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Fall of the Willow's Leaf

Ah, weeping leaf I feel your grief 
as Autumn hides the sun in clouds; 
battalion’s shadow, like a thief, 
disguised in dark-sky nimbus shrouds 
have kidnapped light and your belief 

in summer days of green serene, 
when willow’s dance did celebrate
and morning’s mist, it’s blurry sheen
embraced your rippling blade ornate
till… winds then twisted serpentine

and soon you'll fall, I feel your plight, 
a wistful tear your dreams now wan 
as daylight dies into the night 
and you let go, a wilting swan, 
you realize you’ve lost the fight 
…that you were just another pawn.

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2023

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Gary Radice Date: 8/10/2024 12:54:00 AM Susan, I' commented on this last year but I'm back again in '24 to read this again. I just love the rhyming and the subject. Masterful. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2024 8:08:00 AM Dear Gary, my inspiring poet friend, please accept my apologies for my late reply to your wonderful comments. Thank you truly for your gracious return visit. Your thoughts are treasured and uplifting. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paige Hind Date: 3/25/2024 6:09:00 PM This made my heart ache. It was simply beautiful- such a gifted poet, I love all you write. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 3/29/2024 5:59:00 PM Dear Paige, please accept my apologies for my late reply.. life has been full to the brim lately :) Your response to my poem is humbling and moving. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagination of this poem with me. The ache in your heart reveals the beauty of empathy that lives within it. No wonder your golden poetic pen shines brighter than the summer sun. Warmest wishes my dear friend.. ~Susan

Robert Schatz Date: 2/13/2024 5:48:00 PM Just gorgeous Susan! "in summer days of green serene" It feels good reading it. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/13/2024 6:08:00 PM Dear Robert, thank you for your gracious visit and for your lovely comments. They are uplifting and truly appreciated. I'm so pleased to know you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes, my poetry friend.. ~Susan

Smita Kulkarni Date: 12/5/2023 2:21:00 PM Such a touching story you have described here in just a few powerful lines Susan! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 12/5/2023 5:03:00 PM Dear Smita, your inspiring comments are received with joy and appreciation. I'm so happy to know your were touched by my poem. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 11/28/2023 5:26:00 AM A belated congratulations on your win, Dear Susan - how did I miss this stunning piece! The images are just captivating, I am in awe at these lines "battalion’s shadow, like a thief, disguised in dark-sky nimbus shrouds have kidnapped light and your belief", and all the glorious lines. Hope to read many inspiring poems from you, Susan! Love and best wishes ~ Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/30/2023 6:09:00 PM Dearest Mala, I am honored by your visit and humbled by your beautiful response to my poem. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me, they are held in my truest appreciation. Your comments are uplifting and are a thrill to receive, my sweet friend. This poem was inspired by the tragic events in Israel on Oct. 7. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Robertina B. Date: 11/16/2023 3:30:00 PM A warm belated congratulations, dear Susan.. Wow just wow.. A glorious write, sweet friend! Your talent shines so brightly.. Really enjoyed this! Many blessings to you.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/19/2023 5:56:00 PM Dearest Robertina, my wonderful poetry friend, your warm congrats and lovely thoughts are so very uplifting and so very appreciated. I'm happy to know you enjoyed my poem. Your gracious visit makes my day. Thank you sweet poetess! Warmest wishes for a happy Thanksgiving for you and yours.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman Date: 11/10/2023 10:55:00 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, how did I miss these exquisite lines in the beauty of your a plaintive song. Congratulations on your POTD and on your win! I stand in utter awe at the way you make words dance for you! "Kidnapped light," "daylight dies into the night," "a wilting swan," " twisted serpentine." I am truly blessed by the magnificence of your gift! When you are away from the soup, I so miss you and your ability to uplift me, sweet poetry sis! Sending you blessings on whispers of dawn! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/12/2023 5:07:00 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your effervescent and expressive spirit fills me with a deep sense of joy and appreciation for your heartwarming friendship and poetic kinship. My heart is lifted high beyond the cumulus to bask in the sunny glow your precious thoughts and kind congrats! Thank you, my sweet poetry sis, your shining presence here is a blessing. Your poet's souls and exquisite poetic gift is always so inspiring and uplifting in its potent power too! Warmest wishes sent on the windblown leaf of the willow.. ~Susan

