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I Died

As blaze of August fades into the Fall
horizons new have burned and turned to ash
and textures of the change of seasons clash,
a plague of frost becomes a rose’s pall.
The supple smooth confronts the brittle break 
as petals silk matures a wrinkled skin
and winter’s snow to bury sins begin —
a fallen cloud the shroud for briar’s wake.

The days of glory sun and ruby rays,
across the skies, these hues were once my own,
beneath the blue above the green, my fling...
dressed not but strands of dew in solstice haze.
When youth was sown my roots were honed in stone —
I died… but I will rise again in Spring!

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2023

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Valsa George Date: 9/7/2025 8:31:00 PM "a plague of frost becomes a rose’s pall. The supple smooth confronts the brittle break as petals silk matures a wrinkled skin." In this poem, the change from summer to Fall is so beautifully delineated in wonderful poetic lines.... silk petals turning into wrinkled skin is true of human life too as with the end of youth, smooth silky skin turns into wrinkled skin. This poem, succinctly tells all about the changes that can be briefly said of the change of season. Congratulations on your great placement in the Marathon, sweet Susan. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/9/2025 11:50:00 AM Dearest Valsa, my soulful poet friend, I treasure your beautiful comments. Your poetic spirit casts a golden glow upon my poem that ever enhances its value. Thank you for sharing in the change of season both for the rose and for us humans. In the end, the plague of frost becomes a pall for both nature and mankind, until both are reborn. Your lovely comments and kind congrats are received with gratitude. Warmest wishes, my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Tom Woody Date: 9/7/2025 5:27:00 AM I see you've gotten some mileage out of this bad girl. Italian sonnet? Love the message and the rhymes. Congrats on placing. Again :) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/7/2025 8:09:00 AM Dear Tom, I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my sonnet. This was written for Craig's, I Died, contest using the Envelope Sonnet rhyme scheme. Yes, I love being able to recycle older poems that would never get read again except for contests like this... plus my muse has been giving me the silent treatment, so nothing new these days lol! Thank you for your kind words of congrats. Your visit makes my day :) Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Suze

Mark Toney Date: 9/6/2025 8:26:00 PM Susan, your timely sonnet on the seasonal cycles of mortality and renewal is a joy to read with its superb imagery. Congratulations on your third place win on Mile 14 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. We’re well past the halfway point! Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 15 has already started. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/7/2025 7:57:00 AM Dear Mark, I'm thrilled to know that you enjoyed my sonnet and I'm honored by my poem's placement in your wonderful contest. Thank you for your for your kind words of recognition and congrats. Many thanks for your continued dedication to showcasing so many beautiful poems from so many gifted poets. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Randy Freie Date: 4/24/2024 7:07:00 PM Wow Susan, what a beautiful poem. I think it's the best I've read on the Soup so far. If only people could renew in the Spring, that would be a wonderful thing. Especially since I'm in my sixties now. Take care baby sister. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 4/25/2024 10:41:00 AM Dear Randy, it's wonderful to see you. I'm delighted with your response to my poem. Indeed, being renewable in Spring would be a lovely thing.. if only the world was a much less volatile place though. As I am in my sixties too, being able to "rise again in Spring" has a more spiritual meaning for me now. Thank you for your touching comments, I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes, poetry brother.. ~Susan

Robert Schatz Date: 2/28/2024 11:43:00 PM It's just beautiful Susan. (I wish I had better words for it.) I love "a plague of frost becomes a rose’s pall" On top of the exquisite visual imagery, the rhyme scheme and the meter really pull me in. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 2/29/2024 8:40:00 AM Dear Robert, your gracious visit and lovely thoughts are uplifting and received with my truest appreciation. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem, your esteemed thoughts are inspiring. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me and for sharing your valued impressions. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

