting and watching with love for the fulfillment of their dreams. A Big FAVE to this outstanding poem. Congratulations on your TROPHY WIN! Thanks for sharing. God bless you always and your writings. Hugs

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 2/5/2023 6:11:00 AM

This is just so good that nothing I might say would do it justice. It's a brilliant and vibrant sigh across my soul. It rains through the silence, intent on destroying darkness, a glimpse into hope that is often hidden from the heart. I love it so! A fave for sure. Congrats on a top and so deserved win. Love this. God bless you, Love, Gina

Gary Radice

Date: 2/5/2023 4:13:00 AM

Sam your poem captures those feelings of sadness and that loss of relationship (that feeds into a mother's own identity) following a child leaving home and taking their first steps in the 'roller coaster' of life brilliantly "Two thin voices" had me envisaging two people on the edge of crying - and then the rain. So much thought and real emotion has been invested into this top podium winner of a poem. Congratulations. Cheers - Gary

Valsa George

Date: 2/4/2023 7:48:00 PM

I have watched acorns drop and lying strewn all around the mother oak. No poetic thought has ever struck me. But now reading this poem of yours, how even my banal imagination gets illumined and go winging. When children are about to leave their nest, it is natural for a mother to request them to tarry one more day 'to sing a last duet'. Bidding adieu is always painful, still like a good mother, the parent oak will stand vigil to see the dreams of her children come to fruition. What depth and beauty to your poem dear Sam. To my FAVE. Congratulations on your trophy win!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/14/2023 10:12:00 AM

Dearest Valsa, I am so honored by your fav! What a blessing - a gift! I think we are blessed to be inspirations to each other. So many times your lovely poems spark an inspiration for me. Can there be a better gift? When writing this poem I remembered the days when our boys left for college, jobs and marriage - bittersweet through the tears of happiness. Many thanks for your congratulations - truly precious treasure. Sending you blessings on roller coaster wings of joy!

Susan Ashley

Date: 2/4/2023 7:04:00 PM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I am ever delighted to revisit this enchanting and emotional piece once again. I relish the endearing beauty of this poignant piece, so rich and reflective of life, motherhood and the pang of a maturing child leaving home with a bittersweet adieu until the chance to meet again.. just simply superb, my inspiring poetry sis, in poetic delivery of stunning emotions and personification. Big congratulations for your excellent trophy win in Mark's contest! I'm elated to share the podium with you, sweet Sam. Warmest wishes and hugs sent on the veils of amber moonbeams.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/13/2023 10:03:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend your beautiful message has brought such joy to my heart. Sharing the podium with you is a great joy and I relish the honor sweet poetry sis! I kept thinking of the tender relationship between mother and child as the child readies to leave to begin its new life but always under the watchful eye of a mom! I remember writing this poem with the memories of my own children starting new lives coming back in waves. This trophy win is such an honor especially considering the amazing poems in this marathon! So inspiring! Sending you blessings, and much gratitude dear friend!

John Watt

Date: 2/4/2023 4:21:00 PM

Ah, one of my favorites of yours, still standing like a resilient oak, winning top spot in mile 26, finishing the marathon with a strong kick. "To sing a last duet with you, This last autumnal aria", so poignant and ripe with meaning. Glorious writing, dear friend, with your intimate grasp of nature, family, and life's many ups and downs, hellos and goodbyes. Warm congratulations for your #1, many mid-winter blessings to you ~ R&R bro

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/10/2023 10:24:00 AM

John, thank you! I almost forgot about this poem! So glad it jumped out at me making funny faces so I would enter it. It is one of my favorites. Sometimes we are graced with inspired words and I am ever thankful for that inspiration. Seems this poem has resonated with so many hearts. What a gratifying experience. And I am ever grateful that it resonated with you my friend! Sending you bunches of blessings on roller coaster wings R&R Bro!