Michelle Faulkner Date: 11/1/2023 12:34:00 PM My sincere apologies for not commenting on this stunning piece sooner, I see it was a well earned POTD! Your verses are so sublime of the sorrow as autumn nears its end, again love your word choices like 'battalion' and 'serpentine' - you are truly a magnificent talent! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:56:00 PM Dear Michelle, I am humbled and honored by the warmth and generosity of your uplifting comments. Thank you for your time spent with my poem and for the light of your presence that shines so beautifully upon my poem. Your exquisite poetry continues to enthrall me, my wonderful friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Frederic Parker Date: 10/26/2023 3:50:00 PM Susan dear friend, dear poet your Autumn poem is an intimate sense of seasons waining, where change is a welcome friend that says goodbye, yet each year it seems as new as a dreamer's dream in the morning's chill Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:45:00 PM Frederic, dear friend, dear poet, indeed your poet's soul is eloquent. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts with me. They are beautifully expressed and held in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Terry Flood Date: 10/24/2023 3:53:00 PM Enjoyed muchly, Susan. My own weeping willow dropped many a ‘twig’ last year. I stuck one in a pot… and now I have two weeping willows. Baby willow has just shed all its leaves and mummy willow is fighting the fight. I hadn’t appreciated the conflict occurring in my own back yard. I shall see things differently from now on ;-) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:36:00 PM Dear Terry, I am delighted by both your wonderful comments and by Baby willow. Thank you for sharing her story with me, I'm sure she'll grow up to be as strong and regal as her mummy willow :) Your lovely thoughts after reading my poem are truly appreciated. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed it. Thank you my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Len Gasun Date: 10/23/2023 7:58:00 AM A gorgeous autum poem my dear poet friend Susan. I love every line and I enjoyed reading immensely this superb masterpiece of yours from beginning to end. Big Congrats on your POTD and win! Always so happy and grateful to stop by here to read your beautiful poetry. Blessings to you always and your writings. Hugs Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:30:00 PM Dear Len, my inspiring poetry friend, it's an honor to receive your beautiful comments. I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and filled with gratitude to know you enjoyed my poem. Your warm congrats and kind poetic friendship are both truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/22/2023 7:47:00 PM Back again with congrats on a contest win as well as POTD. Well deserved! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:26:00 PM Dear Andrea, your return visit is a delight! Thank you for your heartwarming congrats. So appreciated, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gershon Wolf Date: 10/22/2023 7:34:00 PM Checkmate! By the authority invested in me at the Conference of Unallied Wolves, I hereby appoint you 'Queen of Wilting Willow Leaves.' (Pick up your crown please, by the stream of your dreams, third tree to the right...) :) gw Login to Reply Gershon Wolf Date: 11/2/2023 6:40:00 PM Don't let the 'N' fall off that 'Crown,' Susan - or you'll be 'just another Crow.' (No giggling allowed) Susan Ashley Date: 11/2/2023 5:24:00 PM Dear Gershon, please accept my apologies for my late reply to your wonderful comment and for being tardy in picking up my crown lol! Life and internet issues have intervened to keep me away from Soup for the past week or so. Anyway, your directions were spot on, didn't get lost, not for a moment! Thank you, to you and the COUW for your kind words and for the honor of my crown.. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet Date: 10/21/2023 12:19:00 PM Dear Susan, your writing was incredibly captivating and filled with vibrant descriptions. I was truly at a loss for words as I immersed myself in the world you created. The way you skillfully wove your words together was nothing short of masterful. Your poem about autumn was absolutely remarkable and exquisitely beautiful. The choice of words you employed was both harmonious and reminiscent of classical literature. This is a fave Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:33:00 PM Dear Lasaad, your gracious return visit is truly appreciated! Thank you for your inspiring comments and for the distinction of your fave, I am honored and humbled by your generosity and kindness. Your poetic presence is uplifting and truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Regina Elliott Date: 10/20/2023 5:27:00 AM Sweet Susan, what a remarkable and beauteous autumnal poem! Your use of words is melodious and classical, dear friend. I hope you have the loveliest of October weekends with all the color Fall brings. ~ Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:26:00 PM Dearest Regina, your esteemed comments are prized! Thank you for sharing your uplifting thoughts and kind congrats with me. I'm full of gratitude for your poetic friendship. May you have a wonderful week ahead full of Autumn colors and lovely poetry. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Eve Roper Date: 10/19/2023 6:05:00 PM Lovely write of Autumn change. "weeping leaf, kidnapped light , wilting swan," so many great lines. Enjoyed reading, Susan. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:24:00 PM Dear Eve, your gracious visit is appreciated as are your lovely comments. Thank you my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Kim Rodrigues Date: 10/19/2023 3:43:00 AM Ah, weeping leaf I feel your grief… battalion’s shadow, like a thief… and you let go, a wilting swan…Some lovely poetry, Susan! Congratulations on POTD! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:23:00 PM Dear Kim, your esteemed comments are received with my truest appreciation. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Thank you for your gracious visit and kind congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Bj Legros Kelley Date: 10/18/2023 2:15:00 PM This is beautiful Susan. Autumn pairs well with the season of life as age takes it's toll. '...and soon you'll fall, I feel your plight' sigh, me too! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:21:00 PM Dear BJ, indeed, your poet's heart says it so beautifully "Autumn pairs well with the season of life as age takes it's toll." I'm so glad you could feel my verse, my friend. Thank you for your precious thoughts, they are prized! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Silent One Date: 10/17/2023 6:56:00 AM You rhyme so perfectly.. The rhythm and flow here was so nice to read... I can feel the emotive nature of the poem and it is a great use of metaphor... Great poem and congratulations on POTD.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/22/2023 5:18:00 PM Dear Silent One, your esteemed comments are deeply appreciated. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts and kind congrats with me. I'm full of gratitude for your poetic friendship. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Maria Williams Date: 10/17/2023 6:00:00 AM Excellent poetry as always dearest Susan. How I love your style of writing. I'm so happy to see you getting POTD. Congratulations my sweet friend . Love and Hugs always. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 5:20:00 PM Dearest Maria, your visit is a delight! I am honored and humbled by your kindness. Thank you for your beautiful response to my poem and for your warm congrats. Your shining friendship is deeply appreciated. Love and hugs, my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Mahtab Bangalee Date: 10/17/2023 12:22:00 AM Fall as the dark to rise as the light of internal eternity; great to read you; nice your poetic expression; congrats for being selected the poem as POD Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 5:17:00 PM Dear Mahtab, I am delighted by the insightful beauty of your comments. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts and for your kind congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Brandy Nicole Date: 10/16/2023 6:27:00 PM Dear Susan, as this leaf holds on for a lifetime it seems, it only has one wish, and that's to become one with the earth. Your thoughts are beautiful, tender and emotional, all at the same time. While seasons change and moments rearrange, our creator paints us a masterpiece. Congratulations my sweet friend, on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 5:08:00 PM Dear Brandy, your radiant presence on my poem's page is heartwarming! Oh you express it so poetically, sweet poetess; "While seasons change and moments rearrange, our creator paints us a masterpiece." Indeed, He does! And so do you, as your create word-painted masterpieces with your exquisite poetry. Thank you for your precious thoughts and your kind congrats, both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes and hugs my lovely friend.. ~Susan