John Hamilton Date: 8/18/2023 10:15:00 AM Love your phrasing and splendid use of your vast vocabulary. You have a distinctive style that is always a satisfying read. Belated congrats on this beautiful potd. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/21/2023 12:08:00 PM Dear John, I hold your inspiring comments in high esteem as I do your amazing poetry. Thank you for your precious thoughts and heartwarming congrats! Both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Bj Legros Kelley Date: 7/23/2023 1:27:00 AM Oh my goodness, this is so beautiful Susan! It reminds me of my sister who passed away in December, such a lovely and beautiful vibrant rose. Your poems ending lifted my heart so very much. I love it so much. A fave. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/23/2023 8:18:00 AM Dear BJ, I'm delighted to see you! The tender beauty of your comments touch my heart deeply. I remember when your beloved sister passed away in December. That this poem could bring you comfort in your loss lifts my heart so very much. I'm filled with gratitude for receiving your precious thoughts. Thank you for the honor of your friendship and fave. Warmest wishes and hugs my friend.. ~Susan

Tom Woody Date: 7/20/2023 12:01:00 PM Well well, what has Suze been up to? Good things I see. Perfect meter, not easily achieved. I didn't remember that you wrote sonnets, one of my fave forms, though these days I'm experimenting more with free verse and haibun. Have a great rest of the week! Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 7/22/2023 9:39:00 AM I'll be doggone, it is a sunny July Morning. Nice memory and yes, I'll be spending some time here Susan Ashley Date: 7/22/2023 7:40:00 AM There's only one poet here who calls me Suze and I am sure glad to see you back on this sunny July Morning, made even brighter by your lovely comments gracing my poem's page. How are you? Your poetic talent and pithy remarks have been missed! Thank you for your kind words and affirmation of my correct use of meter. I've worked very hard on meter over the past few years and your words are uplifting! I've written a fair share of sonnets and lyrics in iambic tetrameter and pentameter. I hope you give them a look when you have a chance. So good to have you back, my friend! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Timothy Ray Date: 7/6/2023 4:22:00 PM i could add my voice but it would be repetitive to what is already here....but an old adage is why bother praying in the Temple of Aset (Isis) when you can dine with Cleopatra...and I have had the banquet taste herein these lines...what mortal could ask for more? Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/15/2023 8:17:00 AM Dear Timothy, the inspiring beauty of your words present an exceptional experience to relish. Thank you for your wonderfully poetic response to my poem. I admire your exquisite poetry and adore the eloquence of your comments. You elevate and adorn my poem with your elegance and grace. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus Date: 6/21/2023 2:04:00 AM Good morning, Susan! I am trying for the umpteenth time to comment on this beautiful poem of yours (hope you received my soupmail). I can't help telling myself what a marvellous natural writer you are; the way you express your thoughts is simply beyond words; technically you stand on solid ground! ~ Warm regards and hugs my dearest friend // paul Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/3/2023 11:33:00 AM Dear Paul, thank you for your persistence in your many attempts to leave your valued comments here on my poem. I think the pic that was on the page was causing the problem. Thank you for the honor of your heartwarming comments. I am elated to receive them and ever so glad that I removed the pic so your wonderful words could shine upon my poem. Please forgive me for being so late in expressing my appreciation for your considerate words. Warmest wishes and hugs my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet Date: 6/19/2023 9:54:00 AM Susan, your poetic creation is truly a marvel. I am deeply moved by the profound theme and the profound reflection that underlies your exceptional brilliance. The sheer elegance with which you entwine your words has enraptured me, Susan. Particularly captivating is the subtle incorporation of internal rhyme that graces this piece. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/3/2023 11:25:00 AM Dear Lasaad, I am enraptured by the beauty and elegance of your heartwarming comments. Thank you for gracing my poem with your lovely thoughts. Your detailed comments are treasured. Please forgive me for being so late in expressing my appreciation for your kind words. It is an honor to share in poetic friendship with you. Your poetry continues to be exquisite! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Michael Tor Date: 6/14/2023 11:57:00 PM Susan sorry for late response. What a wonderful creation of great Poetry you have shared. I appreciate the theme and thought behind your creative genius.Thank you for your effort and thank you for sharing. God bless you... Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/3/2023 11:17:00 AM Dear Michael, please forgive me for being so late in expressing my appreciation for your kind words. Your lovely comments are a joy and an honor to receive. Thank you, my friend, for your gracious eloquence. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman Date: 6/9/2023 12:06:00 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, what an incredible poem of classic poetic beauty, imagery and metaphor with meaning oozing from every line! This rose may have died, but lives in the spring of your words so beautifully crafted, watered and tended. Wonderful to see this on the BNP list. Your artistry always blooms like roses in the spring sweet poetry sis! Sending you blessings on the new perfume of the resurrected rose! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/3/2023 11:14:00 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your inspiring comments bloom with the heartwarming beauty of a plush rose bouquet! I cherish both your eloquence and poetic friendship. Please forgive me for being so late in expressing my appreciation for your kind words. Your genuine heart and poetic talent continue to shine. Thank you lighting up my page and my heart with your radiance. Sending you warmest wishes on the optimistic rays of the rising sun.. ~Susan

