Sam Kauffman Poet Free verse

Haven

Haven 9-18-26
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Haven

The inferno cast by a sinful moon
Rises in the red breath of winter,
In neon flames and flares.
Faceless
 Whimpering
In splinters of bare bone
Howling into grimacing spectrals
Deaf to the labor of compassion
 The agony of maples turning scarlet
  The sound of birthing stars.

In the debris of green apple afternoons
When tongues of flame 
Speak the thesaurus
 Of sanctity
Shards of purple glaciers tremble
Chastised 
 Chastened 
By labors of the amber dawns,
As hallowed sweetness
 Falls upon the thirsting tongue.

Then, in this arbor, beneath amazing wings,
Joy reclaims crystal blooms of grace.

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sara Etgen-Baker October 4, 2026 at 5:26 PM the last two lines resonated with me. Overall, this poem is a 'wow!'

Paige Hind October 3, 2026 at 8:10 PM gorgeous use of "red"- wow, Sam FAVS <3 <3 Sam Kauffman October 4, 2026 at 11:32 AM Many thanks, Paige. I was thinking that red can illustrate chaos or warmth in a haven. Blessings!😍

L. J. Carber October 3, 2026 at 10:32 AM I love the ending couplet, done the way the Bard would have.... Sam Kauffman October 3, 2026 at 7:15 PM LJ, what a wonderful message! I am deeply honored. I had a wonderful time exploring the concept of a haven and so glad you read and enjoyed it! Cheers and blessings! 😊

Sotto Poet October 1, 2026 at 1:24 PM Beautifully crafted poem with lovely metaphor layers throughout. Heartfelt congrats on your contest well-deserved win Sam. Sam Kauffman October 3, 2026 at 8:04 PM Dear Lasaad, thank you for your congratulations. It was journey from chaos to grace writing this poem as I explored the nature of a haven, the essence of protection and security while acknowledging howling chaos that seems to be such a part of life. I am deeply thankful for your perspective and feedback, my friend. Sending you blossoms of grace.✨

CayCay Godwin September 20, 2026 at 7:52 AM Fire, laboring, splintering of bones ... and much more follows. How pitched with dark and painful the season hit and, to me, that's a different kind of seasonal read. And I mean that in a good way as it opened new eyes and feel replies in me. I loved taking a walk via your words though I trembled, then froze in place, too afraid to move. Great 'trembling imagery'. Then came light and I didn't know that it would or could; I was saved and safe. Reading this worked better than my morning coffee - I'm awake. Sam Kauffman September 24, 2026 at 11:39 AM Hi CayCay! What amazing feedback, my friend! In writing this poem I discovered not only my havens but a supreme understanding and appreciation for their existence especially as chaos rages and threatens to devour me. Thank you for walking with me and sharing your "haven" with, or without, your life essence of morning coffee!!! Blessings to you for your journey!🥰

Silent One September 19, 2026 at 6:39 AM This is quite surreal Sam and you have written it with a great choice of metaphors.. There is a lot of vivid imagery and a range of colourful adjectives... Excellent poetry. Sam Kauffman September 24, 2026 at 11:19 AM Greetings SO! I am deeply honored by your feedback. For me a "haven" is a hallowed space as there always seems to be some sort of turbulent chaos. I am grateful for the havens in my life. Writing and sharing poems with friends is one of them. Thank you! Blessings and cheers to you!😄

Mohan Chutani September 18, 2026 at 6:49 PM Sam, A unique imagery of haven, beautifully contrasted and emerging from non heavenly symbols. Should be a winner. Best for contest. Mohan Sam Kauffman September 24, 2026 at 11:10 AM Thank you so much, Mohan! I so appreciate your feedback and wishes for this poem. This theme was a treasure trove of possible images and it was fun to pull them together as I explored the concept of a "haven." Blessings to you!😊

Nette Onclaud September 18, 2026 at 4:52 PM amazed by this huge flow of metaphors and personification of a season...what an intense , lovely work, sam! Sam Kauffman September 22, 2026 at 12:35 PM Nette, thank you! I am so touched by your wonderful feedback especially as you are so good at writing metaphors, images and personification! That means a whole lot. Sending you blessings of autumn joy and my gratitude. 😄

Kim Rodrigues September 18, 2026 at 1:21 PM Favorite line was: In the debris of green apple afternoons…something joyous…the fruit sour and ready, perhaps for an apple pie…or the joy of a child with juice dripping down the chin. Ahhh, almost here, Autumn! Sam Kauffman September 22, 2026 at 12:33 PM Hi Kim! We can find "havens" in so many places especially in the joy of the harvest! Here's to apple cider and pumpkin pie!! Blessings 😄