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An Omen Of The Taste Of Twilight

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This poem is written in dedication to my very dear friend, Robert Lindley, for his inspiring friendship, and in tribute to his magnificent poem, 'American Indian, Nightshade, Moonshadows and Howling Wolf'. The haunting beauty of his powerful and soulful piece touched my heart, moved my spirit and ignited my imagination. Thank you, Robert, for the wondrous gift of your resplendent poetry.

Vanished is the wild magic of this place; this wilderness I now roam alone as its lifeblood seeps into Afterlife ..my mournful howls across time and distance go unanswered - Oh, how I long to join again in my brethren’s song.. fading sunlight falls in slivers through boughs of evergreen needles across timeworn trails I tread - beaten by generational rhythms of the steady, swift and sure I want to run but I keep my loping stride for I will get there; to the track to the other side when the twilight tastes of blood the train’s lonely wail leans on sooty winds heaving sighs of sad sentiments as I make my way parallel to the parallel lines of track - its smokey dirge echoes laments walled within the desolation of my soul - this Trojan horse; larger than any mighty prey my brethren and I could ever take down - smuggles pale warriors into my revered forest on veins and arteries of iron throbbing with an inhumane vengeance ..my mind wanders in the reckless wreckage of it all.. neath overhanging branches where leftover oak leaves rustle in a clinging stubbornness and flit like a flock of paper sparrows I pass.. somewhere up there above my rolling shoulders where reaching tips of praying branches pierce the softness of the other side a widowed crow cries black and forlorn.. I embody her solitude for - from my pack I am the last of my kind — ..despite my discipline my tireless legs trot faster.. a maroon sunset stretches with bloodlust across taut skies; an omen of the taste of twilight - my pace and my pulse quicken now like the tribal drums I used to know I arrive here where they gather a track I can no longer follow - a track I need to cross; ..tales of stalking deer - trails traversed with my pack - thoughts - tears - my path now - what’s left behind - boundaries kept and boundaries to bridge.. human hatred all converge at this meeting place amidst falling shadows of dimming light are forerunners of freedom - aged memories that dwell in the pocket of my being now well in the stream of my noble bloodline - primal chants haunting from throats both furred and smooth-skinned resonate in reverie; .. millenniums of coexistence and ancient campfires.. forebears; both four-legged and two vibrate the mystique of this moment - its quivers I sense in my whiskers -- I see the invaders through my grey-green eyes mine; the final witness to the decimation of my pack and the territory of my ancestors.. in the atmospheric chill my panting vapor frames my thoughts and instinct urges me forward to the track the sun is dimmed by my passion and the moon reflects in my eyes every hammering heartbeat a stepping stone to the next moment every muscle twitching with trepidation - with anticipation ..Oh! how I long to join again in my brethren’s song!.. long legs carry me lightly out onto the crossties my soulful destination where parallel universes collide to lift me in my wish to inspirit cosmic dust; my snarling form reveals the wild nature of my fateful desire.. I turn to face them one last time - muzzles flash with fire-breathing frenzy splitting the air with scents and sounds in an orgy of gunpowder lust spilling the taste of wanton bloodthirst into the ebb and flow of crimson twilight; pale savages savagely ensure my unholy deliverance. ..my mournful howls across time and distance no longer go unanswered as I cross over the gossamer track of gentling night skies… Susan Ashley December 8, 2018 ~ Second Place ~ Contest: Your Personal Perfect Poem Sponsor: Brian Strand ~ Seventh Place ~ Premiere Contest: Favorite Free Verse Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke ~ Poem Of The Week ~ Week of December 16, 2018

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Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 6/26/2019 12:37:00 PM

Wow this is impressive Susan! It is a first place winner for me. Awesome! Congratulations on your win! : ) xxoo

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/26/2019 9:06:00 PM

Your wonderful comments and kind congrats are a delight to receive, Connie. I’m so glad you enjoyed my poem and I’m especially delighted that it’s a first place winner for you. I soar on your heart-lifting words and they are truly appreciated, my dear friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Brenda Chiri

Date: 6/25/2019 7:04:00 PM

Ahh dear sister here to congratulate you on your win!;)

Brenda Chiri
Date: 7/4/2019 8:20:00 AM

Yes my dear sister the unicorns deserve their own rooms! Not stables puff puff may be grounded there lmao! Fireproof itall I sat and words to live by!;) love ya sis!;)

Susan Ashley
Date: 6/26/2019 9:02:00 PM

Oh, my insane sissy, how I relish your lovely presence on my poetry page. Your kind congrats warm my heart as much as lil puff puff’s accidental fires (remember when she set the Unicorns’ manes afire..? lol.. it took a little while before they let her ride them again.. haha!) We need to finalize the renovation plans.. the Unicorn are holding out for major upgrades, and seeing as their manes are still smokin’, I’d say we owe it to them.. lol! Love and hugs.. your somewhat sane sissy <3

Line Gauthier

Date: 2/5/2019 11:31:00 PM

Bravo, Susan. Congrats on your win.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/7/2019 1:41:00 PM

Thank you for your gracious visit and kindhearted congrats, Line. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Andrew Fairchild

Date: 2/5/2019 11:10:00 PM

Oh, this is just wonderful! You truly have transported the eye and heart of the reader into the eye and heart of the wolf! Thank You!

