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Susan Ashley - Premium Member

Poet Free verse

Choosing Sides

Even as a child of God -
when it came right down to it
she stood firmly on her child’s side -
not God’s 

.. and damn
how I envied that..

my friend
much to my dismay
chose a parent
as a closest confidant
breaking all laws of teenage angst
and going against
all preconceived
conceptions, norms and nature

I watched as they walked
a harrowed path together
mom being there for child —
smugly snuggly hammocked 
in her emotional safety net

.. and damn
how I envied that..


I walked my path alone
because my mother
would have chosen 
God’s side...

.. and damn
how I now envy that..


Susan Ashley 
September 9, 2018


~ Ninth Place ~
Contest: Truth Poetry Contest 
Sponsor: Anthony Slausin

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2018

angstappreciationintrospectionironymotherfree verse

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Gordon Mcconnell

June 21, 2019 at 3:40 AM

Such a wise piece Susan telling well the wisdom of your dear Mother which we all could look back on and wish we had done that which was wise looking back but what we do from now on which is going to count come eternity. Have a blessed weekend, Gordon

June 22, 2019 at 7:26 PM

Indeed, Gordon. I fully appreciate the wisdom of your lovely words that it's; 'what we do from now on which is going to count come eternity.' So very true, my friend. Thank you, Gordon, for your wonderful visit and for your inspiring comments. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

June 11, 2019 at 10:13 PM

Great job. CONGRATS, Susan. Janice

June 12, 2019 at 9:37 PM

Thank you for your uplifting words and kind congrats, Janice. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

June 7, 2019 at 11:00 PM

Powerful, Susan. Love how you wrote this poem. Congrats on your well deserved win.

June 8, 2019 at 7:11 PM

I relish your wonderful comments and heartwarming congrats, Line. It truly pleases me to know you enjoyed this poem. Thank you! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

December 29, 2018 at 3:32 AM

Thought provoking. I've always been of the notion that irony is the monosodium glutamate (MSG) of writing and this poem is loaded with it. Very nice.

December 29, 2018 at 6:24 PM

I relish your esteemed comments, Richard, and hold them in my grateful heart. Thank you for both, your meaningful sentiments and for your gracious visit. It is always such a joy to hear from you. Warmest wishes for a happy new year, my friend.. ~Susan

Vladislav Raven

October 20, 2018 at 12:54 PM

Hi Susan, once again your creativity shines in this poetic jewel. Your words always manage to draw the reader into the heart of your thought. Many of us can relate to this piece one way or the other. A deep and powerful write Susan. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs....Mike. XX A fave.

October 27, 2018 at 9:21 PM

Thank you, dear Mike, for your glowing words of appreciation that warmly touch my heart knowing that you enjoyed and can relate to my poem. Your beautiful comments and your fave are cherished and embraced in my deepest gratitude. Please enjoy the rest of your weekend. Warmest wishes always my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

Geoffrey Brewer

October 13, 2018 at 11:34 AM

A fascinating poem, Susan, written with your usual creative and effective use of words. My understanding is that you rightly chose what is closer to the true ultimate reality of life, than the narrow created ‘God’ of righteousness rather than love, compassion and might I say, humanity.

October 14, 2018 at 9:50 AM

Thank you, Geoffrey, for your valued and insightful comments. While I agree with you that 'righteousness' can be a artificially narrow creation - as a teen, I often chose a self-serving path of least resistance (typical, in my opinion..) and my mother stood strong in her lessons of morality no matter how wildly I rebelled - and that inner strength and conviction for basic right/wrong is what I've come to so greatly admire as I raised my own children and as I grow into my older years. I always knew that she loved me though no matter how much I might have offended her values.. It's funny how much I found her teachings coming through in my parenting.. I'm sure she's proud that I'm finally growing up.. lol! I appreciate your awesome thoughts. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

September 13, 2018 at 4:11 PM

Just saw your reply to me, so yes I did get it after all!! Yet still I kind of wish my mom had been a bit more on the wild side!!!

September 14, 2018 at 10:20 AM

Yes, I can understand that, Andrea.. When I was younger, especially as a rebellious teen, I used to wish that too.. but as I got older, and especially now, I've come to admire the strength of conviction she had in religious, moral and matters of life in general. I'm sure she's proud that I'm finally growing up.. lol! Thank you for your lovely thoughts. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mystic Rose Rose

September 13, 2018 at 11:23 AM

ah, you made my heart cry, This hit me so hard Susan. My mom would of too. She passed away a few years ago, my how I miss her, every part of her. She was both a lion and a paw caress. Thank you for sharing your heart, so true and revealing that it turns ordinary poetry into great poetry.

September 13, 2018 at 2:24 PM

Pixie, your beautiful and meaningful comments are truly cherished and I appreciate you sharing your lovely and heartfelt thoughts with me.. it seems like we have much more in common than just our love for poetry.. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

September 13, 2018 at 10:43 AM

wow, this really is a powerful write, my friend. Awesome

September 13, 2018 at 2:20 PM

Thank you so much, Jack. I'm pleased that my poem resonated with you. Your precious comments are appreciated and bring me joy, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Charles Messina

September 12, 2018 at 8:25 PM

Very powerful and deep, Susan. How can a mother NOT be by her child's side, same goes for a father in my books. But then again how can one not choose the lords side. and damn...how I envy that. Great write that left us all with a sigh. Warmest wishes my dear friend. ~Charlie

September 13, 2018 at 2:15 PM

Indeed, my dear friend, good fathers stand by their children with just as much strength and conviction as good mothers do.. I'm so pleased that my poem resonated with you and your thoughtful and meaningful comments are truly and deeply appreciated. Your wonderful thoughts are always such a pleasure to read. Thank you for the delight of your charming friendship, dear Charlieku.. :)) Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Joseph P. DiMino

September 12, 2018 at 5:09 AM

Your poem brought a wide smile to my face; in fact, a broadening grim, reminding me of how much like my father I have become in my old age--speaking many of the same, once thought, annoying expressions, often out-loud exclamations, to myself about the "Dang young Whippersnappers!" As it is said: old too soon and wise too late. Well, maybe not. Good preparation for next time around:)

September 13, 2018 at 2:07 PM

Indeed, Joe. I can relate to your wonderful and thoughtful comments, as I feel the same way about becoming more like my mother, the older I get. I'm so pleased that my poem resonated with you and I thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me.. and I agree with your last lovely thought that it's 'good preparation for next time around'.. :)) Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Richard Lamoureux

September 12, 2018 at 1:55 AM

This is really well expressed. Children feel safer when their parents have strong values.

September 13, 2018 at 2:03 PM

Indeed, Richard.. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. I relish your kind visit as well as your meaningful comments. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong

September 11, 2018 at 5:16 PM

I feel very fortunate to have had a mother who taught me to put God first as she did. Your poem teaches a wonderful message Susan. Very wonderfully composed! : )

September 13, 2018 at 2:00 PM

Thank you, Connie, for your thoughtful and meaningful comments. I'm so pleased that you could relate so wonderfully with my poem. Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan

September 11, 2018 at 12:46 PM

...well my twin sib twister sister...we love you on 'THIS SIDE'...deep write...love & forever more...+WW+

September 13, 2018 at 1:58 PM

Oh, my twisty sib, one third of the twisted triplet trio, it's always so wonderful to read your uplifting and smile inspiring comments.. BTW; our twis sis, in the West wing, is requesting, no, demanding BBQ tonight... lol! Love, hugs and warmest wishes to you always wicked one.. :)) ~Suse

September 11, 2018 at 7:04 AM

Interesting poem Susan, that explores a lot of soul searching here.. I think in general more people would choose their child than God today, but may not have been the case then... Great thought provoking piece..

September 13, 2018 at 1:53 PM

It's always a privilege when you share your wonderful thoughts with me, Silent One. I didn't always heed my loving Mom's advice as a young person, but as I get older, I truly appreciate the wisdom she had and I admire the example she set for me.. I just wish I would have appreciated it back then.. Thank you for your wonderful and meaningful comments, my friend.. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

September 10, 2018 at 6:22 PM

I was not sure I totally got this one but the ending has a big impact. I loved the repeating part and how it changed at the end.