Warren Doll Date: 10/16/2023 4:51:00 PM Susan, another magnificent poem. congratulations on POTD~ Warren Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 5:03:00 PM Dear Warren, I am uplifted by your wonderful comment and kind congrats. Thank you for your gracious visit, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet Date: 10/16/2023 2:43:00 PM Dear Susan, Your poetry is amazing. It inspires and captivates. I love reading your thoughts because they take me to a beautiful, introspective world. I feel nostalgic in fall when nature's palette explodes with color. The changing colors revitalize monotonous memories. Your ability is so great that you deserve the poem of the day award. Congratulations, Susan, on this well-deserved honor. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 5:01:00 PM Dear Lasaad, your gracious visit is a delight! Thank you for your generous comments and warm congrats, I am honored and humbled by your kindness. Your shining presence casts a glow upon my poem that is uplifting and truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 10/16/2023 2:01:00 PM Congratulations, Dear Susan, on this exquisite piece of writing! The content, the word choices, the melancholic emotion...everything blends together to create an enchanting poem - subtly and masterfully penned! Keep inspiring, Dearest Poetess, your poems are simply exceptional! Love and Hugs ~ Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/20/2023 4:54:00 PM Dearest Mala, it's wonderful to see you! I am honored and humbled by your kindness. Your comments are as exquisite as your poetry, sweet poetess. Thank you for your uplifting words, they are treasured and your shining friendship is cherished. Your heartwarming congrats are deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes, my lovely friend.. ~Susan

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