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/7/2019 1:40:00 PM

Thank you, Andrew, I am thrilled to receive your lovely comments.. I'm so happy that my poem accomplished it goal of transporting the reader into the final moments, mindset and heart of the wolf. I relish your thoughts and I appreciate you sharing them with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Chantelle Anne Cooke

Date: 2/5/2019 10:01:00 PM

Hello Susan, Congratulations on your win in my contest. I enjoyed the pen and all the stages I felt while reading it. Beautifully done!

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/5/2019 10:23:00 PM

Thank you, Chantelle, for the honor of my placement in your wonderful contest. I’m so glad you enjoyed my poem and I truly appreciate your kind congrats and heartwarming comments. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/8/2019 9:38:00 PM

I see this was poem of an entire week. That was so well deserved. Congratulations.

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/10/2019 6:37:00 PM

Your kind congrats and wonderful comments bring me joy, Andrea. Your presence inspires and uplifts me. Thank you for your kindness. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 1/8/2019 8:02:00 PM

Hello Susan, this is a lovely tribute for Robert. A lovely poem. have a nice evening mu friend.

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/10/2019 6:35:00 PM

I truly appreciate your lovely comments, Darlene. It’s so wonderful to hear from you and your presence is uplifting. Thank you for your kindness my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Robertina B.

Date: 1/6/2019 5:24:00 PM

Such a wonderful detication for a dear friend.. Dear Susan, I was completely blown away, with your magnificent work of art.. Definitely a fave for me.. Exquisite and enchanting.. Had me in quite in a trance, my dear friend.. Beautiful !!! Your talent continues to shine.. Blessings !! Happy New Year!!

Susan Ashley
Date: 1/8/2019 2:48:00 PM

Dear Robertina, I am truly humbled and deeply honored by your generous appreciation and fav of my poem. Your uplifting comments brighten my grateful heart. Thank you, my dear friend, for the gift of your precious thoughts and for your lovely friendship. Warmest wishes to you.. ~Susan

Faraz Ajmal

Date: 12/22/2018 12:39:00 PM

Believe me that your poem has left me wordless, I always try to comment to the best of my ability, but believe me that I don't have the vocabulary to explain that how much I like it, if I had to sum it up in a sentence, it would gladly be as one of the best poems I have ever read in my life, it is certainly a fav for me. Well today is 22 December so I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year,

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/22/2018 5:46:00 PM

Faraz, your sumptuous comments have left me wordless.. well, almost :) I can't thank you enough for the elation I feel at reading your heartwarming words. I am humbled and honored by your precious thoughts and I am so pleased you enjoyed my poem. Your friendship and kindness are deeply appreciated, as is your fav. My warmest wishes to you for a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. Thank you again, dear Faraz.. ~Susan

nette onclaud

Date: 12/20/2018 1:39:00 PM

still mesmerizes me, susan...huggs

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/20/2018 8:18:00 PM

You inspire me with your return visit and enchant me with your warm sentiments, Nette. Thank you, my dear friend.. ~Susan

Silent One

Date: 12/19/2018 11:51:00 AM

So brilliant, I had to read it again... Robert is such a wonderful person and brilliant poet.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/20/2018 10:42:00 AM

Silent One, indeed, Robert is an inspiration as a wonderful friend and as a gifted poet. I relish your return visit to reread my poem and to honor Robert with your heartwarming sentiments. Thank you my kind friend and warmest holiday wishes to you and yours.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/19/2018 2:20:00 AM

My goodness Susan, this is an epic masterpiece! It is one of the most impressive poems I have read in a very long time. Brava! Congratulations on having it honored for POTW! It is so deserving of the honor! Happy holidays my friend! xxoo : )

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/20/2018 10:48:00 AM

I am truly humbled and honored by your generous appreciation of my poem, Connie. Your uplifting comments and kind congrats gladden my grateful heart. Thank you, my dear friend, for gifting me your precious thoughts and for your lovely friendship. Warmest holiday wishes to you and yours.. ~Susan

Brandy Nicole

Date: 12/18/2018 9:36:00 PM

Dear Susan, your poetry always takes me to another time, another place. I enjoy the journey. I appreciate you and your friendship, for all your kind words. Congratulations on Poem of the Week. Your words belong in the tenderness of the sky. ~ Brandy

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/19/2018 9:30:00 PM

Thank you, Brandy, for letting your imagination roam with the words of my poem. Your precious thoughts touch my grateful heart in the most wonderful way and I appreciate both your lovely friendship and your kind congrats. Warmest wishes always my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/18/2018 8:19:00 PM

Next up -- POTM. Then POTY. Then POTD. Then POTC …. This 'Omen' is quite an O, Man! What can I say? Its majesty speaks for itself. I bow at the fountain of your creativity, O Omni-gifted One. Voile, and out.... :) gw