September 12, 2018 at 9:07 PM

Thank you, Andrea. Your thoughtful comments are truly appreciated. Life comes with an overabundance of choices, luckily, I had a mother who set a good example about making choices and decisions - I didn't always heed her examples as a young person but as I get older I truly appreciate and admire the wisdom and strength that she had. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 4:21 PM

Well, it is good for a parent to love their child so unconditionally even if they are wrong in what they do. God loves us no matter what we do but He wants us to confess, repent and turn around and do what is right. Thanks for the visit to my page. I appreciate the time spent there. Sara

September 12, 2018 at 9:05 PM

Indeed, Sara. So beautifully said. Thank you for your meaningful and thoughtful comments. Your kind visit and lovely thoughts are truly appreciated.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 2:52 PM

Powerful verse my dear friend. Your pen forever bleeds gold and your immense and very kind heart continues to share treasures with we the readers of your superbly crafted creative and message gifting poetry! A fav..

September 12, 2018 at 9:03 PM

Thank you, dear Robert, for your glowing words of appreciation that touch my heart warmly knowing that you enjoyed my poem. Your beautiful comments and your fav are cherished and embraced in my deepest gratitude. Warmest wishes always my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 2:50 PM

Choices are often based on values. When values get eroded, in an attempt to compromise, the results are not as healthy as expected. Good can't ever be bad...and vice versa. A true loving mother knows the difference between right and wrong; she passes that to her children, too. ~ Yours is a powerful message, Susan. ~ Warm regards and hugs, my friend. // paul

September 12, 2018 at 8:59 PM

You, my dear friend, possess the uncanny ability to read my poem as if you've experienced it yourself.. Indeed, the heart of it, is as you say, and you say it so elegantly and beautifully, Paul. Your precious comments are held in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes and hugs always my insightful friend.. ~Susan

Vincent Flannery

September 10, 2018 at 12:41 PM

Great right Susan. You can never error on the side of God. And all those lonely times you can give to Him, He sees our stands and knows our hearts And He loves us inspire of ourselves .

September 12, 2018 at 8:50 PM

Indeed, Vincent. So beautifully said. Thank you for your meaningful and thoughtful comments. Your wonderful thoughts are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 12:38 PM

What a powerful, thought provoking piece, Susan. It's unclear to me why we must choose sides yet I know we are all faced with decisions. Well done, I really enjoyed it Happy Monday xxoo

September 12, 2018 at 8:48 PM

Thank you, Mike. Your thoughtful and meaningful comments are truly appreciated and I'm so happy you enjoyed my poem. Life comes with an overabundance of choices, luckily I had a mother who set a good example about making choices and decisions - I didn't always heed her examples as a young person but as I get older I truly appreciate and admire the wisdom and strength that she had. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 9:11 AM

Everyone on their journey to love... look left then right and choose your own...Very relevant to what happens everyday to everyone...in the loop of life...A lovely write Susan...cool day today choose a jacket or go out any way...

September 12, 2018 at 8:42 PM

Indeed, a journey to love, Arturo. Thank you for your lovely thoughts that brighten my day.. Warmest wishes always, mon ami.. ~Susan

September 10, 2018 at 3:34 AM

Love your last stanza Susan, and of course we're never really alone because we have our faith. Tom

September 11, 2018 at 4:49 PM

Indeed, Tom. I always feel His presence.. Thank you for the kindness of your visit and your beautiful comments. Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan

Besma Riabi Dziri

September 10, 2018 at 1:00 AM

When alone, a devoted provocative expressive pen chooses to side with a poetess of wealth.. whose heart chambers of love, light anf faith full and ever radiating.. Mother a never waning ache.. an ever growing longing.. Your pen dear Susan "stood firmly on your side" and fashioned this heartfelt beauty, "how I envy that"! A great piece of heart! A FAV. You never cease to amaze, I will never cease to praise! Deepest regards.. my love and hugs.

September 12, 2018 at 8:38 PM

My dearest friend, Besma, I am so delighted that my passionate pen spilled ink that touched your lovely heart. Your precious thoughts fill me with elation and appreciation for your beautiful feedback and your presence is always ardently embraced.. I find, the older I get, the more I truly appreciate and hold close to my heart, the lessons taught from the example my mother set. Though she's gone, she will always be my shining light. Thank you for the beauty of your comments and for the fav. My warmest wishes, love and hugs.. ~Susan

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart

September 9, 2018 at 10:14 PM

Wow that's potent. Evocative ink Susan! Well done <3 xomo!

September 11, 2018 at 4:48 PM

Thank you so much my lovely Maureen. Your precious comments always bring me joy <3 Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan

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