Robert Lindley Date: 6/7/2023 3:45:00 PM My dear friend, for this true gem to only get second place has to mean first place was a treasure and jewel too.. A fact, this because this is truly exquisite and definitely a solid gold winner. A fav, a beauty.. God bless.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/3/2023 10:57:00 AM My wonderful friend, please forgive me for being so late in expressing my appreciation for your kind words. It is a joy to receive your heartwarming comments. I am honored by both your friendship and fav! Thank you, Robert. It is so nice to see you back.. your golden presence enriches and uplifts the PS community! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Bill Baker Date: 6/5/2023 3:54:00 PM I do enjoy a good sonnet, Susan. This one certainly qualifies. We died to out past and rise to our future. Congrats of the high finish in the contest and for your POTD honor. I don't know how I missed this one on the POTD posting, but can say well deserved my friend. Hugs, Bill Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/19/2023 8:45:00 AM Dear Bill, thank you for your lovely comments and very kind congrats. Your wonderful visit and keen insight is truly valued. Please accept my apologies for my late reply, life has a way of getting very busy at times :) Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Robertina B. Date: 6/5/2023 5:02:00 AM Congratulations on your exquisite sonnet, my sweet friend! Your breathtaking words are so musical.. I adore this Masterpiece, dear Susan.. Really enjoyed !! This gem is going into my faves ! Many blessings to you.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/19/2023 8:39:00 AM Dear Robertina, it's such a pleasure to see you! Your comments are beautiful and received with gratitude, as are your kind congrats. I'm pleased to know you enjoyed my poem and I'm truly honored by your fave! Thank you, my sweet friend, you warm and brighten my day with your lovely visit. Please accept my apologies for my late reply, life has a way of getting very busy :) Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Charles Coon Date: 6/4/2023 12:43:00 PM Nice..the simultaneity of life and death..Thanks, Susan.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/4/2023 1:09:00 PM Dear Charles, thank you for your gracious visit and thoughtful comment. Very nicely expressed! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Stasukevich Date: 5/25/2023 8:51:00 PM Dear Susan, I'm a rookie (I started writing poetry in 2022) and new to Poetry Soup. It was recommended to me by my dear friend, John Watt. Poems like yours make me glad to be here. Your way with words in this poem enabled me to transcend into the realm of nature's beauty despite a context of death. I love the ending. Thank you. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/28/2023 7:40:00 AM Dear John, thank you for gracing my poem with your wonderful spirit! I'm uplifted by your lovely and valued response to my poem. Indeed, John Watt, is a dear poetry friend and I enjoy the honor of his friendship. I am ever amazed by the depth and breadth of his grand poetic artistry and sincere humanity. Welcome to Poetry Soup! We have a wonderful community here and I look forward to reading your poetic works. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Timothy Ray Date: 5/19/2023 6:36:00 PM my dear colleague this was frightful until you redeemed yourself with the last line...lines so fraught with the beauty of Winter's holocaust....shivers in these images...and above all a beautifully executed poem indeed, this is what poetry is...take a bow, you deserve as such Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/28/2023 8:06:00 AM Dear Timothy, it's a pleasure to receive your rich poetic thoughts! They are a prized possession. I'm so happy to know you felt the redemption of the last line. There is always a new Spring.. there is always a new beginning in life and spirit. Rebirth for the mind, body and soul is both challenging and forgiving. Warmest wishes, my poetic friend.. ~Susan

Susan Lawrence Date: 5/17/2023 1:21:00 PM Dearest Susan of the heavens and the earth . Who travels through time with elegance sprinkling magical words that kiss the hearts of us all . Such a gift to absorb and read your delicate words. Petal’s silk matures a wrinkled skin. As time passes and frost sets in. I love the space beneath the blue above and the green below, such emotion and visions you convey . Love and hugs to you dear inspirational poetess and friend … sent on white wings . Always , Susan :) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/28/2023 7:55:00 AM Dearest Susan, my poetic sister, together we fly the realms of the heavens and the earth as time travelers, poets, imagineers and companions who explore the nuances of the past and present where spirits dwell and dance. I am beyond moved by the beauty of your golden heart and expansive soul, thank you for your treasured thoughts. You are a gift and an inspiration, my esteemed and gracious friend. My warmest wishes, love and hugs sent to you on regal white wings in full span .. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh Date: 5/4/2023 1:07:00 AM Congrats with this amazing write. I am always amazed at your words. You're a beautiful person and astounding writer. God bless you sweet friend. Love, Gina Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/5/2023 4:58:00 PM Dearest Gina, coming from a wonderful woman and an exceptional poet whom I respect and admire greatly, I am truly humbled and honored by your heartwarming words of friendship. May I reflect your lovely comments back to you for the same is true of you, Gina.. you are a beautiful person and an astounding writer as well. Thank you, you are cherished, my sweet friend. Warmest wishes and love.. ~Susan

Mark Massey Date: 5/3/2023 1:10:00 PM Back with a Big Congrats. I bet Craig flipped a coin on this contest. When you come out to play, folks better bring their A game. Your pen is the most poetic on this site and I really don’t know who is a close second (Greg Barden - possibly) This write is top Shelf…and I see its rising fast on the top 100. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/5/2023 5:10:00 PM Dear Mark, not only are you one of the finest, most elegant poets here, but you are a wonderfully inspiring friend as well. I greatly admire your creative, lyrical poetic gift, so it is with a grateful, humble heart that I receive your treasured comments. I bet Craig didn't flip a coin on this contest (lol!) as your exquisite poem rose to the top, and rightfully so! But I deeply appreciate your sweet sentiments and I am truly honored, my friend! Your faith in my writing is uplifting! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ray Zottola Date: 5/3/2023 4:44:00 AM "And textures of the change of seasons clash". Wow! Love that line! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/4/2023 5:16:00 PM Thank you, Ray. Your gracious visit and lovely thoughts are inspiring and received with my truest appreciation. I'm glad to know you enjoyed that line :) Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

W J Clarke Date: 5/3/2023 3:11:00 AM Congratulations on your podium position and mastery of the sonnet. A sheer delight as always:-) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/4/2023 5:13:00 PM Thank you, W J. It's wonderful to see you! Your your lovely thoughts and heartwarming congrats are received with my deepest appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Watt Date: 5/2/2023 9:08:00 PM A delicious take on seasons dying and being resurrected as new seasons. Your sonnet writing is impeccable, and marinated in emotional depth and original phrasing, and seasoned with tasty dashes of alliteration and internal rhyme. Such a worthy winner and POTD, my PS-PS; I didn't think my admiration of your sublime mastery could grow any higher, but it does with each new offering. So so blessed to be your reader and poetry friend. A Fav for me. Warm springtime wishes ~ PoBro Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 5/4/2023 5:04:00 PM Dear PoBro, since I love food and love to cook, I relish the delectable thoughts of my poem being "marinated" and "seasoned". I'm thrilled by your wonderful response to my poem! :) Your comments are prized, John, a savory blend of artistry, heart, soul and wit, as unique and exquisite as your amazing poetry. Thank you for your inspiring friendship, your kind congrats and for the honor of your fav. You are an uplifting force. I feel blessed to be your reader and poetry friend too.. Warmest wishes.. ~your PS-PS

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