Mark Toney

Date: 2/4/2023 4:18:00 PM

Sam, your Acorn personification poem is rich in imagery and delightful word choice. "Now see the changing cloud ships ~ Gather - carrying cargoes full of rain - To scuttle ‘cross the sunrise ~ When breezes turn from summer zephyrs ~ To blustery torrents, tinted with icy dew; As you sail away, soaring on their roller coaster wings..." A Fav Poem for me. Congratulations on your first-place TROPHY finish on Mile 26 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon. Your support of my contest has contributed to its success, and for that, I am very grateful. Poets who have qualified to enter the Qualifiers' FINAL Placement Contest are being notified by Soup Mail.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 2/10/2023 10:17:00 AM

Mark, I am so honored with your placement of this poem - a totally, unexpected surprise and a true blessing. I almost forgot about this poem but when I was scrolling down the list of my poems it jumped out at me. I figured it was a sign! Thank you for your fav. There were so many amazing poems on the list. I am deeply honored to have qualified for the final mile. Sending you blessings and my gratitude

John Watt

Date: 6/17/2020 12:08:00 AM

Okay, this has to feel pretty special, winning a top spot in a Finale contest. Great poem, enjoyed reading again! "I stand a silent sentinel alongside ancient family".

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 5/26/2020 11:49:00 AM

Revisited and melted into this wonderful place you have created. I am attached to this in such a subliminal way and will relish its journey. Thanks Sam

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/27/2020 3:36:00 PM

You are so welcome. I am so glad we can take this journey together as fellow travelers. Every so often a poet writes something that touches hearts and souls in a "subliminal" way. That is an extraordinary experience. So grateful for your lovely words and visit. Blessings!

John Hamilton

Date: 5/10/2020 10:32:00 AM

Wonderful write Sam, I think I have a new fave poet, congrats on another top win!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/14/2020 11:38:00 PM

John I am honored beyond belief by your congrats, and your "fav!" Thank you! Looking forward to staying in touch! All the best to you. BTW - I loved the theme of your contest.

Anisha Dutta

Date: 5/8/2020 12:10:00 AM

BIG CONGRATS to wIn TOP

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/8/2020 11:29:00 PM

Thank you Anisha for your visit and congratulations. Hope all is well with you. Blessings!

John Watt

Date: 5/7/2020 7:51:00 PM

Sam, it does my heart good to see this get placed so high! Congratulations, you have certainly earned it with this heartwarming poem ~ John

Edward Ibeh

Date: 5/7/2020 6:57:00 PM

As usual, a brilliant poem, Sam:-) Heartiest congratulations on your first place win!

Beata Agustin

Date: 5/7/2020 6:13:00 PM

Wow! Congrats. So delighted am I with these lines: "No farewell now only adieu, My little one, Until we meet again." God bless you.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 5/7/2020 6:02:00 PM

A gorgeous poem Sam, congratulations on your first place win!

Sam Kauffman
Date: 5/8/2020 11:27:00 PM

I just kept thinking about the mother tree and remembered how it felt when our guys went off to college but knowing we would always be family. Thank you for your lovely message. So appreciated. Warmest wishes to you.

Eve Roper

Date: 4/27/2020 12:24:00 PM

An encounter with their child once more to be carried away on the wings of the wind. Beautiful, Sam.

Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/28/2020 7:11:00 PM

I kept remembering sending our children off to college - the ambivalence between hopes and dreams vs. knowing how much I would miss them! Eve, thank you for your gentle words. Be blessed my friend. Prayers and hugs.

John Watt

Date: 4/26/2020 8:53:00 PM

Sam, this so tugs at my heart. I could see a parent giving this poem to their child as they leave the home. Poignantly saying goodbye to a child (not farewell, but adieu ) knowing they will meet again under circumstances of fulfillment and shared maturity. You have framed this so gorgeously with the nature references and the musical duets on hold, and the winds and clouds playing their part in this growing up mystery. This is simply magical; a fav for me! I see a win in the future! Hugs ~ John

Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/28/2020 7:08:00 PM

What an honor it would be to see this poem used in that way! Thank you for the fav! As you once said to me, I so appreciate the way to "get" my poems. Thank you for your good wishes and your blessings, my friend!

Susan Ashley

Date: 4/26/2020 7:26:00 PM

Sam, your poem is so intimately beautiful and had my heart and imagination fully captivated. Each and every verse a shining facet that brings this exquisite gem to poetic life so spectacularly. Such an enchanting and emotional piece. Best wishes for a win.. ~Susan

Susan Ashley
Date: 4/28/2020 7:48:00 PM

Yes, the mom/child connection was definitely felt in such a beautiful and moving way. I've gone through that transition with my adult children, and I could so relate. A metaphoric gem! :)

Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/28/2020 7:05:00 PM

Hi Susan, I am deeply honored by your message! I just kept thinking about the feelings of a mother watching her child prepare to leave as an adult and her hope! Thank you for your compliments and your good wishes. Blessings to you!