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/19/2018 3:08:00 PM

Dear Gershon, I am truly humbled and deeply honored by your generous appreciation of my poem. Your uplifting comments brighten my grateful heart. Thank you, my dear friend, for the gift of your precious thoughts and for your lovely friendship. Warmest holiday wishes to you.. ~Susan

Gary Bateman

Date: 12/18/2018 6:20:00 PM

Hello Dear Susan!! What can I say about this brilliantly haunting free verse of yours?? WOW!! and A FAVE!! Best Congratulations on the POTW honor here!! Very-Well Deserved!! Captivating and a true pleasure to read . . . . Merry Christmas Wishes, Gary

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/19/2018 3:02:00 PM

Hello dear Gary, it is such a pleasure to receive your lovely and enthusiastic comments. Thank you for your generous kindness, your congrats and for the fave. Your uplifting sentiments and esteemed presence brings me joy. Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and your family, my friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus

Date: 12/18/2018 1:28:00 PM

Awaiting a new post from you, my friend...in the meantime stopping by again to partake of the beauty of this poem. Warm regards & hugs // paul

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/19/2018 2:58:00 PM

Dear Paul, the delight of your return visit thrills me to no end and you are warmly welcomed here always. I will be posting something new very soon (maybe tomorrow..), but with family and work obligations, I haven't had much time to write lately.. I hope my next post will be worthy of your anticipation, my dear friend.. :)) My very warmest wishes and hugs to you always.. ~Susan

Bernard Chan

Date: 12/18/2018 4:02:00 AM

Elegiac, epic beauty, Susan! Sweeping and haunting. Congrats on POTW!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 10:51:00 PM

It is as wonderful to hear from you as it is to receive your lovely comments and heartwarming congrats, Bernard. Both your gracious visit and uplifting sentiments are deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes always, my friend.. ~Susan

Constance La France

Date: 12/17/2018 4:11:00 PM

Susan, oh my gosh how beautifully you have penned this poem, awesome writing and I must fav it ~

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 10:49:00 PM

It is my wonderful pleasure to receive your heartfelt comments, Dear Heart, as well as your fav. Both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Winged Warrior

Date: 12/17/2018 12:13:00 PM

((((Awesomeness))))~(((Majestic beauty))))~((((Graceful elegance))))...all wrapped into one...I give you Illuminatra...Illum for short lol...my poetic sister Susan...you leave us breathless...the greatest tribute Illum...love & extra love on the side...bro bro...and happy holidays {*J*}

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 10:14:00 PM

Oh, my awesome, bro bro, your exuberance just fills me with joy! Your precious thoughts are held in my deepest appreciation. I am humbled and honored by your generous comments and heartwarming congrats, you bring me many smiles, as always.. Warmest wishes and happy holidays. Love and hugs, my dear poetic brother.. your sissy, Illum for short.. lol :))

Winged Warrior
Date: 12/17/2018 12:15:00 PM

...ps ((((Congrats on POTW!!!!!))))

JAN ALLISON

Date: 12/17/2018 9:40:00 AM

a fabulous epic read Susan, many congrats on POTW:-) hugs jan xx

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 10:01:00 PM

Thank you, Jan, for your beautiful comments and your heartwarming congrats. Your lovely sentiments are held in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/17/2018 3:38:00 AM

Congratulations on POTW Susan, well deserved. Tom.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 9:59:00 PM

Tom, it is an honor to receive your heartwarming congrats and your return visit is truly appreciated. Thank you for both, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Silent One

Date: 12/17/2018 2:30:00 AM

Wow..I must have missed this gem..So many lines fo deep poetry only your talented pen can scribe...What a perfect choice for potw....

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 9:53:00 PM

Silent One, your esteemed presence here is so truly appreciated, as are your precious comments. It pleases me to know you enjoyed my poem and I thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. Warmest wishes always, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Banjo Casto

Date: 12/16/2018 2:49:00 PM

Top-notch classic poem with much history. Aye, aye!

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/16/2018 8:52:00 PM

Thank you, Banjo, it is a pleasure to receive your heartwarming comments. Your gracious visit is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Vladislav Raven

Date: 12/16/2018 2:33:00 PM

Hi Susan, dropping by to add my congratulations on your Poem Of the Week honour with this exceptional poetic jewel. So deserving. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hugs....Mike. XX

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 9:51:00 PM

Thank you, Mike, for your beautiful sentiments and your heartwarming congrats. I hold your precious thoughts and your inspiring presence in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes always, my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 12/16/2018 11:48:00 AM

This beauty deserves the honour and recognition from your fellow poets and friends.. Congratulations dear Susan on POTW.. keep shining in wonders of poetry! Warmest regards. Stay blessed always. Love and hugs.

Susan Ashley
Date: 12/18/2018 9:40:00 PM

It is a great honor to receive your sincere sentiments and your lovely congrats, dearest Besma. Your return visit is a delightful pleasure. I'm humbled by your precious comments that cast a beautiful glow of bountiful friendship upon my poem, as well as my grateful heart, a wondrous gift from the golden heart of an insightful and talented poetess and my esteemed sister in poetry. I truly appreciate the inspiring presence of your beautiful soul. Warmest wishes and blessings always to you, dear Besma. Love and hugs.. ~Susan