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If the Sun Should Someday Stir the Cauldron

Jealous are my delusions; 
demons possessive and breathing 
with persistence personified — myself
in woes and throes of sorrow
seeing not so much as a sky-high tender tea light
through the crocheted canvas of darkness
even as your searchlight searches in vain
for a flash amidst the chop of frothy broken crests
it grows ever dimmer
across iceberg seas addicted to soundless sadness

smile’s slain, a face frostbitten;
even while I vow to thaw icy veins
destined to be drained
if the sun should someday stir the cauldron…
I secretly seize the freeze
for I cannot abstain
from the dark matter of my mind


Susan Ashley 
August 17, 2019

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2019

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Funom Makama Date: 9/9/2019 10:32:00 AM Your lines expectedly weigh in tonnes and your consistency has made you a master of masters in this act. This is beyond compliments. Good work mate. An absolute beauty. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/13/2019 5:27:00 PM Thank you, Funom, for you uplifting comments and wonderful kindness. Your lovely comments are truly appreciated as is your esteemed presence gracing my poem. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Robert Lindley Date: 8/23/2019 5:11:00 AM Exceptional creation. You do dark poetry very well my friend. A fav... Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:15:00 PM My dear friend, it is such a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you, Robert, for your precious comments and for honoring my poem with a fav. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Warmest wishes always my wonderful friend.. ~Susan

Brenda Chiri Date: 8/20/2019 8:56:00 AM Ah sister dear jealous I am at your skills! Lol! As always my dear sister you are amazing!;) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:13:00 PM Doth thy wit abandon you, Lady Bren? Mine own mind cannot believeth it.. lol! Remember when.. ? That was some funny stuff lol! Brenda Chiri Date: 8/23/2019 1:03:00 AM My goal in life is to be as talented as you dear sister!;) I know I should have something witty to say but lol I am speechless!;) Susan Ashley Date: 8/21/2019 8:41:00 PM Ah, my dear sissy, your ‘jealousy’ flatters me.. lol! Thank you for your precious thoughts, I appreciate your lovely presence here always. Warmest wishes, my twin sis.. ~Susan

Nette Onclaud Date: 8/19/2019 4:48:00 PM ohh, darkness can bring out the best in you, susan... i was slain by this powerful work!.. huggs Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:17:00 PM I relish your wonderful presence and your beautiful comments, Nette. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Kurt Ravidas Date: 8/19/2019 4:47:00 PM The dark matter of my mind would never dare to challenge such an exquisite poem. Good luck in the contest, Susan. I'll be rooting for you) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:21:00 PM Yeah right, Kurt.. the dark matter of your mind, yada yada yada.. lol.. and then you go and pen a dark, spectacular poem, which is so awesome, I have no choice but to fav it! :) but I continue to admire your brilliant artistry and talent that amazes and inspires me. As always, your precious presence and wonderful comments are deeply appreciated, my wonderful friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 8/19/2019 3:52:00 PM Susan, I love the way you introduced the ocean's "frothy, broken crests." You have so much talent, Susan, and I think your entry will place high in the contest. It is difficult to use all of the words together, but you made it seem effortless. Best wishes! Hugs, Carolyn Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:08:00 PM I relish your comments, Carolyn. Your generous praise is both uplifting and heartwarming. I can't express how much your encouragement means to me, you inspire me, Carolyn, to continue to reach ever higher - thank you so much, my lovely friend! Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 8/18/2019 7:08:00 PM Wow Susan, you took these words in an entirely unexpected path! I was entranced! I am sure Emile will appreciate the wonders of your thoughts in this creative piece. Excellent work! Best for a contest top honor! xxoo Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:30:00 PM Your shining presence lights up my page, Connie. It pleases me to know that you enjoyed my poem and I cherish your uplifting and inspiring comments, dear poetess and dear friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Arturo Michael Date: 8/18/2019 2:05:00 PM Enjoyed the read...even wanted to add to it...as if to walk in the darkness with you... Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:04:00 PM Thank you for your precious thoughts, Arturo. I'm glad I wouldn't have to face the darkness alone. Your embracing comments are truly appreciated, mon ami. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Silent One Date: 8/18/2019 4:19:00 AM You did the challenge very well, creating a deep and dark poem, you expressed the feelings realistically... great poem for the contest.. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/25/2019 7:02:00 PM It is always wonderful to receive your treasured thoughts, Silent One. Thank you for your uplifting comments, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

M. L. Kiser Date: 8/17/2019 5:25:00 PM Powerful depths of your subconscious revealing the depression and despair; well imaged in this piece. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/21/2019 8:47:00 PM Your insightful comments are wonderful to receive, M. L. Your valued thoughts are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

John Gondolf Date: 8/17/2019 9:50:00 AM Deep, dark, and very emotive; I feel an eeriness as I read. Beautifully penned my dear friend. Best of luck in the contest. John Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/17/2019 10:12:00 AM I relish the depth of your comments, John. I’m so glad the mood of my poem captured your imagination and heart. Your best wishes are appreciated, my wonderful friend, and I send warmest wishes in return for you.. ~Susan

Vijay Pandit Date: 8/17/2019 9:11:00 AM WOW! This is such a splendid write in precious words..superbly done, Susan. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 8/17/2019 10:10:00 AM My spirit soars on the uplifting wings of your wonderful comments, Vijay. It is a thrill, this time and always, to receive your treasured thoughts. Thank you, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan